The Falling Leaf Sect's grand hall, typically reserved for seasonal ceremonies and formal judgments, had been hastily prepared for an extraordinary gathering. Wei Yun stood at its center, the focus of every gaze—from wide-eyed outer disciples craning their necks at the hall's perimeter to the assembled elders seated on elevated platforms, their expressions ranging from curiosity to open suspicion.
Head Elder Liu stroked his flowing white beard, eyes like ancient wells that had witnessed generations of cultivators come and go. If he found anything unusual about summoning an outer disciple before the sect's full governing body, his weathered face revealed nothing.
"Wei Yun," his voice carried naturally through the hall without cultivation assistance—a subtle demonstration of mastery that would impress most. To Wei Yun, who had once spoken words that created and destroyed worlds, it was charmingly quaint. "The events at the burial mounds have raised many questions."
Wei Yun maintained his posture of perfect respect—neither too rigid to suggest fear nor too relaxed to imply disrespect. The careful calibration of appearances had become almost entertaining.
"This disciple wishes to be of service in answering them, Head Elder," he replied, his voice deliberately modulated to suggest respectful confidence without arrogance.
Elder Cai, seated to the Head Elder's right, leaned forward. "Let us speak plainly. You demonstrated abilities far beyond your apparent cultivation level. Elder Zhao reports that you neutralized a void manifestation that injured him—a Nascent Soul cultivator—and contained seven void stones with techniques unknown to our sect."
Murmurs rippled through the hall. The crowd had grown since Wei Yun's arrival, disciples abandoning morning training to witness this unprecedented interrogation.
Wei Yun had carefully considered his approach during the night. A complete denial would be foolish given the witnesses. An outlandish claim of divine intervention would create more problems than it solved. The optimal strategy was a partial truth—not a lie, but a simplified version of reality that these mortals could comprehend.
"Respected elders," Wei Yun began, bowing slightly, "I have not been entirely forthcoming about my background."
The murmurs intensified. In the crowd, Wei Yun's divine sense detected Jin Ling's elevated heartbeat and Min Fei's nervous fidgeting.
"I am the last descendant of the Wei cultivation family from the Eastern Cloudrise Mountains."
This was technically true. Nine thousand years ago, during a previous visit to this realm, Wei Ying had established a minor cultivation family that eventually died out. He had indeed been its last member, though not in the way these mortals would interpret.
"Our lineage possessed unique insights into resonance principles and energy purification. When our sect fell to a calamity fifteen years ago, I was sent away with our core manuals and techniques." Wei Yun's voice carried just the right note of restrained emotion. "I've spent years studying them in solitude before seeking formal sect training to fill the gaps in my understanding."
Head Elder Liu's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "The Eastern Cloudrise Wei family... they were indeed known for unorthodox methods. They declined invitations to join the major sects for generations."
Elder Zhao, still recovering from his injuries but present nonetheless, spoke up. "That explains the unusual quality of your qi. But not the golden sword technique you used against the void entity. Such a method is beyond what any minor cultivation family should possess."
Wei Yun had anticipated this question. "The technique is called Sunbreak Resonance Blade. According to our records, it was gifted to our founder by a wandering immortal four centuries ago, in exchange for a service rendered."
This explanation introduced a convenient external factor—a wandering immortal—that could account for anomalies without directly implicating Wei Yun. Cultivators of this realm were quick to attribute unusual phenomena to legendary immortals rather than questioning the fundamental limits of their understanding.
"A wandering immortal," Elder Cai repeated skeptically. "Convenient."
Wei Yun met his gaze with appropriate deference. "My family's records included detailed instructions but warned that the technique requires unusually refined spiritual energy to execute properly. I've practiced the foundations for years but had never attempted the complete form until faced with the void entity."
The room fell silent as the elders exchanged glances, a silent conversation flowing between them. Wei Yun maintained his calm demeanor, though inwardly he found amusement in the situation. These mortals were attempting to judge the veracity of his statements using their limited frameworks. It was like watching children debate the nature of oceans having only seen puddles.
Finally, Head Elder Liu spoke. "Envoy Frost of the Celestial Sword Sect has formally requested your transfer to their sect for 'further investigation of abilities relevant to interdimensional stability.'"
Wei Yun allowed a flicker of concern to cross his features. "I remain committed to the Falling Leaf Sect that accepted me."
"As expected from a disciple of proper character," the Head Elder nodded approvingly. "We have declined their request, citing your recent contributions to sect security."
A ripple of surprise passed through the crowd. The Falling Leaf Sect rarely denied anything to the more powerful Celestial Sword Sect.
