The sun was rising.
A fresh breeze flowed over the peaks of the Four Tributaries; bamboo groves swayed slowly, and long shadows stretched from the jagged rocks. It was the beginning of a new cycle.
---
Wang Tao's Cave
Inside the cave, the darkness was held at bay by a single, small flickering lamp. Wang Tao sat in a chair—serene and diligent—leafing through the manual his Master had given him.
His fingers slid over the dry, ancient pages of the book, his focus renewed by the dawning day. The content before him was of dire importance.
Effects of Gu on Cultivators.
Gu.
Living organisms created through forbidden techniques and nourished by negative emotions. Their purposes were many: control, torture, enslavement, or the sabotage of one's cultivation.
For Wang Tao, the Gu was a personal prison—control through enslavement.
He had been bound since childhood by a Submissive Gu, destined to eternally obey the commands of his tormentor. He closed his eyes for a moment, fighting to keep his emotions in check, before returning to the text.
Methods of Gu Suppression.
His heart tightened. He reread the passage, terrified of missing a single detail.
— With this, I can contain the poison for thirty minutes.
It was enough. Ten minutes was all he needed to seize the reins of fate.
Suddenly, a localized unease stirred in the depths of his mind. He paused.
Why? Why are there so many details about Gu in this book? It's as if the manual anticipated my exact situation.
— Master... what do you know? What are you planning?
His mind churned with questions, but no conclusions surfaced. He let out a deep sigh and shook his head lightly, clearing the mental fog.
— Well, it doesn't matter now. I will take the first step, even if I have to die trying.
He left the book open. His attention shifted to the materials spread across the table—items he had secured through the Shadow. He began to work, not just on a remedy, but on his very freedom. For that, he was willing to give everything.
---
The Grove — Base of the Mountain
Hours later, in a grove at the foot of the Four Tributaries, Wei Lian stood among the thick, ancient trees. His disciple's tunic drifted around him in the morning air, his hair tied back in a neat ponytail.
His hands moved in unique seals, following the instructions of his own manual. Tree roots erupted from the ground, standing erect as if awaiting a command.
The boy finalized the technique—and the roots lashed out at each other, weaving into a solid cage.
Combat Technique: Wood Prison.
He exhaled, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Wei Lian had begun only a month ago, yet he had finally reached Level 5 of Qi Absorption. As a mortal, he never imagined he would come this far. He was now leading the pace of cultivation among his siblings.
— Who would have thought I'd make it this far...
He sighed, looking at the surrounding trees. The view relaxed him. Then, a new light of resolve sparkled in his eyes.
— Now, I just need to master the metal techniques.
He thought happily, imagining a future he finally felt he could reach.
---
Yan Li's Cave
Meanwhile, inside her cave, Yan Li was deep in concentrated meditation.
Five leaves floated around her, each reacting differently to the manifestation of her Qi: one was soaking wet, another held a contained flame, a third was sharp as a blade, the fourth was crumpled and torn, and the last glowed with pure vitality.
Her hair was drenched in sweat. This level of concentration drained not just her Qi, but her focus and willpower.
The effect ceased. Still seated, Yan Li slumped forward, trying to reach her toes. She bit her lower lip, a look of sadness crossing her face.
— Aaaah, Five Elements... why must it be so hard?
She complained to the empty cave, pouting.
— Master said we should practice techniques according to our elemental veins... why did I have to have all five?
She relaxed her body and slapped her cheeks with both hands—CLAP—until they turned red.
— Focus, Yan Li! To catch up to my Eldest Brother, I can't afford to rest.
She took a deep breath and centered herself once more, determined.
---
Secondary Path
On one of the hidden paths of the mountain, a figure moved in absolute silence.
Lin Xue.
His robe, indicating his status as a Core Disciple, swayed gently in the wind. His gaze, however, was anything but calm. He proceeded with extreme caution, his eyes searching the environment.
It didn't take long for him to hear noises coming from the grove near the slope.
Wang Tao?
He advanced carefully—and then he saw him. A boy... or was it a girl? He couldn't tell; the person was far too beautiful. Then he remembered: the mortal.
He observed the techniques until his mind finally processed what he was seeing.
Combat techniques. QI ABSORPTION!
HOW?
Shock paralyzed his body as he tried to digest the information.
— You people are hiding something... — he whispered.
He turned back, his decision already made.
— I cannot accuse them without proof, but I cannot pretend nothing is happening either. If something dangerous is growing inside the Sect, I must uncover it before it's too late.
For the first time since the death of his Elder, his gaze didn't hold rivalry—it held cold caution and deep suspicion.