In the demanding training schedules of Sword Heart Peak, a month flew by. Zhen had found a well-balanced routine: official training under Mo Yu's direction by day, covert development of chaos-infused methods during night meditations, and weekly meetings with Li Chen to hone his knowledge of advanced sword arts.
But this morning shattered his set pattern. Before daybreak, a formal summons came; all inner disciples had to go to the Sect Council meeting, an event usually set aside for top masters and senior disciples.
Walking jointly into the Grand Hall, Yunxiao said, "Unusual timing for a council gathering." Particularly inviting junior disciples like you.
Are you aware of the goal? Zhen inquired.
Yunxiao spoke more quietly. Politics of succession. The Sect Leader is becoming sicker. The groups are setting themselves up.
The Grand Hall was an impressive building of white stone and black wood that could seat hundreds, living up to its name. A lofty ceiling where mystical formations sparkled like stars was supported by ornate pillars etched with the sect's history. Peak affiliation guided disciple arrangement; seniority decided closeness to the center dais.
Though younger, Zhen sat very near the front, immediately behind Mo Yu. The placement wasn't accidental; she had planned it to comment on his status under her patronage.
Zhen watched the delicate dynamics at play as the hall filled. Arranged in a semicircle on the dais, the nine peak masters sat with the aged Sect Leader in the middle throne. Grand Elder Yun Wuhen, administrator of the sect's affairs and master of the Thunderblade Peak, sat to his right a severe-looking man with calculating eyes and a beautifully kept silver beard.
Yunxiao said, "The Grand Elder has been efficiently running the sect for years." Many think he will be the future Sect Leader.
Zhen examined Yun Wuhen closely. There was something about the man's energy signature that struck Zhen as strangely familiar: a little distortion in his spiritual presence that set off alarms in her intuition.
Raising a withered hand, the Sect Leader quieted the crowd. Starting with his remarkably robust voice despite his weak look, "I have summoned this council to discuss issues of succession and security." My development has reached its last stage. In a year, I shall start closed-door meditation to try to break to the Ascension Realm.
Whispers spread over the hall. Most of the time, those who tried to break through either failed or vanished into higher planes of existence, so the Ascension Realm was hardly attained.
Grand Elder Yun will take on more administrative responsibilities during this preparation time, the Sect Leader said. We also have to improve our ties with friendly sects and protect our borders against rising dangers.
Yun Wuhen stood up effortlessly. Thanks, Sect Leader. I've written up reports on many issues calling for prompt response.
What came next was a carefully planned display of security challenges, resource distribution questions, and regional politics. With trained ease, Yun Wuhen captured the attention of the hall, proving why he was seen as the clear heir.
"At last," he said, "we've gotten worrisome information on movement of Demonic Dao forces close to our western territories." I suggest reorganizing our defensive positions and calling back some outer missions to handle this.
The Sword Heart Peak Master—an austere lady who had been quiet until now—spoke out. Grand Elder, these "intelligence reports" are vague. Maybe we should check the danger first, Grand Elder, before remembering important tasks.
As the two strong cultivators fixed their eyes, a subtle tension permeated the atmosphere. Zhen felt the hidden struggle; it was more than just a security concern; it was a sign of more profound factional split.
Yun Wuhen said with seasoned diplomacy, "Caution is wise; but, readiness is crucial." Maybe a compromise: we step up border patrols but keep present tasks.
Various top masters contributed to the ongoing conversation. Zhen watched the power dynamics and listened carefully. While Sword Heart and two others created a rival group, the Thunderblade and Azure Sky summits obviously backed Yun Wuhen. The other summits appeared either neutral or internally split.
Zhen saw Hao Lu among the Thunderblade students during a short break, located visibly close to their peak master. In about a month, his cousin had worked himself into Yun Wuhen's faction's favor—remarkable political instinct, if nothing else.
For a brief moment, their gazes crossed the corridor. Before he purposefully turned aside to speak with a senior disciple, Hao's face changed from astonishment to disdain.
Mo Yu remarked, quietly next to Zhen, "Your family connection doesn't seem especially warm."
Zhen said tactfully, "We advance in various ways."
Certainly. His method is to disseminate intriguing ideas regarding your unexpected abilities. Though her eyes warned, her tone was neutral. Thunderblade rumors say your skills could call for outside help or banned methods.
Zhen kept his cool in spite of the consequences. If they caught on, such rumors might significantly undermine his standing.
"Should I be worried?" he softly inquired.
Not yet. Sword Heart Peak judges by outcomes, not gossip. Mo Yu looked at him closely. Stay alert, though. The fight for succession opens doors for driven people to... remove alleged rivals.
The assembly was called back to order before Zhen could answer. A seemingly administrative issue, resource allocation across peaks occupied the second half of the council meeting and showed the group lines more vividly than direct political debate.
Zhen observed how Yun Wuhen quietly preferred requests from his affiliated peaks while deeming reasonable-sounding objections to others as various peak representatives outlined their needs. The individual was adept at using bureaucratic power to make his opposition seem illogical and to keep a sense of fairness.