"However," Elder Cai interjected, "your assignment to the Outer Affairs Hall is clearly inappropriate given your abilities. You will be reassigned to the Inner Affairs Hall, effective immediately."
Wei Yun bowed deeply, hiding his smile. The Inner Affairs Hall would provide greater access to restricted knowledge and sect resources—perfect for his ongoing investigation into the void incursions. "This disciple is grateful for the elders' consideration."
"Furthermore," Head Elder Liu continued, "you will report directly to Elder Mei of the Formation Pavilion. Your insights into energy resonance may prove valuable to our defensive formations."
An unexpected development, but not unwelcome. The Formation Pavilion housed some of the sect's oldest records.
"There remains the matter of your cultivation classification," Elder Zhao said. "Your performance suggests early Core Formation at minimum, possibly approaching late Core Formation. Yet your spiritual presence reads as Foundation Establishment."
Wei Yun had prepared for this as well. "My family's primary technique, the Cloudrise Meridian Sublimation, compresses spiritual energy rather than expanding it. The denser energy allows for greater effect with less presence."
This explanation was utter nonsense from a cosmic perspective, but it elegantly exploited a gap in this realm's cultivation theory. Several elders nodded thoughtfully, accepting the concept because it built upon principles they already understood.
"Fascinating," murmured Elder Lin, the sect's scholarly authority on cultivation theory. "Such compression would indeed create the appearance of lower cultivation while enabling higher function. I would be most interested in examining these techniques."
"My family scrolls are at the elders' disposal," Wei Yun offered magnanimously, knowing he could easily create convincing forgeries with appropriately archaic terminology and deliberately introduced imperfections to suggest authentic age.
Head Elder Liu raised his hand, silencing the growing discussions. "It is decided then. Wei Yun will join the Inner Affairs Hall, study with Elder Mei, and share his family's techniques as appropriate. This meeting is concluded."
As the crowd dispersed, Wei Yun found himself surrounded by curious disciples, their previous wariness replaced by eager fascination. The story of the last survivor of a fallen cultivation family carrying secret immortal techniques would spread throughout the sect by evening meal.
"I knew you were hiding something," Jin Ling declared, somehow materializing at his side despite the pressing crowd. "Though I expected something less... dramatic."
Wei Yun smiled slightly. "Not all who seek anonymity have dramatic secrets."
"Says the man who just revealed immortal sword techniques in front of the entire sect," she retorted, rolling her eyes. "Come on, Elder Mei doesn't like to be kept waiting, and I need to show you the Inner Affairs Hall."
Wei Yun raised an eyebrow. "You're assigned there as well?"
"Of course. Where did you think the Alchemy Workshop was located? In the pigsty?" She marched ahead, leaving Wei Yun to follow with barely concealed amusement.
As they crossed the sect grounds, the change in how others regarded him was immediately apparent. Gone were the dismissive glances typical for outer disciples. Instead, inner disciples nodded respectfully, while outer disciples practically tripped over themselves bowing.
"Enjoy your newfound fame?" Jin Ling asked without looking back.
"Fame complicates simplicity," Wei Yun replied.
"That's not an answer."
"It wasn't meant to be."
They arrived at an elegant three-story building with jade-green roof tiles and intricate carvings of flowering branches—the symbol of the Falling Leaf Sect rendered in masterful detail. Two disciples in formal robes guarded the entrance, bowing respectfully as Jin Ling approached.
"New Inner Affairs member," she announced briskly. "Wei Yun, recently approved by the elders."
The guards bowed to Wei Yun with unexpected deference. "We witnessed your performance against Young Master Cai. It is an honor to welcome you, Senior Brother Wei."
Wei Yun returned their bow with perfect humility. "The honor is mine to join such esteemed company."
Inside, the Inner Affairs Hall proved considerably more luxurious than the outer disciples' quarters. Polished wood floors, privacy screens with mountain landscapes, and actual chairs rather than meditation mats populated the common areas. Spiritual energy circulated through hidden formations, maintaining perfect temperature and purifying the air.
"Your quarters are this way," Jin Ling said, leading him down a corridor. "As a special appointee, you get a private room rather than shared accommodations."
The room, while modest by immortal standards, represented significant luxury in this sect—a private meditation alcove, a writing desk with quality brushes, and a window overlooking a secluded garden.
"Elder Mei expects you at the Formation Pavilion after the noon bell," Jin Ling informed him, lingering at the doorway. Her expression had shifted from her usual sharp assessment to something more complex. "Wei Yun..."
