The Crimson Dawn Sect provided guest quarters for all the visiting disciples. Yan Kai's room was comfortable but not luxurious, with a simple bed, a meditation cushion, and a window that looked out over the sect's inner courtyard. He spent the evening organizing his equipment one final time, making sure everything was easily accessible in his storage ring.
Chen Wu knocked on his door around sunset. "Senior Brother Yan, a few of us are gathering in the common area to introduce ourselves to disciples from the other sects. Would you like to join us?"
Yan Kai considered declining. He preferred quiet preparation to socializing. But building relationships with their temporary allies might prove valuable during the mission. "I'll come."
The common area was a large open space with comfortable seating arranged in conversation groups. About twenty disciples had gathered, representing all five sects involved in the rescue mission. Yan Kai recognized the different sect robes immediately. Iron Mountain disciples wore grey and black. Flowing River disciples wore blue and white. The two unfamiliar sects turned out to be the Golden Lotus Sect, whose disciples wore yellow robes, and the Shadow Wind Sect, whose members dressed in dark green.
Chen Wu made introductions enthusiastically, moving from group to group with natural friendliness. Yan Kai followed, observing more than participating. He learned that the Iron Mountain Sect specialized in defensive techniques and earth element cultivation. The Flowing River Sect focused on water techniques and healing arts. The Golden Lotus Sect practiced light element methods and purification techniques. The Shadow Wind Sect trained assassins and scouts who excelled at stealth.
One disciple from the Iron Mountain Sect stood out immediately. His name was Bai Huang, and he was built like a boulder with massive shoulders and arms thick with muscle. His cultivation was at the Domain Genesis realm, making him one of the strongest disciples present. Despite his intimidating appearance, his voice was surprisingly gentle when he spoke.
"I've heard of the Silver Moon Sect's spear techniques," Bai Huang said to Yan Kai. "Your sect produces excellent martial artists. I look forward to seeing your skills during the mission."
"Your reputation precedes you as well, Brother Bai," Yan Kai replied respectfully. "They say Iron Mountain disciples can withstand attacks that would kill ordinary cultivators three times over."
Bai Huang laughed, a deep rumbling sound. "Withstanding attacks is useful, but preventing them is better. That's where fast fighters like you come in. A good team needs both shields and spears."
A young woman from the Flowing River Sect joined their conversation. She introduced herself as Shui Ling, a healer at the Soul Manifestation realm. Her features were delicate and her movements graceful, giving her an almost ethereal quality. "I hope we won't need shields or spears. Perhaps we'll find the missing disciples safe and simply unable to communicate."
"That would be ideal," Liang Shu said, appearing beside Yan Kai. "But we should prepare for less pleasant scenarios."
The conversation continued for another hour. Yan Kai found himself warming to several of the other disciples. A Shadow Wind sect member named Hei Jun had a dry sense of humor that made even serious topics seem less heavy. A Golden Lotus disciple called Ming Yue spoke passionately about purification techniques and their applications in clearing corrupted spiritual energy.
As the evening wore on, disciples gradually departed to rest or cultivate. Yan Kai was about to leave when an older disciple approached him. The man appeared to be in his thirties, with a scar running down the right side of his face and eyes that held too much experience. His cultivation was at the Sovereign Manifestation realm, the thirteenth level, making him significantly more powerful than most disciples present.
"You're Yan Kai of the Silver Moon Sect," the man said. It wasn't a question.
"Yes. And you are?"
"Wu Chen, from the Crimson Dawn Sect. I was supposed to be part of the original expedition, but I was injured two days before departure and had to stay behind." Wu Chen's expression was difficult to read. "My younger brother went in my place. He was only at the Spirit Refinement realm, but he was excited for the opportunity."
Yan Kai understood immediately. Wu Chen's brother was among the missing. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. Just find him if you can." Wu Chen paused, seeming to struggle with his next words. "I want to give you some information that wasn't included in the official briefing. Elder Feng thinks it might be irrelevant, but I disagree."
"I'm listening."
Wu Chen glanced around to ensure no one else was close enough to overhear. "Three weeks before the expedition departed, my brother told me about a strange dream he'd been having repeatedly. In the dream, he stood in ancient ruins and heard a voice calling to him. The voice spoke in a language he didn't understand, but somehow he knew it was inviting him deeper into the ruins, promising power and knowledge."
