During the First Great War, the leaders of the Midnight Clan and the Sunchaser Clan agreed to establish hidden pavilions within their neutral territories. These secluded locations served as sanctuaries for safeguarding important information, protecting cultivators, and conducting private meetings away from the eyes of rival powers.
When the Night Clan eventually emerged from the shadows, it also established hidden pavilions in cooperation with the Sunchaser Clan. However, unlike the arrangement between Midnight and Sunchaser, the Night Clan never formed the same kind of alliance with Midnight.
In the present day, the Midnight Clan and the Sunchaser Clan shared numerous regions where their territories met. Along the paths connecting their lands, countless secluded locations offered ideal places for private encounters.
The same principle applied to the borders between the Night Clan and the Sunchaser Clan.
Through these arrangements, the Sunchaser Clan had managed to maintain its impartial position between the Night and Midnight Clans.
Yet neutrality did not mean remaining uninvolved in every conflict.
One of the hidden pavilions stood near the territory of the Midnight Clan. Under the cover of night, five cultivators rushed across the rugged terrain, their figures moving swiftly through the darkness.
The leader of the group had made certain that the cultivator she sought would be present. More importantly, she believed this was the perfect opportunity to make her move.
"Why are we rushing?"
The woman leading the group merely glanced at the cultivator who had spoken.
"Because I need to finalize a few things."
"Haha! Finalize what, exactly?"
"You'll find out at the meeting. Everyone, keep moving."
Another member of the group spoke up.
"Young Matriarch, take it easy. We'll arrive on time."
Despite the reassurance, the leader continued to push the pace, guiding her companions toward their destination.
She had no intention of wasting this opportunity.
The hidden pavilion's meeting chamber featured an elegant, minimalist design. Shades of white, black, and gray dominated the room, creating an atmosphere of understated authority. A sumptuous chair stood at the head of the chamber, its exquisite upholstery crafted from the hide of Tier 3 spirit beasts.
The room had been designed to welcome distinguished leaders and esteemed guests, imbuing every meeting with a sense of significance.
Even the table was remarkable. It had been crafted from Nine Cherry Redwood Oak, a middle-grade natural treasure whose rarity and value made it worthy of a collection of considerable importance.
Within this opulent chamber, Patriarch Murda, the esteemed leader of the Midnight Clan, reclined in his chair with his gaze fixed upon the entrance.
"Why would they summon me to meet them at this hour?"
"My lord, the only information we have is that Judah, the new Matriarch of the Sunchaser Clan, requested this meeting."
Patriarch Murda turned his attention toward the elder who had answered.
"How did that little girl know I would be here?"
"We don't know. We'll find out who leaked the information and—"
Murda raised a hand, silencing the elder before he could finish.
"We all have spies. Let us wait and see what happens when that little girl arrives. I'm curious to know who she'll bring with her."
A sly smile appeared on Murda's face.
"What could that little girl possibly know about the inner workings of such a large clan? Patriarch Murda, we should teach her a lesson!"
One elder spoke with open disdain.
"Nonsense!" another elder countered calmly. "We should first learn why she requested our lord's presence at this hour. There is no point in making assumptions before we understand her intentions."
The elders soon descended into a heated debate, each voicing his own opinion about how the clan should respond. Murda remained silent, contemplating the situation while occasionally observing the arguments unfolding around him.
Every so often, a minor altercation erupted between the elders, only to be dismissed as quickly as it began.
This continued for roughly two hours. By then, Murda had spent less than fifteen hours at the hidden pavilion, yet the unexpected summons had already disrupted his plans.
"Silence. They're here."
The elders immediately quieted down and turned their attention toward the entrance.
Even before the knock sounded, Patriarch Murda rose from his seat.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"My lord, Matriarch Judah has arrived and is waiting outside."
"Allow them to enter."
When the group entered the chamber, the elders fell silent.
Their patriarch had personally walked toward the entrance to greet the Matriarch of the Sunchaser Clan.
"It is good to see you, Matriarch Judah. I didn't expect to see Kyri here as well."
"Hello, Patriarch Murda. It is good to see you again."
"Even if I'm no longer the matriarch, you still can't address me so casually, Murda."
Kyri shot him a sharp look, a slight chill entering her voice.
Murda smiled faintly before gesturing toward the meeting table.
"Please, this way. May I ask why the new matriarch has come here instead of remaining in her own territory?"
Judah's entourage consisted of Kyri, one elder, and two elite guards. It was a relatively small escort, but appearances could be deceiving. With Kyri leading the group, their strength was hardly insignificant.
"We're going to get straight to the point, Patriarch Murda. I came here for two reasons."
Judah raised two fingers.
"First, I want to discuss the threat posed by the individual we call the Elder. Second, I want to establish a new legion composed of the elite younger generation from both our clans."
After Judah finished speaking, both parties took their seats around the table.
For a moment, silence filled the chamber.
