A Harsh Reality
I had won the battle against Wei Jun.
But I wasn't naïve.
Winning through strategy and influence would only take me so far.
If he or someone worse—decided to take things beyond words, what could I do?
Nothing.
I wasn't a fighter.
I had no cultivation, no combat skills, and barely any foundation.
In the Azure Sky Sect, that made me prey.
I had to change that.
....
An Unexpected Visitor
The very next day, as I was preparing materials in my workshop, someone knocked at my door.
A calm, deliberate knock.
When I opened it, I found myself staring up.
The man standing there was tall, broad shouldered, and carried the quiet pressure of someone used to battle.
His robes were simple..... but the emblem on his sleeve made my breath catch.
The Iron Shadow Hall.
The sect's elite enforcers.
And this man was one of them.
I straightened immediately. "How can I help you, Senior?"
He studied me for a moment before stepping inside.
"You are Lu Tian," he said, voice smooth but firm. "The one who has been causing ripples in the Inner Court."
Ripples?
That was a dangerous way to phrase it.
I kept my tone respectful. "I am merely a designer, Senior."
A faint smile. "A designer who dismantled an established Inner Court figure in mere weeks?"
I didn't answer.
The man exhaled through his nose. "I am Wu Jian, an enforcer of the Iron Shadow Hall. And I have an offer for you."
.....
A Tempting Offer
Wu Jian sat down, his presence alone dominating the room.
"I've seen how you operate," he said. "You're sharp. You think before you act. You know when to strike."
His eyes locked onto mine.
"But you lack one thing.... power."
I said nothing.
Because he was right.
"Iron Shadow Hall does not just recruit warriors," Wu Jian continued. "We value tacticians. Planners. People who see battles beyond brute force."
I frowned. "Are you… offering me a position?"
He chuckled. "Not quite. You are still an Outer Court disciple with no cultivation. But I am offering you a path."
He leaned forward.
"There is a manual within the sect..... one that suits those who rely on their minds as much as their bodies."
A martial art for strategists?
I had never heard of such a thing.
Wu Jian smirked.
"Interested?"
....
The Catch
I wanted to say yes immediately.
But nothing came for free in this world.
"What's the price?" I asked.
Wu Jian's smirk widened. "Smart."
He leaned back. "The technique is not openly taught. If you want access to it, you'll need a recommendation from an Iron Shadow Hall member."
I raised an eyebrow. "And you're willing to give me one?"
"That depends," he said. "You've proven yourself in politics. Now, prove yourself in action."
I tensed. "What do you mean?"
Wu Jian stood.
"There is a task," he said. "A dangerous one. But if you complete it, I will personally vouch for you."
I exhaled slowly.
This was it.
My first real step toward power.
I met his gaze.
"…Tell me what I need to do."