A day later, the sun began its descent towards the horizon, Serana and Jessica made their way back to the Grey Mountain Sect, their mission complete but minds still buzzing with the encounter with the demon. They trudged through dense forests, carrying pouches filled with the rare herbs they had painstakingly collected.
The journey back was uneventful compared to their previous encounters, yet the weight of their findings loomed heavy. Serana led the way with her thoughts occasionally drifting to the demon encounter they had stumbled upon.
The once frozen path leading to the sect wound through verdant valleys and across babbling streams. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Serana took the lead, her demeanor calm and focused, while Jessica walked beside her, bubbling with enthusiasm.
"Can you believe we actually did it?" Jessica exclaimed, her voice carrying through the serene surroundings. "I was a bit worried at first, but you really held your own out there, Serana."
"Fighting a demon is a huge achievement you know?" Jessica continued as her thoughts began to wonder, "If I had slain the demon, I'd be able to brag about it in my whole life."
Serana nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It was a challenging mission, but we managed well together. Your skills with a sword were impressive, Jessica. I'm glad we partnered up." As her icy eyes glanced at Jessica.
Jessica beamed at the compliment, her spirits were high because of their success, "Thanks, Serana. I have to admit, at first I wasn't sure how this mission would go, especially with you being so... reserved."
"But I'm glad were able to connect despite the opposite personalities we have." Jessica said from the bottom of her heart as she smiled at her.
Serana chuckled softly. "I suppose my demeanor can be a bit off-putting at times. But I appreciate your openness and positivity. It's been a refreshing change."
As they continued their journey, the walls of the Grey Mountain Sect gradually loomed into view. Guards stationed at the entrance greeted them with nods of recognition seeing their sect robes and tokens, opening the gates to welcome the returning disciples.
The two walked ahead as they passed the path towards the first mountain peak, they walked in the narrowing valleys until reaching the entrance of the alchemy peak, the 3rd mountain peak of the sect where, Elder Luna, the alchemy master of the Grey mountain sect resides along with her disciples.
Alchemy peak is a very popular place due to the quality of air here is very good, the scent of medicines here vary that brings effects to those who are not used to the scent of medicine.
As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, Serana and Jessica approached the grand entrance of the Alchemy Peak, their footsteps echoing in the quiet reverence of the sect's inner sanctum. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and alchemical concoctions.
Entering the bustling halls of Alchemy Peak, they were greeted by the sight of apprentices and senior alchemists engrossed in their tasks.
One of the disciple who's waiting outside the main hall was able to see two female disciples who are shockingly good looking, especially the one who had a cold beauty across her figure and face.
A faint blush appeared on the man's face, he's the assistant disciple of elder Luna. As the two approached the main hall, he walked ahead to meet them.
"We're here to submit the herbs from frostfall forest." Jessica greeted her as she clasped her hand as she did the talking.
"Ah right, master indeed requested such task." The man recalled, he then nodded, "You can give it to me, I'll send it to master myself." He said.
"No, we have an urgent news to report. The lady must know something serious." Jessica seriously said.
Seeing the cheerful instantly changed seriously, the man had a cold sweat before turning to the side, "Okay, follow me."
…
The head alchemist, Luna Grace, stood amidst a flurry of activity, her focused demeanor softened briefly upon seeing Serana and Jessica's arrival.
Serana and Jessica entered the hall and were able to quickly see a tall figure, whose peaks and bottom were perfect that even made Jessica full of envy in her eyes, although both weren't able to discern her face due to the veil she wore. They know for sure that this lady is a beautiful woman.
"You are?" Luna asked in tone not cold, but not warm either.
Hearing her calm voice, both Jessica and Serana saluted and introduced themselves, "Elder, we are disciples of 7th and 4th peaks. We are here to submit the herbs from the mission you provided." Serana respectfully said.
"Finally, someone took the mission," Luna sighed, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "I trust your mission was successful?"
Serana nodded respectfully as she approached, handing over the pouches containing the frost lotus, snowflake lotus, and Starfall blossom.
