The colossal mountains stood solitary and secluded amidst extensive plains. Their lofty peaks, piercing into the skies like razor-sharp blades, exuded a subtle yet imposing sword qi, piercing through clouds and mist above which loud drill exercises mixed harmoniously with clear clashing metallic sounds. Yunlanshan (Yunlan Mountain)—remaining true to its old form through the passage of time. But the Yunlan Sect atop it had transformed vastly when compared to before: the mountaintop was lined with countless secret watchposts, with prying eyes ready to observe immediately any footstep intruders. Trully, the Yunlan sect now resembled a heavily- fortified mountainous citadel.
This place marked the headquarters of Yunlansong! The sect had grown remarkably after massive recruitment of disciples over past years—evidenced by their now sufficing workforce to establish formidable three steps per sentinel defense systems spread across the mountain’s expanse. Yet even with their burgeoning might noticed readily both outside and within their ranks, a discernible shift was also recognized—Yunlansong no longer bore the reputation as the ultimate cultivation haven within Gamaldom as it once did; now just another power bloc using every conceivable means—no matter how ruthless—as it strove expansionist ambition…
Upon the peak of Yunlan Mountain, the enormoous main compound spread endlessly through eyesight. Within it’s wide-open plaza human figures darted restlessly amidst rising chorus consisting equally of commands barked orders and metallic ring clashing blades—dense fog above thinning gradually before these combined voices eroded its ethereal presence. Longtime spiritual haven, now thoroughly lacking the aloof air once present…
At the mountaintop center stood an imposing edifice looming as if squatting beasts, projecting an air of time-forged magnanimity—an ever-enduring artifact of old yunlan’s tradition maintaining faint trace its transcendancy still. However, those icy-vised white-robed protectors patrolling near entrances draped even its ancient aura under shadows laced ominously coldness.
Inside halls vast, gathered silently were myriad attendants—each gaze reverencing the old seated leader atop—a retainer not daring slightest disruptive noise toward him their gaze bearing threads fear and wary respect mingling into palpable restraint.
An elder clothed white bearing swirling cumulus motifs across garment; each sleeve embroidered sharp blade sigils undulating subtly even in slightest movement as though they were corporeal—releasing barely-contained keen sword aura. Though his mane and beard turned snow-white, fine skin gracing his face gave the effect of ageless youth untouched. His calm eyes slowly slit open—voided yet brimming subtly with chilling glint that pierced into the observers’ souls—immediately provoking waves of anxious sweat among those unwitting observers forcing them hastily avert their eyes.
Who might carry such authority here but Yunshan himself, Sect Leader?
“A message arrived regarding Yunfan yet?”
The hushed atmosphere lasted long, until at last Yunshan broke through with a tone barely above a whisper. As his words rippled through present company, straighten postures manifested. One eventually dared step up cautiously answering, “Not a scroll delivered from elder yet… likely anticipating opportune conditions to proceed.”
“One minor fortress? Why this unnecessary delay!”
At hearing, Yunshans brows subtly furrowed; “Relay to him immediate response. Within coming 5 dawns must seize ghost鎮鬼关 stronghold. Additional contingents may act independently assessing on the field—Once the emperor loyalists military forces seized in control, rebellion shall be null and futile.”
“Immediately done!”
Hastily confirming commands, that messenger bowed promptly in obedience.
“Hehe, Leader these recent years wielding bold strategies, slowly but surely your sect influence insidiously seeped into majority imperial strategic zones. Merely await that singular momentous decree—and likely nearly half nation will submit willingly to Yunlan’s dominion.”
Flattered compliments spewed from middle aged advisor—smiles curling excessively servility.
“But merely phase one still…” Yunshan’s lips curved, eyes betraying an audacity unbecoming for an elder, “With Gamak Empire’s grasp secured our sect’s strength shall surge accordingly—allowing domination not just over Gamak, dominating even entirety western continent. And when finally claiming supremacy over the southwest, the full conquest continental stage itself beckons readily.”
Cynicism thinly veiled as amusement danced across his words; laughter immediately followed suit within court, as voices chorused agreement, “Indeed esteemed Leader, no longer confined within mediocrity, next Grand Assembly sure prove the cynics doubting mere mortals indeed blind beyond reckoning. Watch us humble their disbelief entirely in their gaping disarray.”
Soft chuckling rippled through chamber in chorus behind that.
Slight curl of satisfaction tugged across face as Leader flicked his sleeve dismissively querying:
“And matters I instructed, progress reports?”
