The night in the Higher Realm was unlike the mortal world. The sky shimmered with countless celestial bodies, their light cascading over the towering peaks and boundless landscapes. Yet, beneath this serene beauty, turmoil brewed.
Shao Xian and his companions had set up a temporary camp near a secluded valley, hidden from immediate detection. The information provided by the mysterious woman lingered in their minds—an internal war within the Nine Supreme Sects, with the Obsidian Moon Sect as a potential key to the Celestial Dragon Sect's downfall.
Bai Ren sharpened his blade, his eyes flickering with contemplation. "If the Celestial Dragon Sect is already aware of us, we can assume their movements will be deliberate from now on."
Luo Qing sat cross-legged beside a small, ethereal flame, her expression unreadable. "We've killed their people, and we're heading straight into their heart. We need a strategy."
Shao Xian, leaning against a boulder, remained silent. He had spent lifetimes mastering the art of war, and this was no different.
"The enemy is arrogant," he finally said. "That arrogance will be their downfall."
Bai Ren smirked. "So what's the plan? Storm their gates?"
Shao Xian glanced at him, his golden eyes gleaming with an almost imperceptible hint of amusement. "Not yet."
He turned to Luo Qing. "You spent years in the Higher Realm before your exile. Tell me about the Obsidian Moon Sect."
Luo Qing's expression darkened. "They are different from the others. The Celestial Dragon Sect rules with power, but the Obsidian Moon Sect moves in the shadows. They operate through influence, assassination, and secrets."
Bai Ren whistled. "Sounds like a sect that wouldn't mind watching their rivals crumble."
Shao Xian nodded. "Then that is where we begin."
Luo Qing hesitated. "We don't even know if we can trust them."
"It doesn't matter," Shao Xian replied. "We will use them, just as they would try to use us."
Silence followed, only interrupted by the crackling of the small flame. The decision had been made.
The Journey to the Obsidian Moon Sect
Dawn broke, and with it, Shao Xian and his group set off. The Obsidian Moon Sect resided in the Veil of Shadows, a land where light barely touched the ground, concealed by perpetual mists and illusions.
Their journey was swift but uneventful—until the atmosphere shifted.
Shao Xian stopped abruptly. The air grew thick, suffused with unseen danger. Luo Qing and Bai Ren tensed.
"We are being watched," Luo Qing murmured.
Bai Ren drew his sword. "Let them come."
A whisper-like laughter echoed around them.
Then, without warning, dozens of figures materialized from the shadows, clad in obsidian robes, their faces masked.
"The Obsidian Moon Sect," Bai Ren muttered.
The leader of the masked figures stepped forward, their voice smooth and unhurried. "You have come far, outsiders."
Shao Xian met their gaze without fear. "We are here to discuss mutual interests."
A chuckle. "How bold."
The masked leader took another step forward. "And what makes you think we have any interest in speaking with you?"
Shao Xian did not answer with words. Instead, he raised a single hand—dark energy coiled around his fingers before lashing outward.
The masked leader barely had time to react before the ground beneath them cracked. An invisible force gripped their body, crushing the space around them.
Gasps erupted from the surrounding assassins.
The leader coughed, struggling to maintain composure. "…Interesting."
Shao Xian released his grip. The leader staggered but quickly regained balance.
"You are strong," they admitted. "Perhaps strong enough to be of use."
Shao Xian's lips curved slightly. "Shall we talk now?"
The leader gestured toward the misty expanse. "Follow me."
Without hesitation, Shao Xian and his companions stepped forward.
The Obsidian Moon Sect's True Face
The path through the Veil of Shadows was an intricate web of illusions, designed to trap intruders in endless loops. But with their guide, they passed through unscathed.
They arrived at a grand palace carved into the black stone of the mountain. The very walls pulsed with dark energy.
Inside, they were led into a dimly lit chamber where a lone figure sat atop a throne of shadows. Unlike the masked assassins, this person's face was visible—a woman with silver eyes that gleamed like the moon.
She studied Shao Xian with an amused expression. "The one who killed the Celestial Dragon Sect's sentinels and their elder."
Shao Xian did not deny it.
She leaned forward. "What does the infamous Shao Xian want from the Obsidian Moon Sect?"
Shao Xian's voice was steady. "An alliance."
Laughter echoed through the chamber. "An alliance? With what leverage?"
Shao Xian met her gaze. "Your sect wishes to see the Celestial Dragon Sect fall."
The woman's amusement faded slightly.
Shao Xian continued, his tone sharp. "You operate in the shadows, but you lack the raw power to finish the job. I do not."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, the woman smiled. "You assume much."
"I assume nothing," Shao Xian countered. "I deal in certainties."
The woman's silver eyes gleamed. "You are either a fool or a man who truly believes he is unstoppable."
Shao Xian did not respond.
The woman exhaled slowly. "Very well. Tell me, what do you offer in return?"
Shao Xian's golden gaze burned with cold calculation. "Their destruction."
The air grew heavy.
Finally, the woman nodded. "You have my attention, Shao Xian."
The Pact in Shadows
Discussions continued for hours. The Obsidian Moon Sect had long sought the downfall of the Celestial Dragon Sect, but they needed an executioner.
Shao Xian would be that executioner.
In return, the Obsidian Moon Sect would provide intelligence, sabotage their rival from within, and weaken their forces.
As the pact was sealed, the woman's lips curled into a sly smile. "You are either our greatest weapon… or our greatest mistake."
Shao Xian's expression remained unreadable. "You will see soon enough."
With that, the first step in his conquest had been taken.