"Dreams can mean many things," Yan Kai said carefully. "Cultivators often experience visions during meditation."
"That's what I thought too. But here's the strange part. When I mentioned this to other expedition members before they left, four of them admitted having similar dreams. All of them dreamed about ruins and a voice calling them forward. They laughed about it, said it was probably just excitement about the mission affecting their sleep."
This was concerning information. Dreams shared among multiple cultivators suggested either a powerful mental technique or some kind of spiritual phenomenon affecting their minds. "Did you report this to the elders?"
"I did. Elder Feng said it was interesting but probably just coincidence or mild spiritual resonance from thinking about the same destination. He didn't think it was related to the disappearances." Wu Chen's jaw tightened. "But I think he's wrong. What if something in those ruins was deliberately calling to them? What if the expedition was lured into a trap?"
Yan Kai considered this possibility. Ancient ruins often contained formations and spiritual artifacts that could remain active for thousands of years. If something in those ruins had the ability to project dreams or mental influences, it might have deliberately attracted the expedition. "Have you had these dreams yourself?"
"No. Neither has anyone who stayed behind. Only people who were planning to go on the expedition." Wu Chen met Yan Kai's eyes directly. "If you or anyone in your team starts having dreams about ruins and voices, report it immediately. Don't ignore it as simple imagination."
"I'll remember. Thank you for telling me this."
Wu Chen nodded and walked away, his shoulders heavy with worry for his missing brother. Yan Kai stood alone for a moment, processing the information. Then he went to find Elder Tian and relay what he'd learned.
His master was in a private meditation chamber assigned to visiting elders. When Yan Kai knocked and explained his reason for interrupting, Elder Tian allowed him to enter. The room was simple but well-appointed, with powerful formation arrays to aid in cultivation.
Yan Kai repeated Wu Chen's story exactly as he'd heard it. Elder Tian listened without interrupting, his expression growing more serious as the tale progressed.
"Elder Feng mentioned this to me briefly," Elder Tian said when Yan Kai finished. "He believes it's probably unrelated. Dreams are common among cultivators, especially when anticipating significant events."
"But Master, multiple people having the same specific dream? That seems beyond coincidence."
"I agree. Which is why I'll be watching carefully for any signs of mental influence during our mission." Elder Tian stood and walked to the window, looking out at the darkening sky. "There are ancient techniques that can project thoughts or images into the minds of others. Most were lost during the Great Collapse, but ruins from that era sometimes contain active formations that continue operating despite their creators being dead for millennia."
"Should we warn the other disciples?"
"Not yet. It might cause unnecessary panic, and we have no proof that the dreams are related to the disappearances. But I'll inform the other elders privately. We'll all remain alert for any mental influences." Elder Tian turned back to face Yan Kai. "You did well to bring this to me. Always trust your instincts about potential dangers. Paranoia has saved more cultivators than confidence ever did."
Yan Kai bowed and left his master to resume meditation. As he walked back to his own quarters, he thought about Wu Chen's missing brother and the fifty-four other people who had vanished. If they were still alive somewhere, they had already been missing for over a month. What condition would they be in after so long?
Sleep came slowly that night. Yan Kai meditated instead, working through his cultivation routine and strengthening his mental defenses. If something did try to influence his mind during the mission, he wanted to be as prepared as possible.
Morning arrived with clear skies and cool temperatures. Yan Kai dressed in his traveling clothes and secured Piercing Heaven across his back. He met the others at the main courtyard where the entire rescue force was assembling.
Forty-seven disciples and eight elders. It was an impressive sight. Cultivators of various ages and specializations, all armed and ready for battle. The collective spiritual pressure from so many powerful individuals made the air feel thick and charged with energy.
Elder Feng stood on a raised platform where everyone could see him. "Today we depart for the Void Mountains. The journey will take approximately four days on foot. We cannot use Sky Ships because the chaotic spiritual energy in the mountain range interferes with formation-based flight systems."
A ripple of surprise went through the assembled disciples. Four days of ground travel through dangerous territory was significantly more risky than flying.
