Dawn arrived with spiritual energy that saturated the mountain air in ways Rey's suppressed cultivation senses could detect even without formal training.
He rose early. The shoulder wound had stiffened overnight but remained functional. It was a minor impediment that disciplined mental control could compensate for.
'First priority: reconnaissance.' Rey sighed to himself.
Before identifying potential patron targets, Rey needed comprehensive intelligence about sect hierarchy, power dynamics, and interpersonal relationships that two months of integration had given Darius and denied him.
He dressed in the plain outer disciple robes that had been provided with his quarters—white with minimal crimson trim indicating his provisional status—and moved through the monastery's public areas with careful attention that appeared casual.
