The courtyard buzzed with murmurs of disappointment and curiosity as Elder Lin's announcement settled. Many disciples reluctantly turned to leave, while others exchanged concerned glances, debating whether the sect mission's cancellation was truly necessary.
Some grew very frightened hearing that a demonic art practitioner had infiltrated the sect. There was no one amongst them who had not heard of the dreadful deeds of the demon practices and how killing was second nature to them.
'I'm not ready to die a gruesome death as I heard the demon sects usually impact on their victims. I support the mission being cancelled' said one inner sect member to his group of friends as they made their way back into the sect.
'Are we going back? Another asked in a timid voice
'Yes we are' replied the first youth who appeared to be the leader of the small group of boys
'Bbbbut the elders have not decided yet' a short burly boy of about thirteen years said, standing where he was.
'Whether the elders approve that the sect mission continues or not, I am going back to the sect' the first boy declared and walked away in the midst of the ongoing argument.
Similar conversation was going on among groups of disciples as the elders conferred. Some decidedly walked back to the sect while others waited to hear the elders' decision.
The elders huddled together, their low voices blending with the murmurs around them. Elder Lin, with his ever-calculating demeanor, broke the silence. "The Qinghe Forest is dangerous, yes, but keeping the disciples confined to the sect isn't the solution. Whoever infiltrated our ranks may not target them in the forest."
'I don't quite agree with you elder Lin' protested elder Chen 'elder Yin's killing may be a diversion for us to think that there will be no danger in the forest while the demon sect lay ambush on our disciples and kill them off or worse still enslave them.'
'Cultivation is not an easy journey and we can't shield the disciples against the perils of the cultivation world. The mission itself is a dangerous one as the disciples may encounter ferocious beasts that will also be a danger to them. Adding the variable of the demonic sect will be too much for a lot of the disciples to handle' another elder agreed.
'But I think this could be an opportunity for the disciples to temper themselves and advance. This could even be advantageous for some disciples. The cultivation world is a dangerous one and the sooner they are aware, the better,' countered another.
'We are all forgetting the fact that we need to investigate elder Yin's death. Allowing them to go might serve as a diversion.'
Elder Han nodded thoughtfully. "Sending the disciples might serve as a diversion while we investigate Elder Yin's death. Besides, Elder Jiang can accompany them. His presence alone will ensure their safety from external threats."
Elder Jiang's sharp eyes narrowed at the suggestion. "You want me to play babysitter while the sect handles an infiltration of dark arts practitioners? I am the best martial artist in the sect"
Elder Han smiled faintly. "we know this and it is not babysitting, Brother Jiang. It's leadership. Your strength will assure the disciples of their safety. Meanwhile, we need your presence to calm their fears and instil discipline in such volatile circumstances. If as some of thought that it is an ambush, then your presence as the great Butcher could also serve as a deterrent to any unfortunate demonic sect member that may be lurking in wait in the forest."
After an heated back and forth deliberation, every elder accepted the decision. Elder Jiang reluctantly agreed, though the annoyance on his face could not be hidden.
Elder Han raised his hand, silencing the crowd. "Disciples!" His voice boomed. "The mission to Qinghe Forest will proceed under one condition—Elder Jiang will accompany you."
A wave of excitement rippled through the disciples, erasing the earlier disappointment. Their anticipation was awakened again as whispers turned to exclamations of enthusiasm.
"Yes!" Jiang Mei pumped her fist. "I knew they wouldn't cancel it."
"This is our chance!" said another disciple, already strategizing aloud.
Lu Heng, standing at the edge of the crowd, smirked. The mission's continuation fit perfectly into his plans. His dark aura swirled faintly, concealed under the guise of excitement as he anticipated his next steps.
The massive gates of the Xiang Sect creaked open, revealing the rolling hills and dense mist of the Qinghe Forest in the distance. The disciples crowded forward, their chatter lively as they anticipated the adventure ahead. Some already dreaming of the number of rare herbs they will get and its attendant sect points.
Zhang Wei kept a close eye on Li, who seemed composed as usual despite the earlier chaos. "What's going through your mind?" Zhang asked, walking beside him.
