Chapter 31: Schemes of Celestial Virtue (Part 2)

On the fourth night of his recuperation, Zhang Yan's mind reached out, drawn by a strange, faint whisper. It was barely audible at first, a soft murmur carried on the wind. But then it grew clearer, and Zhang Yan's sharp senses identified the words.

People; most definitely sect disciples...

He rose silently, his shadow flickering beneath his feet. His senses flared, and he realized that he was no longer alone in the grove.

There were others nearby...Intruders.

Zhang Yan's eyes narrowed as he crept toward the source of the voices. His Elusive Shadow Step took him deeper into the woods, silently, as he neared the group of disciples.

They were speaking, their voices low, cautious, as if afraid to attract attention.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" a young disciple's voice asked. His tone was hesitant, yet carried an air of authority. "The map says the grotto heaven should be just ahead. But... this place feels wrong."

"We're not here to question the map," another voice replied, sharp and cold. "The Sect doesn't make mistakes. We're close, I can feel it."

Zhang Yan crouched behind a large rock, his breathing almost non-existent as he listened intently.

"I don't care about your feelings. If we don't find this grotto heaven, we'll all be punished severely. And don't forget that the others have been tasked with retrieving the 'key.' We can't afford any delays. If the elders find out we've failed..."

"The key?" The first disciple scoffed. "It's just a rumor. Something about some Golden Core treasure. You've heard the stories. All I know is that we need to find it before any of the others do."

Zhang Yan's heart quickened as the conversation continued. They spoke of a grotto heaven; a place of immense power, hidden deep within the grove. A place that held the treasure of a Golden Core cultivator.

The words echoed in his mind.

A Golden Core... the very thing that could change everything; as far as he knew the sect's ancestor was only at the level of great circle of the foundation establishment realm.

He crept closer, his shadow wrapping around him like a cloak, until he was just within reach of the group.

He could see them now; a trio of disciples, all wearing the gold-trimmed white robes of the Celestial Virtue Sect.

One carried a silver compass, its gleaming surface catching the moonlight as they huddled around it. Zhang Yan's eyes narrowed.

That was the key to finding it...

They were searching for something much more dangerous than a mere grotto heaven.

The compass was a tracker, designed to find the exact location of the grotto. They were on the hunt for something far more deadly.

Zhang Yan's smirk deepened as he considered his next move.

These righteous sect disciples were no threat to him; not yet but they had what he needed...

With a silent motion, Zhang Yan activated his Elusive Shadow Step, slipping into the shadows to strike.