Serana walked through the winding path of each mountain peak. After a long journey, she finally arrived at the foot of the 7th Peak. Seeing the familiar road ahead, a sense of relief washed over her. The three-day mission with Jessica had been exhausting, and she was glad to be back home. Her steps were steady yet graceful as she made her way toward the peak.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden light over the mountains. The air was cool, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves.
It was a familiar and comforting scene. Serana liked the quiet and peace of the 7th Peak, where she could hear the soft sounds of nature.
As she climbed the steps to the peak, Serana thought about her master, Gabriel. She hoped he would be out of his closed-door cultivation by now.
After seeing the clingy Jessica with her master, Serana missed him even more—his guidance and the calm presence he always brought.
The path to the compound was lined with tall trees, their branches forming a natural archway. Serana took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
"Master." The peaceful atmosphere made Serana recall the handsome face of her master, warming her heart.
When she reached the compound and opened the gates, she found it just as she had left it. The hall's doors were closed, and the air around the building was still. Serana walked toward the hall and pushed the door open, her footsteps echoing softly in the empty hall. She looked around, but there was no sign of her master.
"Master, I'm back," Serana said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. She knew he wouldn't hear her; he was still deep in his cultivation, she realized this even before, she was just expecting something she can't have at the moment. Serana sighed and closed the door behind her. She felt a pang of disappointment but knew that her master's closed-door cultivation was important for his progress.
She walked to the side of the hall where a small garden was located. It was a place where she often found peace and relaxation. The garden was filled with various plants and flowers, with a small pond in the center where fish swam lazily. Serana sat down on a stone bench by the pond, watching the fish and letting her thoughts wander as she sighed deeply.
Her mind drifted back to the mission. She and Jessica had faced challenges, but they had managed to complete their task successfully. Jessica's cheerful personality had made the journey more bearable. Despite her usual preference for solitude, Serana had found herself enjoying Jessica's company.
Because of her choice to go on the mission together, she gained a friend like Jessica.
As the sky darkened and stars began to appear, Serana decided it was time to rest. She had waited for her master, hoping he would finish his cultivation, but it seemed today was not the day. She stood up and stretched, feeling tired from boredom.
She walked back outside and headed towards her personal cave, then went inside her room, a small but comfortable space where she could relax and meditate.
Lying on her bed, Serana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She felt grateful for the experience and the chance to grow stronger. She knew that her master would be proud of her progress, even if he wasn't there to see it.
"Tomorrow is a new day," Serana whispered to herself as she drifted off to sleep, feeling a sense of calmness.
…
Meanwhile, news of the demon sighting in Frostfall Forest spread rapidly throughout the region. The Grey Mountain Sect, located at the border of the Southern Jade and Northern Rose Kingdoms, found itself at the center of growing concern.
After all, if another demon invasion erupted, the immediate area of destruction would be in their region!
In nearby towns and villages, the atmosphere was tense. Merchants and travelers shared the news in hushed tones, their eyes wide with fear. The appearance of a demon was a rare and dangerous omen, something that hadn't been seen in generations.
Despite the declining reputation of the Grey Mountain Sect, the news of a demon's reappearance was not something to be taken lightly. This would involve multiple powers in the region, and making a joke out of it would destroy the Grey Mountain Sect if these powers demanded an explanation.
Thus, everyone believed that the Grey Mountain Sect was telling the truth despite their track record. Especially considering the latest information about the sect, which was that they had promoted a rank 2 cultivator to an elder position with talent worse than average!
Such news made the surrounding powers, from low to high sects, laugh at the absurdness of such decisions.
Sects from low to mid-tier began mobilizing their members. The Jade Lotus Sect, known to be a mid-tier sect with twenty strong elders and a sect master who was already a 6th ranker, sent a team of their best cultivators to investigate. Meanwhile, the Iron Fist Sect, another mid-tier sect, also prepared their disciples for potential conflict. Smaller sects scattered like bees poked by an intimidating stick.
In the Rose Kingdom, the Royal Guard was alerted, and scouts were sent to gather more information. The kingdom's scholars and strategists convened emergency meetings to discuss the implications of this threat.
It didn't take long for terrible news to shock the region.
Word spread like wildfire through the Grey Mountain Sect and beyond. Rumors became grim reality—a demonic portal had indeed manifested in the northern reaches of Frostfall Forest. As the news reached the ears of sect members, a solemn air settled over the usually bustling grounds.
Within the Grey Mountain Sect, elders gathered in urgent council within the grand hall, their faces etched with concern and deliberation. Sebastian Miles, the first elder, stood at the forefront, his voice resonating with gravity as he addressed the gathered elders.
"Our scouts have confirmed it," he declared, his tone somber yet resolute. "A portal to the demonic realm has opened. Cultivators who ventured too close met with fierce resistance. Condolences to the masters of those brave disciples." His voice was very solemn.
Brandon grunted in agreement, his brow furrowed with worry. "We've lost good men and women to those demons. They guard the portal fiercely, allowing no one to approach." His fists tightened.
Luna stepped forward, her expression troubled. "This is an immediate danger to the existence of our sect. The portal is too close. Some of these demons can fly fast; if we can reach there in two days, then these demons must be able to reach the sect within hours." Despite her usual calmness, her voice showed worry.
