Chapter 8 – Plans in the Dark

On a dark mountain to the south, several kilometers away from the Misty Serenity Sect and hidden deep within the vast forest, lay the Firmament Sect. The cold breeze stirred the leaves of the trees, while a profound silence enveloped the area. Only the occasional sound of nocturnal creatures disturbed the tranquility.

Sitting atop a tree trunk, a man was silently cultivating. His sublime appearance radiated a powerful aura, as if nature itself bowed to his presence. His long black hair, shimmering under the moonlight, fell over his shoulders, and he wore a dark robe adorned with golden details. A belt with dragon carvings wrapped around his waist, emphasizing his imposing figure. This was Xin Miang, the master of the Firmament Sect.

Suddenly, a disciple hurried over, kneeling respectfully before Xin Miang.

"Master of the sect, the Dark Sect has already begun to move. We've spotted several spies in the Misty Serenity Sect," the disciple said in a low, almost trembling voice, his words dripping with concern.

Xin Miang slowly opened his eyes, the intense gleam in them contrasting with the surrounding calm. He seemed unfazed by the urgency of the disciple's words. He took a deep breath before replying.

"We won't interfere," he said in a tranquil, almost indifferent tone. "We have no alliance with the Misty Serenity Sect, and their foundation isn't weak. They can defend themselves."

The disciple hesitated, clearly dissatisfied with the response.

"But, master of the sect, this is an opportunity. We could take advantage of the chaos and—"

Before he could finish, Xin Miang raised his hand, silencing him with a calm yet authoritative gesture.

"There's no need for discussion," Xin Miang's tone was soft but carried an unshakable firmness. "We are not opportunists. Return and focus on your cultivation."

The disciple, visibly disappointed, bowed deeply and left, his footsteps echoing softly through the forest.

Xin Miang watched the young man walk away, his narrow eyes reflecting the pale moonlight. He sighed lightly.

"That boy is becoming more and more bold and ambitious…" he murmured to himself, the thought unsettling him. "I hope his path doesn't turn dark."

Meanwhile, in the central island of the Misty Serenity Sect, the elders had gathered in a vast hall, their expressions tense. The atmosphere was thick with nervous energy.

"Master of the sect, the Dark Sect has been very active recently. I fear they may attack soon," one of the elders said, his voice trembling.

The master of the Misty Serenity Sect, seated in a dark wooden chair, remained calm, observing each of the elders before replying.

"Do not worry. We can suppress them if necessary. They won't attack recklessly," his voice was firm but calm. "How is the disciples' training going? Any at the Spiritual Core stage to recommend?"

The elders exchanged nervous glances before responding.

"Few disciples have reached the Spiritual Core stage, and those who have are only at the fourth level. They are not yet recommended for elder positions," the elders replied, visibly relieved by their master's confidence.

The master nodded, showing little surprise.

"Very well then. If any disciple proves worthy, bring them directly to me."

The meeting ended in silence, with the elders dispersing quickly. However, a shadow of doubt lingered over them, as if something greater was looming.

In the palace of Elder Mei Lianhua, she was conversing with an enigmatic figure, whose presence seemed to disturb the very air around them. The woman, with white hair and wrinkled skin, dressed in a dark robe, was Kim Ant, an elder specialized in deduction and future predictions. Her peculiar and mysterious appearance was rare even in the cultivation world.

"Elder, are you certain of your prediction?" Mei Lianhua asked, her brows furrowed in concern.

Kim Ant held her gaze firm, her expression impassive.

"Yes. The Dark Sect will attack the Misty Serenity Sect in no more than sixty years."

"Sixty years…" Mei Lianhua sighed, relieved to have more time, but she couldn't fully relax. "That shouldn't be a problem. Our forces are strong."

"Perhaps, but the master of the Dark Sect is about to break through to the Perfected Soul Realm," Kim Ant's voice carried an additional weight, as if she was foreseeing something ominous.

"And why are you telling me this? Shouldn't you inform the master of the Misty Serenity Sect directly?" Mei Lianhua questioned, still uncertain.

"My deduction is still vague," Kim Ant narrowed her eyes. "Whoever will defend the sect is under your care."

"My care? Who?" Mei Lianhua felt a sharp spike of anxiety rise within her.

"I cannot see him clearly yet… But he is here." Kim Ant glanced around as if trying to sense something invisible. "I cannot contact the sect master directly, to avoid influencing too many changes. I'm only telling you because it concerns the sect."

Mei Lianhua nodded, trying to process the information.

"I'll keep this in mind and stay vigilant," she replied seriously, though her heart was heavy with uncertainties.

The two exchanged pleasantries before parting ways. Alone, Mei Lianhua reflected in silence. "Who is this person? And why would they defend us?"

In Tian Ling's cave, the profound silence was only broken by the soft sound of spiritual Qi circulating in the air.

"The spiritual Qi here is so dense… I feel like I could reach the second level of the Inner Flow Path Technique at any moment," Tian Ling thought, his gaze firm and focused.

He sat in a lotus position, his body relaxed, but his mind sharp, determined to break through to the next cultivation level. His thoughts were fixed on a single goal: to reach the Inner Core Realm.

Meanwhile, in the Dark Sect, a shadow floated in the air at the center of the palace. The mysterious figure had no visible face, appearing as nothing more than a mass of smoke, yet it emanated an overwhelming pressure. Kneeling before it was the master of the Dark Sect, trembling slightly despite being one of the most powerful cultivators in the sect.

"Master, the plans are nearly complete. I am still preparing to advance, but it won't take long," the master of the Dark Sect said in a low, almost reverent tone.

"Very well. Do not forget: I need the soul essence of the Misty Serenity Sect's master. Do not be careless," the floating shadow responded with a chilling voice that echoed through the room before slowly fading away.

"What does he want with the soul essence of the Misty Serenity Sect's master?" the Dark Sect master wondered, though he dared not voice the question. He knew offending the shadow would be fatal.

Immediately after, he summoned his personal disciple, Zhao Jian. The young man had an elegant appearance but carried a dark aura. He wore a black robe with the symbol of a dragon emblazoned on it, representing the Dark Sect. Zhao Jian knelt respectfully, clasping his fists in salute.

"How is the situation in the Misty Serenity Sect's Mystic Realm?" the master asked, his piercing gaze fixed on Zhao Jian.

"Master, the Misty Serenity Sect's Mystic Realm is guarded by many beasts at the Spiritual Core Realm, and even some at the True Soul Realm. We gathered this information from our infiltrated disciples, but they couldn't go too deep into the realm," Zhao Jian replied calmly.

"Give them the Breaking Matrix. When the time comes, we will use it to shatter the Mystic Realm's barrier and bring chaos to the sect. That way, we will gain a significant advantage."

"Yes, master of the sect," Zhao Jian quickly agreed.

He bowed once again before leaving to carry out his mission.

The Mystic Realm was a rare treasure among the sects of the Nine Star Realm. Left behind by the founders, it nurtured demonic beasts to protect the sect and provided rare ingredients to create pills that strengthened disciples. Because of this, many sects coveted these realms, even though the risk of invading them was extremely high.

Zhao Jian knew the mission would be dangerous, but the desire to impress his master and the promise of rewards drove him forward. With the Breaking Matrix in hand, he prepared to carry out the mission that could shift the balance of power between the sects.