The proposal had caught everyone off guard, including Murda and Kyri. Neither had seriously considered such an arrangement before. Yet as the implications began to settle in, their minds started turning.
"Why should we agree to that? The Sunchaser Clan is currently the strongest power!"
An elder of the Midnight Clan shouted, his voice carrying through the chamber.
Before he could utter another word, a swift, brutal strike landed across his face.
The attacker was none other than Kyri.
Although she no longer held the title of matriarch, her pride in the Sunchaser Clan remained unmistakable. Her loyalty to her clan had never depended on the position she occupied.
Patriarch Murda remained silent. He understood that his elder had crossed a line he should never have approached.
"You're fortunate that was only a light punishment," Kyri said coldly. "Next time, the consequences will be far more severe. We maintain a neutral position, but that doesn't mean we're soft like ripe fruit."
Her voice grew even colder as she finished speaking.
"Are we done with that little disturbance, or do we intend to waste the entire meeting on it, Kyri?"
Murda glanced toward his elders, his expression suggesting that the interruption had been nothing more than an inconvenience.
"Yeah, we're done."
Kyri returned to her seat.
Judah then brought the discussion back to the matter at hand.
"Why is the Elder gathering talents from the Midnight Clan?"
"The Elder specifically requested talented cultivators," Murda answered.
"Has his influence grown so powerful that the Midnight Clan has begun kneeling before another power?"
"Matriarch Judah, really? That's quite a title you've acquired!"
Murda's tone was mocking.
"I should point out that my wife is the only person willing to bend the knee. Are you?"
He spoke with unmistakable contempt.
Judah's face flushed a deep shade of crimson, though whether from irritation or embarrassment was difficult to tell. In the corner, Kyri couldn't help chuckling at Murda's remark.
None of the Midnight elders dared to join her.
"Ha! Very funny, Patriarch Murda. I hope your wife, Glori, is a fine example of someone who knows how to bend the knee."
Murda's expression darkened.
He began tapping his fingers against the table, each tap betraying a little more of his irritation.
Judah paid his reaction little attention.
"According to my intelligence, the Elder has expanded his power and influence among several major clans beyond the reach of our own forces. If we fail to contain him now, dealing with him in the future may become far more difficult."
"That is correct, Matriarch Judah."
Murda's expression became serious.
"But why would I allow our talents to become part of such a mission? The cultivator in question is one of our top talents, among other considerations I won't discuss. What I can tell you is this: we have our own reasons for making this decision. We may even be able to gather information that will help us assess the Elder's strength."
Judah studied him carefully.
"Do you know which clans within our country have fallen under the Elder's influence?"
"Yes and no. If I had to guess, I'd name the Sade Clan of the Crimson Jags, the Orisis Clan of the Golden Tigers, and the Kanye' Clan of the Black Lions. There may be others, but I doubt his influence extends much further within our country."
Murda paused before continuing.
"If we're talking about the Everlasting and Burning Continents, however, then yes, I know he has influence there. The Elder is many things, but he isn't someone who shows mercy to the weak."
"Those are the leading clans within their respective groups..."
Judah murmured to herself.
"Very intriguing indeed."
Her expression remained composed, but her thoughts were already moving beyond the information Murda had provided.
"I know you didn't come here merely to discuss the Elder's affairs, Matriarch Judah. Or did you?"
"I didn't."
Judah met his gaze.
"If I had to guess which talent you sent to deal with him, would I be correct in assuming it was Sifir?"
Murda simply nodded.
He had no intention of concealing the information. Sooner or later, the truth would become known, and there was little advantage in pretending otherwise.
"Thank you for answering my questions regarding the first matter. Now, let's discuss the second: establishing a new legion under both our banners."
Murda leaned back slightly.
"How would that benefit us?"
"I'm glad you asked. We would have control over a unit composed of our elite members. More importantly, only the leaders of our respective clans would have the authority to deploy this legion."
"Our clans?"
Murda frowned.
"You're presenting this as though the decision has already been made!"
"Hasn't it?"
Judah's expression remained calm.
"I'm willing to contribute five hundred cultivators. They will include top talents, mid-grade talents, and promising young cultivators who are still developing their abilities. From my perspective, the legion is already taking shape. What I want to know is how many cultivators you're willing to contribute."
She spoke leisurely, her earlier urgency replaced by an air of composure.
"Five hundred cultivators is an impressive commitment, Matriarch Judah. Has your council agreed to this? Probably not. Or, more accurately, I doubt they would dare to oppose you."
A small smirk crept onto Murda's face.
"Indeed. However, you're forgetting something, Patriarch Murda. If the legion is already taking shape, what measures can they take to halt its progress?"
Judah gave the Midnight Clan's patriarch a peculiar look.
*I won't allow those idiots to obstruct the preparations I need to make.*
She kept the thought to herself.
"Hahahaha!"
Murda burst into laughter.
"This is amusing! Kyri, who knew your daughter would be just like you in this regard? This is truly rich!"
