"What should I do with Lu Huan? He won't be any use in a fight and has been an okay servant. The young man shouldn't die for no reason," Li Wei thinks, considering his options. "He's loyal enough and doesn't deserve to get caught up in this. Better to send him somewhere safe where he can lay low until this blows over."
"Lu Huan, come here."
Lu Huan approaches quickly, bowing slightly. "Yes, master?"
"Lu Huan, you are to leave my side," he says. "Take my gold and keep it safe for me. Set up a life somewhere discreetly in the city. Hire soldiers if you need to. Hopefully, this blows over and this isn't necessary. But if I'm gone for a long time, wait for my return."
"Yes, master. Of course," Lu Huan replies, bowing deeply.
That night, they all sleep in the inn. Li Wei lies awake for a long time, his mind churning with plans and contingencies.
"The presence of other immortals in the city is a significant threat," he thinks, tension tightening his chest. "Everything I've worked for could be endangered. The path of cultivation is fraught with danger, but this feels particularly precarious."
He knows he must be cautious, every decision critical to his survival and success. His thoughts race as he strategizes for the uncertain days ahead.
The inn is quiet, the only sounds are the occasional creak of the building and the soft murmurs of other guests. Li Wei finally drifts off to sleep, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of the coming days and the challenges they might bring.
Morning arrives, and the inn slowly comes to life. Li Wei rises, feeling the weight of his decisions pressing on him. He has set things in motion, and now he must see them through. He gathers his belongings, making sure Lu Huan understands his instructions clearly.
"Remember, keep a low profile," Li Wei reiterates. "Protect the gold and wait for my return. If things go wrong, do not look for me for help."
Lu Huan nods solemnly. "Yes, master. I will do as you command."
With that, Li Wei prepares to face the uncertainties of the day. The city outside is as bustling as ever, but to him, it feels like a battlefield. Every decision, every action, could tip the balance between survival and disaster.
Dao Feng stands in the inn's corner, his expression tense. "It's time," he says, his voice low. Li Wei and Lin Yue exchange glances and follow him outside. The streets are bustling as they make their way to the palace, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on them.
At the palace gates, a noble waits. Dao Feng approaches him. "Is everything set up?" he asks.
The noble bows slightly. "Yes, master, just as you instructed."
Their footsteps are muffled by the thick carpets as they make their way to a small, discreet chamber. The room is furnished with polished wooden benches and ornate screens, providing privacy. Heavy curtains drape the walls, and a soft light from a few lanterns casts a warm glow.
In the chamber, they begin to remove their clothes, their movements quick and efficient. The air is cool against their skin as they change into the garments laid out for them. The robes they don are of fine silk, the rich fabric sliding smoothly over their bodies. Each piece is meticulously tailored, the details elegant yet understated, befitting nobles of high status.
Li Wei steals a glance at Lin Yue as she changes. Her body is fit and alluring, her curves accentuated by the flickering candlelight. Despite the tension of the moment, he can't help but appreciate her form. He would have enjoyed the view under different circumstances, but now is not the time for such thoughts.
The transformation is swift. They stand now as nobles, their appearances altered by the luxurious clothing. The contrast between their usual attire and the opulent garments is striking, a reflection of the different roles they must play. Once dressed, Li Wei takes a moment to adjust his garments, ensuring everything is perfect.
Once they are dressed, they proceed to the court. The grand hall is a spectacle of opulence, filled with ornate decorations that capture the eye at every turn. The high ceiling is supported by massive pillars, each intricately carved with scenes from the kingdom's history. The floor is a mosaic of intricate designs, a testament to the skill of the artisans who created it. Banners bearing the kingdom's emblem hang proudly from the walls, adding to the grandeur of the room.
The court is abuzz with fearful chatter, nobles and officials discussing the looming threat.
"I heard two more immortals are coming to the city," murmurs a portly noble, his jewelled collar glinting under the chandeliers. "They say they want to take over. Who do we even support now?"
A younger noble beside him, eyes wide with anxiety, replies, "I don't know. It's risky to back anyone. We might end up on the wrong side."
Nearby, a woman in an elaborate gown speaks in hushed tones to a small group. "We need to be very careful. If the new immortals are stronger, our current patrons will be in danger. We mustn't anger them."
A tall, thin official with a furrowed brow turns to a scribe. "Ensure our loyalty appears unwavering, but keep an ear out for any shifts in power. We need to know who holds the upper hand."
In a quieter corner, two guards exchange worried glances. One, a grizzled veteran with a scar across his cheek, mutters, "If these new immortals are more powerful. Who knows what will happen then?"
