The ancient pine forest that surrounded Azure Sky Pavilion held secrets older than the sect itself. Massive trees, some reaching toward the stars with trunks wider than houses, created a natural barrier that had protected the alchemical sect for centuries. Tonight, however, that same forest served as concealment for those who wished the pavilion no good.
Three figures dressed in midnight-black robes moved through the shadows with the fluid grace of apex predators. Their faces were hidden behind masks of polished obsidian, and their movements generated no sound despite the thick carpet of fallen pine needles beneath their feet. These were not common bandits or wandering cultivators—their very presence seemed to diminish the natural light, as if shadows clung to them by choice rather than circumstance.
The tallest of the three raised his hand, bringing the group to a halt on a ridge that provided an excellent view of the pavilion below. From this vantage point, they could observe the compound's layout without risking detection by the sect's perimeter wards.
"You're certain he came here?" The voice was cultured, aristocratic, with the kind of refined diction that suggested extensive education and high social standing.
"The trail leads directly to this place," replied the second figure, a woman whose voice carried the subtle accent of the far northern provinces. "Elder Tianshan's spiritual signature was detected in Clearwater Village, and witnesses reported him traveling toward the pavilion with a young man."
The third member of the group, broader and more powerfully built than his companions, spoke in gravelly tones that suggested a lifetime of violence. "If the old fox is here, then so is the blade. After all these centuries of searching..."
"Patience, Brother Tie," the tall leader cautioned. "Elder Tianshan did not survive a thousand years by being careless. If he has indeed emerged from hiding, there must be a reason—and that reason likely involves the Supreme Demon Blade."
They settled into positions among the trees, their forms blending so perfectly with the darkness that even trained observers would have difficulty detecting them. For several minutes, they studied the pavilion in complete silence, cataloging guard positions, ward placements, and potential entry routes.
The Azure Sky Pavilion sprawled across several terraced levels carved into the mountainside, its architecture designed to harmonize with the natural flow of spiritual energy. The main buildings were constructed from local stone and rare woods, their rooflines curved in the traditional style that both honored ancient customs and provided optimal feng shui. Soft light emanated from windows throughout the compound, indicating that many disciples remained awake pursuing their cultivation or alchemical studies.
"The security is... adequate," the woman observed after completing her survey. "Three layers of ward formations, patrol schedules that overlap efficiently, and several hidden sentries positioned at key vantage points. Sufficient to deter casual intrusion."
"But nothing that would pose a serious challenge to cultivators of our level," Brother Tie added with obvious disdain. "We could infiltrate the compound tonight and search every building before dawn."
The leader remained silent for a long moment, his masked face turned toward the servant quarters where a few dim lights still flickered in small windows. "No. That would be... premature. Elder Tianshan may have already departed, or he may be watching from concealment. We cannot afford to reveal ourselves until we're certain of our target."
"Then what do you propose?" the woman asked.
"Surveillance. Patient observation. The blade has remained hidden for a millennium—it can wait a few more days while we gather intelligence." The leader's voice carried the authority of someone accustomed to absolute obedience. "If Tianshan has indeed passed the weapon to a new wielder, that person will reveal themselves through their actions. Power of that magnitude cannot remain concealed indefinitely."
Brother Tie shifted restlessly, his desire for immediate action evident in his posture. "And if the old man simply hid it somewhere? We could waste weeks watching an empty sect while the blade lies buried in some forgotten cave."
"Unlikely. Tianshan has carried that burden for too long to simply abandon it. No, if he brought it here, it was for a purpose." The leader gestured toward the pavilion with one gloved hand. "Besides, our sources within the Orthodox Alliance have reported... anomalies... in this region recently. Spiritual disturbances that match the energy signature we've been tracking."
The woman leaned forward with obvious interest. "What kind of anomalies?"
"Minor cultivation deviations among local disciples. Unexplained fluctuations in alchemy success rates. Reports of strange dreams and visions among the more sensitive practitioners." The leader's tone grew contemplative. "Individually, such incidents mean nothing. Collectively, they suggest the presence of an artifact that operates outside conventional understanding."
"The Supreme Demon Blade," Brother Tie breathed, his voice filled with anticipation that bordered on hunger.
"Possibly. Or possibly just the fevered imagination of rural cultivators who have little exposure to true power." The leader stood, his movements graceful despite his imposing height. "Which is why we observe rather than act precipitously."
As if summoned by their conversation, a fourth figure materialized from the shadows—a young man whose youthful appearance was belied by the ancient wisdom in his eyes. Unlike his companions, he wore no mask, revealing features that were almost ethereally beautiful in their perfection.
"The demon realm stirs," he announced without preamble, his voice carrying harmonics that seemed to resonate in dimensions beyond the merely physical. "The seventy-two kings grow restless in their prisons, and the seals that bind them weaken with each passing day."
The three original figures immediately bowed their heads in deference. "Young Master," the leader said respectfully. "We did not expect you to join us personally."
"The circumstances have become... significant," the newcomer replied, his gaze fixed on the distant pavilion. "If the Supreme Demon Blade has indeed awakened, its influence will accelerate the degradation of the barriers between realms. We can no longer afford to simply monitor the situation."
Brother Tie looked up eagerly. "Then we attack tonight?"
"No." The young master's voice carried absolute finality. "Tonight, we test. We confirm whether the blade has truly found a new wielder, and if so, we assess their capabilities." He gestured toward the servant quarters with one pale hand. "Send a probe—nothing too dramatic, merely sufficient to provoke a response."
"What manner of probe?" the woman asked.
"Something that would threaten innocent life. The blade's nature compels it to protect the worthy, and its new wielder—assuming one exists—will be drawn to acts of heroism." The young master smiled, an expression that transformed his beautiful features into something subtly terrifying. "We shall see what emerges from the shadows."
The three subordinates exchanged glances, their body language conveying both excitement and apprehension. Testing the Supreme Demon Blade, even indirectly, was not an undertaking to approach lightly.
"And if our probe confirms the blade's presence?" the leader asked.
"Then we begin the true work," the young master replied. "The convergence approaches, when all the ancient powers will emerge from hiding to shape the world's fate. The Supreme Demon Blade will play a crucial role in those events—the only question is which side it will serve."
He turned away from the pavilion, his form already beginning to fade back into the encompassing darkness. "Establish surveillance positions and prepare your probe. I want answers within seventy-two hours."
"It shall be done, Young Master," the three figures replied in unison.
As their leader vanished completely, the remaining trio began to discuss logistics in voices too low for even enhanced hearing to detect. Their movements as they dispersed into the forest were like whispers of wind through leaves—present but utterly untraceable.
In the servant quarters below, Li Wuchen stirred in his sleep, some deep instinct warning him of distant threat. The concealed dagger grew warm against his ribs, its spiritual presence expanding protectively around him like an invisible shield.
"They come," Wuji whispered into his dreaming mind. "The enemies we have long expected begin to circle. Are you prepared for what lies ahead?"
Even in sleep, Wuchen's response was immediate and unwavering: "I am ready."
High above the pavilion, dark clouds began to gather, obscuring the stars and casting the world below into deeper shadow. The first test was coming, and with it, the true beginning of a legend that would reshape the martial world forever.
The night held its breath, waiting for dawn to bring the first moves in a game that had been a thousand years in the making.