High atop the jade walls of Mount Kunlun's outer perimeter, Elder Shen stands with his hands clasped behind his back, his long silver hair fluttering in the mountain wind. The first rays of dawn crest the distant peaks, illuminating endless stone courtyards and training fields below. Yet his gaze is fixed not on the present disciples, but toward the far horizon.
Behind him, a younger elder approaches quietly. "Word from the lower branches, Elder Shen. New talent is arriving soon."
Shen hums thoughtfully. "We have seen talented youths before. But this year… the currents feel restless."
The young elder nods. "There are whispers, even from the Silent Sword Clan and the Beast Sect. A boy with untraceable roots. Strength that belies his cultivation stage. Techniques unfamiliar to any known sect."
Elder Shen's eyes narrow. "And discipline? Or arrogance?"
"Reports say he shows restraint. But also… distance."
A long silence follows. The wind shifts.
"Watch him," Elder Shen finally says, voice calm but edged with gravity. "Observe carefully. Talent without foundation crumbles. But talent with the weight of fate? That either forges an empire—or a calamity."
The younger elder bows and retreats.
Elder Shen remains alone, his eyes never leaving the horizon.
Far beyond those peaks, two figures make their way through the winding forest paths.
And destiny stirs.
The path winding through the forest is narrow, flanked by towering pines that sway gently in the mountain breeze. De-Reece walks steadily, the weight of the artefact resting securely in his pouch, its presence a quiet reminder of the trials they have just overcome. Solar pads beside him, her gaze sharp, attentive to any movement.
Kalia walks beside him, her curiosity finally surfacing. "De... how would someone even find the Beggar Clan if they wanted to? They seem... elusive."
De-Reece gives a small smile. "You don't find them by searching. You ask the right questions in the right places, and they find you."
When they reach the bustling trade outpost at the forest's edge, the first thing they do is head toward a busy tavern—voices loud, laughter rowdy, smoke curling toward the rafters.
De-Reece approaches the bartender. "I'm looking to speak with those who know things best. The kind who listen more than they talk."
The bartender studies him, then nods toward a door in the back. "Knock twice, wait, then once more. If they want to talk, they'll open."
Kalia raises an eyebrow but follows him as he heads to the door. De-Reece follows the instructions precisely. The door opens silently, revealing a narrow passage lit by a single lantern.
Inside, a small, dimly lit room with woven mats on the floor and simple stools. A man in tattered robes with clear, piercing eyes gestures for them to sit.
"You've found us," the man says quietly. "What do you seek?"
De-Reece places two silver coins on the low table. "Information. Two young men. My brothers. Separated from me some time ago. I need whispers... but I will pay for proof."
The man's eyes gleam with interest. "Names? Descriptions?"
De-Reece speaks carefully, vague enough to conceal his origins but exact enough to be recognised by those with good information.
The beggar leans back. "Silver buys ears. Gold buys eyes. If you have both, you'll have our attention."
De-Reece places a gold coin on the table.
The beggar cups his hands in respect. "The Beggar Clan will listen. We will watch. Should proof reach us, it will reach you."
When they leave the back room and step out into the sunlight, Kalia looks at him with unspoken questions. Finally, she says softly, "You have brothers?"
De-Reece keeps walking, his gaze steady. "We were separated. When the time is right, I'll find them."
She nods, choosing not to push further.
The road to Mount Kunlun stretches ahead, winding into the mountains. Their journey continues.
The road rises steadily now, winding through rugged terrain and sheer cliffs, the landscape becoming more treacherous with every step. The once wide path narrows, forcing De-Reece and Kalia to move single-file. Solar moves ahead, her steps silent, ears twitching as she scans the jagged rocks and sparse foliage.
The wind sharpens, carrying with it faint scents of damp stone and distant vegetation. But underneath it all, De-Reece senses something else—movement that doesn't belong to nature.
Kalia tightens her grip on her sword. "We're being watched."
De-Reece nods without looking back. "They've been tailing us since the last ridge."
Ahead, Solar halts, growling low in her throat. A flicker of movement from the rocks above confirms it.
Figures drop from the cliffs—four cultivators clad in mismatched armour and ragged cloaks. Their leader steps forward, his scarred face half-hidden beneath a worn hood.
"Well met, travellers," the man drawls, voice rough with disuse. "Quite far from the comfort of the plains, aren't you?"
De-Reece steps forward, his expression unreadable. "State your purpose."
The bandit leader smiles, revealing crooked teeth. "Simple. You leave your valuables, and we let you walk away."
Kalia snorts. "You picked the wrong road."
De-Reece's tone remains calm. "You have one chance. Turn back."
The bandits hesitate, sensing the steel in his words. But arrogance clouds judgment. The leader lifts his hand, and they rush forward.
Solar lunges first, her form a black blur. The first bandit screams as claws rake across his chest, sending him sprawling.
De-Reece meets the second attacker head-on, his fist colliding with the bandit's weapon arm, shattering bone. He spins, delivering a precise kick that sends the man flying into the rocks.
Kalia moves with precision, her blade flashing in smooth arcs. Her opponent stumbles under her assault, barely parrying before a swift kick drives him to the ground.
The leader watches his men fall, fury replacing smug confidence. He draws his curved blade and charges De-Reece.
The force of the blows clash, the force of impact sending shockwaves along the narrow path. De-Reece counters smoothly, stepping inside the leader's guard and driving his palm into the man's chest. Qi explodes outward, lifting the bandit off his feet.
He lands hard, gasping for breath, body convulsing.
De-Reece crouches beside him, voice cold. "Tell the others blocking my path is not for the desperate or foolish."
The leader nods frantically, scrambling to his feet and limping away.
The others flee without hesitation.
Kalia sheathes her sword. "That was messy."
De-Reece exhales slowly. "Necessary."
Solar returns to his side, unscathed but alert.
They continue onward, the mountains growing steeper and the weight of the upcoming trials pressing closer with every step.
Hours of travel pass.
The road eventually widens into a smooth, stone-paved path lined with towering statues of ancient sword saints and grand archways etched with runes of protection. In the distance, Mount Kunlun rises like a jade monolith, its peaks wreathed in mist. A vast outer gate stands open, guarded by disciples in pristine robes, each carrying swords that hum faintly with restrained qi.
De-Reece halts with Kalia at his side. Solar sits beside them, golden-violet eyes scanning the towering walls with careful curiosity.
Kalia exhales. "We made it."
De-Reece gives a faint nod. "The real test begins now."