He turned to her, noting the unusual hesitation in her typically forthright manner.
"The void entities," she said quietly. "They're more dangerous than the elders are admitting publicly, aren't they?"
Wei Yun considered her question carefully. Jin Ling had consistently demonstrated perception beyond her peers. Offering her some truth might prove valuable.
"Yes," he acknowledged. "The void is not merely another hostile force. It represents a fundamental threat to the nature of reality itself."
Instead of fear, her eyes lit with determined curiosity. "I've been experimenting with pills that might stabilize spiritual energy against void corruption. If you have insights from your family techniques that could help..."
"I would be happy to review your work," Wei Yun offered, genuinely interested in her approach. For a mortal cultivator at her level to even conceptualize such countermeasures was remarkable.
She nodded decisively. "Good. Come to the Alchemy Workshop after you meet Elder Mei." With that, she departed, her purposeful stride carrying her quickly down the hallway.
Wei Yun spent a moment arranging his few possessions in the new quarters, reflecting on the morning's developments. His cover identity had shifted from anonymous outer disciple to mysterious talent with a tragic backstory—less invisible, but offering greater freedom of action within the sect.
As he left to meet Elder Mei, Wei Yun noticed a small jade bottle placed discreetly beside his door—another Foundation Stabilizing Elixir from Jin Ling, with a note reading simply: "Since your last excuse for refusing proper cultivation resources is gone."
A smile touched his lips as he pocketed the gift. These mortals and their earnest concerns continued to provide unexpected moments of warmth in his self-imposed exile from cosmic power.
The Formation Pavilion stood apart from other sect buildings, surrounded by a moat of flowing water inscribed with stabilizing runes. As Wei Yun approached the arched bridge leading to its entrance, he sensed the layered defensive formations—impressive work for this realm's level of understanding.
"You must be Wei Yun."
The voice came from behind him, though Wei Yun had sensed the presence long before it spoke. He turned to find a diminutive elderly woman, her white hair bound in a simple topknot, wearing practical gray robes with formation diagrams embroidered along the hems in silver thread.
"Elder Mei," he bowed respectfully. "Thank you for accepting me as your student."
She circled him slowly, spiritual sense probing his cultivation with considerably more subtlety than most in this realm could manage. "Interesting compression technique indeed. Like pouring an ocean into a teacup without breaking it."
Her metaphor was surprisingly apt, and Wei Yun found himself revising his estimation of her insight. "My family's methods valued efficiency."
"Hmm." She completed her circle, coming to stand before him with sharp eyes that missed nothing. "You're either the most fortunate disciple I've ever encountered or the most dangerous. Perhaps both."
Wei Yun maintained his humble expression. "I seek only to be of service to the sect."
"Of course you do," she replied with manifest skepticism. "Come then, serviceable disciple. Let's see what you make of my life's work."
As Elder Mei led him across the bridge, Wei Yun felt the subtle shift in the defensive formations, recognizing the elder's spiritual signature being accepted and his own being temporarily permitted. The level of sophistication suggested Elder Mei possessed understanding beyond her apparent Nascent Soul cultivation.
Inside, the pavilion opened into a circular chamber dominated by a massive formation model—a three-dimensional representation of interlocking energy patterns covering the entire Falling Leaf Sect territory. Glowing lines connected various nodes, pulsing with spiritual energy that flowed like rivers through the complex structure.
"The Seven Petal Shield," Elder Mei explained, gesturing at the model. "My contribution to sect defense. It repels spiritual beasts, moderates weather patterns, and identifies unwelcome intruders."
Wei Yun studied the formation with genuine interest. While primitive compared to celestial formations, it demonstrated remarkable innovation within the constraints of mortal understanding. He could see potential modifications that would significantly enhance its effectiveness without requiring higher realm energies.
"Impressive work," he said sincerely. "The resonance balancing at the southern quadrant is particularly elegant."
Elder Mei's eyebrows rose slightly. "You see that without explanation? Perhaps you'll be useful after all." She pointed to a section where the energy flow appeared congested. "Since the void incursion, this junction has become unstable. Spiritual energy flows normally but seems to dissipate before reaching the next node."
Wei Yun immediately recognized the issue—subtle void corruption infiltrating the formation through its connection to the earth elements. Not dangerous yet, but potentially catastrophic if allowed to spread.
"May I?" he gestured toward the model.
Elder Mei nodded, watching intently as Wei Yun approached the formation. He carefully extended his hand, channeling a minute portion of his energy—disguised as the "compressed cultivation" he had described to the elders—into the troubled junction.