Near the end of the discussion, an unanticipated subject came up: the Danxia Sect, famous masters of alchemy and medicinal development, would host the next Cauldron Summit.
Yun Wuhen said, "Traditionally, we send representatives to keep our alliance active." Based on suitability for alchemical research, I propose we choose delegates from every summit.
The Master of Sword Heart nodded. A sensible strategy. Senior Disciple Mo Yu has demonstrated great ability in this field. She will stand for our zenith.
Yun Wuhen's face momentarily tensed before relaxing into diplomatic consensus. Great decision. Thunderblade Peak will dispatch Disciple Hao Lu, who has shown encouraging understanding of medicinal refining.
Zhen hid his astonishment. During their stay with the Lu family, Hao had never expressed especially alchemy. Yun Wuhen placing his faction's pieces on another playing area made this obviously a political appointment.
Formal declarations of future activities and assignments rounded off the conference. Zhen saw Yun Wuhen observing him with deliberate interest as disciples started to file out. Their eyes met momentarily, and Zhen sensed a slight probe—a spiritual technique used to evaluate his development basis.
He let the probe restricted access, showing just what would be normal for a skilled junior disciple. Yun Wuhen's eyes narrowed a little before he moved away to speak to a gathering of elders.
Yunxiao said as they left the hall, "The Grand Elder seldom pays attention to new disciples." You have either wowed him or worried him. Neither is especially pleasant.
Zhen said, purposefully shifting the topic, "The Danxia Sect gathering intrigues me more." Have you gone earlier?
Once, as an observer. Though essentially it's political networking cloaked in academic debate, it's supposedly about alchemical exchange. Yunxiao smiled. Still, the cuisine is great. The Danxia Sect is lavish in its hospitality.
Zhen felt someone following him as they separated. Rather than going straight back to his lodgings, he chose a meandering route via Sword Heart Peak's meditation gardens—a public space where witnesses would make conflict impossible to plan.
Mo Yu said "Clever" as he emerged from behind a blossoming tree. Though unneeded. I am not here to surprise you.
Forgiveness, Senior Sister. Forgiveness, Senior Sister. "I've grown wary following our earlier discussion on gossip.
She motioned for him to accompany her. They walked silently through the grounds for several minutes, passing other disciples involved in peaceful meditation or mild practice.
You were disturbed by the council meeting, she finally said—not a question but rather a comment.
Political maneuvering usually annoys me, Zhen said. Those caught between rival groups never fare well.
But you see it with remarkable awareness for someone said to be unfamiliar with sect politics. Though Zhen noted the slight inquiry in her remarks, her tone stayed casual.
Though on a smaller scale, the Lu family had its own politics. Regardless of size, ideas stay same.
Mo Yu nodded gradually. A sensible justification. She stopped next to a little pond where golden fish lazily circled. As my aide, I'm bringing you to the Danxia Sect gathering.
Zhen was taken aback by the announcement. Is that... normal?
Not really, but neither is much about your circumstances. Her expression momentarily softened. The Sword Heart Peak Master sanctioned the plan. She thinks your growth will be helped by exposure to larger cultivation circles.
What was unspoken was the defense this setup provided. Officially Mo Yu's assistant, he would be less exposed to any plots Hao and his Thunderblade colleagues could be hatching.
The chance makes me honored, Zhen remarked honestly.
Alright. Our departure is in three days. Until then, keep to your usual exercise regimen. She started to walk away then paused. Zhen, one more item. Did you see anything odd about Grand Elder Yun during today's meeting?
Though Zhen felt its significance, the inquiry was thoughtfully casual. There is a strange... texture to his spiritual energy. Almost as though it had been changed.
Mo Yu's eyes widened a little; it was the first time he had witnessed her really shocked. You saw that? That's fascinating. She looked at him again with intensity. Trust your instincts, but be on alert with your observations. Knowledge is only power when correctly used.
She left with such enigmatic counsel, Zhen to consider the consequences left behind. The problem was more serious than simple factional politics if Mo Yu had also observed anomalies in Yun Wuhen's energy signature.
Later that evening, Zhen pondered the day's happenings while meditating in his chambers. An upgrade showed the system interface:
Quest Progress: "Sect Politics Observation" - 70% Finish Grand Elder Yun Wuhen maybe linked to outside influences.
Present Assignment: Get ready for Danxia Sect Gathering
Warning: Hao Lu has been promoted to "Active Antagonist" - more alertness advised.
The components were starting to fit. Yun Wuhen's unusual energy signature, the timing of the succession debate, the deliberate placement of faction members—all pointed to some unknown goal-directed collaboration. Even more concerning was the potential link to Zhen's final foe, Ye Qingqing. Should Yun Wuhen be connected to the forces behind Zhen's prior collapse, the Celestial Sword Sect itself could be in danger.
Zhen decided as night fell over the mountain. He would see Li Chen for an unplanned appointment tomorrow. These events should be better understood in light of the Old Sword Demon's years of observation.
Though also becoming more obvious, the road ahead was growing more complicated. Political storms were brewing, and Zhen would use all of his acquired knowledge and fresh allies to negotiate them successfully.