The sect continued strengthening its observation formations.
More sensing plates were placed across the surrounding mountain ridges.
Outer disciples believed the elders were simply improving the sect's defensive formations.
Only a small number of people knew the real reason.
Something beneath the mountains had begun moving again.
Lin Xuan stood near the edge of the training courtyard, watching the distant peaks.
Several inner disciples were flying between the mountains, carrying formation materials.
Even the usually quiet formation hall had become unusually active.
Xu Liang approached from behind.
"You noticed it too."
Lin Xuan nodded.
"The sect is preparing."
Xu Liang followed his gaze toward the mountains.
"Yes."
"For now, they're only strengthening observation arrays."
"But if the situation continues…"
He did not finish the sentence.
Lin Xuan understood.
If other sects began investigating the energy fluctuations, the sect might eventually need to protect the convergence node beneath their territory.
And that would not be simple.
Later that night, Lin Xuan began his usual cultivation.
The courtyard was quiet.
The moonlight illuminated the stone floor.
He closed his eyes and circulated spiritual energy slowly.
The network beneath the mountains appeared again in his perception.
Steady.
Massive.
Quietly circulating energy through countless hidden channels.
But tonight—
Something felt different.
Lin Xuan's eyes opened suddenly.
A faint disturbance had appeared within the system.
Not from the east this time.
But from somewhere closer.
Not a node.
More like movement across the network's outer range.
"Someone is approaching," he murmured quietly.
He could not see them.
But the system had reacted slightly to their presence.
The next morning, Lin Xuan reported the sensation during the meeting in the small hall.
Instructor Han immediately studied the sensing plates.
Xu Liang listened carefully.
Yan Rui raised an eyebrow.
"Movement?"
Lin Xuan nodded.
"It felt different from the node reactions."
Senior Qiao asked calmly,
"Closer?"
"Yes."
Instructor Han adjusted several plates across the table.
Lines of light shifted across the formation map.
After several seconds, he spoke quietly.
"We detected minor fluctuations along the western observation line."
Xu Liang frowned.
"That's outside the sect territory."
Han nodded.
"Yes."
Yan Rui leaned forward slightly.
"So someone is already investigating."
The room fell silent.
Senior Qiao finally spoke.
"That was faster than expected."
Instructor Han traced a faint line across the map.
"If they continue moving in this direction…"
He stopped.
Xu Liang finished the thought.
"They'll eventually reach the mountain range surrounding the sect."
Lin Xuan remained calm, but the situation was becoming clearer.
The awakening of the ancient network had already attracted attention.
And now someone was getting closer.
Far beyond the outer mountains—
The scouting team had reached a high ridge overlooking several valleys.
The leader stood at the edge of the cliff, observing the landscape below.
The formation instrument in his hand glowed more brightly than before.
One of the disciples spoke quietly.
"The readings increased again."
Another checked the device.
"The energy flow is strongest toward the western mountains."
The leader nodded slowly.
"That direction hasn't changed."
He looked toward the distant peaks.
Hidden somewhere within that mountain range—
The source of the ancient system was waiting.
And the closer they moved—
The clearer the signals became.
Soon—
They would finally enter the territory where the network had first awakened.