Li adjusted the sword on his back and smirked faintly. "Nothing much. Just wondering if this mission will be as thrilling as everyone claims. I'm actually looking forward to it"
"It's dangerous, not thrilling," Zhang muttered. "Stick close to me. I'm not about to let you risk your life unnecessarily."
"Relax," Li replied. "I'll be careful."
As they reached the forest's edge, Elder Jiang stepped forward. "Listen up!" he barked. The disciples fell silent, their eager faces turning toward him.
"The Qinghe Forest is vast and treacherous. You will encounter both opportunities and dangers. You are free to explore as you wish, but you must remain vigilant at all times. Form groups if you value your lives. The forest shows no mercy to those who wander aimlessly. Being a group will aid you against ferocious beast who abound in the forest and some even eat the herbs you are here for as food."
The disciples broke into discussions, deciding whether to pair up or venture solo.
Jiang Mei waved over her sparring partner. "Let's team up. Strength in numbers, right?"
"I agree," her partner said, already surveying others to join their group.
Some disciples chose otherwise. "I don't need anyone slowing me down," declared a tall, muscular inner disciple called Murung Su, as he tightened his grip on his spear.
"Your loss," someone who had wanted to form a group with him muttered, shaking their head and walking away.
Lu Heng, standing a little apart, glanced at two junior disciples who were nervously shuffling nearby. "You two," he said, his tone light but commanding. "Join me."
The juniors exchanged glances, hesitant but unable to refuse. Lu Heng's aura was oppressive, leaving no room for argument. They nodded, falling in behind him. Although they had always followed his instructions in the past and fawn over him, his aura these past weeks had grown increasingly oppressive that they were more afraid than eager to join him. But they had no choice.
Meanwhile, Li stood with Zhang Wei and three others—Yu Ling, a sharp-eyed girl from the Inner Sect, and twin brothers Lei Yun and Lei Feng, both outer disciples with budding talents. Zhang Wei had personally selected them as they were all disciples of Elder Han.
Zhang Wei surveyed the group. "Five is a good number. We'll watch each other's backs and split the spoils fairly."
Li nodded, his gaze shifting to the misty expanse ahead. "Let's make this worthwhile."
The groups scattered, each heading deeper into the forest. The trees loomed tall and ancient, their twisted roots snaking across the ground like veins. The air grew cooler as the disciples ventured further, the forest's ethereal whispers creating an eerie soundtrack to their journey.
Yu Ling glanced around, her dagger drawn. "This place feels alive. Like it's watching us."
"Don't let it get to you," Zhang Wei said, his grip on his blade tightening. "Focus on the mission."
Lei Yun and Lei Feng exchanged nervous looks but nodded, determined to keep pace.
Further ahead, Lu Heng's group moved with calculated steps. He walked slightly ahead, his lackeys trailing behind like shadows. He glanced back, his lips curling into a sly smile.
"Stick close," he said. "We wouldn't want anyone to get lost."
The juniors nodded fervently, unaware of the dark intentions concealed within his words.
Li's group pressed deeper into the forest, their senses heightened as the whispers grew louder. Suddenly, Yu Ling held up a hand, signaling the group to stop.
"What is it?" Lei Yun whispered.
She pointed ahead. "Tracks. Fresh ones. Looks like a beast passed through here not long ago."
Zhang Wei crouched to examine the marks. "They're deep. Could be something large and heavy. Stay alert."
The group moved cautiously, their eyes scanning every shadow and rustle. The forest seemed to breathe around them, its dense foliage hiding countless secrets.
Li's heart pounded in his chest, not from fear but from a strange exhilaration. The forest was alive in ways he hadn't imagined, and he felt an inexplicable connection to its energy.
As they rounded a bend, a faint glow caught their attention—a cluster of luminous flowers growing at the base of a massive tree.
"Spirit Blossoms," Yu Ling whispered. "Rare and valuable."
Lei Feng stepped forward eagerly, but Zhang Wei grabbed his arm. "Wait. Watch for its guardian first."
No sooner had he spoken than a low growl reverberated through the air. The ground trembled as a massive shadow emerged from the underbrush—a hulking beast with crimson eyes and jagged tusks.
The group froze, their weapons drawn as the beast let out a deafening roar.
"Looks like we found the guardian," Li muttered, his grip tightening on his sword.
"Stay together!" Zhang Wei commanded as the beast charged, its massive hooves shaking the earth.