The last resonance of the "Seed of Fire Dao Comprehension" still vibrated subtly in Xiao Lan's spiritual core, and a smile of deep satisfaction curved her lips as Lin Feng, exhausted yet exultant, reabsorbed the final strand of chaotic energy. They had stumbled upon a method of shared cultivation and comprehension that defied all known logic, a secret that bound them with the strength of primordial steel. The Hidden Orchid Valley had become their sacred laboratory, a nest of limitless potential.
But peace, like an ephemeral-winged butterfly, seldom lingered long for those who walked the path of chaos.
Glob, who had been observing the exchange of energies between Lin Feng and Xiao Lan with an almost reverent stillness from its usual spot among the roots of an ancient spectral magnolia tree, suddenly straightened. Its dark slime body, now the size of a medium dog and with complex galaxies of silver, gold, and crimson light swirling within, vibrated with an intensity Lin Feng had never felt before. A sharp psychic pulse, laden with unmistakable alarm, struck Lin Feng's mind—a testament to his own rapid evolution.
Lin Feng leaped to his feet; the pleasant warmth of Xiao Lan's refined energy, still coursing through his meridians, was replaced by a jolt of adrenaline. "Senior Sister!" he exclaimed, his voice tense. "Glob is greatly agitated! It senses several powerful cultivators approaching. And fast!"
Xiao Lan, who had been about to comment on the incredible clarity the "Fire Seed" had granted her, instantly rose, her Golden Core aura, previously serene, now bristling like a startled cat's fur at danger. Her jade eyes narrowed, her formidable spiritual sense unfurling like a silent storm, sweeping beyond the valley's confines toward the path leading to her Dawn Mist Peak.
An instant later, her expression turned frigid. "You're right, Lin Feng. Three distinct auras. Two at the mid-stage Golden Core, one at the peak of Spiritual Foundation. They are from our sect. Elders. And they are heading directly here, to the entrance of my peak."
A chill ran down Lin Feng's spine. So soon? Had they detected the fluctuations from their joint cultivation, despite the valley's remoteness and the isolated nature of Xiao Lan's peak? The thought of their deepest secrets being exposed was terrifying.
"Quickly, Lin Feng," Xiao Lan ordered, her mind already working at lightning speed, the cool, calculating strategist taking over. "Glob, completely concealed. Shrink down, get into his robes, not the slightest trace of your presence or your chaotic energy must remain. You," her gaze fixed on Lin Feng, "revert to being the humble, fortunate outer disciple, the scholar of forgotten texts. Remember our alibi to the letter. Any word out of place, any hint of your true power, and we'll both be in danger that perhaps even I cannot control, despite my new realm."
Lin Feng nodded, his heart pounding. Glob, with an understanding that surpassed any beast's, rapidly shrank, its dark mass becoming denser, smaller, until it was like a smooth, polished, walnut-sized stone. Lin Feng picked it up and slipped it into the inner pocket of his robe, a warm, constant presence against his chest. He adopted the slightly stooped posture, the reserved and somewhat fearful expression that had been his mask for so many years.
"Whatever happens," Xiao Lan continued, her voice now an icy whisper, "remain calm. Do not speak unless directly questioned. Show no undue familiarity with me. I will handle the conversation. Trust me."
"Always, Senior Sister," Lin Feng replied, and in that simple phrase was a weight of conviction that transcended their disciple-Elder relationship.
They hurried out of the valley's heart, ascending the winding path toward the bamboo and dark wood pavilion that marked the formal entrance to Dawn Mist Peak. They arrived just as three figures, cloaked in the ceremonial robes of the Scarlet Cloud Sect Elders, appeared at the end of the path, their steps measured but their auras of power extending like an invisible pressure.
They were, as Xiao Lan had perceived, Elder Liu, with his stern face and graying beard; Elder Fei, whose usual joviality was absent today, replaced by a grave expression; and leading them, Grand Elder Wei, one of the five pillars of the Council, his face a network of wrinkles that failed to hide the cunning and authority in his deep-set eyes.
"Elder Xiao Lan," greeted Elder Liu, his voice formal and a little tense. He gave a slight bow of his head, a gesture the other two imitated, though with less enthusiasm from Grand Elder Wei. "We hope we are not interrupting your important cultivation."
Grand Elder Wei cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping the surroundings and lingering with barely perceptible disdain on Lin Feng, who stood a step behind Xiao Lan, head bowed, the very picture of insignificance. "The Sect Master and the Council have sent us, Elder Xiao Lan. Several days have passed since your return and your momentous breakthrough. It is natural that we wish to ascertain your well-being and discuss matters pertinent to the sect's future—matters in which you, now, play an absolutely fundamental role."
Xiao Lan responded with a perfectly executed bow, her bearing serene, her voice clear and devoid of emotion. "I deeply appreciate the concern of the Sect Master and the honorable Grand Elders. Dawn Mist Peak is indeed an exceptional place, and the spiritual energy here is rich and pure, very conducive to consolidation. I have succeeded in stabilizing my Golden Core Realm, and my comprehension of the Fire Dao has reached new depths thanks to the tranquility of this place." To emphasize her words, a delicate tri-colored flame—gold, purple, and orange—danced briefly on her fingertips before vanishing, a demonstration of exquisite control and contained power that made the elders' eyes gleam with a mixture of admiration and covetousness.
"Splendid, splendid," murmured Elder Fei, visibly impressed. "Such refined control over a flame so evidently imbued with primordial power... it is a testament to your unparalleled talent, Elder Xiao Lan."
