The first light of dawn painted the White Cloud Sect's gates in shades of gold and gray as Bai Jian made his way to meet Wang Shao, his companion already waiting with a wide grin and an eager glint in his eyes.
They exchanged greetings, and soon they were settled in a carriage bound for Luan City. The journey was quiet, with both of them lost in thought thinking about what laid ahead of them.
As the carriage rolled through the dusty roads, they finally reached the towering gates of Luan City. The walls loomed large, casting shadows that stretched across the road. As they neared, two guards stepped forward, signaling the carriage to a stop.
"Halt! State your purpose and show your identification," one guard commanded, his gaze firm but curious as he sized up the two young cultivators.
With a confident smile, Wang Shao reached into his robe and produced a small token emblazoned with the emblem of the White Cloud Sect. He held it up for the guards to see.
"We're disciples of the White Cloud Sect," Wang Shao said with a friendly nod. "We're here on invitation from the City Lord himself."
The guards exchanged a look, their expressions shifting immediately to one of respect. They bowed, straightening as their tone became more courteous.
"My apologies, young masters," the first guard said, his earlier firmness replaced with deference.
"We hadn't expected disciples from the White Cloud Sect so early. Please, proceed."
The second guard gave a respectful nod, gesturing toward the city gates. "The City Lord's manor is just up the main road. It's an honor to have White Cloud Sect disciples visiting Luan City."
Wang Shao inclined his head in return, a slight smile on his lips. "Thank you, sirs. We appreciate the warm welcome."
As the carriage rolled through the gates and into the bustling streets of Luan City, Bai Jian observed the city's lively energy with interest.
Inside the city, the streets were bustling with activity, vendors calling out their wares, and townsfolk going about their morning routines. As they wandered further, Bai Jian noticed a pair of guards helping an elderly woman who had dropped her basket of fruit. They were gentle, treating her with respect, and even offering to carry the basket to her home. Wang Shao noticed it too, a proud smile touching his lips.
"Luan City is ruled by City Lord Zheng Rui, a cultivator of the Essence Forging Realm," Wang Shao said quietly, watching the scene.
"He's known for his kindness and fairness, treating the people under him with respect. But don't be mistaken, he's just as strict in enforcing the laws here. He won't tolerate any trouble within his city walls."
Bai Jian nodded, a sense of admiration settling in. "It's rare in this world, where strength is often used as a means to oppress, to see someone using their power to lift others instead."
They continued through the city until they reached the grand entrance of the City Lord's manor. As they approached, Bai Jian's gaze shifted to a group standing near the entrance. He recognized the distinct crimson robes of Crimson Star Palace and the dark brown robes of the Ironwood Sect.
The Ironwood Sect disciples immediately noticed them, their expressions twisting with disdain. The leader of the group, a broad-shouldered disciple with a smug smile, stepped forward, sneering at the White Cloud Sect disciples.
"Well, well, look who showed up," he sneered. "White Cloud Sect… I hope you didn't bring your usual weaklings here. This mission needs real strength."
Wang Shao's eyes narrowed, a spark of irritation flashing. "And I hope Ironwood Sect brought people with better manners this time. We wouldn't want your arrogance weighing us down."
The Ironwood disciple clenched his fists, taking a step forward, his qi beginning to flare, but before he could strike, a powerful aura blanketed the area. Everyone turned, feeling the sheer weight of it pressing down like an unbreakable wall.
From the manor's entrance, a tall man dressed in elegant robes stepped forward, his face calm but commanding. Bai Jian could feel his strength radiating, refined and controlled. This was undoubtedly City Lord Zheng Rui himself.
"Enough," Zheng Rui's voice was soft but resolute, and even the most reckless disciples froze at the sound.
He cast a cool glance at the Ironwood Sect disciples, then at the others.
"You are all guests here, invited to assist in this mission. While under my command, I expect peace and cooperation. At least while we are working together.."
The leader of the Ironwood Sect disciples scoffed, crossing his arms with a begrudging nod. "Fine."
With the tension diffused, Zheng Rui turned back toward the manor, gesturing for the disciples to follow him inside. Bai Jian exchanged a brief look with Wang Shao, both silently appreciating the City Lord's strength and authority.
As they stepped into the grand hall of the City Lord's manor, the air was filled with a quiet tension, each disciple's gaze shifting cautiously toward the others. At the far end of the hall, City Lord Zheng Rui took his place, his calm yet commanding presence filling the room as he motioned for everyone to gather.
After a brief pause, Zheng Rui began to speak. "As you may know, the mission I have invited you to assist with involves an ancient ruin recently uncovered near Luan City. This ruin is believed to be the remains of the Celestial Wind Clan — an old cultivation clan known for their mastery over elemental arts, particularly wind techniques."
He paused, glancing at the disciples. "According to what we know, the Celestial Wind Clan was wiped out during a turbulent period long ago. Yet, it is rumored they left behind invaluable cultivation manuals, powerful relics, and possibly even artifacts imbued with their clan's unique techniques. Your task is to explore these ruins, retrieve whatever valuable artifacts you may find, and, of course, handle any dangers that lie within."
A murmur rippled through the gathered disciples, eyes lighting up at the prospect of uncovering ancient relics and rare cultivation techniques.
One of the disciples from Crimson Star Palace stepped forward, his crimson robes reflecting the morning light streaming through the hall's windows.
Bowing respectfully, he introduced himself, his voice calm and confident. "City Lord Zheng, this one's name is Ji Yuan of Crimson Star Palace. Could you elaborate on the specific objectives within the ruins? Are we permitted to keep any findings or cultivation techniques we come across?"
Zheng Rui's gaze softened as he addressed Ji Yuan's question. "Within the ruins, there is one item of particular importance that I seek, an artifact known as the Celestial Wind Compass. This relic was said to be a central tool of the Celestial Wind Clan, rumored to have the ability to locate and channel natural qi veins. It is my primary reason for assembling this expedition."
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle over the group. "All I ask is that if you find the Celestial Wind Compass, you bring it directly to me. Any other items you find within the ruins — spirit herbs, minor treasures, or manuals — are yours to keep as a reward for your efforts."
The disciples murmured in acknowledgment, the prospect of exploring the ruins with minimal restrictions clearly lifting their spirits.