The Crimson Lotus Sect was in disarray. Despite their hard-won victory over the Shadow Flame Sect, the battlefield was littered with the fallen. The sound of mourning echoed through the inner halls as the sect elders oversaw the burial of their comrades.
In the aftermath of the battle, the sect's influence had been tested. Their defenses had held, but the cost was high—far too high. And as with all wars, this one wasn't over. The Shadow Flame Sect would regroup. They would strike again.
But for Yuefeng, the result of this battle didn't matter. What mattered were the opportunities that came with the chaos.
War is just a game of pawns. If you play your moves right, you always come out ahead.
Yuefeng stood before the Crimson Lotus Sect's Elder Council, his gaze cold and calculating. His task was simple: to secure his position among the Inner Sect Disciples and to ensure his continued rise.
The elder council members were elderly men and women with long, flowing robes and wise eyes. But Yuefeng knew that their wisdom was only as good as their ability to read the current political situation. Right now, they were weak.
"Jiang Yuefeng," Elder Liang, the head of the council, spoke. "You've demonstrated great potential in the battle. However, the losses we've sustained are substantial. It's clear that we'll need to take action to ensure the Shadow Flame Sect doesn't return in full force."
Yuefeng bowed slightly. "The sect needs to fortify its position, yes. But I believe we should also take this opportunity to advance our forces before they recover. If we strike first, we'll be able to secure not just our borders, but our influence."
Elder Liang raised an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we do that, young disciple?"
Yuefeng's eyes gleamed with confidence. "I've already gathered intel on several weaknesses in the Shadow Flame Sect's infrastructure. I could lead a small elite force to take out their supply lines, weakening them before they even think about countering. Their power lies in their brute strength, but their internal division is their true weakness."
The council murmured among themselves. It was an unorthodox approach, but given the current situation, it seemed promising. Elder Liang nodded slowly.
"Your proposal has merit. We'll discuss it further, but you may proceed with your preparations. I'll have the necessary resources provided."
Yuefeng bowed deeply, masking the smile that threatened to form on his lips. The elders had fallen right into his trap. He didn't need to lead the force himself—he had his own plans, ones that involved manipulating others to do the work for him. But now, he had the authorization to act freely.
Later that evening, Yuefeng walked through the sect's training halls, his eyes scanning the gathered disciples. There was a subtle tension in the air—everyone was eager for promotion, eager to prove their worth after the battle.
Among them, Liu Feng, the prideful core disciple, stood with his usual arrogance, overseeing a group of younger disciples. His eyes narrowed as he saw Yuefeng approach.
"Jiang Yuefeng," Liu Feng called out, a mocking smile on his face. "Didn't think I'd see you here so soon after the battle. Don't you have something better to do than lurking around like a shadow?"
Yuefeng stopped in front of him, his face expressionless. "Just keeping an eye on things. You never know who might be lurking in the shadows, ready to stab you in the back."
Liu Feng's eyes flickered, but he quickly recovered his smug composure. "I wouldn't worry about that if I were you. I've got more important things to focus on than your petty schemes."
Yuefeng's gaze darkened. He didn't trust Liu Feng—not for a second. The man was an obstacle, one who would eventually have to be dealt with. But for now, Yuefeng had bigger fish to fry.
"You'll learn, Liu Feng," Yuefeng said softly, "that when you have nothing to rely on but your own arrogance, you'll always end up standing alone in the end."
Liu Feng's expression shifted, but before he could respond, Yuefeng turned and walked away.
The next day, Yuefeng met with Bai Xueyin in the secluded courtyard. She had been distant ever since their night together, her aloof demeanor back in full force. He didn't mind. She was a tool—nothing more.
But she was still useful. And that's what mattered.
"You've been quiet," Yuefeng observed, his eyes carefully studying her.
She stiffened but didn't respond at first. Finally, she spoke. "I've been thinking."
"About what?" Yuefeng asked, his tone flat.
"About you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "About us."
Yuefeng raised an eyebrow. "There is no 'us.' There's only you and me—each with our own goals."
Her eyes darkened with something that resembled disappointment. "You're a cold man, Jiang Yuefeng."
He stepped closer, his voice low and measured. "I don't have the luxury of warmth, Bai Xueyin. Not when the world is as dangerous as it is. You should understand that by now."
Bai Xueyin's gaze softened, but she said nothing more. Yuefeng could feel the underlying tension in the air—the unspoken emotions that lingered between them. But he was unmoved.
Emotions are nothing but weakness.
He didn't need her affection—he needed her loyalty, her talent. And that was all he would ever get from her.
That evening, Yuefeng stood before the sect's outer gates, looking out into the distance. The Shadow Flame Sect was out there, gathering its strength. But there were other forces in play as well—other sects, hidden organizations, and enemies who watched from the shadows.
I can't trust anyone, not even Xueyin. Not Liu Feng, not the elders, not the Shadow Flame Sect.
He had learned that lesson early on. Trust was a weakness. Only strength, only control, could carry him forward.
His mind raced with plans—alliances to form, enemies to neutralize, and opportunities to seize. And as always, his eyes were on the horizon.
The future was uncertain, but Yuefeng was sure of one thing: in this world, only the strongest survived. And he would be the strongest.
I will carve my path, alone if necessary. The world will bow before me.
End of Chapter 5