Lu Chen's grip the dagger in his hand stronger.
The figure standing at the cave entrance with confidence, not the reckless arrogance of Zhao Feng, but the calm, absolute assurance of someone who had never needed to fear anyone beneath them.
A core disciple.
Lu Chen didn't recognize the disciple, but the white robes with the Azure Sky Sect's golden insignia left no doubt about their status.
Core disciples were the true elites of the sect, far above the outer and inner disciples. Unlike those who fought to climb the ranks, core disciples were either born into great power or had long since proven their worth.
This person is strong.
"Who are you?" Lu Chen asked cautiously, his voice low but firm.
The core disciple took a step forward, completely ignoring his defensive stance.
"That's a good question," he murmured, his eyes shining with interest. "But I think the more important question is… who are you?"
Lu Chen's fingers tensed against the dagger's. That tone, he knew something.
He didn't answer, watching the stranger carefully.
The core disciple tilted their head slightly, as if studying him like a puzzle.
"You shouldn't be alive" they continued. "You were meant to die back in the sect's outer courtyard, weren't you? And yet, not only did you survive, but you made it all the way here… and broke through to Qi Condensation in a single night."
Lu Chen's heart pounded.
This core disciple knew about Zhao Feng's attempt to kill him, He saw everything
Lu Chen forced himself to remain calm. This wasn't a fight he could win. If this person wanted to kill him, they would have done so already.
He exhaled slowly, adopting a neutral expression.
"And what if I did?" he replied. "People survive worse things all the time."
The core disciple laughed softly. "A reasonable answer, but not a very believable one."
Lu Chen's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
The core disciple finally smiled, he took another step forward, completely at ease despite Lu Chen's defensive posture.
"My name is Gu Tianying," they finally said. "And I have a… keen interest in talented individuals."
Lu Chen kept his expression unreadable, but his mind was racing.
He had never heard of Gu Tianying before.
That wasn't surprising, outer disciples were rarely aware of the core disciples' names. They were practically in a different world.
"What kind of 'interest'?" Lu Chen asked.
"You're an anomaly, Lu Chen. Someone who shouldn't have survived… yet did." Gu Tianying's eyes flickered with something sharp. "I watched your fight with Zhao Feng."
He knew it.
His movements, his perfect timing, and his ability to predict Zhao Feng's actions.
Gu Tianying had seen all of it.
The realization sent a surge of caution through him.
For someone as powerful as Gu Tianying, the fact that he was interested in Lu Chen was… a big threat.
Lu Chen chose his next words carefully.
"So? Are you here to kill me?" he asked.
Gu Tianying laughed. "Kill you? No, no. If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead already."
That wasn't exactly reassuring.
"But…" Gu Tianying continued "I am curious, your movements… they weren't normal. Not something an ordinary outer disciple should be capable of."
He couldn't let this person suspect the Simulation System.
But before he could formulate a response, Gu Tianying surprised him.
"You remind me of an assassin."
Lu Chen frozen.
"That footwork of yours. It wasn't a sect technique, was it?" Gu Tianying. "It was too unorthodox, too unpredictable. Almost like something from the Serpent's Shadow Sect…"
Lu Chen forced himself to remain still, even as his mind raced.
Serpent's Shadow Sect?
He had never heard of it before, but from Gu Tianying's expression, it was clear this wasn't a casual comparison.
Was the Shadow Serpent Arts related to this sect? Was the cultivator who left the jade slip one of them?
But right now, he could use this misunderstanding to his advantage.
Slowly, he lowered his dagger, faking a tired expression.
"…I don't know what you're talking about," he said carefully.
Gu Tianying's gaze pierced into him, searching for any trace of deception. Then, after a moment, he chuckled again.
"Fine. Keep your secrets," he said, "I don't need to know everything about you to recognize your value."
He took another step closer.
"What I need to know is whether you're willing to work with me."
"What do you mean?"
Gu Tianying smiled "I mean that our sect is full of fools who only value strength at face level. I, however, value something more… useful."
He gestured lazily at Lu Chen.
"And you, my friend, have potential. You fight like a survivor, you think dozens of moves ahead before moving."
Lu Chen stay silent, letting Gu Tianying continue.
"I have certain tasks that require someone with your talents," he said smoothly. "Tasks that an openly powerful disciple cannot perform without drawing attention."
Lu Chen felt his mind clicking the pieces together, this was a job offer, a secret one.
Gu Tianying was a core disciple, yet here he was, offering a nameless outer disciple a position. That meant whatever he wanted done couldn't be traced back to him.
This was a dangerous proposition, but at the same time it was also an opportunity.
A way to gain protection, resources, and information all things he desperately needed.
After a moment of silence, Lu Chen exhaled "What exactly do you need me to do?"
Gu Tianying's smile "Oh, nothing much. Just a little investigation. There's something going on within the Azure Sky Sect."
Lu Chen narrowed his eyes.
"And I want you to find out exactly what it is" Gu Tianying finished.
Silence fell between them.
Then, finally, Lu Chen spoke. "…And if I refuse?"
Gu Tianying's smile didn't waver. "Oh, you won't," he said lightly, "Because if you do, I might accidentally mention to the elders that a certain outer disciple has been training with techniques that resemble a forbidden sect."
Lu Chen smiling resignedly. A veiled threat, but sharp as a blade.
He had no choice, but as he met Gu Tianying's gaze, something inside him shifted.
Because he wasn't just going to do this job, he was going to use it.
He would play along, and when the time came, he would make sure Gu Tianying would regret ever trying to use him.
With a slight nod, Lu Chen accepted his first mission.