The presence Lin Xuan sensed did not disappear.
It remained faint.
But steady.
Like a moving ripple brushing against the outer edges of the ancient network.
The sect's observation formations continued operating at full capacity.
From the mountain peaks, faint lines of spiritual light connected the sensing plates, forming a wide detection grid.
Most disciples did not notice.
But for those who were paying attention—
The sect had quietly entered a state of alert.
Inside the small hall, Instructor Han adjusted another sensing plate.
The lines on the formation map shifted slightly.
Xu Liang stood beside him, watching closely.
"The fluctuation is still there."
Han nodded.
"Yes."
"It's moving."
Yan Rui leaned against the wall.
"Direction hasn't changed?"
Han shook his head.
"Still approaching from the outer region."
Senior Qiao stood with his arms folded.
"How long?"
Instructor Han studied the readings carefully.
"If they maintain the current pace…"
He paused briefly.
"…one to two days before they reach the outer mountain boundary."
The room fell silent.
That was sooner than expected.
Xu Liang spoke quietly,
"They're faster than we thought."
Yan Rui smirked slightly.
"Or more determined."
Lin Xuan remained calm, but his thoughts were clear.
If the approaching group reached the mountains, they would eventually begin investigating the surrounding area.
And once that happened—
The hidden convergence node would become much harder to protect.
Senior Qiao finally spoke.
"We do not act prematurely."
Xu Liang glanced at him.
"We just observe?"
"For now," Qiao replied.
"We confirm their intent first."
After the meeting ended, Lin Xuan walked back toward the outer sect.
The sky had begun to darken again.
The air felt calm.
Too calm.
That night, Lin Xuan sat in his courtyard as usual.
The moment he began circulating spiritual energy—
The network appeared again in his perception.
But this time—
The disturbance was clearer.
Closer.
Lin Xuan's eyes opened slowly.
"They've moved again."
The sensation was no longer distant.
It was approaching the outer range of the sect's territory.
Far beyond the mountain boundary—
The scouting team continued moving through a narrow path between steep cliffs.
Their formation instruments glowed steadily now.
One of the cultivators spoke in a low voice.
"The readings are stronger than before."
Another nodded.
"We're close."
The leader slowed his steps.
The mountains ahead rose sharply, forming a natural barrier.
Beyond them—
The sect's territory began.
He looked toward the peaks in silence for a moment.
Then spoke calmly.
"We stop here for now."
The others looked at him.
"Why?"
The leader raised the formation instrument slightly.
Lines of light flickered across its surface.
"The fluctuations are no longer random."
He looked toward the mountains.
"They're being monitored."
The group fell silent.
One of the cultivators asked quietly,
"Another sect?"
The leader nodded slightly.
"Most likely."
He lowered the instrument.
"We proceed carefully from this point."
Because once they crossed into that mountain range—
They would no longer be the only ones observing the ancient system.
And any wrong move—
Could draw unwanted attention.