Insider

Weeks had passed since the confrontation with Luo Jian and his brother, and Seo-Jun had thrown himself into his training with relentless determination. His progress was undeniable, and as he sat in his accommodation, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he reviewed his system panel.

[System Progress Window:]

Cultivation Realm: Qi Condensation Stage 4

Skills:

Basic Meditation Sutra: 100% Mastery (Master Level)

Effect: Qi circulation efficiency increased by 50%. Mental clarity and focus heightened. Can enter a meditative state instantly, even in combat.

Blazing Sword Foundation Technique: 75% Mastery (Advanced Level)

Effect: Sword strikes are 25% faster and 20% more powerful. Intermediate understanding of sword intent achieved.

Seo-Jun smiled to himself. He had come a long way since his days as a frail orphan. But his moment of pride was interrupted when Zhong Yi burst into the room, his face flushed with excitement.

"Seo-Jun! Mei Ling is outside the boys' quarters. She's asking for you!"

Seo-Jun's heart skipped a beat. "Mei Ling? What does she want?"

Zhong Yi grinned. "Why don't you go find out?"

Seo-Jun stepped outside to find Mei Ling waiting nearby, her delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the evening lanterns. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with determination, and her long, dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Seo-Jun felt his face grow warm as he approached her.

"Mei Ling," he said, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "What did you need?"

Mei Ling smiled softly, though her expression was serious. "Our team needs three more members for a mission. I thought of you and your friends. Are you interested?"

Seo-Jun nodded without hesitation. "Of course. What's the mission?"

Mei Ling explained, "There's been a series of attacks on caravans near Azure Wind City, a trading hub about half a day's journey from here. The local branch of the Blazing Sword Sect has requested assistance in investigating the attacks. The mission is to identify the culprits and, if possible, neutralize them."

Seo-Jun's mind raced. This was a perfect opportunity to test their skills and gather more information about the Crimson Shadow Sect. "I'll join. I'll also bring Zhong Yi and Feng Yan. Lin Tao is focusing on learning arrays right now, so he won't be able to come."

Mei Ling nodded. "That works. Meet me at the sect gate at dawn tomorrow. We'll leave immediately."

The next morning, Seo-Jun, Feng Yan, and Zhong Yi arrived at the sect gate to find Mei Ling waiting with another disciple. The girl had sharp features, piercing green eyes, and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. She introduced herself as Lian Na, Mei Ling's childhood friend and a skilled swordswoman.

"Lian Na," Mei Ling said, gesturing to her friend. "She's one of the best fighters in our group. Don't let her competitive nature fool you—she's reliable in a fight."

Lian Na smirked, her eyes scanning Seo-Jun and his friends. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Seo-Jun exchanged a glance with Feng Yan, who simply shrugged. "This should be interesting," Feng Yan muttered.

The group set off, descending the mountain and making their way toward Azure Wind City. The journey was uneventful at first, but after a few hours, Seo-Jun noticed something—or rather, someone—following them. He glanced at Feng Yan, who gave a subtle nod. They were being tailed.

By the time they reached Azure Wind City, the sun was beginning to set. The city was bustling with activity, its streets filled with merchants, travelers, and cultivators. The group made their way to the local branch of the Blazing Sword Sect, a grand building known as the Crimson Flame Pavilion.

They were greeted by the branch manager, Elder Guo, a stern-looking man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes. Mei Ling explained the purpose of their visit, and Elder Guo provided them with the information he had gathered.

"The attacks have been happening on the outskirts of the city," Elder Guo said, his voice grave. "The culprits are skilled and elusive. We've managed to capture one of their weapons—a dagger with a unique design. It might be a clue."

Seo-Jun examined the dagger, his system immediately analyzing it.

[System Alert: Item Info]

Name: Shadowfang Dagger

Description: A weapon commonly used by rogue cultivators and assassins. Often associated with the Crimson Shadow Sect.

Seo-Jun's eyes narrowed. This is definitely connected to the Crimson Shadow Sect.

That night, the group set out to investigate the outskirts of the city. The moon hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the landscape. As they moved through the darkened streets, Seo-Jun couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Suddenly, a figure clad in dark cloth lunged at Seo-Jun from the shadows. He barely managed to dodge the attack, his sword flashing as he countered. But before he could strike, two more figures appeared, surrounding the group.

The fight was intense. The attackers moved with unnatural speed, their strikes precise and deadly. Seo-Jun and Feng Yan fought back-to-back, their teamwork flawless. Zhong Yi and Mei Ling held their own, while Lian Na's competitive spirit drove her to push harder than ever.

At one point, one of the attackers almost pierced Lian Na's side, but Feng Yan blocked the strike at the last second. Lian Na glanced at him, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Thanks," she muttered, her tone uncharacteristically soft.

Feng Yan smirked. "Don't mention it."

After a grueling battle, the group managed to defeat the attackers. Seo-Jun searched their bodies and found the same badge he had seen on the waiter's body back at the inn—a badge of the Crimson Shadow Sect.

"This is bad," Seo-Jun said, his voice grim. "If they're this close to the sect, it means someone inside is feeding them information. Hu Bao could be in danger."

Hu bao POV:

Meanwhile, back at the Blazing Sword Sect, Hu Bao sat in his abode, writing a proposal to the inner sect elders. His expression was grave as he detailed the potential threat posed by the Crimson Shadow Sect.

Suddenly, one of his subordinates entered the room. "Elder Hu, there's something you need to see."

Hu Bao looked up, his brow furrowing. "What is it?"

The subordinate stepped closer, his expression unreadable. Then, without warning, he drew a dagger and lunged at Hu Bao.

Hu Bao's reflexes kicked in, and he blocked the attack with a burst of Qi. The force of the clash sent the subordinate stumbling back, but Hu Bao could feel the strength behind the strike. This wasn't an ordinary disciple—this was someone trained to kill.

"Who sent you?" Hu Bao demanded, his voice cold and sharp.

The subordinate smirked, his eyes glinting with malice. "You'll find out soon enough."

The fight that followed was fierce. Hu Bao, at Foundation Building Stage 7, was a formidable opponent, but his attacker was no slouch. The room was filled with the sound of clashing blades and bursts of Qi as the two fought.

Hu Bao's mind raced. If they're bold enough to attack me directly, the sect is in grave danger. I need to warn the others—if it's not already too late.