Luna inspected the herbs with a practiced eye, nodding in approval at their quality. "These are excellent specimens," she remarked, her voice filled with admiration. "Your efforts will greatly benefit our ongoing research and potion crafting, you two will earn 500 points each, collect these points in mission pavilion with these stamps." Her voice echoed handing them her stamp.
"Elder, there's one thing I must report."
Hearing that, Luna looked at her with interest, "What is it?" She asked.
"We encountered unexpected challenges," she began, recounting the battle with the demon.
If the two were able to look under her veil, her face revealed a shock, "A demon you say?" With a flick of her hands, the herbs instantly vanished as it was stored inside her spatial ring.
She approached Serana and asked, "Describe me its features."
Serana recounted the appearance of the demon back to Luna, as soon the atmosphere turned serious as Luna wasn't able to react quickly as her mind wandered, "This is bad, is the world seal loosening?" Her mind wandered. "I must report this to the rest of the elders." Luna decided.
She turned to the two, "This bears investigating. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. You may leave now"
With the mission materials delivered and their report concluded, Serana and Jessica bid farewell to Luna and the alchemy apprentices. Exiting Alchemy Peak, they made their way towards the mission hall to collect points.
…
Luna held her personal token and filled the token with her qi, activating the formation within. Soon the entire sect's elders have their token flashing with lights, shocking the sect elders. This light meant one thing, and that is something urgent or emergency had happened.
All peak masters except Gabriel stopped their business and prepared to meet at the sect main hall, for the meeting.
…
Luna stood at the center of the grand meeting hall in the heart of the Grey Mountain Sect, her expression grave yet composed. Around her, the elders of the sect, even including Sect Master Victor Armstrong, gathered with a mix of curiosity and concern etched on their faces. The atmosphere crackled with tension, underscored by the urgency of the situation.
"As you all know," Luna began, her voice steady and authoritative, "I sent a mission request at the mission pavilion to gather herbs for pill concoction that would help us break through, disciples of both 4th and 7th peak were dispatched to retrieve the rare herbs in Frostfall Forest."
Hearing this, the elders' ears perked, "That's amazing sister Luna, but I think this information doesn't demand us to learn such thing no?" After all it would be a waste of one time use of formation of the token.
Luna turned and faced the 5th peak master, "They encountered unexpected resistance in the form of a powerful demon." She paused briefly, allowing the weight of her words to settle among the elders.
"What!?" The elders stood at their feet when they heard such news.
The reappearance of demons in the world has severe consequences if left unnoticed!
In the past, when demons invaded the overworld they've killed millions of cultivators that resulted the short decline of cultivation world and damaged ancient foundations of the world resulting the bad fate of this world.
Bad fate meaning, the world is receiving less blessings from the heaven. It's the reason why it's difficult for cultivators in this world to have a breakthrough easily, especially, as one becomes closer to immortality, the impossible it is to breakthrough!
"The disciple of 7th peak managed to subdue the demon after a fierce battle," Luna continued, her gaze sweeping across the gathered elders.
"7th peak? You mean the disciple of THAT kid?" the 2nd mountain peak master asked with wide eyes, then turned into disdain.
"Hmph, and you take that words seriously? What if all these is a hoax?" He grumbled, as matters surrounding the 7th peak still annoyed the hell out of him.
Luna, on other hand still calm, "I can verify what they said is true, and they're not lying either. I trust the disciple's encounters are real."
2nd didn't dare to speak no more against Luna, as she had an important role in sect, after all, he also relies from her for pills. So, he didn't dare to anger her further despite the doubts in his head.
Luna continued, "However, what's more important in this matter is that the demon's appearance raises troubling questions. This suggests that the seal that protects overworld has been breached."
Sect Master Victor Armstrong, seated at the head of the table, listened intently, his piercing eyes fixed on Luna. He was known for his inscrutable demeanor, but there was a glint of concern in his eyes that betrayed his stoic facade.
"What about 7th peak disciple and my disciple now?" Elder Skyler Dawn, the sword master and Jessica's master, inquired, her voice a calm undercurrent in the room.
After all, she knew that her youngest disciple, Jessica took this quest as she reported it back to her before she left the sect.
"They are unharmed but fatigued," Luna replied, her voice tinged with reassurance. "They have returned with the herbs and are currently in the sect, I don't know their whereabouts."
