Cultivation knows neither sun nor moon—many disciples on the mountain would often find a secluded spot to cultivate, sometimes disappearing for days, entirely immersed in their training.
Thus, when Kaelen was absent for several days, the Mystic Dawn Pavilion didn't dispatch anyone to search for him. Only a few within the inner circle grew mildly curious, though no one truly knew his whereabouts. Darian and his dogs had vanished without a trace, and no one seemed to remember them—or even acknowledge their existence.
As Kaelen ascended the winding mountain path, the scenery on either side blurred past him. Before long, he arrived at a secluded courtyard nestled within the forest—a residence reserved for disciples of the Mystic Dawn Pavilion.
The Mystic Dawn Pavilion, one of the branches under the great Mystic Dawn Sect, housed many such courtyards for its younger generation. Though nine branches made up the Mystic Dawn Sect, Mystic Dawn Pavallion was moderately populated. Yet, Kaelen preferred his solitude and kept his distance from the rest.
Upon returning, he passed a few disciples dressed in white robes, all exiting from the direction of the Jade Blossom Hall. Their gazes lingered on him with subtle suspicion or curiosity, but none dared to approach. Kaelen sensed something unusual in the air—an unnatural silence, as though the wind itself held its breath.
Something's changed, he thought, quickening his steps.
He entered his courtyard, stepped into his room, and changed into a fresh white robe. From a concealed pouch, he withdrew a glimmering scale—the proof of the Emeraldfin Crap he had hunted during his recent mission. It pulsed faintly with residual energy, its deep emerald hue catching the light.
Kaelen secured the scale along with a sealed scroll in his inner robes and left the courtyard. His destination: Jade Blossom Hall, the submission chamber for completed missions within the Mystic Dawn Pavilion.
As he approached the hall, the faint sound of chimes echoed through the air, followed by the rustle of bamboo leaves swaying in the mountain breeze. A green-robed elder, half-asleep at his desk near the main wall, stirred as Kaelen stepped through the threshold. The elder's eyes flickered open, sharp and alert despite his relaxed posture, immediately locking onto Kaelen.
"You've returned," the elder veris said, his tone neutral—but behind his eyes was a flicker of interest, as though sensing that Kaelen brought more than just a mission report.
Kaelen bowed slightly. "Reporting the completion of Mission No. 347—Retrieval of the Emeraldfin Carp Core."
Without standing, Elder Veris extended one hand. Kaelen placed the sealed scroll and the shimmering emerald Core atop his palm.
Veris's fingers danced briefly over the scroll. With a faint pulse of spiritual energy, the seal unwound. His eyes flicked over the report.
"Hmm. Executed solo. No collateral. No delays. Excellent extraction."
He examined the Core, turning it once beneath the light.
"Pristine," he murmured. "Not a crack."
His gaze lifted, studying Kaelen anew.
"You have grown, Disciple Kaelen of the Ninth Branch."
Veris offered a single nod. "You may proceed to record your merits. Compensation will be released by noon."
Kaelen inclined his head once more and turned to leave.
As he stepped out of the hall, the murmurs around the Pavilion grew louder.
Something's different about today… did something happen in the sect? Kaelen wondered, a bit puzzled. He quickened his pace toward the Jadeleaf Hall.
As he stepped into the Hall, a middle-aged Daoist in a green robe lying half-asleep at a desk near the opposite wall suddenly opened his eyes—eyes that immediately lit up the moment they saw Kaelen.
Author's Note:
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