Chapter 35 – The Veiled Sect
The morning sky was painted with faint streaks of silver and pale gold as Ye Tianlan and Mei continued along the narrow mountain path. Mist curled around their feet like living silk, and the distant calls of spirit hawks echoed through the peaks.
They had been traveling for days, deeper into the northern range where the maps ended and rumors began. The air grew heavier with spiritual energy proof that they were nearing a sect's domain.
Mei adjusted her small pack and groaned, "You know, for someone who can sense danger from miles away, you sure don't know where you're going."
"I know where I'm going," Tianlan replied without turning.
"Yeah? Then why does it feel like we've been walking in circles?"
"Because you talk too much," he said.
Mei's eyes narrowed. "That's your excuse for everything."
"It works," he said simply.
She huffed and kicked a loose pebble. "One day I'll talk less. Then you'll miss it."
He almost smiled. Almost.
---
By noon, they reached a vast canyon shrouded in fog. Across the ravine, an ancient temple stood carved into the cliffside — its gates sealed with shimmering talismans, its walls covered in old script.
Mei's eyes widened. "A sect? Out here?"
Ye Tianlan's gaze sharpened. "Not just any sect. The Veiled Sect. Known for illusion arts and shadow cultivation."
She frowned. "Sounds like the kind of people who smile while stealing your resources."
"Exactly why we're visiting."
He stepped closer to the cliff's edge, his spiritual sense brushing over the barrier. The talismans trembled faintly, recognizing the pressure of a stronger aura.
"Someone's guarding it," Tianlan muttered.
Moments later, shadows flickered within the mist, and three figures appeared, cloaked in deep gray robes. Their faces were hidden behind half-masks etched with runes.
"State your name and purpose," one demanded, voice sharp but calm.
Ye Tianlan didn't bow. "Traveler. Seeking passage."
"This land belongs to the Veiled Sect. Outsiders are not welcome."
Mei crossed her arms. "You guys ever heard of hospitality?"
The guards' eyes shifted toward her, cold and silent.
Ye Tianlan's tone remained steady. "I only need information. About a man bearing the mark of the Crimson Seal."
The guards exchanged glances — the name had clearly shaken them. One finally spoke, voice lower now. "That name should not be uttered here."
"Then you know him," Tianlan said softly.
The nearest guard hesitated. "Follow us. The Elder will decide if you're worth answering."
---
As they entered the canyon, illusionary mist coiled around them, warping sight and sound. Mei clung to Tianlan's sleeve, muttering, "I swear, if this fog turns into a monster again—"
"It's just an illusion," he replied.
"Yeah, that's what you said last time before it tried to eat me."
He ignored her and continued forward, steady and unbothered. The fog parted eventually, revealing a hidden city built into the cliffs — bridges of spirit jade, floating lanterns drifting through the air, and disciples training in silence.
Despite the beauty, the place radiated unease. Every smile felt rehearsed, every gaze lingering a bit too long.
They were led to a large courtyard where an elder awaited — a man with silver hair, wearing robes that shimmered faintly like water. His eyes were calm, but the air around him felt like a storm waiting to break.
"So," the elder said, "a masked traveler seeking a forbidden name. You must have courage… or death wish."
Ye Tianlan met his gaze. "Neither. Just purpose."
The elder's lips curved faintly. "Purpose often leads men to graves."
"Then I'll make sure mine leads me elsewhere."
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. The elder finally gestured. "Very well. Speak of what you seek, and we'll see if your fate deserves mercy."
Ye Tianlan glanced at Mei. She gave a small nod — for once, without sarcasm.
And with that, he took a breath and said the words that would shake the entire Veiled Sect:
"I seek the truth behind the fall of the Xu Clan."
The courtyard went still. Even the wind seemed to hesitate.
The elder's expression hardened. "Then, traveler… you've come to the wrong place."
Author's Note – About Today's Update
Hey everyone, it's King_Fuzu here.
I know many of you noticed that today I only released one chapter, unlike the usual three I upload every day. I wanted to explain why.
Recently, my novel Heavenly Dao: World of 7 Realms was rejected for a contract by the editor. They said the plot wasn't engaging enough for the market, and honestly, that hit me harder than I expected. I put a lot of heart into this story (˘･_･˘) the world, Ye Tianlan's journey, every bit of it. Hearing that it "doesn't fit" was tough.
Because of that, I've been feeling a bit low on motivation (●´⌓`●) lately. It's hard to keep writing at the same pace when you start doubting whether your story is being appreciated. I still love this world and want to continue it, but I also want to see that readers enjoy it and want more.
So for now, I'll be publishing one chapter a day instead of three. But if I get enough support, comments, and feedback from you all — even small encouragement — I'll gladly return to my usual schedule and keep building this story stronger than before.
Your words mean more than you think.
Thank you to everyone still reading, supporting, and believing in Ye Tianlan's journey.
— King_Fuzu