The ironwood trees swayed gently under the early morning mist, their crimson leaves whispering like old voices. For years, Fang Xi had walked these mountain paths. First as a weak outer disciple, then as an unknown schemer. Now, for the first time, he was leaving as something else entirely.
The Summons
Three days after receiving the Asura Pavilion's message, the River Shadow Court summoned him again.
This time, it wasn't politics.
It was an assignment.
"Your first Outer Mission," the River Shadow envoy said, sliding a sealed scroll across the low table. "The sect believes it is time you prove your value in open service."
Fang Xi unsealed it with care.
The Mission Brief
Mission Classification: Black-Level
Objective: Investigate and recover lost inheritance at Falling Rain Ruins
Threat Level: Unstable — possible rogue cultivators, scavengers, and relic hunters involved
Secondary Objective: Eliminate unregistered factions operating near Ironwood's border
The envoy's voice remained calm. "The ruins surfaced after recent landslides near the Blackwind Valley."
He paused, lowering his voice slightly.
"We believe… some remnants of ancient soul cultivation methods may exist within the deeper chambers."
Fang Xi's fingers tightened briefly over the scroll.
Soul cultivation. Echo relics.
It wasn't a test. It was bait.
They wanted to see how far he could go. And whether the mark would respond again.
"Do I go alone?" Fang Xi asked.
"No," the envoy answered. "We've selected a team for you."
The Assigned Team
By dusk, the assigned party was assembled before the outer gates.
Wei Lian — silent, sword at her back, her gaze steady. She offered no greeting but positioned herself near him, as if already anticipating his moves.
Lu Shuwei — talisman master, his expression colder than before. After the tomb, he watched Fang Xi with sharpened suspicion.
Jiang Ping — his face nervous, but his loyalty absolute. Fang Xi had insisted on his inclusion.
And finally, one unfamiliar face:
Lin Yao — an outer sect Foundation Realm enforcer from River Shadow. Broad-shouldered, calm, clearly sent as an internal observer.
Fang Xi read him immediately.
A leash.
Departing Ironwood
As the stone gates closed behind them, Fang Xi took in his first breath of true freedom since reincarnation.
The world beyond Ironwood was vaster, harsher.
Mountains rolled endlessly toward distant mists. Wild forests swayed with unseen dangers. Bandit roads twisted along broken trade routes. Spirit beasts howled in the distance.
This was no longer the controlled safety of sect politics.
This was a world where his path would sharpen.
As they marched east, toward Blackwind Valley, the air grew colder.
And far above, hidden behind drifting clouds, a faint spiritual ripple passed overhead.
A watcher.
Far stronger than anything they had yet faced.