The first rays of dawn crept over the Divine Mountain Sect, casting long shadows across its sprawling courtyards and towering peaks. Qin Yu stepped out of the guest pavilion he had been assigned temporarily. The Dark Twins flanked him as always, their silent presence like shadows that moved with him.
Today marked his first full day in the Divine Mountain Sect, and there was no time to waste. The sect's intricate hierarchy and its hidden workings were ripe for exploration.
As Qin Yu made his way towards the central courtyard, where disciples gathered for their daily routines, he noticed the stares. Whispers followed him like a trail of smoke.
"Who is he?"
"Did you see Elder Long Wu personally escort him?"
"He's not wearing sect robes… What's his deal?"
Qin Yu ignored the murmurs, his steps steady and his smirk barely visible. The Dark Twins followed closely, their sharp eyes catching every envious glance and every subtle sneer.
A group of disciples, dressed in standard green-and-silver sect robes, blocked his path near the training grounds. Their leader, a young man with an air of arrogance, crossed his arms and smirked.
"You must be the newcomer everyone's whispering about," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "Strutting around with bodyguards like some young master. This isn't a city street, boy. You'll need more than attitude to survive here."
Qin Yu stopped, his gaze locking onto the speaker. His smirk widened as he tilted his head slightly, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "You seem awfully invested in my business for someone who doesn't know me."
The man's expression hardened, but before he could retort, a calm yet authoritative voice interrupted.
"Enough."
The disciples immediately turned, bowing as a middle-aged man approached. His robes were embroidered with silver phoenixes, marking him as an elder. His stern gaze swept over the group before settling on Qin Yu.
"I am Elder Han," he introduced himself, his voice steady but firm. "Elder Long Wu has instructed me to ensure you are properly introduced to the sect's workings. Follow me."
Qin Yu offered a slight nod. "Lead the way, Elder Han."
Elder Han led Qin Yu through the sprawling sect grounds, explaining its various divisions and their purposes.
"The Divine Mountain Sect operates under a strict hierarchy," Elder Han began. "Outer disciples, inner disciples, core disciples, and the elite—a status only a few hold, chosen personally by the sect leader or elders."
Qin Yu listened intently, taking mental notes. The sect was a well-oiled machine, each part serving a specific function. But like any machine, it had its weaknesses, cracks where ambition and greed could seep through.
When they reached the library, Elder Han stopped. "This is the Hall of Eternal Knowledge. It houses the sect's techniques, records, and ancient texts. As someone with Elder Long Wu's token, you have access to the first two levels."
"Only the first two?" Qin Yu asked, his tone light but curious.
Elder Han's lips twitched. "Even with your connections, you must earn your way further. The higher levels are reserved for core disciples and the elite."
Qin Yu nodded, filing away the information. For now.
As the tour concluded, Elder Han escorted Qin Yu to the main hall, where Elder Long Wu waited. The elder's presence was as commanding as ever, his aura faintly suppressing even the air around him.
"Qin Yu," Long Wu greeted, gesturing for him to sit. "How was your first impression of the sect?"
"Grand, as expected," Qin Yu replied smoothly. "Though I've noticed that some disciples could use lessons in hospitality."
Long Wu chuckled. "Disciples will be disciples. They'll learn their place soon enough."
The elder leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Now, let's discuss your path here. As I mentioned before, challenges await you. Not everyone will take kindly to your presence, especially given the attention you've drawn."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Qin Yu said, his tone laced with a hint of mischief.
Long Wu handed him a small jade slip. "This contains the training schedule and expectations for someone of your standing. Follow it, and you'll quickly adapt. Deviate, and you'll find the consequences… unpleasant."
Qin Yu took the slip, his smirk unwavering. "I appreciate the warning, Elder."
That night, Qin Yu sat cross-legged in his quarters, the jade slip lying on the table before him. The Dark Twins stood guard at the entrance, their presence a silent reassurance.
Opening the system interface, Qin Yu reviewed the network progress reports from the Phantom Assassins. The Veiled Insight was growing faster than expected. Key informants had already been planted in his home city, and the information flow was steady.
Good. With this, I'll have eyes and ears even while I'm here.
The system chimed, displaying a new notification:
[System Update: Training Mission Unlocked]
Objective: Survive the First Trial of the Divine Mountain Sect.Reward: Unknown Technique (High-Rank).
Qin Yu's eyes narrowed as he read the mission details.
"Survive?" he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "They really don't hold back, do they?"
The Dark Twins exchanged a glance but said nothing.
Qin Yu closed the interface, leaning back with a smirk. Let them try. Whatever they throw at me, I'll turn it into an opportunity.
Unknown to Qin Yu, a pair of eyes watched from the shadows of the sect leader's chambers. The sect leader, an enigmatic figure rarely seen, sat in silence as the elder before him spoke.
"This boy, Qin Yu… He is different," Elder Long Wu said, his tone respectful yet contemplative.
The sect leader remained silent, his gaze distant as he watched the boy's actions through a scrying artifact. Finally, he spoke, his voice deep and commanding.
"Keep an eye on him, Long Wu. He carries potential… and danger. Let's see which side emerges."