Xu Yan neared the Blood Fang Sect under the cover of night. Activating his facial disguise technique, his sharp features blurred into something plain and forgettable. He moved quietly through the shadows, avoiding the few disciples still awake. Arriving at his quarters without incident, he slipped inside and closed the door behind him.
He discarded his bloodied robes and lay down on the bed. His body felt heavy, but his thoughts were heavier. As exhaustion overtook him, his dreams drifted to the past.
In the dream, Grandpa Chen's familiar voice filled his ears. He remembered the times he was bullied by the neighbor's son, only for Grandpa Chen to teach him how to fight back. "If they push you, you push harder," Grandpa Chen had said with a mischievous grin. Xu Yan recalled the pride he'd felt when he finally stood his ground.
The dream shifted to long afternoons by the river, where Grandpa Chen showed him sword forms with a steady hand. The old man had said, "A sword isn't just a weapon. It's discipline. It's your resolve."
Another memory surfaced—the day he left for the Azure Sky Sect. Grandpa Chen had stood at the gate, waving goodbye. The bittersweet smile on his face was something Xu Yan could never forget.
Finally, the scene turned dark. He returned to Grandpa Chen's house, only to find it empty. On the table was a letter. The words came back to him clearly, etched in his memory:
"My dear Xu Yan,
Though we share no blood, you've always been my son. I raised you with all my heart, and you brought me joy in my final years. Now, as I near the end, I've decided to wander for the last time, fulfilling an old dream. I leave you this token. Keep it close; it might be useful someday. And if it isn't, think of it as a piece of me to carry with you. Live well, my boy. Don't grieve for me."
The token had the symbol of a white tiger etched into it, glowing faintly in his dream. Xu Yan clutched it tightly in his sleep, but as the dream faded, so did the warmth.
He woke with a start, brushing away a single tear that had escaped. Sitting up, his gaze fell to the pendant he now wore around his neck. After a moment of silence, he shook his head, got dressed in clean robes, and activated his disguise again. His face returned to the unremarkable mask he'd created before. With a steady breath, he left his quarters.
At the mission hall, the elder sat in his usual spot, lounging in a chair with a bored expression. Xu Yan approached, offering a small bow. "Hello, Elder," he said calmly. "I've returned to turn in missions and items for contribution points."
The elder cracked an eye open, scanning Xu Yan before sitting up. "Wei Feng reported you missing after the Crimson Wraith Forest mission," he said, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion. "Yet here you are. Surviving an Awakened Soul Realm Nightfang Wolf and advancing to Qi Refining? Care to explain?"
Xu Yan paused, his face unreadable. "I broke through during the battle with weaker wolves," he said, his tone measured. "In my escape, I stumbled upon the cave of a senior who had passed. The cave offered protection, and I managed to find a hidden exit that led out of the forest. On the way back, I encountered an injured Azure Sky Sect disciple who was carrying the Scarlet Moon Lotus. I… claimed it and returned after recuperating."
The elder's gaze lingered for a moment before he nodded. "Your token."
Xu Yan handed it over, waiting silently as the elder made some adjustments. Finally, the elder returned it along with a small pouch. "Your points are updated. For the Scarlet Moon Lotus, you've earned these Qi Gathering Pills. Don't waste them."
Xu Yan bowed slightly. "Thank you, Elder."
The elder waved him off, reclining back in his chair. Without another word, Xu Yan turned and left the hall, his thoughts already turning to what lay ahead.
What Xu Yan didn't notice was the elder watching his back as he walked away, an unreadable expression on his face. After a moment, the elder muttered softly to himself, "Hmm..." before closing his eyes once more, his thoughts his own.