Chapter 9: A Failed Mission

Nestled amidst a vast bamboo grove, where golden sunlight filtered through the emerald canopy, the Heavenly Radiance Sect stood as a beacon of righteousness in the cultivation world. Known far and wide for its unyielding pursuit of justice, the sect saw itself as the guiding light in an age of turmoil.

Founded centuries ago by Sage Yun Guang, a cultivator revered for his wisdom and unparalleled mastery of purity-based techniques, the sect followed a strict doctrine of purity in heart and actions. Their ultimate goal was enlightenment—to transcend mortal desires and ascend to divinity through righteous deeds and unwavering discipline.

To the world, the sect represented order, morality, and honor. Their disciples were trained not only in martial techniques but in philosophy, governance, and ethics—for they saw themselves as protectors of the weak and arbiters of justice. However, while they preached righteousness, the sect was not without its flaws.

They viewed evil sects and unorthodox cultivators as threats to be eliminated. Their version of justice was absolute, often leaving no room for mercy or redemption. Those who opposed their ideals, or simply walked a different path, were deemed heretics, demons, or corrupted souls.

In the Grand Hall of the Heavenly Radiance Sect, a towering chamber of white jade pillars and golden tapestries, two figures knelt before an imposing throne.

Zhao Tianyang and Bai Fu, their robes still stained from battle, kept their heads lowered in shame. Before them sat Shen Zhenhai, the revered Grandmaster of Heavenly Radiance Sect.

A man of profound experience, Shen Zhenhai had cultivated for decades and was revered as a paragon of virtue. His long silver hair was tied neatly behind him, his face lined with the wisdom of years. His piercing gaze burned with righteous fire. Draped in the flowing white and gold robes of his sect, he exuded unshakable confidence and authority.

His voice, when he finally spoke, was calm yet thunderous, filled with the weight of absolute conviction.

"You have failed."

Zhao Tianyang gritted his teeth. "Sect Master, the demonic sect had already laid claim to the manual before we could intervene. They fought fiercely, and…"

Shen Zhenhai raised a hand, and silence fell.

"Do you think righteousness requires excuses?" His eyes bore into them, cold and unwavering. "Do you believe the heavens will tolerate failure in the face of evil?"

Bai Fu swallowed hard. "Sect Master, we—"

"Enough."

Shen Zhenhai's fingers drummed lightly against the armrest of his seat, his mind already working through his next move. He would not allow the Celestial Eclipse Manual to remain in the hands of an evil sect. It was a divine artifact, meant to be wielded by those with pure hearts and righteous will.

His gaze flickered toward an attendant. "Summon Yin Shuang."

With a flick of his sleeve, he dismissed the two, sentencing them to twenty-four days of meditation and reflection—a lesson in discipline.

After some time, Yin Shuang entered the hall.

A young woman of delicate features and a quiet presence, she neither commanded attention nor sought it. Some would consider her pleasing in appearance, yet she lacked the dazzling radiance of other beauties. Instead, she exuded a subtle, melancholic air, her expression always calm, detached and unreadable.

She wore the sect uniform plainly, without adornments, her movements precise and disciplined. Despite her lowly status as a mere outer disciple, there was something controlled about her presence—like a blade that had yet to be unsheathed.

She knelt before Shen Zhenhai. "Disciple Yin Shuang greets the Sect Master."

Shen Zhenhai regarded her for a moment. "This is regarding the evil sect Obsidian Peak Sect. Are you aware that they have stolen a sacred artifact—the Celestial Eclipse Manual."

"Yes, Sect Master."

He continued, "I am assigning you a mission of great importance."

She did not flinch. "I will carry out the sect's will."

Shen Zhenhai allowed himself a small smile. "Good. You will infiltrate the Obsidian Peak Sect. You are unknown to them. Unlike others, your presence will not draw suspicion."

He stood, stepping down from his throne and walking toward her. "Your task is to steal back the Celestial Eclipse Manual. And should you find an opportunity…" His eyes darkened. "Eliminate their so-called sect leader."

For the first time, Yin Shuang blinked in slight surprise. "Eliminate?"

Shen Zhenhai lifted a hand, and an attendant stepped forward, presenting a small wooden box with some intricate mechanisms.

He opened it, revealing a row of thin, silver needles—each gleaming with a faint, ominous glow.

"These are the Flying Star Needles. They can be concealed within your sleeves and fired with the flick of a wrist." He gestured for her to observe. "The mechanism is here—simply press this point, and the needles will release in an instant."

Yin Shuang studied the weapon with quiet precision.

Shen Zhenhai's tone grew heavier. "They are coated with a poison that paralyzes upon contact. Even the strongest cultivator will be rendered helpless."

He met her gaze. "The sect leader of the Obsidian Peak Sect is an incompetent fool. He lacks cultivation and has likely never wielded a blade in his life. Strike when he least expects it, and he will fall like an unworthy pretender."

A long pause.

Then Shen Zhenhai smiled, a benevolent, fatherly smile. "Succeed, and you shall be greatly rewarded."

Yin Shuang lowered her head. "I understand."

Shen Zhenhai's voice took on a pious tone, as if delivering divine judgment. "Justice must be carried out. One does not need to speak of righteousness when dealing with demons."

He turned his back to her. "Go, and return with the manual."

Yin Shuang rose, her expression unchanged.

"As you command."

With that, she turned and left the grand hall, disappearing into the corridors of the Heavenly Radiance Sect.

Shen Zhenhai watched her go, eyes gleaming with conviction.

"Righteousness shall prevail."