The golden rays of dawn crept slowly over the rugged peaks, bathing the newly restored walls of Obsidian Peak Sect in gentle, forgiving light. Weeks had passed since the brutal attack by the Alliance of the Righteous Orders, yet the scars of that dark day still lingered—in cracked stone, in wary gazes and in quiet voices whispering rumors behind closed doors.
From the high balcony of the sect's newly repaired grand hall, Kai Feng stood quietly, overlooking his disciples laboring diligently below. They moved in organized teams, diligently repairing buildings, reconstructing destroyed walkways and meticulously restoring precious relics shattered during the invasion. The sense of unity and purpose among them was palpable, a quiet defiance toward the recent invasion—a silent promise to rebuild stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Kai's eyes softened, warmth and pride radiating quietly as he observed their dedication. Though bruised and bloodied, Obsidian Peak had endured. The sect's spirit, embodied in every determined gaze and calloused hand below—remained unbroken.
Yet beneath his pride lurked a gnawing unease. Wu Ming's words and mocking smile continued to haunt him—an enigma cloaked in shadow, whose identity and origins were hidden behind layers of sinister intent. The nameless one, the enigma who called himself Wu Ming.
Kai murmured softly to himself, voice quiet yet heavy with contemplation, "Wu Ming… the nameless one… what an enigma you are."
His mind churned restlessly. Who exactly was Wu Ming, truly? He had appeared out of nowhere, wielding terrifying strength, ruthlessly crushing the most powerful righteous cultivators renowned across the Central Plains without breaking a sweat. The dark-armored warriors under Wu Ming's command were disciplined beyond mere mortal fighters, radiating an aura of corrupted Qi that twisted the very air they breathed.
Elder Kong's voice, gravelly yet firm, cut through Kai's heavy thoughts, gently pulling him back into reality.
"Sect Leader Kai," Elder Kong spoke softly, respectfully approaching his side. Kai turned, acknowledging him with a nod. Elder Kong had aged noticeably since the attack, silver streaks in his hair more pronounced, wrinkles deeper and eyes more tired, burdened by sleepless nights spent managing reconstruction efforts and investigating hidden threats within their walls.
Elder Kong bowed politely, then began gravely, "I have completed my investigations and compiled a full report, Sect Leader. There are…troubling developments."
Kai turned fully toward him, eyes narrowed with concern. "Speak freely, Elder Kong. What have you discovered?"
Elder Kong cleared his throat, carefully choosing his words. "First, regarding Wu Ming and his forces. We have searched extensively, yet found little. He is as nameless as his moniker suggests, no known family, no recorded cultivation lineage, no past. It's as if he emerged fully formed from shadow itself."
Kai frowned slightly, his brow furrowing deeply. "A ghost, then?"
Elder Kong shook his head thoughtfully. "No ghost—something worse, perhaps. Wu Ming likely belongs to a shadow sect—a hidden cult whose purpose is unknown, their ambitions shrouded deeply in secrecy."
"A shadow sect?" Kai echoed softly, unease deepening.
Elder Kong nodded gravely, voice lowering conspiratorially. "Precisely. Our informants suggest a growing threat from such shadow sects. Which makes their recent open aggression even more concerning. Traditionally, shadow sects operate secretly, manipulating from behind the scenes. Wu Ming's brazen assault suggests they grow confident, dangerously so."
Kai pondered silently, hands clasped behind his back, eyes distant with troubled thought. After a pause, he glanced sharply toward Elder Kong. "Continue."
Elder Kong inclined his head respectfully. "The next matter is even more troubling—Chief Steward Chen."
Kai's eyes darkened, fists clenching reflexively at the memory. "Chen…the traitor."
Elder Kong's eyes hardened as he nodded slowly. "Yes, Sect Leader. Our thorough investigations have confirmed it—Chen was indeed a long-standing spy, infiltrating our sect decades ago. He worked directly under Heavenly Radiance Sect's orders, carefully biding his time, waiting for a chance to sabotage us from within."
Kai's jaw tightened, the bitter betrayal still raw. "Decades. He was trusted deeply, respected by disciples and elders alike. Yet he stabbed us in the back."
"Yes," Elder Kong confirmed gravely. "It was Chen who alerted Master Shen to the existence of the Celestial Eclipse Manual, causing Heavenly Radiance Sect's initial pursuit to the mortal world. This led directly to your confrontation with the Heavenly Radiance Sect disciples."
Kai nodded thoughtfully.
"The poisoned needles that Chen used were the same type that Lady Yin Shuang used on you during the assassination attempt. It was also Chen who arranged for Yin to attend to you directly during Xiao Hua's illness, giving her the perfect chance to strike."
Kai exhaled slowly, voice heavy with sorrowful bitterness. "A clever, poisonous plot."
Elder Kong's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "It appears Heavenly Radiance Sect—Master Shen himself—was directly involved. But what troubles me deeply is their willingness to use such disgraceful tactics. Master Shen's reputation among orthodox cultivators was once impeccable—why resort to such dishonorable methods?"
Kai's expression darkened thoughtfully, his voice quiet yet intense. "Perhaps their virtuous facade has long been a convenient illusion. Beneath their bright robes and righteous words lie methods as dark as Wu Ming's own."
"A troubling thought," Elder Kong admitted reluctantly, eyes deeply conflicted. "Yet likely accurate. Master Shen, for all his righteous posturing, attempted to murder Liu Yue during battle. He conspired actively with spies and assassins. Perhaps, Sect Leader, the Heavenly Radiance Sect we thought we knew is merely another shadow, cloaked in righteousness rather than darkness."
Kai stared deeply at the distant horizon, eyes burning fiercely with determination. "Our sect's path must become clearer. We must prepare openly and honestly, readying ourselves for whatever darkness approaches, whether from shadow sects or false righteousness."
Elder Kong inclined his head respectfully, voice resolute. "Indeed. The disciples share this sentiment, Sect Leader. Your open rejection of false righteousness during battle inspired many. They saw clearly that strength resides not in precious metals or polished jade, but in resilience, unity, and genuine virtue. Your actions that day united our sect more firmly than ever."
Kai smiled faintly, warmth and humility briefly softening his fierce expression. "They are the heart of Obsidian Peak Sect, Elder Kong. They have shown strength that gives even me courage."
Elder Kong nodded gently, eyes filled with pride. "Your leadership has transformed this sect, Sect Leader. The disciples see clearly now—virtue is not in name alone, but in actions, in courage, and in loyalty to one another."
Kai exhaled slowly, a quiet resolve settling firmly within his heart. "Then let Wu Ming and Master Shen both learn this truth—whether hiding behind shadows or shining robes, those who betray virtue and threaten peace will face Obsidian Peak's united strength."
Elder Kong smiled approvingly, bowing deeply, voice strong and resolute. "Indeed they will, Sect Leader."
As Elder Kong quietly departed, Kai turned again toward his disciples below, watching them rebuild with unwavering determination. A quiet promise resonated deep within him, echoing like a vow forged in steel.