"Watch your words, Murda. Just because this little brat has shown you some respect doesn't mean I'll do the same."
"Haha! She certainly didn't show me much respect earlier. Like mother, like daughter!"
"Watch it," Kyri replied coolly.
Murda's laughter subsided, though his smile remained.
"Very well, Kyri. I was concerned that the new matriarch might lack the boldness you once displayed. At least now I know one thing: the Sunchaser Clan has always kept its word. Isn't that right, Kyri?"
Kyri raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you speaking to me instead of the current Matriarch, Judah? Furthermore, why are you addressing me as though I still hold significant authority?"
She shrugged, adopting a seemingly helpless expression. Yet her eyes betrayed the amusement she was trying to conceal.
Judah found the exchange between Murda and Kyri entertaining, at least on the surface. Beneath that amusement, however, she felt a deep disdain for the performance they were putting on.
Neither of them would be allowed to obstruct her plans.
Anyone who dared to impede her progress toward her goals would have to face the consequences.
"Since we've agreed to establish this new legion, I expect you to send word once you've selected your cultivators. Additionally, please include Sifir when he returns."
Judah rose from her seat.
"In the meantime, I suggest you select some of your finest elders, teachers, and combat specialists. I would particularly like to incorporate the Midnight Clan's training philosophy and battle tactics."
Murda's expression twisted into an ugly frown.
Her words made it sound as though she had already decided what the Midnight Clan would contribute, leaving him little room to negotiate. It was almost as if she didn't consider him, the patriarch of one of the most powerful clans in the region, worthy of being consulted.
To a certain extent, she didn't.
Yet Murda restrained his irritation and reconsidered the situation.
*Is all of this for Sifir? But why would she go to such lengths for him?*
"Before you leave, Matriarch Judah, we haven't even discussed command, training, deployment, or whether either clan can withdraw its members from the legion."
He paused, studying her.
"And why are you doing all this for Sifir?"
"For Sifir? Absolutely not."
Judah paused, choosing her next words carefully.
"Before we even begin discussing those details, we must first see which cultivators you contribute to the legion. Personally, I'd like to make use of the Midnight Clan's training philosophy and battle tactics."
Murda abruptly rose from his chair.
For a moment, he could only stare at Judah, seemingly unable to find the right words. Kyri appeared equally stunned.
Judah's lips curved into an inviting smile.
"However, what would you say if I claimed I was planning to resurrect the fallen empire while introducing a few new powers along the way?"
Her tone grew colder, and the welcoming smile vanished.
"Are you serious?"
"Absolutely not."
Judah rose to her feet.
"Why should I, Judah Sunchaser, attempt to revive a fallen empire that only a collection of old fools still cares about? I intend to use its remnants as building blocks to construct something new."
She turned toward the exit.
"We're leaving."
Without waiting for a response, Judah walked out of the chamber, followed by her entourage.
In the hallway leading toward the main entrance, Kyri stepped in front of Judah and stopped her.
"This is not a game, Judah."
Kyri stared intensely into her daughter's eyes.
"Who said I was playing a game?"
Judah took a step closer.
"That's what it looks like from the outside."
"Ha! That's rich coming from you. Just admit that you want to know how I came up with this plan."
Kyri stared at her for a moment before answering.
"We all do."
Judah glanced around. The others accompanying them wore similarly curious expressions.
She sighed.
"The number itself isn't important. I could have offered three hundred cultivators instead of five hundred. What matters is the legion."
Her gaze sharpened.
"I know you've heard of the Dragon-Phoenix Pavilion. Our clan has existed long enough to distinguish truth from falsehood. The legion we're forming is simple."
"That is not simple, Judah!" Kyri barked.
"It is when you share the same enemy. Isn't it?"
Judah gave Kyri the same piercing look she had given Murda earlier.
"That... It won't..."
Kyri hesitated, struggling to put her thoughts into words.
"Are you planning to take on both the Dragon Clans and the Phoenix Clans?"
"Kyri, war is multifaceted. A battle is singular."
Judah spoke with a calmness that made her words all the more striking.
"This legion is the spear. Our country is the shield."
She paused, allowing the meaning to settle.
"How do you think our enemies have been suppressing us—the Midnight Clan and the Night Clan? Think about it. The spear and the shield."
Kyri stood frozen, shocked into silence.
'Judah is out of her mind! Who would even think like this unless it were something Sol would command?'
Her thoughts grew darker.
'Was this Sol's idea all along? Is Judah merely her spear?'
Meanwhile, back in the chamber, a hush enveloped the remaining cultivators. Their faces reflected a profound sense of disbelief.
No one would have dared to speak those words openly, let alone expect them to carry such weight.
Yet beneath their disbelief lingered an unmistakable awareness: the new matriarch was determined to move forward, regardless of the shadows that surrounded her or the light that might expose her intentions.
Patriarch Murda felt a shiver run through him.
For the first time since Judah had entered the hidden pavilion, he began to wonder whether he had underestimated her.