That night, Elora donned a red form-fitting outfit, moving through the night like a shadowed panther, swiftly making her way toward the Skycrest Sect.
Previously, one of the spies Elora had placed within the Skycrest Sect had delivered the sect's architectural plans into her hands. So, upon arrival, she navigated with ease, flying up to the rooftop of the study. Cautiously lifting a tile, she peered inside and saw Evan Skylar in the midst of a conversation with the leaders of the other three major sects.
"Thank you all for coming. I have urgent matters to discuss," Evan Skylar began, casting a glance at the assembled leaders. "The Nebula Sect has wreaked havoc across the martial world in recent years, leaving no survivors in its wake. Their cruel methods are notorious. As the pillars of righteousness in the martial world, we, the Four Great Sects, bear the responsibility to unite against this evil cult and eradicate its leader."
"Skylar's words ring true," Axel, the leader of the Golden Scorpion Sect, was the first to voice his agreement.
"Hmph, sounds good in theory, but do any of you know where the Nebula Sect is? Have any of you ever seen its leader?" Drake, the head of the Thunderstrike Sect, snorted coldly. Since its inception, the Nebula Sect's leader had rarely appeared in the martial world, and only a handful had ever laid eyes on them. How could they discuss its eradication?
The group turned to Allan, who sat leisurely sipping his tea.
"You decide. Don't ask for my opinion," Allan, the leader of the Shadow Serpent Pavilion, remained neutral. What had caused Evan Skylar, the old fox, to suddenly propose an attack on the Nebula Sect? There must be some ulterior motive behind this. He would stay back and observe before making a move.
"As long as the four of us join forces, we will surely bring down the Nebula Sect," Evan Skylar declared confidently. He had no doubt that his preparations were thorough.
"Oh?" Allan raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. Without knowing the location of the Nebula Sect, Evan Skylar was already proposing an alliance? And how could he be so certain that they would agree to such an alliance?
"To be frank, I have already discovered the location of the Nebula Sect's headquarters. It lies atop a sheer cliff next to Nebula Mountain," Evan Skylar announced.
"And how do we get there?" Drake, known for his volatile temper, slammed his hand on the table, rising to his feet.
"Do not worry. After extensive investigation, I have learned that the Nebula Sect activates a mechanism on the first and fifteenth of each month to raise a suspension bridge," Evan Skylar explained, his tone calm.
"Why should we trust you?" Allan stood up, walking out of the study. Evan Skylar had investigated everything so thoroughly, clearly having devised this scheme well in advance, waiting for the rest of them to agree. It seemed like he was already plotting against them.
The other leaders exchanged glances. "Since Allan has left, I too will take my leave," Drake, who had a close private relationship with Allan, followed suit.
"Then I will take my leave as well," Axel said, seeing that the others were leaving. There was no point in discussing the eradication of the cult now.
"Humph—ungrateful fools!" Evan Skylar seethed, watching the others depart. His patience finally snapped, and he slammed his hand on the table, shattering it with the force of his blow.
"Raven, in a few days, summon Allan here privately," Evan Skylar murmured, his fingers tracing the small booklet in his hand, already plotting his next move.
"Understood."
"By the way, what has Victor been up to lately?" Evan Skylar sighed in exasperation as he thought of his youngest son, who, for reasons unknown, had abandoned martial training in favor of chasing wealth.
"He's managing his various shops," Raven Skylar replied, providing a straightforward answer.
"That wretched boy! Call him back tomorrow," Evan Skylar waved dismissively. "No need for further discussion. You may go now."
...
After Raven Skylar left, Elora, still perched on the rooftop, watched as Evan Skylar triggered a hidden mechanism, causing the bookshelf to shift. To her astonishment, a concealed compartment appeared.
Elora held her breath, eyes narrowing as she saw Evan Skylar place the small booklet inside. What could be so important that it was hidden so meticulously?
Once Evan Skylar had left the room, Elora slipped inside, determined to find the hidden mechanism.
"Vixen, help me find where the mechanism is."
"It's beneath the green ceramic vase on the top shelf," Vixen instructed.
Elora followed Vixen's guidance, but after searching for a long while, she still couldn't locate the mechanism. "Where is it, Vixen?"
"You're hopeless. Move the vase. The mechanism is behind the wall it's resting on."
"Why didn't you say that sooner? How was I supposed to know?" Elora muttered as she shifted the vase. "Found it!" She tapped the brick, feeling an odd indentation in the center, and without hesitation, pressed it down. The bookshelf moved again, revealing the hidden compartment before her.