"Certainly," Grand Elder Wei interjected, his tone more calculating. "The sect has great hopes for you. Your power is a new sword for our Scarlet Cloud Sect, one we must wield wisely in the complex political arena of the Hundred Mountains Alliance." His gaze shifted back to Lin Feng, as if he were a speck of dust on a silk brocade. "And this young man… Lin Feng, if I'm not mistaken. The outer disciple who, according to your report, possesses a 'peculiar erudition.' Do you still find use for his… services, Elder Xiao Lan, now that you have reached such heights?" The question, though polite on the surface, was laden with skepticism and subtle pressure.
Lin Feng felt a shiver but kept his face impassive, his gaze fixed on the ground a few paces ahead of him.
Xiao Lan did not hesitate. "Grand Elder Wei, Elder Liu, Elder Fei," she replied calmly, her voice as smooth as silk-wrapped steel. "Disciple Lin Feng's knowledge of ancient and forgotten texts, particularly those detailing energy anomalies, dangerous flora, and treacherous natural formations in remote regions, remains a valuable asset. In fact," she paused, as if an idea had just occurred to her, "I was about to undertake an expedition to the Distant Echo Mountains. It is rumored that the 'Moonfrost Spirit Grass' grows there, a crucial ingredient for a pill I am researching to further stabilize and refine the nature of my Umbral Phoenix Flame. Lin Feng's erudition regarding the energy patterns and hidden dangers of that specific region, according to the maps and annals he has studied, would be invaluable in ensuring the success of such an endeavor and minimizing unnecessary risks."
The alibi was flawless. It linked Lin Feng's presence directly to her own continued progress and to a mission that would ultimately benefit the sect.
Grand Elder Wei stared at her, his shrewd eyes trying to find a crack in her story. "The Distant Echo Mountains? A notoriously dangerous place, even for Golden Core cultivators. Full of ancient ice beasts and treacherous terrain. Do you plan to go alone, Elder Xiao Lan, accompanied only by this… scholar?"
"The nature of the Moonfrost Spirit Grass requires discreet and precise collection, Grand Elder," Xiao Lan retorted firmly. "A large entourage would only attract unwanted attention from other sects or powerful beasts. Disciple Lin Feng's particular sensitivity for detecting the subtle emanations of the herb and for navigating the hidden mountain paths is, in this case, more valuable than a dozen swords."
"We understand your desire for discretion, Elder Xiao Lan," Elder Liu interjected, his tone more conciliatory. "However, your safety is paramount to the sect. Perhaps a small escort of two or three elite inner disciples, chosen for their skill in stealth and exploration…"
"I appreciate your consideration, Elder Liu," Xiao Lan cut him off, her voice now holding an unmistakable steel edge. "But my decision is made. An entourage, however small, might disturb the delicate energies I need to track. Furthermore, the presence of too many cultivators with standard Qi auras might even mask the signals Disciple Lin Feng needs to perceive. His method, though unorthodox, has already proven its effectiveness in the Umbral Ridge." She paused, her gaze meeting each elder's. "I trust in my own strength to protect us, and in the unique utility of my assistant. Any further interference would be… counterproductive to the success of a mission that will ultimately benefit the sect."
Her refusal was unequivocal, wrapped in flawless logic and backed by her new, overwhelming power. The elders exchanged glances. They couldn't force her. A Heaven's Daughter at the Golden Core Realm, especially one with Xiao Lan's potential, possessed a degree of autonomy few in the sect could openly challenge. Pressing her too hard could breed resentment, or worse, make her reconsider her loyalty to a sect that tried to control her so blatantly.
"As you wish, Elder Xiao Lan," Grand Elder Wei finally said, his voice strained but resigned. "We trust your judgment. However, the sect expects a detailed report of your expedition upon your return. And, of course, we hope you will continue to consider the… collaborative opportunities with other major sects that Sect Master Ouyang Zhen and the Council have been exploring to secure our collective future." It was a subtle warning, a reminder of her long-term "duties."
"Naturally, Grand Elder," Xiao Lan replied with a nod. "I will always keep the well-being of the Scarlet Cloud Sect in mind."
With that, and after a few more formalities, the three elders withdrew, their auras of power leaving a trail of tension in the valley air. Lin Feng didn't release his breath until he was sure they were completely gone.
"That..." he began, but Xiao Lan raised a hand.
"That was close," she said, a faint shadow in her eyes. "They're nervous. My advancement has upset the balance of power, and they're anxious to control it. And you, Lin Feng, are the variable they don't understand and, therefore, the one that worries them most in my equation." She looked toward the Distant Echo Mountains, distant and blue-tinged. "It seems our expedition has just become much more real, and much more necessary. Not just for the grass, but to give us the space and time we need away from their prying eyes."
She turned to him, and a new determination shone in her eyes. "Pack your things, Lin Feng. And review those texts of yours on the Distant Echo Mountains. We leave at dawn tomorrow. Glob," she added in a whisper only they could hear, as Lin Feng felt the small slime stir with excitement in his pocket, "I hope your senses are as sharp as our story claims."
The Hidden Orchid Valley, their secret cultivation sanctuary, now felt a little less secure. The sect's shadow had reached it. But with the new challenge also came a new opportunity: to test their combined abilities in the vast world outside, far from restrictions and intrigues—one more step on the unknown path that chaos and destiny had laid out for them. The real adventure, it seemed, was about to begin.