The morning mist had just begun to lift from the mountain peaks when Zu Tian arrived at the inner disciple training grounds. Today, the Blaze Sword Sect was alive with motion—disciples running across bridges, elders giving urgent orders, supply carts rolling down the stone paths. The air trembled with sword intent and anticipation.
The expedition to the Scarlet Gorge had begun.
Reporting to the Expedition Leader
Zu Tian entered the Flame Pavilion, where a dozen senior figures stood around a floating map. At the head of the room sat the appointed leader of all Blaze Sect expedition forces:
Expedition Commander – Elder Lei Qingshan
The Fifth Elder of the sect, a sharp-eyed man with silver streaks in his dark hair.Calm, experienced, and unyielding.He had led ten major expeditions in his lifetime—and survived all of them.
Lei Qingshan looked up as Zu Tian approached.
"Zu Tian." His voice was like a blade scraping across stone. "I've read your mission report. Hmph… you really did sense sword pressure in the River Marsh."
Zu Tian bowed."Yes, Elder."
"Good. You'll lead the third expedition team under my command. You will report directly to me for all matters."
Yen Mo—standing nervously at the side—looked over in awe.Being recognized by Lei Qingshan was no small thing.
The elder traced his finger across the hovering map.
"The Scarlet Gorge lies here… a region filled with ancient sword scars and collapsed ruins. But now—something stirs. Something powerful."
His expression hardened.
"And not just our sect has noticed."
A Gathering of Sects and Clans
Lei Qingshan tapped the map again, revealing glowing sigils.
"Three major parties will join this expedition trial."
He pointed to the first symbol—a roaring flame surrounded by wings.
1. The Skyfire Monastery
A sect of martial monks known for their flame-infused fists and unwavering discipline.
"They seek enlightenment through combat. Expect them to challenge anyone who looks strong… including you."
Then he pointed to a crest shaped like a serpent biting its own tail.
2. The Serpent River Clan
One of the elite clans of Trikur, masters of river-flow qi and hidden blade arts.
"Do not provoke them. Their pride is sharp as their daggers."
Finally, he pointed to a sigil of an ancient sword half-buried in earth.
3. The Stone Ridge Sword Hall
A rival sword school.Strict. Cold. Proud.
"They believe the gorge's disturbance is tied to an ancient sword legacy," Lei Qingshan said."They will not tolerate weakness—or competition."
Yen Mo swallowed hard.Zu Tian remained silent, observing everything carefully.
Zu Tian's Assigned Team
Lei Qingshan flicked his sleeve, and glowing names appeared in the air.
"Zu Tian, your team will consist of five members. I selected disciples whose abilities complement yours."
1. Yen Mo
Zu Tian's junior.Earnest, hardworking, brave despite inexperience.
"Yen Mo will provide support and assist with tactical terrain reading."
Yen Mo nearly bowed in half from excitement.
2. Li Xueyao
A graceful inner disciple known for her frost-edge sword techniques.Her sword qi was pure, calm, and lethal.
"She will stabilize your front line. Do not waste her efforts."
3. Bai Kuan
A muscular youth with explosive power and little patience.His "Crimson Fist Sword Style" was feared by even older disciples.
"He listens to no one," Lei Qingshan warned. "Make him listen to you."
4. Sun Lian
A quiet, scholarly disciple specializing in formations, talismans, and battlefield arrays.
"Without him, your team will step into danger blind."
5. Zu Tian
Team Leader.
Lei Qingshan's gaze sharpened.
"You are young—but the Sect Master chose you. That means you shoulder responsibility others cannot."
Zu Tian bowed deeply."I understand."
But as he bowed, the broken sword strapped to his back emitted a faint tremor—just enough for Zu Tian's heart to skip a beat.
Why now…?
But no one else sensed it.
The Rules of the Expedition
Lei Qingshan raised his voice so all gathered disciples could hear.
"Listen well! The Scarlet Gorge expedition is not only a mission—it is a trial between sects and clans!"
Disciples straightened immediately.
He continued:
Teams may explore freely, but no killing among allied factions is allowed.
Artifacts or ruins discovered must be reported. Theft will be punished severely.
If hostile entities appear—unknown beasts, rogue cultivators, or ancient remnants—all teams must signal together.
Failure to obey commands may result in expulsion or crippling punishment.
The air shook with the weight of these rules.
Yen Mo whispered, "Brother… this is sounding more and more dangerous."
Zu Tian smiled faintly."Dangerous… but interesting."
As the assembly began to disperse, Elder Shen Ruohan—Zu Tian's master—approached him quietly.
"Zu Tian," he said softly. "When you enter the Scarlet Gorge… trust your instincts above all else."
Zu Tian frowned. "Master… do you sense something?"
"Not sense," Shen Ruohan replied, his eyes drifting toward the north."But old sword lands do not awaken without a reason. When ancient echoes return… they tend to call certain people."
He looked directly at Zu Tian, but not at the broken sword.
"You do not yet know your path. But the gorge may reveal it to you."
Zu Tian bowed."I will be cautious."
His master's sleeve fluttered as he turned away.
"Do not be cautious," Shen Ruohan corrected."Be ready."
Night Before Departure
Zu Tian returned to his courtyard, the setting sun casting golden light across the tiles.He unsheathed the broken sword for the first time that day.
Four inches of fractured steel.Silent.Dim.Forgotten.
Yet when the blade touched the dying sunlight, a flicker—no more than an illusion—ran along its surface.
A whisper only he could hear:
"Scarlet… Gorge…"
Zu Tian exhaled.