The tournament arena was still buzzing with energy as Elder Long Wu, a towering figure from the Divine Mountain Sect, strode onto the platform. His aura radiated such intensity that even the ground seemed to shudder under his steps, sending ripples of energy through the crowd. It was a deliberate show of strength, a reminder to everyone present that the greater sects held power beyond comprehension.
Qin Yu, observing from his seat, felt the thrill of this spectacle. He knew well enough that the elder wasn't there by mere chance—this was a display meant to set the stage and make it clear that the Divine Mountain Sect was not one to be approached lightly.
Finally, the elder's piercing gaze settled on him. "Qin Yu," he called out, his voice reverberating through the arena. "Step forward."
Qin Yu stood, maintaining a calm composure as he approached the platform. He felt the weight of the elder's presence as he came closer, like a heavy mist pressing against his senses. This man's cultivation is well beyond what I can grasp, he thought, a spark of curiosity mingling with his respect.
After a moment's pause, the elder spoke with a tone of solemn authority. "Today, I extend to you an invitation to the Divine Mountain Sect as my personal disciple."
Gasps erupted from the crowd. It was no small honor to be offered a place as a personal student in one of the five greater sects. For many, it was an invitation they'd accept without hesitation. But Qin Yu's mind was already racing. Joining the Divine Mountain Sect could give me unparalleled access, but I need to establish my own groundwork first.
Bowing slightly, he said, "I would be honored, Elder Long Wu. However, I ask for one month to settle matters here before joining you on the mountain."
The elder considered his request, then gave a nod. With a flourish, he withdrew a silver token from his robe, engraved with the sigil of the Divine Mountain Sect. "This will grant you safe passage when you're ready. Present it at the gates, and the path to the peak shall open."
Qin Yu took the token, concealing it within his robes. As he stepped back, the crowd's whispering grew louder, awed by the exchange. In their eyes, he had just received a blessing, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
After the tournament concluded, Qin Yu found a quiet spot near the forest. Here, away from the noise and prying eyes, he called forth the system.
As the familiar screen appeared, Qin Yu noticed an unclaimed reward—a prize for attending the tournament. Curiosity sparked as he accessed it, and a large, spinning wheel materialized, each segment displaying various prizes. Among the choices, one in particular caught his eye: Dark Twins. The name glowed in bold, radiant letters—a rarity that could vastly enhance his plans.
Taking a deep breath, he tapped to spin the wheel. The colors and names blurred as it whirled, each tick raising his anticipation. Then, as the wheel slowed, his focus sharpened on that coveted section. With a final, decisive click, it stopped.
"Congratulations! You have received the Dark Twins, assassins of the Celestial Realm."
Qin Yu's grin widened. A rare reward—Celestial Realm assassins. It was a level of power that most could only dream of commanding, and it would be invaluable for his plans within the Divine Mountain Sect.
Before him, two figures materialized, their forms cloaked in shadows, armor blending seamlessly into the dark. They moved as one, silent and deadly.
The one on the right inclined their head slightly, addressing him in a soft, almost melodic voice. "Dark Twins, at your command."
Qin Yu nodded, inspecting his new assets. Celestial Realm—this will allow me to move freely, even within a greater sect.
"Good," he replied with a smirk. "You'll be accompanying me to the Divine Mountain Sect. While we're there, remain as discreet as possible, and be prepared for any challenge that arises."
The Dark Twins nodded in unison, their unwavering focus signaling their readiness.
Turning his attention, Qin Yu summoned the Phantom Assassins, who appeared in a swirl of shadow, four figures bowing slightly before him. "You'll be staying behind in the city," he began, voice steady with purpose. "I need an organization, something that operates in the open as a resource for information. A network that anyone can approach but that reports directly to me. It will serve as my eyes and ears in my absence."
The lead Phantom nodded, his gaze sharp with understanding. "Understood, Young Master. We'll establish a presence that appears neutral, yet our true allegiance will remain to you."
Qin Yu continued, outlining his vision. "Use the guise of an information guild. Build relationships with influential families, low-level sects, anyone who may have valuable information. And if necessary," he added with a cold glint in his eye, "apply pressure where needed."
As they bowed and prepared to carry out his orders, Qin Yu allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. With an organization rooted here, I'll have a steady flow of information no matter where I go.
Turning back to the Dark Twins, he gave them a nod, signaling that their journey to the Divine Mountain Sect would begin soon.
The month passed in a blur of calculated strategy and growing influence.
In his secluded estate, Qin Yu oversaw the progress of his newly formed intelligence organization. The Phantom Assassins worked tirelessly, laying the foundation of an information network that reached every corner of the city and beyond. By day, it operated as a neutral information guild, known to all as "Veiled Insight," providing valuable insights to those who paid its price, and by night, it remained Qin Yu's private conduit to every secret, rumor, and piece of hidden knowledge.
Each day, Qin Yu met briefly with one of the Phantom Assassins, who relayed updates about the guild's activities. In under a month, they had secured connections with influential families and lower-tier sects, making Veiled Insight an undeniable force in the city. Whenever resistance arose, a quiet "visit" from a Phantom assassin swiftly dissolved any opposition, keeping his guild's authority undisputed.
This steady stream of information allowed Qin Yu to uncover layers of hidden conflicts within the city—feuds between powerful families, shadow sects vying for influence, and whispers of alliances forming in the dark. More than that, he learned how every faction operated, their strengths and weaknesses, and more importantly, how he could leverage them.
One evening, he leaned back, studying the intelligence report laid before him by the Phantom Assassins. Within it, he found mention of the Celestial Lotus Sect—their ranks, their internal strife, and potential rivals. This particular piece piqued his interest, as it detailed a recent dispute between two factions within the sect, each vying for greater power.
Perfect, Qin Yu thought, an idea taking shape. If the Celestial Lotus Sect becomes aware of its internal fractures, they might leave themselves vulnerable.
But his focus quickly returned to the matter at hand. In a few days, he would travel to the Divine Mountain Sect, accompanied by the Dark Twins. Though he had every intention of gaining knowledge from within the sect, he knew it would be essential to keep his ties to the city's information network intact.
As the day of departure drew near, Qin Yu gathered the Phantom Assassins once more, ensuring every detail was in place.
"In my absence, the Veiled Insight must appear impartial," he instructed. "We can't afford to draw suspicion from the greater sects."
The Phantom leader, a figure cloaked in shadows yet ever loyal, gave a firm nod. "Understood, Young Master. We will act with discretion."
"Good," Qin Yu replied, eyes narrowing with focus. "Maintain daily reports through our usual channels. If any unusual developments arise, send word immediately."
With his organization firmly rooted in the city, he was ready for the next phase of his plan. A month of carefully orchestrated preparation had set the stage, and now, with his goals aligned and the Dark Twins at his side, Qin Yu was prepared to make his move toward the Divine Mountain Sect.
As he stepped outside his estate that morning, the crisp air filled his lungs, carrying a sense of anticipation. The Dark Twins, ever silent and imposing, flanked him, their presence a reminder of the strength he commanded.
Looking back at his city one last time, he whispered under his breath, a wry smile forming, "Let's see what the Divine Mountain Sect truly holds."