The first elder, Sebastian, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "This demon's appearance is troubling indeed. We must assess the extent of the threat and reinforce our defenses accordingly."
Sect Master Armstrong finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Skyler, convene a council of our most skilled cultivators. We need to investigate the source of this disturbance and ensure the safety of our sect. Brandon, prepare our defenses. We must be vigilant. Also, Rose, send the news in the surrounding sects."
Skyler nodded, her mind already planning the next steps. "Understood, Sect Master. I will assemble the council immediately."
As the elders dispersed to their respective tasks, the gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air. The tranquility of Grey Mountain Sect had been disrupted, and now they faced a challenge that threatened not just their borders but the very essence of their realm.
Meanwhile, deep within the frostfall forest, unnoticed by mortal eyes, a small speck of darkness simmered in the air. Unseen and unnoticed, it slowly expanded, tendrils of demonic energy weaving together to form a growing portal. The air around it shimmered with unnatural hues, a stark contrast against the serene backdrop of the forest.
In the heart of this unfolding darkness, the future of the world hung precariously in the balance, its path veiled in uncertainty as the portal silently grew, heralding potential chaos and upheaval.
…
Serana and Jessica entered the mission hall, the atmosphere was a mix of relief and accomplishment. They approached the mission desk where a senior disciple awaited, ready to record their successful completion of the herb gathering mission. Each of them earned 500 points, the result of their successful completion of the mission.
The two left the mission hall and talked at each other exchanging few words on how would they spent their points, just as they were about to discuss their next steps, Elder Skyler, the female Sword master of the sect, appeared with purpose in her stride. Her presence commanded respect, her silky black hair shimmering under the sunlight light as she approached them.
"Jessica." Skyler called, "Master!" Happily running towards her master then hugs her arm, clinging like a koala. "I've completed my mission!"
Seeing the ever cheerful Jessica on her arm, Skyler smiled and caressed her cheeks, "You've done well." Her eyes softened and her heart calmed after seeing this cute disciple of hers. Although she did not say it, her eyes showed proud look on her disciple.
The report earlier made her tense, but now, her mind got it's clarity back.
Jessica giggled as she enjoyed the caress of her master.
"You are to follow me as the sect master had gave me an urgent task." Her expression turned serious as she looked at the beautiful lady in front her. Looking at Serana's figure and appearance, she was shocked to find huge changes on Serana, she was able to remember Serana during recruitment of the sect because she was picked by the infamous 7th peak elder.
Back then, Serana was not impressive at all, both in appearance and talent. Yet now, there's a huge contrast between the past and present Serana! Not only she's beautiful her strength is also strong!
The aura she radiates that is invisible to the naked eyes is actually rank 5!
Skyler was stunned by this fact, she had actually missed a real talent? Is the 7th peak master knew her hidden talent?
Remembering Elder Gabriel visiting her mountain peak to borrow cultivation technique for his disciple to learn, Skyler didn't think that, that man can actually teach a student despite his condition.
The name Gabriel in her mind was noted deep within her mind, she finds it interesting that the infamous elder whose cultivation and talent is weak to the point of being a shameful stain in the sect is able to produce such an amazing disciple.
Her gaze stayed on Serana. "Elder Luna has briefed the elders about your encounter with the demon, good job on slaying the demon."
Serana was stunned for a second before clasping her hand together and bowed, "Thank you Elder Luna."
"Master, Serana is very strong! And master, she's my friend and the disciple of 7th elder." Jessica quickly interjected and introduced Serana to her.
Skyler looked at her disciple and nodded, "Good, from now on you both are fellow sisters, so take care of each other."
Jessica nodded, "Of course master!"
"Let's go, we have a lot of job to do." Skyler nodded at Serana before turning her back away as she walked towards her peak mountain.
"Well, see you later Serana!" Jessica waved her hand at her and ran towards Skyler, hugging her arm once again as they walked on the path towards their mountain peak.
Seeing the master disciple relationship between the two, Serana couldn't help but see them as her and Gabriel walking side by side while she clings into Gabriel like Jessica to Skyler.
"I miss my master."
…