At Leader’s prompt another promptly ascended proclaiming confidently:
“All assets have gathered fully in order Sir—as Your command unleash punitive forces into imperial city, eradicating Mitel Clan root and stem.”
Pausing briefly uncertainty edged his tone slightly:
“Still the Mitel Hebei, possessing strength at royal domain level… ordinary operatives may yet prove insubstantia…”
“Yundu, Yunsha, for this assignment I commission you. Exile no shelter. Root the Mites clean—remember after neutralizing Mitel scour every hidden quarter hunting Xao remnants remaining!”
Yunshan’s voice slashed through, eyes piercing into shadowed corner bellowing command.
“OBEY!”
Responding instantly, both silently-seated elders rising with alacrity proclaiming firm subordination upon which the room dimmed murmured whispers—a quiet showing deference for standing high amongst sect aristocracy held those twain.
“Haha both esteemed Elders under Leader’s guidance breaking through lastly to Royal Tier! Now with your presence, this Haibo Dong shall struggle greatly.”
Previously speaker added sychophant approval. At flattery the elder two offered shallow smiles exchanging moment furtive glances cloaking shared glimmers of shadowed ulterior intent behind otherwise expressionless masks outside.
“The Mandate: cleanse the Mitel bloodline, locate every shred of Xiao family’s lingering presence. Others lurking within city capital may not dare interfere; however, if truly some faction dare raise hand ignorantly against us—they too may meet eradication,” as spoke slowly Yunshan scanned the assembly coolly his final tone nonchalant.
With nods in reply and task assignment complete,
Yunshan leaned leisure reclined luxurious seat and swept hand dismissed:
“Carry these instructions forth then… In this immediate window, clear first Mitel Clan from lands and hearts…”
At dispersal decree, attendants acknowledged nodding dutifully rising offering respectful parting reverence to Depart grand assembly leaving behind now silent vast chambers slowly returning void-like emptiness as departure sounds ebbed outside.
Moments stretched through eerie stillness when at dark far corner shadows quivered…then writhing tendrils gathered and morphed into ominous swirl of obsidian vapors exuding eerie unnatural presence.
“There exists one thing you cannot permit escaping this time… You recall past performance, it truly… lacked my complete satisfaction.”
The roiling blackness floated toward central chamber emanating voice laced with malevolently frigid essence dripping venom in cadence slow, deliberate.
“You… pursue? Just seeking to discover within their trivial clan what?—They remain minor family… unlikely even possess treasure tempting you lot?”
Yunshan arched eyebrows slightly disturbed; this same query had gnawed his thoughts long.
“What is unnecessary to know, you dare not seek… There are mysteries unwise tread into, for knowledge is both gift and curse; You are a fortunate specimen—the Hun Temple empowered your ascendence beyond Zong Stage yet still capable cast you into shadow.”
Eyes narrowing, chill running across spine at the disembodied threat’s echo:
“What If despite hunting Xao remnants… nothing surfaces?”
“The item we desire remains hidden in that family, yet location still unknown—it likely impossibly embedded. But should this location yield nothing, we shall direct our sights toward escaping youth Xiao Yan who long left empire.”
“Xiao Yan?” A name embedded permanently within Yunshan soul. As spoken a slight tension tightened his jaw:
“That young one left no trace in three years—may have perished eons ago…”
At hearing reply, dark vortex suddenly erupted with hideously cackle:
“Oh, I suspect not…”
Continuing its voice darkly taunted:
“Recently I was dispatched news that Xiao Yan was confirmed within ‘Black Corner Domain—a land many miles distant, and by report his capabilities already include overpowering royal dominion specialists!”
“Killing even kings? Impossible!”
Shocked disbelief etched his tone as Yunshan jolted upright nearly tumbling throne:
“Once that brat mastered technique—Flaming Lotus, it indeed defeated Cloud Ling of Wang King power, yet a royal slayer represents entire new realm of strength disparity; as distant realms differ!”
“Therefore no such impossibility,” came icy reply.
“In that escape decision long ago, a regret already born. Perhaps in days approaching still—his shadow may consume yours.”
As spoke chilling whispers, dark energy drifted wavily until a sudden swirl dispersed, dissipating with a chilling final farewell cackle echoing into void.
At ‘Hall Master’ title spoken, mighty or not Yunshan complexion turned a touch pallid his fists trembling—slowly his fingers contracting painfully hard while behind eyes gleamed glacial death glint once more rekindled.
“This time, eradicate the Xao remnants… entirely!”
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