"We'll travel in a defensive formation," Elder Feng continued. "Elders at the cardinal points, strongest disciples in the outer ring, less experienced disciples in the center. We maintain this formation at all times unless combat requires otherwise. Shadow Wind sect members will scout ahead and to our flanks. Iron Mountain sect members will anchor our defensive positions. Golden Lotus sect members will maintain purification barriers to protect against corrupted energy. Flowing River sect members will serve as our medical support. Silver Moon and Crimson Dawn sect members will form our primary combat force."
The organization was logical and well-planned. Each sect's specialization was being utilized effectively.
"One more thing," Elder Feng said, his voice becoming harder. "If anyone experiences unusual dreams, hears voices that others cannot hear, or feels compelled to move in directions contrary to our planned route, report it to your sect elder immediately. Do not ignore such symptoms. They may indicate mental influence from hostile forces."
So the elders had discussed Wu Chen's information and decided to warn everyone after all. Yan Kai felt vindicated in his decision to report it.
The march began shortly after sunrise. The formation Elder Feng described took shape naturally, with cultivators moving to their assigned positions without confusion. Yan Kai found himself in the outer defensive ring, positioned between Chen Wu and a Crimson Dawn disciple named Liu Wei who specialized in sword techniques.
They traveled west from the sect headquarters, following a wide path that led toward the mountain range visible in the distance. The Void Mountains looked dark and forbidding even from miles away, with jagged peaks that seemed to tear at the sky itself. Clouds gathered around the highest summits, swirling in patterns that suggested the chaotic energy Elder Feng had mentioned.
The first day of travel was uneventful. They covered approximately sixty miles, moving at a pace that balanced speed with caution. Several times, Shadow Wind scouts reported potential threats ahead, and the formation adjusted course to avoid unnecessary confrontations. Once, they spotted a pack of spirit beasts in the distance, but the creatures wisely fled from such a large group of powerful cultivators.
They camped that night in a natural clearing surrounded by rocky outcroppings that provided some defensive advantage. The elders established multiple formation arrays for protection, detection, and communication. Disciples were assigned to cooking duties, watch rotations, and perimeter patrols.
Yan Kai found himself on watch duty in the middle of the night, paired with Hei Jun from the Shadow Wind Sect. The scout moved with absolute silence, his footsteps making no sound even on loose gravel. His ability to blend into shadows was remarkable. Sometimes Yan Kai would look directly at him and still struggle to track his exact position.
"You have good awareness," Hei Jun said quietly during their patrol. "Most people lose track of me completely."
"Your stealth techniques are impressive. How long did it take to master that level of concealment?"
"Fifteen years of daily practice. The Shadow Wind Sect begins stealth training when disciples are children. By the time we reach your age, moving unseen becomes as natural as breathing." Hei Jun paused. "Your spear work is notable as well. I watched you practicing earlier. Very efficient movements with no wasted energy."
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, circling the camp's perimeter. The night was quiet except for normal forest sounds. Insects chirped, small animals rustled through undergrowth, and wind whispered through the trees.
"Can I ask you something?" Hei Jun said eventually.
"Of course."
"Why did you become a cultivator? What drives you to pursue this path despite all the dangers?"
It was a surprisingly personal question. Yan Kai thought carefully before answering. "My father was killed by spirit beasts when I was fifteen. He was a cultivator, but not a particularly strong one. If he had been more powerful, he might have survived. I decided then that I would become strong enough that no beast, no enemy, no challenge could take me away from the people who depend on me."
"So you cultivate for protection. To shield others."
"Partially. But also for myself. I enjoy the process of improvement. Taking a technique that feels awkward and clumsy, then practicing it ten thousand times until it becomes smooth and natural. That satisfaction of mastery is rewarding in itself." Yan Kai glanced at Hei Jun. "What about you?"
"I cultivate because I'm curious. The world is full of mysteries and wonders that most people never see. Cultivation gives me the power to explore hidden places, discover ancient secrets, and experience things that normal humans cannot imagine." Hei Jun smiled faintly. "Though right now I'm wishing I was curious about something less dangerous than vanishing expeditions."
"Too late to change your mind now."
"Indeed."
