Chen Ning stood at the edge of the dark stone courtyard, his eyes darting around cautiously. The demonic cultivators had brought him to this hidden sect, deep within the mountains, after he had fallen off the cliff. Every muscle in his body ached, but he had managed to convince them that he was on their side. His survival depended on it.The sect grounds were unlike anything he had ever seen. Black and red banners fluttered in the cold breeze, emblazoned with symbols that looked ominous and powerful. The stone buildings, dark and imposing, seemed to absorb the light around them. Cultivators in black and red robes moved with a quiet, menacing grace, their eyes sharp and calculating.Chen knew he had to blend in if he was going to survive and find a way out. He needed information about this sect and its intentions. And most importantly, he had to avoid giving away his true identity.As he stood there, a girl around his age approached him. She had a confident stride and wore the sect's uniform with ease. Her hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and she had a mischievous glint in her eyes."Hey there," she greeted, her voice light but filled with curiosity. "You must be new. I'm Sua Quan. I heard you were brought in yesterday."Chen forced a smile, trying to appear as relaxed as possible. "Yes, I am. My name is... Meng Qingshan."Sua Quan raised an eyebrow, her eyes scanning him up and down. "Meng Qingshan, huh? Interesting name. You don't look like most of the new recruits we get around here. What brings you to our sect?"Chen had thought about this moment ever since he had woken up among the demonic cultivators. He had to make his story believable. "I was wandering the mountains, looking for a place where I could learn to become stronger. The righteous sects never accepted me, but your people did."Sua Quan's expression softened slightly, and she nodded in understanding. "You're not the first to come here after being rejected by the so-called righteous sects. Our sect welcomes those who are willing to embrace a different path."She gestured for him to follow her. "Come on, I'll show you around. You'll need to know your way if you're going to fit in here."Chen followed her through the sect grounds, trying to absorb as much information as he could. Sua Quan pointed out the various buildings and training areas, explaining their purposes. The more she talked, the more Chen realized how well-organized and disciplined this sect was, despite its dark nature.They passed by a group of cultivators sparring in a wide, open area. Their movements were sharp and precise, and Chen could feel the dark energy radiating off of them. It sent a shiver down his spine."Those are some of our advanced disciples," Sua Quan explained. "They're practicing our sect's unique techniques. If you stick around long enough, you might get to learn them too."Chen nodded, feigning interest. "I hope so. I want to become strong enough to stand on my own."Sua Quan smiled. "You will, if you work hard. Come on, let's get you some proper clothes. You can't keep walking around in those."She led him to a building near the edge of the courtyard. Inside, rows of black and red robes hung neatly, each bearing the sect's emblem. Sua Quan grabbed a set and handed them to Chen."Here you go," she said. "These should fit you. Once you put these on, you'll officially be one of us."Chen took the clothes, the weight of his situation sinking in even deeper. He was about to don the uniform of a demonic sect, a group he had been taught to see as the enemy. But he had no choice. To survive, he had to become one of them, at least for now.He quickly changed into the new robes, adjusting them to fit as comfortably as possible. The fabric was surprisingly soft, but it felt heavy with the implications of what it represented.Sua Quan gave him an approving nod. "Not bad. You look the part now. Remember, Meng Qingshan, if anyone asks, you're here because you want to be. Trust doesn't come easily here, but if you show that you're committed, you'll earn your place."Chen nodded, forcing another smile. "Thank you, Sua Quan. I'll do my best."As they left the building, Chen's mind raced with thoughts of what to do next. He needed to gather more information and find a way to contact General Liu. He couldn't stay here forever. But for now, he would play the part of Meng Qingshan, a lost soul looking for strength in the dark."Come on," Sua Quan said, pulling him from his thoughts. "Let's get you to the dining hall. You must be hungry after everything that's happened."Chen nodded, following her lead. As they walked, he couldn't help but wonder how long he could keep up this charade. The demonic sect was dangerous, and one wrong move could cost him his life. But he had to stay strong and find a way back to the people who truly knew him—before it was too late.