The slip of paper burned to ash in Li Han's hand, its faint scent of sandalwood curling into the night air.Its message was brief — but enough to set his course.
Target: Elder Wu Zhen.Cover Identity: Herbal supplier for the sect's internal apothecary.Warning: Trust no one inside the sect walls.
By dawn, Li Han was already walking the trade road toward Cloud Fang Sect, his cart loaded with carefully packed medicinal herbs.Every item in the cart had been chosen for a reason — some for their actual medicinal value, others for their usefulness in improvised situations.
The sect gates loomed ahead, guarded by two disciples in gray robes.One's expression was bored, the other's was sharp, eyes flicking over Li Han's cart with the precision of a hawk.
"Name, business, and sponsor," the sharper one demanded.
"Li Han. Delivering supplies on behalf of Madam Xue's apothecary in Clearwater Town," he replied smoothly, producing the stamped trade permit.
The disciple studied the seal, then nodded. "Proceed. Don't wander."
Inside, the sect's outer grounds spread out like a painting — terraced courtyards, jade-tiled roofs, waterfalls spilling into crystal ponds.But beauty here was deceptive; Li Han could feel the undercurrent of power in the air, like standing on the edge of a storm.
The apothecary was in the east wing, its shelves heavy with jars, scrolls, and strange plants glowing faintly under protective formations.
A hunched old man with ink-stained fingers emerged from behind a counter."You're early," he rasped. "Good. Elder Wu likes his deliveries on time."
The words were casual, but the name made Li Han's senses sharpen.
"Elder Wu is… particular about herbs?" Li Han asked lightly as he unpacked.
The old man's lips curled in a humorless smile."He's particular about everything. Especially things that keep him in power."
[System Alert]Proximity to Main Quest Target: 620 meters.
Later, while storing the last of the herbs in a side chamber, Li Han noticed a door at the back — a heavy iron door with no visible lock, only a faint golden seal etched into its surface.
From beyond it came a low, rhythmic hum, like breathing.
His fingers itched to push his luck, but before he could move, footsteps approached.A young woman in a white robe stepped inside, her gaze cool but curious.
"You're not one of ours," she said. "Who are you, and why are you near the Restricted Chamber?"
Li Han bowed slightly. "A humble supplier. I didn't know this was restricted."
Her eyes lingered on him a moment longer before she nodded. "Then remember it. People who pry too much here… disappear."
She turned to leave — then paused. "If you want to live long, avoid Elder Wu's attention."
But fate wasn't giving him that choice.
That evening, as he left the apothecary, a pair of crimson-robed attendants intercepted him."Elder Wu has summoned you," one said flatly.
[System Notification]Main Quest Progression: Forced Engagement Triggered.Warning: Host entering high-risk zone.
Li Han followed them into the sect's inner grounds.
The hall they led him to was vast and dimly lit, its walls lined with weapons, scrolls, and strange relics that seemed to watch him.At the far end, seated upon a carved blackwood chair, was Elder Wu Zhen himself — sharp-featured, eyes like chips of obsidian.
"I hear," Wu said slowly, "that you handled a certain… gang in Clearwater Town. And that you fight unusually well for a mere herbal merchant."
Li Han kept his expression neutral. "I defend myself when needed."
Wu's lips twitched, not quite a smile."Good. I have use for men who can defend themselves.Tell me, Li Han… how do you feel about killing a sect disciple?"
Far away, in the shadows of the rafters, the plain-robed man from before was watching, unseen.And in Li Han's mind, the System was already calculating odds, escape routes… and possible rewards.