The second day brought them closer to the mountains. The terrain became rougher, with more rocks and fewer trees. The spiritual energy in the air felt different here, less stable and harder to absorb. Yan Kai noticed that his cultivation exercises required more concentration to maintain the same results.
Several disciples began showing signs of discomfort. The chaotic energy was affecting them, making their spiritual cores fluctuate irregularly. Elder Feng called for a rest stop and had the Golden Lotus disciples establish purification barriers to help stabilize everyone's condition.
Ming Yue, the Golden Lotus disciple Yan Kai had spoken with earlier, created an intricate formation that glowed with warm golden light. The light spread outward in a sphere encompassing most of the group. Inside the barrier, the spiritual energy immediately felt cleaner and more stable.
"This will help," Ming Yue explained. "But I can only maintain it for about an hour before needing to rest. We'll need to take regular breaks as we get closer to the mountains."
The third day was when they entered the Void Mountain range proper. The transition was immediately noticeable. The sky above seemed darker somehow, though the sun was still shining. The air tasted metallic. The ground beneath their feet felt wrong, as if it might shift unexpectedly at any moment.
Spirit beasts became more common and more aggressive. The group fought off three separate attacks from creatures that should have fled from such a large force. The beasts' eyes were wild and their movements were erratic, suggesting the chaotic energy was affecting their minds.
During one battle, Yan Kai fought alongside Bai Huang against a massive stone bear spirit beast at the Core Formation realm. The bear's hide was incredibly tough, deflecting most attacks. Bai Huang anchored its attention with defensive techniques while Yan Kai circled and struck at weak points with precision thrusts.
"The joints!" Bai Huang called out, blocking a devastating claw swipe that would have torn a normal person in half. "Target the joints where the stone plates meet!"
Yan Kai adjusted his strategy and thrust Piercing Heaven into the gap between the bear's shoulder plates. The spear penetrated deep, and the bear roared in pain and fury. Three more precise strikes to critical joints, and the creature finally collapsed.
"Good coordination," Bai Huang said, breathing heavily. His armor was dented but had protected him from serious injury. "Your master trained you well."
"As did yours. That defensive stance would have stopped most attacks I could deliver."
They had no time to rest. Another spirit beast, a wind element hawk, was diving toward the formation's center where less experienced disciples stood. Yan Kai channeled spiritual energy into his legs and launched himself upward, meeting the hawk mid-dive. His spear caught the creature in its chest, and they both crashed to the ground. The hawk thrashed briefly before going still.
The battle lasted fifteen minutes and left everyone exhausted. Two disciples had suffered minor injuries despite the group's overwhelming power advantage. The chaotic energy was definitely affecting the local spirit beasts, making them unusually aggressive and fearless.
"This is troubling," Elder Tian said during the post-battle assessment. "If the spiritual energy drove these beasts to attack suicidally, imagine what it might do to cultivators who spent weeks in this environment."
"The original expedition was here for over a month before disappearing," Elder Feng noted. "Plenty of time for the chaotic energy to affect their judgment."
On the fourth day, they reached their destination. The ancient ruins appeared suddenly around a bend in the trail, emerging from the mountainside like bones jutting from flesh. Massive stone structures in architectural styles no one recognized. Columns carved with symbols in languages long dead. Walls that had somehow withstood thousands of years of erosion and weathering.
And at the center of it all, a dark entrance leading underground. The opening was perfectly square, precisely cut into the mountain's face. No debris or damage. Just a black doorway inviting them into the depths.
The ruins were completely silent. No wind sounds, no animals, no spiritual energy fluctuations. Just oppressive silence that seemed to swallow all noise.
"This is where the expedition was last seen," Elder Feng said quietly. "According to their final communication, they were about to enter that doorway to explore the underground sections."
Yan Kai stared at the dark entrance and felt a chill that had nothing to do with temperature. Something about that doorway felt wrong on an instinctive level. His every sense was screaming danger.
"We found no bodies, no signs of struggle, no blood or broken equipment," Elder Feng continued. "It's as if they walked into that entrance and simply ceased to exist."
"Then that's where we go," Elder Tian said firmly. "We didn't come all this way to turn back now. Prepare yourselves. We enter in ten minutes."
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