Chapter 24 : Shadows from the Past
News of the mysterious revival of the Ash Vein Sect began to spread among its neighboring factions. A trash sect once filled with outcasts was now devouring nearby minor sects with terrifying efficiency.
And at the center of it all, a new name had begun to circulate:
Vice Sect Master Yan.
Yet Yan Kesh was not leading a campaign of conquest.
He was seated in the sect's private library, reading an ancient scroll about the history of Ash Vein Mountain.
"Sir," He Qiu's voice sounded from the doorway. "There's a visitor."
"Who? Another neighboring sect master coming to surrender?" Yan Kesh asked without lifting his eyes from the page.
"No. This one… is an information broker. He says he has news regarding the 'Yan Clan.'"
Yan Kesh's hand paused mid-turn.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop by two degrees.
"Bring him in."
A hunched man in a tattered hood entered. He grinned, revealing a set of gold teeth.
"Greetings, Vice Sect Master. I heard you've been seeking news from the south."
Yan Kesh placed a pouch of spirit stones on the table.
"Speak. If your information is trash, your tongue will pay the price."
The man swallowed hard and spoke rapidly.
"The Yan Clan is in serious trouble. Their main heir—the genius chosen to replace… someone—has just failed to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm."
"And?" Yan Kesh asked coldly.
"And he needs a special medicine. A medicine that only grows in lands of death with extremely high Yin concentration."
The man looked at Yan Kesh meaningfully.
"They heard rumors that the Ash Vein Sect recently discovered a 'pure Yin source.' An expeditionary force from the Yan Clan is already on the move. Led by the Second Elder."
Yan Kesh fell silent.
The Second Elder.
The man who once called Yan Kesh a "failed investment."
The one who discarded him like trash.
And now, they were coming to his new home, planning to seize his new asset—Su Ran—to save their golden heir.
Yan Kesh let out a soft laugh.
A laugh devoid of humor.
"So… they're coming to shop?" Yan Kesh asked lightly.
He stood up, picking up his black jade token.
"He Qiu."
"Yes, Sir."
"Gather the Law Enforcers. Wake Gou San. Prepare Su Ran in the safe chamber."
Yan Kesh walked to the window, gazing at the mountain path leading to the sect gate.
"Old guests are coming. We should welcome them with… the overdue bill."
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[MISSION STATUS UPDATED]
[Incoming Conflict: Yan Clan Invasion]
[Objective: Defend Assets & Collect Karma Debt]
Yan Kesh's first war as a ruler was not for expansion.
It was for vengeance.
And this time, he was no longer the disciple kneeling in the great hall.
He was the shop owner.
And the prices in his shop had just skyrocketed.