His younger companion, nervous, responds, "I just hope they don't take it out on us. We've done nothing wrong."
Li Wei, Lin Yue, and Dao Feng take their seats at the very back of the hall, blending in with the other nobles. The king sits on his throne at the far end, a regal figure surrounded by advisors and guards. The air is thick with anticipation, and Li Wei can feel the tension in the room.
From their vantage point, they can see the entire court. Nobles and dignitaries are engaged in quiet conversations. Some of the nobles glance at them, their faces pale and drawn. A few are sweating profusely, their discomfort evident. The king looks horrified, his eyes wide and his face ashen.
The grand hall of the palace is alive with tension as nobles and officials murmur amongst themselves. Li Wei, Dao Feng, and Lin Yue sit at the very back, blending in with the other attendees. A guard steps forward, his voice booming through the room. "Masters Zhen Bai and Jian Yu of the White Crane Sect!"
The massive doors open, and two figures stride in. The first is an old man with a long white beard, his eyes sharp and discerning. His robes are pristine white, embroidered with intricate patterns of cranes in flight. His presence exudes authority and wisdom. Following him is a young man. The young man's robes are simpler but still elegant, his demeanour calm and focused.
Dao Feng leans in, whispering to Li Wei and Lin Yue. "Righteous sect. Don't even bother attacking. The old one is definitely Foundation Establishment, judging by the robe design. When the mortals attack, we slink out the back and get the fuck out of here."
Li Wei nods, keeping his eyes on the newcomers. The old man, with a stern and weathered face, surveys the room with a critical gaze. His eyes are sharp, missing nothing. The young man, standing slightly behind him, mirrors his movements with a respectful posture, his expression disciplined and focused.
The nobles closest to the entrance bow deeply, their fear and respect evident in their stiff movements and lowered eyes. Their rich garments rustle softly as they bend, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon them.
Li Wei feels the gaze of the newcomers for a brief second, a sharp intensity that brushes over him like a blade. He acts naturally, maintaining a composed demeanour, his posture relaxed yet alert. The moment passes quickly, but the impression of their scrutiny lingers.
The room is filled with an undercurrent of tension, the air thick with unspoken questions and anxieties. The old man continues his survey of the room, his critical gaze moving from one face to another, assessing and judging. The young man remains poised, his eyes fixed ahead, mirroring the elder's vigilance.
The king's face is a mask of horror. His eyes are wide, and his hands tremble slightly as he grips the arms of his throne. The advisors around him whisper frantically, their faces pale and anxious. A few nobles in the hall are sweating profusely, their discomfort and fear palpable.
The grand hall is silent as Zhen Bai steps forward, his voice carrying authority. "This kingdom is now under the protection of the White Crane Sect. Any resistance will be met with swift retribution." The king's face is pale, and before anyone can react, guards charge at the newcomers.
Zhen Bai raises his hand, and a glowing blue scythe appears. With a swift motion, it slices through the first wave of guards, leaving them lifeless on the floor. The nobles gasp in horror, some shrinking back.
More guards flood the hall, but they are no match. Each stroke of the scythe is precise and deadly. Li Wei catches a glance from Dao Feng and Lin Yue. Without a word, they slip out the back of the hall amidst the chaos.
As they move, Li Wei sees the king and nobles drop to the floor. Blood seeps from various wounds.
"Dao Feng must have used bone manipulation," he thinks, piecing together the sudden violence. "We need to get out before anyone can react. Keep moving, don't look back." The urgency of their flight pulses through him, every step driven by the need to survive and escape the chaos they've unleashed.
Outside, three horses wait, held by Dao Feng's servant. They mount quickly and canter off, the sound of their horses' hooves echoing in the narrow alleys. They ride in silence, urgency in every movement.
The city streets blur as they pass, each rider focused on putting distance between themselves and the palace. The power Zhen Bai displayed is a stark reminder of the dangers they face. The presence of a Foundation Establishment cultivator makes their mission perilous.
As they leave the city and enter the countryside, the pace slows. The immediate threat is behind them, but the day's events weigh heavily. Li Wei reflects on the grand hall. The sight of the bleeding nobles and the king on the floor confirmed his suspicion about Dao Feng's actions.
The landscape shifts to fields and distant mountains. The sun sets, casting a warm glow over the land. Despite the beauty, Li Wei remains focused. They ride through the night
They keep riding, the horses' hooves thudding steadily against the ground. Li Wei notices a black bird overhead, its silhouette stark against the sky. At first, he thinks nothing of it, but as they ride on, the bird persists, always keeping pace.