The sun hung high in the sky as Qin Yu approached the gates of the Divine Mountain Sect, its towering peaks looming like sentinels over the vast expanse below. The massive gates, made of obsidian stone etched with glowing runes, radiated a pressure that would cow lesser cultivators. However, Qin Yu remained unfazed, his expression calm yet confident, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
The Dark Twins walked silently behind him, their sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. The awe-inspiring aura of the sect was lost on Qin Yu. He was here for a purpose—not to admire grandeur.
As he neared the gates, a group of inner disciples stood guard, their cultivation evident from the faint ripples of Qi surrounding them. The leader, a tall man with a stern face, stepped forward, blocking Qin Yu's path.
"State your purpose," the disciple demanded, his tone authoritative.
Qin Yu raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "I am here to meet Elder Long Wu."
The disciple's eyes narrowed. "Elder Long Wu does not meet with just anyone. Show proof of your claim, or leave."
Qin Yu sighed, pulling out the jade token Elder Long Wu had given him during the tournament. Its intricate carvings shimmered faintly in the sunlight, a symbol of authority that silenced any doubts.
The disciple's expression shifted, first to disbelief, then to shock. "That… That's Elder Long Wu's personal token! But…" He hesitated, clearly struggling to reconcile the token with the young man before him.
Qin Yu's smirk grew sharper. "Do you need further proof? Or will you waste more of my time?" His voice carried an edge, a subtle challenge that made the disciple grit his teeth.
"Apologies," the disciple finally said, stepping aside. "You may enter. Follow the main path to the Grand Hall, where Elder Long Wu will likely be."
Without a word, Qin Yu strode past, the Dark Twins following like shadows. The other disciples whispered among themselves as he disappeared into the sect's interior.
The Divine Mountain Sect was a labyrinth of stone paths winding through lush gardens and ancient courtyards. Disciples moved about in green and silver robes, their conversations pausing as they noticed Qin Yu and his imposing entourage.
Reaching the Grand Hall, Qin Yu glanced at the towering structure. Its pillars were carved with depictions of celestial beasts, and the air itself seemed to hum with latent power. However, as he approached, another group of senior disciples intercepted him.
"What business do you have here, outsider?" one of them barked, his tone dripping with disdain.
Qin Yu didn't respond immediately. Instead, he lazily pulled out the jade token once again, letting the intricate carvings catch the light.
The lead disciple frowned, clearly displeased. "A token doesn't grant you free rein to wander here. Elder Long Wu is a busy man—"
"I don't recall asking for your permission," Qin Yu interrupted, his tone sharp. "If you want to verify the token's authenticity, take me to him yourself. Otherwise, step aside."
The disciple's face turned red with anger, but before he could retort, a voice boomed from within the hall.
"Enough."
The disciples immediately bowed as Elder Long Wu stepped into view, his presence commanding even in his casual demeanor. He glanced at the token in Qin Yu's hand and nodded approvingly.
"So, you've arrived," Long Wu said, his gaze sharp but filled with a trace of amusement.
"I said I would," Qin Yu replied, his tone casual but respectful enough to avoid crossing a line.
Long Wu gestured for him to follow. "Come. We have much to discuss."
The quarters were modest compared to the grandeur outside, but Qin Yu noticed the layers of defensive arrays etched into the walls. They were subtle yet potent, indicating that Long Wu valued security above luxury.
Seated across from each other, Long Wu studied Qin Yu carefully. "You carry yourself with confidence. Tell me, what is it you truly seek here?"
Qin Yu leaned back slightly, his smirk returning. "Knowledge. And strength. I've seen the world outside, but I want to understand what makes the so-called 'greater sects' so untouchable."
Long Wu's lips curved into a faint smile. "You speak like someone with a plan."
"Perhaps I do." Qin Yu's tone was light, but his eyes held a dangerous glint.
Long Wu chuckled. "Very well. You'll find what you seek here, but remember—this sect is no playground. You'll face challenges that will test your resolve."
Qin Yu's smirk didn't falter. "Challenges are merely opportunities in disguise, Elder."
Before departing his city, Qin Yu had ensured that his plans were set in motion. The Phantom Assassins worked tirelessly to establish the Veiled Insight network, an organization that appeared to be a simple information guild to the public. However, in truth, it was a web of spies and informants that answered directly to him.
Through this network, Qin Yu already had eyes and ears in key locations, gathering intelligence on sect politics, rogue cultivators, and hidden power struggles.
The Dark Twins had proven invaluable, overseeing operations and eliminating threats with surgical precision. Their loyalty and skill left no room for doubt, and their strength ensured that no one dared interfere with the network's growth.
Now, as he sat in Long Wu's quarters, Qin Yu's mind was already working. The Divine Mountain Sect will be no different. Every sect has its secrets, and I'll uncover them in time.
Before Qin Yu left the Elder's quarters, Long Wu handed him a scroll. "This contains the foundational techniques of the Divine Mountain Sect. Study it well, but remember—power is not just in techniques but in how you wield them."
Qin Yu accepted the scroll with a slight bow. "I'll keep that in mind, Elder."
As he left, the Dark Twins flanked him, their presence a reminder of the power he already commanded. Qin Yu's smirk widened as he gazed up at the moonlit peaks of the Divine Mountain Sect.
Divine Mountain Sect… Let's see how much I can take before you realize the storm you've invited.