The sect gates shut behind them with a deep clang that echoed like the closing of a tomb. Dozens of teams marched down the mountain path, banners fluttering in the morning wind. Disciples carried spears, swords, and bows — some with confidence, others with pale faces.
Wu Ming trudged at Lin Xuan's side, muttering with every step. "Borderlands mission, they said. Retrieve beast cores, they said. More like: walk politely into the jaws of death, hand over your bones, and thank the sect for the opportunity!"
The timid girl glanced at him, then at Lin Xuan. "Senior Brother… if this is truly as dangerous as they say, perhaps we should…" She bit her lip, words faltering, but her meaning clear.
Lin Xuan's gaze remained forward, calm and steady. "Danger is certain. But we do not step into it unprepared."
The lanky boy clenched his fists. "Then tell us how to prepare. Whatever it takes, I'll do it."
That night, when camps were set along the road, Lin Xuan gathered his circle beneath the sparse trees. Other teams huddled by their fires, whispering nervously about beasts and betrayal, but his group sat in silence, waiting.
Lin Xuan set his spear across his knees. "Listen carefully. The Borderlands are not like the sect. Out there, hesitation is death. But so is recklessness."
He looked first to the timid girl. "Li Mei. Your sword is quick, but your breathing is shallow. Focus on rhythm. If you falter mid-strike, beasts will tear through you."
Her eyes widened, then she nodded firmly. "I will correct it."
He turned to the lanky boy. "Chen Yu. You carry too much weight in your shoulders. Loosen them. A stiff blade shatters against moving prey."
Chen Yu's eyes shone with gratitude. "Yes, Senior Brother."
Finally, he turned to Wu Ming. The boy puffed out his chest, trying to look serious.
"You," Lin Xuan said dryly, "stand behind them."
Wu Ming blinked. "That's it?"
"And stay alive."
Wu Ming groaned. "Why does my guidance sound less like training and more like… pity?"
The others laughed softly, tension breaking like a snapped bowstring. Even Lin Xuan's lips curved faintly.
From across the camp, Zhou Ren watched their small circle with a predator's smile. His fire crackled brighter than most, his presence bristling with qi. He leaned back, speaking loudly enough for those nearby to hear.
"Lin Xuan and his pets. Let's see how long that little flock survives when the first beast charges."
Whispers spread, sharp and mocking. Wu Ming bristled, but Lin Xuan's hand on his shoulder stilled him.
"Do not answer words," Lin Xuan murmured. "Answer actions."
As the camp settled into uneasy sleep, Lin Xuan remained awake, practicing silently. Crane Step flowed into Gale Slash again, then into Spear Thrust.
This time, the flow felt smoother. Natural.
[System Notice: Fusion potential 9%. Compatibility rising.][Hidden Quest Progression: Prepare allies for survival.]
Lin Xuan exhaled, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. Every step closer. Soon, fragments will bind.
Before sleep claimed them, Li Mei spoke softly. "Senior Brother… even if this trial is beyond us, I will not turn back. Not now."
Chen Yu nodded. "We follow you, Lin Xuan. Wherever the path leads."
Wu Ming swallowed hard, then grinned weakly. "And me too. Though… if you could lead us away from giant fanged beasts, that'd be great."
Lin Xuan's gaze lingered on them, steady, calm. They do not know what storms lie ahead. But still they step forward. That is enough.
The next dawn, the Borderlands loomed on the horizon — a dark stretch of forest and jagged ridges, shadows curling like claws. The very air seemed thicker, carrying the scent of blood and beasts.
The disciples shivered. Zhou Ren grinned.
Lin Xuan's spear rested on his back, his voice calm. "Stay close. And remember: survival is the first victory."