The march wound along the foothills, the path narrowing as the sect's banners fluttered overhead. Jagged cliffs rose to one side, forest shadows to the other. The disciples moved in loose columns, weapons in hand, but discipline already fraying.
Some joked loudly, hiding fear behind bluster. Others whispered about beasts. Most simply kept their eyes on the ground, shoulders tense, as if waiting for the first roar to split the air.
Wu Ming trudged at the back of Lin Xuan's group, clutching his pack as if it contained his soul. "Senior Brother, this road is cursed. Too many trees, too many shadows. Definitely the perfect place for… you know…"
Chen Yu muttered, "Ambush."
Wu Ming paled. "Why would you say it out loud?! Now the heavens will hear!"
Li Mei bit back a smile, but her eyes kept flicking warily to the forest edge.
Lin Xuan walked in silence, spear across his shoulder. His gaze wasn't on the shadows — it was on the disciples around them.
To the left, a group marched under the banner of crimson armbands — Meng Zhao's faction. They walked confidently, their leader laughing as if the Borderlands were no threat. Zhou Ren strode with them, casting mocking glances at Lin Xuan's circle.
"Stay close to your cripple," he told his men loudly. "When beasts come, we'll need bait."
His lackeys laughed, their voices carrying like stones tossed into still water.
On the right, another group marched tighter, disciplined — the ones under Elder Ji's quiet influence. They didn't waste words, but their eyes kept flicking between Lin Xuan and Zhou Ren, reading the tension already brewing.
And above it all, whispers spread:"They're throwing Lin Xuan's group into the wolves.""Zhou Ren will take his head before beasts even try.""Better watch closely — this will be the real show."
Lin Xuan let the noise wash over him. The sect is a battlefield long before swords are drawn. Factions carve the air as sharply as blades.
His gaze lingered on Zhou Ren. The man's shoulders were relaxed, his stride arrogant. His lackeys laughed too easily. Overconfidence. Useful in battle — if I can make him believe he's winning until the moment he falls.
He shifted his gaze to the disciplined group nearby. They do not speak, but they watch. Not enemies — not yet. But not allies either. For now, their silence means survival matters more than politics.
The System stirred.
[Observation: Social structures analyzed.][Note: Alliances and rivalries affect survival rate.][Optional Quest: Manipulate faction conflict to reduce direct hostility toward Host.]
Lin Xuan's lips curved faintly. So even the System sees politics as war.
That night, fires flickered across the ridge. Disciples sat in clusters, sharpening blades or whispering rumors. The smell of roasted game mixed with the metallic tang of fear.
Zhou Ren sat at the largest fire, his voice loud enough for the entire camp. "The sect tests us, but some here aren't even worth the trouble. A cripple parading as a genius, hiding behind children and clowns."
Wu Ming's face turned red, but before he could leap up, Lin Xuan's hand pressed lightly on his arm.
"Do not answer." His voice was calm, firm. "Let them waste breath. We waste nothing."
Li Mei frowned. "But Senior Brother, they—"
"—are loud," Lin Xuan finished. "Noise is not strength."
The words sank into them like stones in still water, silencing protests.
Across the firelight, Zhou Ren caught Lin Xuan's gaze. His smile was sharp as a drawn blade.
Later, when the camp hushed, Lin Xuan gathered his circle.
"Tomorrow, we enter the first stretch of the Borderlands. Beasts will not give us time to argue. You will stay close, cover each other's blind spots. Wu Ming, no wandering."
Wu Ming saluted dramatically. "I swear on all steamed buns, I will not wander!"
Chen Yu's expression stayed serious. "Senior Brother… if Zhou Ren tries something, what then?"
Lin Xuan's gaze was calm, unwavering. "Then we let him try. And fail."
The System hummed again.
[Fusion potential: 10%. Threshold reached.][Unlock condition pending: battle scenario required.]
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed faintly. So the next clash will be more than survival. It will be the key.
At dawn, mist coiled through the trees as the Borderlands came into view — jagged ridges, forests thick with shadows, and roars echoing faintly in the distance.
Disciples tightened their grips on weapons. Zhou Ren smiled wolfishly.
Lin Xuan's spear rested across his back, his voice calm as ever. "Stay close. Today, the Borderlands begin."