The hooded figure moved quietly into the room, their steps deliberate, but Feng Yuntian could feel the tension radiating from them. He remained composed, allowing his guest to make the first move.
The figure lowered their hood, revealing a woman with sharp, angular features and cold eyes. Her long, dark hair was tied back, and she wore the garb of a rogue cultivator. Although her cultivation level was high, it was clear she was no match for Feng Yuntian. Still, he knew better than to underestimate her.
"You don't know me," she began, her tone measured, "but I know a great deal about you, Feng Yuntian. Or should I say, the one who now holds the Skyshadow Medallion?"
Feng Yuntian's eyes glinted with interest, but he didn't respond. He simply waited, letting her continue.
"The medallion you possess is far more than a relic of the past. It's a key—one that can unlock the hidden realm of the Skyshatter Sect, a place long thought to be lost to time," she said, pacing slowly as she spoke. "But it's not just any realm. It holds the legacy of one of the most powerful figures in the sect's history. Whoever unlocks that realm will gain access to knowledge and power that could rival even the strongest cultivators of this world."
Her words confirmed what Feng Yuntian had already suspected, though she was revealing more than he had anticipated. Still, he remained calm, concealing his growing interest. "And you've come to tell me this out of the kindness of your heart?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
The woman smirked, shaking her head. "Hardly. There's no kindness in the world of cultivation, as you well know. I have my own reasons for wanting to unlock the secrets of the medallion. What I'm offering is a partnership."
Feng Yuntian remained silent for a moment, studying her. He could sense no immediate deception, but he was also well aware that in the world of cultivation, motives were rarely pure. Still, she had piqued his curiosity. "And why would I need a partner?" he asked, his voice steady and emotionless.
"Because others are already after it," she replied without hesitation. "You may have noticed the masked group at the auction. They're part of the Crimson Pavilion, a ruthless organization of rogue cultivators and assassins. They're relentless, and they'll stop at nothing to get their hands on that medallion."
She paused, watching him carefully before continuing. "I've had dealings with them before. If you think you can outmaneuver them alone, you're wrong. Their reach extends far beyond Silvermist City. But with my knowledge of their movements and resources, I can help you stay ahead of them."
Feng Yuntian considered her words carefully. The Crimson Pavilion was known for its ruthlessness and cunning, but he had dealt with powerful enemies before. His time in the Chaos had taught him that strength alone wasn't always enough—sometimes strategy and alliances were necessary, even if only temporarily.
"And what exactly do you want in return?" he asked, his tone cold and calculating.
The woman's expression became serious. "I want the same thing you do—the power hidden within the Skyshadow Medallion. But unlike the others, I don't want to take it from you. I simply want to share in its discovery."
Feng Yuntian narrowed his eyes. "Share? And how do I know you won't betray me once we've unlocked its secrets?"
The woman smirked again. "You don't. But I suspect you're smart enough to know that trying to take on the Crimson Pavilion alone isn't a risk worth taking. Besides, I have no interest in petty betrayals. There's more than enough power in that hidden realm for both of us, if we can unlock it."
Silence hung in the air as Feng Yuntian weighed his options. His instincts told him to tread carefully, but he also knew that the Crimson Pavilion was a real threat. With the medallion in his possession, he was a marked man, and it was only a matter of time before they came for him. Having an ally—at least for now—might prove useful.
Finally, he spoke. "Very well. We'll work together, but know this: the moment I sense any treachery, you'll regret it."
The woman nodded, her expression unflinching. "Understood. My name is Li Xue, by the way. We'll need to move quickly. The Crimson Pavilion won't wait long before making their move."
Feng Yuntian simply nodded, his mind already racing with plans. The medallion was the key to unraveling deeper mysteries of the Skyshatter Sect, and now, with the Crimson Pavilion in the picture, time was of the essence. He had to act before the sect or any other faction caught wind of his intentions.
As night fell, Feng Yuntian and Li Xue slipped out of the city, taking the less-traveled routes to avoid unwanted attention. Their destination was an ancient mountain range to the west, a place long abandoned by most cultivators due to its dangerous terrain and unpredictable spiritual energy. According to the information Li Xue had gathered, the hidden realm connected to the medallion could only be accessed from this location.
Their journey was swift but tense. Along the way, they encountered a few rogue cultivators and beasts of moderate strength, but none posed a serious threat. Feng Yuntian remained focused, keeping an eye on Li Xue while also scanning their surroundings for any signs of pursuit.
By the time they reached the foot of the mountain, the moon was high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the rugged landscape. The entrance to the hidden realm was said to be located deep within a cave system, concealed by natural formations and powerful array techniques.
Li Xue led the way, her familiarity with the area evident as she navigated the rocky terrain with ease. Feng Yuntian followed closely, his senses on high alert.
As they ventured deeper into the cave, the air grew thick with spiritual energy, and the walls began to pulse with a faint, otherworldly light. Feng Yuntian could feel the medallion reacting in his pocket, its power resonating with the energy around them.
After what felt like hours of walking, they finally reached a massive stone door, covered in intricate runes and symbols. The door stood at least twenty feet tall, and the energy radiating from it was immense.
Li Xue glanced at Feng Yuntian. "This is it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The entrance to the hidden realm."
Feng Yuntian stepped forward, pulling the medallion from his pocket. As he approached the door, the runes began to glow brighter, and the air hummed with a growing intensity.
Without hesitation, he placed the medallion against the center of the door. There was a moment of stillness, and then the runes flared to life, illuminating the cave in a brilliant light. The stone door rumbled as it slowly began to open, revealing a dark passageway beyond.
Li Xue's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "We're about to uncover the legacy of one of the most powerful figures in the Skyshatter Sect," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Feng Yuntian remained silent, his focus entirely on the path ahead. Whatever awaited them inside, he knew it would be the key to unlocking even greater power—and with it, his path to reclaiming his true strength would continue.