The golden light from his palm illuminated the corrupted section, revealing microscopic black filaments that had been invisible to normal perception. "Void contamination," he explained, "spreading through the earth meridian connections."
Elder Mei's eyes widened. "Impossible. The formation doesn't extend to the burial mounds."
"It doesn't need to," Wei Yun explained, choosing his words carefully to sound knowledgeable but not impossibly so. "Void energy travels through natural spiritual veins in the earth. Your formation taps those same veins for stability."
He demonstrated a simple modification to the junction, creating a resonance barrier that would prevent further corruption while purifying what had already infiltrated. The technique was actually a rudimentary version of cosmic warding, scaled down to function with mortal energies.
Elder Mei watched with intense concentration, her fingers occasionally twitching as she mentally noted his adjustments. When he finished, the junction glowed with renewed vigor, the energy flow restored and protected by a subtle golden barrier.
"Remarkable," she murmured. "That barrier formation... it's unlike anything in our records."
"A variation of the Sunbreak Resonance principle," Wei Yun offered, providing a plausible connection to his fictional family techniques.
Elder Mei's penetrating gaze studied him for a long moment. "Wei Yun, how old are you?"
An interesting question, given that his true age spanned multiple cosmic cycles. "Twenty-two, Elder."
"Either the heavens blessed you with unfathomable talent, or you're keeping more secrets than you've revealed." She raised a hand to forestall his response. "No need to answer. We all have our mysteries. Just know that while cultivation skill can be disguised, wisdom accumulated through true experience has a distinctive flavor that's harder to mask."
Wei Yun bowed his head slightly, acknowledging her perspicacity without confirming her suspicions. "I look forward to learning from your wisdom, Elder Mei."
She snorted softly. "We'll see who learns more from whom. For now, examine the remaining junctions for similar contamination. I'll return in two hours to review your findings."
As Elder Mei departed, Wei Yun turned his attention to the formation model, reflecting on this unexpected development. The elder possessed unusual insight—perhaps not enough to discern his true identity, but certainly sufficient to recognize that his presented persona contained significant inconsistencies.
It would require careful navigation moving forward, but also presented opportunities. Someone with Elder Mei's perception might provide valuable assistance in understanding how void incursions were manifesting in this realm, potentially offering insights even he lacked given his long absence from these lower worlds.
As he worked through the formation, meticulously identifying and cleansing minor contaminations, Wei Yun felt a sense of satisfaction that had eluded him in the celestial courts for millennia. There was something genuinely fulfilling about applying cosmic knowledge to solve concrete problems, particularly when creative adaptation was required to work within mortal limitations.
By the time Elder Mei returned, Wei Yun had identified seventeen minor corruption points and refined his barrier technique into a more elegant solution that the formation could sustain without his direct involvement. He explained his findings with carefully measured expertise—knowledgeable enough to be valuable but not so omniscient as to be impossible.
Elder Mei listened without interruption, her sharp eyes missing nothing. When he finished, she simply nodded. "You'll return tomorrow at the same time. I have scrolls for you to study tonight."
She handed him a small stack of jade slips—formation fundamentals that Wei Yun had mastered eons before mortal cultivation even existed. He accepted them with appropriate gratitude.
"One more thing," she added as he turned to leave. "Whatever you may be, Wei Yun, I believe your intentions toward our sect are benevolent. That buys you considerable patience from me, but not unlimited indulgence. Remember that."
Wei Yun bowed respectfully. "I will remember, Elder Mei."
As he crossed the bridge away from the Formation Pavilion, Wei Yun reflected that Elder Mei represented a type of mortal he had always found most intriguing—those who recognized the limitations of their knowledge but refused to be constrained by them, instead pushing constantly against the boundaries of understanding.
Such individuals, in his experience, often achieved insights that even immortals might overlook, precisely because they questioned what others accepted as immutable law. In his long existence, Wei Ying had learned that true wisdom sometimes flourished best under constraints that forced creative adaptation rather than in the unlimited freedom of cosmic power.
With that thought in mind, he turned toward the Alchemy Workshop, curious to see what innovative approaches Jin Ling might have developed for a problem that, by all rights, should have been far beyond her comprehension.
The whispers followed him across the sect grounds—speculation about his background, his powers, his mysterious family techniques. Wei Yun let them flow around him like water around a stone, finding amusement in how quickly mortals constructed elaborate narratives to explain what they couldn't understand.
The truth, as always, was both simpler and vastly more complex than anything they could imagine.