The air in the chamber grew still as Wei Xuan's words settled over Wu Qian and his team. Despite the heavy weight of her revelation, Wu Qian couldn't ignore the gnawing sense that the world he knew was much smaller than he had ever imagined. The True Horizon wasn't just an organization—it was a system, an ideology embedded deep within the core of cultivation society.
Wei Xuan's gaze swept across the room, her expression as unreadable as ever. "I'll start with the basics," she said, her tone businesslike. "The True Horizon is not just a sect—it is the foundation of an ancient order, established centuries ago by cultivators who grew disillusioned with the current state of the world. They believe the cultivation system, as it stands, is fundamentally flawed. The strong oppress the weak, the powerful dictate the rules, and society is stagnating in a rigid hierarchy."
Wu Qian's brow furrowed. "That sounds like every other sect's philosophy," he muttered, still skeptical.
Wei Xuan's eyes darkened. "Exactly. But unlike other sects that are content with maintaining the status quo, the True Horizon seeks to destroy it altogether. They believe in total upheaval—a complete dismantling of the current power structures. And to achieve this, they will go to any lengths, including manipulating the very fabric of the cultivation world. They have their hands in politics, trade, and the cultivation techniques passed down from generation to generation."
Lian Yuxi crossed her arms, her expression skeptical but thoughtful. "So, what you're saying is they want to tear everything down, not just seize control of it?"
"Yes," Wei Xuan confirmed. "And they've been working in the shadows for centuries, biding their time, carefully orchestrating their moves. Shen Zhi was a mere pawn, a piece on the board to further their cause. His actions were part of a much larger plan that you're now tangled up in."
Yan Rui, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "So, how does someone like you fit into all of this? You were part of them, and now you're offering us help?"
Wei Xuan's eyes flickered with something akin to regret, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "I left them long ago. They wanted to use me for their purposes—force me to become one of their weapons. But I didn't agree with their methods. I left because I saw the true nature of their ambitions. They aren't just after power. They want to control everything. Every cultivator, every technique, every resource. They want to rewrite the rules of cultivation itself."
Wu Qian's mind spun as he processed her words. "So, if we destroy them, we're not just stopping a group of power-hungry individuals. We're stopping a revolution—one that could change everything about the cultivation world as we know it."
"Precisely," Wei Xuan said, her gaze unwavering. "The True Horizon's endgame isn't just control of the cultivation world. It's the rebirth of the entire system, built upon their own ideology. They believe the old ways are corrupt and must be eradicated. In their eyes, the world as it is needs to be remade—in their image."
A heavy silence settled over the group. Wu Qian's thoughts raced. They had been fighting against factions, sects, and individuals, thinking they were battling for control of the world. But what if the True Horizon was more than just a group trying to seize power? What if they were fighting for the very foundation of cultivation itself?
"We can't let this happen," Wu Qian muttered, his voice low but resolute.
Wei Xuan nodded slowly. "I've been watching you," she said. "You've defeated Shen Zhi, and you have the strength and resolve to face what's coming. But you'll need more than just brute force. You'll need strategy. You'll need allies."
"Allies?" Lian Yuxi repeated. "Who else could we trust? You've already said the True Horizon is everywhere. How can we find anyone who isn't part of their web?"
Wei Xuan's lips twitched in a rare smile. "I didn't say you'd find them easily. But there are others—people who have been fighting the True Horizon from the shadows, just like me. Cultivators who see through the lies of the True Horizon and have their own reasons for resisting. You'll need to form alliances with them, or you'll never stand a chance."
Wu Qian turned to his companions. Lian Yuxi and Yan Rui exchanged uncertain looks, but Wu Qian's determination was unwavering. "We've already defeated Shen Zhi. We can defeat anyone if we stay united. We've come this far—now, we need to take the next step."
Wei Xuan's eyes softened slightly, a flicker of approval in her expression. "Good. But know this: the True Horizon is not an easy enemy to defeat. They are patient, and their influence runs deep. Every move you make will be watched, every ally you gain will be scrutinized. And for every victory you achieve, they will retaliate with everything they have."
Wu Qian straightened, his gaze hardening. "We're not afraid of them."
Wei Xuan's smile was small but genuine, if only for a moment. "No, you're not. That's why I'm here. You have what it takes to stop them—but first, you need to know where to strike."
She stepped forward, pulling out a small scroll from her sleeve. She unrolled it on the ground, revealing a detailed map, its edges worn from years of use.
"This is the key," she said, pointing to several locations marked on the map. "These are known strongholds of the True Horizon, hidden in plain sight across the continent. Some of them are abandoned now, remnants of their old network. But others… are still operational. Each one represents a piece of the puzzle, and each one must be destroyed. You'll need to move quickly and decisively. The longer you wait, the stronger they become."
Wu Qian studied the map, his eyes scanning the markings. "So, we start here?"
Wei Xuan nodded. "Yes. This is where it begins. But be prepared. Each stronghold will be protected by the most dangerous members of the True Horizon. Some of them are cultivators of unimaginable strength. It won't be easy."
"I didn't expect it to be," Wu Qian said, his tone cold. "We're not just fighting for control anymore. We're fighting for survival."
"We are," Wei Xuan agreed. "But you're not alone in this. I will guide you, and I'll share everything I know. Together, we'll strike at the heart of the True Horizon."
For a moment, Wu Qian felt the weight of the task ahead pressing down on him. It was a battle that would stretch across the cultivation world, a war that would change everything. But it was a battle he had no choice but to fight.
"We'll do whatever it takes," Wu Qian said, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "We're in this to the end."
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