Hearing her, Ryan Skylark spoke next, his voice cutting through the tension. "We cannot allow this threat to go unanswered. We must mobilize our forces and protect our territory from this encroaching darkness." This elder of the path of Saber Arts had lost most of his disciples from the scouting mission the sect sent. His anger clouded his judgment as rage boiled within him.
…
As the elders discussed, outside the grand hall, the disciples and inner sect officers gathered in hushed groups, exchanging worried glances and murmuring anxiously among themselves. Many had friends and mentors who had ventured into Frostfall Forest, only to meet peril at the hands of demons guarding the portal.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the sect grounds, a palpable sense of urgency gripped everyone present. The small demonic portal loomed in the collective consciousness of the Grey Mountain Sect—a stark reminder that the sect was in a grave and dangerous situation.
In the heart of the sect, decisions were being made that would shape the fate of the Grey Mountain Sect. Elders, using all their might and mind together, drew up plans, discussed contingencies, and set preparations in motion to confront the growing threat posed by the demonic portal.
The night stretched on, filled with whispered prayers and fervent discussions among the disciples. Each knew that the coming days would test their mettle like never before, as they prepared to face an enemy born from the depths of ancient fears—a portal to the demonic realm, guarded by creatures that knew no mercy.
Meanwhile, across the realms, the Jade Lotus Sect and the Iron Fist Sect, both mid-tier factions known for their formidable strength, mobilized their own forces upon hearing of the demonic incursion. Their elders convened urgent meetings, strategizing on how best to protect their territories and allies from the spreading darkness.
In the Rose Kingdom, home to the Royal Guards—the most formidable faction in the region—rumors of the demonic portal reached the Royal Guard Academy. The academy, renowned for training elite warriors and cultivators, braced itself for the possibility of direct confrontation with the demonic forces threatening their borders.
Within the palace of the Rose Kingdom, the king sent his messengers to spread the news throughout the country, calling for sects from high to low tier to convene a council in preparation for facing the emerging crisis in the region.
In the heart of the Rose Kingdom, nestled between rugged mountains and fertile valleys, an urgent summons reverberated across the realm. It was a call that first reached the Celestial Phoenix Sect, a high-tier sect within the kingdom. The sect, with its powerful celestial flames symbolizing the kingdom's strength, received the decree with solemnity and readiness to respond.
The Celestial Phoenix Sect is situated on the border of the Rose and Jade Kingdoms in the north, like the Grey Mountain Sect, but more westward from the Grey Mountain Sect. The distance between the two is over 200 kilometers, so the Celestial Phoenix Sect has little influence on the area where the Grey Mountain Sect is located.
Even the lesser-known sects within the Rose Kingdom responded. The Rosebloom Sect and the Sunfire Sect, both mid-tier sects, ready themselves for the gathering.
Within the Rose Kingdom, there are hundreds of low-tier sects, but the largest of them all is the Grey Mountain Sect, a peak low-tier sect, boasting nine powerful cultivators, all 5th rankers at peak stage, with the sect master of unknown strength. The Grey Mountain Sect, positioned at the kingdom's border, also heeded the call.
Within the Grey Mountain Sect, the sect master, Victor, held a royal decree in his hands as he read the content of the letter once more. His usual carefree demeanor was serious. Below him, eight elders stood at their respective chairs in the hall, discussing who to send as a representative of the sect.
"This is a matter of utmost importance," Victor began. His voice carried a weight that silenced the murmurs of the elders. "The Rose Kingdom requires our presence. We cannot ignore this summons; after all, we are the first to discover the demon."
Brandon Forge, the overseer of the Smith Path, spoke up first. "We need someone who can represent our strength and diplomacy. Someone who can handle the pressures of a council meeting with the high-tier and mid-tier sects."
Elder Grace nodded. "Indeed. It must be someone who can uphold our honor and showcase our skills."
Elder Luna suggested, "What about Marcus Blake? As Sebastian's disciple, he's well-trained and experienced."
Sebastian Miles, the elder and heir to the sect master, agreed. "Marcus is indeed capable. He has the martial prowess and the strategic insight needed for this task."
Victor considered this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Marcus it is. Testing his leadership is indeed a good idea. The first elder shall follow him and act as the guardian of your disciple."
Sebastian walked forward, clasped his hands, and nodded. "As you wish, sect master."
There were murmurs of agreement among the elders. Marcus Blake had proven himself through rigorous training and numerous missions. His skills and demeanor made him a suitable candidate for such a significant task.
Victor looked around at the gathered elders. "Prepare for the journey. This council is not just a meeting; it is a test of our unity and our place within the kingdom. We must show that the Grey Mountain Sect stands strong."
The elders dispersed, each with a task to ensure that Marcus would be ready for the council. Sebastian found Marcus in the training grounds, informing him of the decision.
"Marcus," Sebastian began, "you have been chosen to represent our sect at the royal council. This is a great honor and a great responsibility."
Marcus was shocked at first, cold sweat appearing on the back of his neck. Then, realizing the honor if he successfully completed the task, he straightened, a determined look in his eyes. "I will not let you down, Master."
Sebastian smiled, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Remember what you've learned and stay true to our principles. You will do well."
A day later, early in the morning, both master and disciple departed from the sect to represent the Grey Mountain Sect in the capital.