The Crimson Tomb had been sealed again.
Its entrance layered with fresh barriers, its guardians buried deeper than before. The sect elders called it secured. But Fang Xi knew better.
The tomb wasn't secured.
It was watching.
And now, so were others.
Return to Ironwood
For the first time in months, Fang Xi stepped back through the familiar stone gates of Ironwood as something more than an anonymous Inner Disciple.
The other disciples stared openly as he walked through the courtyards. Whispers followed him like insects.
"The one who controlled the Bone Shades."
"They say he commands spirits."
"Was he really untouched by the elders?"
"Is he even human?"
Fang Xi walked as though the voices were nothing but wind.
Jiang Ping trailed behind him, nervous, but proud.
"Senior brother… everyone's talking about you."
"They always talk," Fang Xi answered. "Until they kneel."
The Council Summons
Within a day, a summons arrived.
The sect's Council of Elders — a chamber few disciples ever saw — requested his presence.
Fang Xi dressed carefully. Neutral colors. Neither arrogant nor humble.
He entered the council hall beneath towering statues of ancient Ironwood patriarchs. The full circle of elders sat before him, their faces unreadable.
Elder Hua spoke first.
"You've risen quickly, Fang Xi. Too quickly."
He answered with a calm bow. "I followed the sect's orders."
"You followed your own path," Elder Qian said coldly. "And left us little choice but to recognize your… usefulness."
The robed guest from River Shadow sat silently, observing.
Elder Hua continued, "Effective immediately, you will be assigned under the River Shadow Court as a full Inner Representative."
She paused.
"You will answer directly to us. Your cultivation will be monitored. Your access… carefully permitted."
Fang Xi bowed again, voice smooth.
"I accept the sect's generosity."
A Quiet Warning
As the meeting adjourned, the River Shadow guest approached him alone.
"You played well," the man said softly. "But don't mistake this for security. You're not one of us yet. You're tolerated."
Fang Xi smiled faintly.
"Good. That means I still have room to climb."
The guest's smile was thinner.
"That mark on your wrist… do not let it control you."
Fang Xi's eyes gleamed for just a moment.
"I don't intend to serve the mark," he whispered.
"I intend to become the one it fears."
A New Visitor
Later that night, as he cultivated quietly within his stone residence, a sealed letter arrived.
No insignia. No signature. Just a wax imprint of an unfamiliar symbol.
Inside: only a single sentence.
"The Asura Pavilion knows you exist now."
Fang Xi stared at the words in silence.
The Asura Pavilion — one of the hidden sects of the Upper Realms, known for recruiting dangerous outcasts and forbidden practitioners.
He whispered under his breath.
"The higher world has begun watching."
The game had only just begun.