Chapter 99: Shadows Beneath the Peaks

  In the residence opposite to Su Wenqing's, Xu Mo was having a sparring session with his protector.

  “Master, you’ve become stronger,” Shadow Sentinel said, effortlessly deflecting my continuous punches.

  “Say that when I force you to use your other hand.” Shadow Sentinel had one of its hands folded behind its back, and with only one hand, it redirected my strikes with ease.

  “Master, don’t compare yourself to me. I’ve naturally had more time than you. I believe you’ll be able to surpass that easily.”

  “I think so too.”

  “That is the confidence my master should have.”

  We continued swinging our fists. The only difference was that I was the one sweating and panting, while Shadow Sentinel maintained steady breathing, looking like someone out for a casual stroll.

  A few hours later...

  “Master,” Shadow Sentinel returned with a towel and a flask of water for me. I wiped my face and arms, drenched in sweat, and chugged down the water as if my life depended on it.

  “When will the disciples be leaving? And when does the secret realm open?” I asked as I sat down on the trimmed grass, legs spread out, leaning back with the support of my palms pressed into the ground behind me.

  The question was clearly directed at Shadow Sentinel.

  “Master, as I said before, the sect will depart in the last week of the first month of the new year. The location where the secret realm opens is quite far, and since the sect will be using a flying ship that travels at a fixed speed, we must leave early.”

  Flying ship? Well, I guess I’ll see what that is when the sect begins preparing for departure.

  “I’ve heard about the secret realm, but where exactly is it located?”

  “The Hall Above the Peaks.”

  “The Hall Above the Peaks?!” I echoed. Was that where the secret realm would appear?

  “Master, I apologize if this sounds disrespectful, but that’s all I know. The precise location of the secret realm is only known to the Sect Master or the Ancestor.” Shadow Sentinel bowed its head, seemingly guilty for being unable to help further.

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  “Don’t worry about it too much, Shadow Sentinel. I was just curious. If it’s classified information, then the sect must have its reasons. It’s not like I’m going to be among those heading to the secret realm anyway, right?” I said casually, as if it didn’t matter—because it really didn’t. It was a question asked on impulse, and if the location was taboo, then I understood.

  Light cannot exist without darkness—and the same goes for righteous sects like the Hidden Dragon Sect. If there are sects that protect the common people without greed or hidden motives, then there are also those that represent the darkness of this world.

  The sects that follow the Demon Dao.

  “What do you mean by that, Master?”

  Huh?!

  “What?”

  “Master, I don’t understand. What did you mean when you said you wouldn’t be going to the secret realm?” Shadow Sentinel narrowed its eyes, confused by my words.

  “I meant it literally. I didn’t participate in the tournament for a spot in the secret realm. So, how would I go to the Hall Above the Peaks?”

  “Master, but you are the True Successor. You don’t need to fight like clowns for a spot. Your position in the secret realm quota was already decided by the Sect Master and the Ancestor long ago.”

  Shadow Sentinel’s words hit me like news of the Immortal Gate opening again. I had no words—nothing to say, nothing to think.

  Later, in the Main Hall...

  “Sect Master, please don’t do this. You know my strength. I’m only at the peak of the 5th level of Qi Condensation. I’ll just be cannon fodder in the secret realm!” I was on my knees inside the Main Hall. Bai Xu sat on his throne. My hands were clasped together, and my eyes were slightly red—a trick I pulled by rubbing them before entering, just to appear more pitiful in the presence of the Sect Master.

  “My dear Xu Mo, the decision has already been made. Your position has been secured. Suddenly changing it would only draw unnecessary attention.” Bai Xu smirked, clearly amused by my act.

  “But Sect Master, this is unfair! You should have at least consulted me first, to see whether I even wanted to go!”

  “Xu Mo,” Bai Xu said in a commanding tone, “you are the True Successor of the Hidden Dragon Sect. Your participation in this trip to the secret realm is essential. Otherwise, we risk offending The Hall Above the Peaks.”

  “Sect Master... what even is The Hall Above the Peaks? Shadow Sentinel mentioned it too when I asked about the secret realm’s location.”

  Bai Xu raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar name.

  “Shadow Sentinel? Who is that?” he asked, straightening in his seat.

  “Sect Master, Shadow Sentinel!” I threw my arms out dramatically, expecting him to recognize the name. Surely the Ancestor had informed him?

  “The Ancestor introduced me to Shadow Sentinel. Said it was for my protection. I don’t know much about my protector, only that it was chosen from the Ancestor’s personal army.”

  “Ancestor?!” I tilted my head in confusion at the Sect Master’s expression. Shouldn’t the Sect Master and the Ancestor be on the same page? Shouldn’t they know what dangers their True Successor faces?

  “You will go to the secret realm, and that’s final,” Bai Xu said firmly. “If you wish, you may stay within the inner sect. There are many inner disciples—no one remembers everyone. If anyone asks, simply say you’re one of the new recruits. You can train there to your heart’s content.”

  Bai Xu paused.

  Just as I was about to leave with a dejected look, he called out to me again. A flicker of hope reignited inside me, only to be extinguished the next moment by his words.

  “Tell Shadow Sentinel to meet me before returning with you.”

  Like an emperor issuing a decree, Bai Xu stood and descended one step at a time—his movements measured, precise, and deliberate.