### Chapter 56: The Mysterious Machine Hall
Seven days after Lin Yi became a core disciple, the tranquility of Lingwu Mountain was shattered by a summons.
Lin Yi, along with thirty-six other disciples—top performers from the outer and inner sects, plus core disciples—gathered in the Mysterious Machine Hall, the sect's grandest meeting chamber. Its walls were carved with ancient runes, and the air hummed with the weight of centuries of sect history.
At the front, Sect Leader Feng Chengyun sat on a jade throne, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. His aura—Foundation Establishment Late Stage—pressed down on them like a mountain, making even core disciples straighten their spines.
"You are the best of Dianxuan," he began, his voice booming. "The hope of our sect. But darkness looms."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Last month, reports reached us: the Black Veil Forest, west of Southern Tang, stirs. Demons within grow restless. If they break free, our sect will be first to face them." His expression hardened. "We've allied with the other three sects of Xuanyin Mountain. Each will send two elders and their finest disciples to investigate."
He paused, letting the gravity sink in. "You thirty-seven are chosen. This is no mere trial—it is a duty. But know this: the Black Veil Forest is a graveyard. Some of you will not return."
Gasps erupted. Faces paled; whispers flew.
"Cultivation demands courage," Feng Chengyun continued, his tone softening. "Cowards need not apply. Stay, and you'll be tested. Flee, and return to your quarters. No shame in fear—but glory favors the bold."
He nodded to the side. "Rewards await those who distinguish themselves: spiritual stones, rare techniques, even access to the sect's sacred medicine gardens. But the choice is yours."
For a heartbeat, silence hung heavy. Then, five disciples stepped forward, heads bowed in shame, and exited the hall. No one stopped them, but their names were etched into the elders' memories—cowards, unworthy of trust.
Lin Yi stood firm. The Black Veil Forest sounded dangerous, but danger meant opportunity. Demons? He'd faced worse in the Yunmeng Marsh. Besides, if the sect fell, he'd have nowhere to hide.
"Good," Feng Chengyun said, nodding at the remaining twenty-eight. "You have the spirit of true cultivators."
He gestured to an elder beside him—a woman with silver hair, her robes embroidered with flame patterns. "Elder Bai will equip you.极品法器 (Top-grade magical artifacts)—one offensive, one defensive, for each of you."
A murmur of awe swept the hall. Top-grade artifacts were rare, even for core disciples. Only true heirs received them as standard.
Elder Bai stepped forward, her gaze sharp as a blade. She was the sect's master craftsman, renowned for forging artifacts and布设 arrays—her touch had even strengthened the sect's protective barrier. Her cultivation, Foundation Establishment Mid Stage Peak, made her second only to the sect leader.
With a flick of her wrist, she emptied her storage bag. Thirty-seven offensive artifacts—swords, daggers, staffs—clattered onto a stone table, each glowing with spiritual energy. Beside them appeared thirty-seven defensive items—robes, shields, amulets—pulsing with protective auras.
"Choose wisely," she said, her voice crisp. "These will be your lifelines."
The disciples surged forward, examining the artifacts. Lin Yi, quick as a flash, grabbed a sleek black sword—*Shadowpiercer*, its blade shimmering with a faint dark light—and a silken robe etched with water runes—*Waveguard*, designed to deflect fire and lightning.
"Nice picks," Fang Yue said, selecting a heavy mace and a stone shield. "Elder Bai's craftsmanship is unmatched. This mace could crack boulders."
Lin Yi nodded, testing the sword's weight. It hummed in his hand, as if eager to taste battle.
Nearby, Steward Zhang—who'd somehow wrangled a spot on the mission—grinned, hefting a curved blade. "Finally! No more rusty old swords for me!"
Steward Qiao, ever practical, chose a pair of defensive gloves and a thin, flexible spear. "Speed and protection. Can't go wrong."
Once everyone had chosen, Feng Chengyun clapped his hands, silencing the room. "Elders Zhao and Chen will lead you—both Foundation Establishment Mid Stage. Obey their orders. Your mission: investigate the demons' activities, gather intelligence, and eliminate any threats you encounter. Do not engage in unnecessary conflict."
He leaned forward, his tone grave. "Remember: the Black Veil Forest is no tournament. Demons do not play by rules. Trust your instincts. Watch your allies' backs. And return alive."
Elder Zhao, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "We depart at dawn three days from now. Prepare yourselves. Stock up on talismans, potions, whatever you need. Report to the eastern gate at first light."
The disciples bowed, their voices echoing: "Yes, Elders!"
As they filed out of the Mysterious Machine Hall, Lin Yi found himself surrounded by Fang Yue, Zhang, and Qiao.
"Demons, huh?" Zhang said, rubbing his hands. "Heard they taste like chicken. Ever eaten demon meat, Lin Yi?"
Lin Yi laughed. "Can't say I have. Let's hope we don't end up as *their* lunch."
Qiao frowned, his earlier excitement fading. "Black Veil Forest… I've heard stories. Rumors of 化形 (shape-shifting) demons, of mirages that drive men mad. Be careful, all of you."
Fang Yue nodded. "Master says Elder Zhao is a veteran—survived three demon outbreaks. Stick close to him, and we'll be fine."
Lin Yi clapped them on the back. "Three days to prepare. Let's make the most of it."
As he walked back to his quarters, the *Shadowpiercer* sword hung at his hip, its weight a comforting reminder of the task ahead. He thought of the bracelet hidden on his wrist, of the five-colored world within.
*Demons*, he mused. *Let's see what you're made of.*
The Black Veil Forest awaited. And Lin Yi, for one, was ready.