The next morning, the bell rang across the mountain range, summoning all students to the Summit Hall.
The apprentices were welcomed first, each introducing themselves one by one. Among the thirteen new disciples, two names had already caught everyone's attention, Shen Ming and Luo Cheng, though for very different reasons.
The meeting hall at Jun Peak was not as grand as the one at Juyao Peak, but it possessed a serene, artistic charm. Almost all its windows were left open, allowing sunlight to pour in freely. No candles were needed. The floor was made of polished black stone, and the brick walls were painted in a soft blue. Beautiful murals, inspired by the surrounding landscapes, were painted in subtle patterns, making the space feel like a calm sanctuary.
After the apprentices were welcomed, Shen Guo himself stood to explain the rules of the peak. They were few, simple, and easy to remember. Once finished, he gestured for the students to take their assigned seats and sat down on the high platform at the front of the room.
Beside him stood Wei Yunhe, his expression as radiant as ever.Jun Peak was far quieter than the other peaks, with fewer than a hundred students. After the arrival of the new apprentices, the total rose to ninety-seven.
"Yu Lingyu."
The name rang through the hall. The moment he had been dreading had finally come. Lingyu stood up with visible hesitation. As always, he had chosen a neutral seat, apart from his fellow inner disciples. His eyes flicked toward Shen Guo with reverence and nervous awe, and he let out a silent sigh.
"How do you explain your behavior the day before yesterday?" Shen Guo asked, his voice stern and commanding.
Before Lingyu could respond, Wei Yunhe stepped forward. Oh, his lovely Da Shixiong.
"It's my fault, Shizun," Wei Yunhe said, bowing deeply. "I left a letter before leaving, but due to an emergency. They didn't see it in time. It's not their fault."
Even as he pleaded, Wei Yunhe didn't forget to throw a sharp, warning glance at his second Shidi.
"What could possibly be more urgent than a summit meeting, Yunhe?" Shen Guo asked, his tone now frosted with displeasure.
Wei Yunhe froze under the weight of his Shizun's voice."I couldn't say it that day due to the convention… but it seems Lilan City has once again fallen victim to a demonic invasion," he said, his voice steady but humble.
Lilan City, again. Did the demons not grow tired of raiding the same place?
Shen Guo's cold expression softened slightly. "Hmm? What kind of demon appears at this time of year?" he asked, his tone more thoughtful now.
"We don't know for certain yet," Wei Yunhe admitted.
Lilan City was the closest urban center to the Wen Sect, and the Tianmen Wen Clan had long considered it their duty to protect it. An invasion, even a small one, was not something to be taken lightly.
Still, Shen Guo remained composed. If the demon had been powerful, there would've already been a larger commotion. That thought reassured him.
He finally spoke, voice clear and firm, "If this is the case, then the new disciples shall treat it as part of their training."
"Wei Yunhe, take the thirteen new disciples and head to Lilan City," Shen Guo ordered.
Then his eyes shifted. "And Yu Lingyu, you will go as well."
Lingyu froze. His heart sank. He was already on the verge of tears. Why him? Why now? Four years ago, he had participated in a similar devil hunt. The result? Nothing but disaster. For himself. For others.
He looked up at Shen Guo with pleading eyes, but the shizun had already turned his gaze away. Silently, Lingyu stepped out of the hall.
The other disciples followed without a word, though the second Shixiong couldn't help but throw a sharp look over his shoulder before leaving. Soon, only the apprentices and Wei Yunhe remained behind with Lingyu.
"Da Shixiong," Lingyu began, his voice trembling, "Could you please speak to Shizun again? I'll only slow you down. I'm of no use to anyone."
"Yu Shidi, don't think so lowly of yourself," Yunhe replied gently. "Besides, you know as well as I do, Shizun's words can't be taken back once spoken."
"Da Shixiong is right. Please help us, Yu Shixiong," Luo Cheng added sincerely.
Behind him, Shen Ming let out a mocking hum and turned away.
"But what exactly is happening in Lilan City?" one of the apprentices asked, curiosity tinged with concern.
"It's not as terrifying as it sounds, San Xiong," Luo Cheng replied. As a native of Lilan, he spoke with some authority. "There's been trouble with walking corpses lately. But they're not permanent."
Wei Yunhe nodded approvingly. "That's correct. Good question, San Jie. And thank you, Luo Shidi."
"Tch. Walking corpses again." Shen Ming snorted. "Disgusting things."
"I agree. They're an unpleasant race," Mo Dong added.
"I pity them," San Jie murmured.
"Oh, San Xiong, who don't you pity?" Shen Ming scoffed. He still hadn't forgotten how San Jie had sympathized with that ridiculous poet in the dining hall.
San Jie shrugged. "I mean it. Who would want to wander the earth, half-rotten, crawling with worms even in death? Would you like that, Shen Xiong?"
Shen Ming's nostrils flared. "Haha. So what, if one grabs onto you, will you show mercy or slice them down?"
"Of course, I'll kill them," San Jie said calmly. "Because I pity them. Isn't that… freedom?"
Shen Ming narrowed his eyes. "So you don't loathe them, do you?"
"Loathing and compassion are two separate things. Can't you understand that, Shen Xiong?"
"Alright, enough," Luo Cheng stepped between them, sensing the growing tension. "Let's listen to Da Shixiong."
San Jie came from a wealthy family as well, and his pride showed at times, but it wasn't nearly as abrasive as Shen Ming's. Plus, San Jie's refined features and calm demeanor made him more admired than scorned.
"A weapon and talismans are enough for basic defense," Wei Yunhe reassured the group, noticing that some of the apprentices still looked pale. "Don't worry too much. With Yu Shidi and me, we're fully prepared. It'll be more than enough."
Then he turned to Lingyu. "Yu Shidi, could you prepare talismans for everyone? Each person needs one emergency protection charm."
Lingyu nodded silently and accepted the request.
"What time do we depart?" he asked quietly.
"We leave three incense sticks before sunset. I'll arrange the transport," Wei Yunhe replied, rubbing his hands together as he turned to leave. Then he stopped, glancing over his shoulder.
"Oh, and one of you should stay and help Yu Shidi draw the talismans."
With that, he walked out without waiting for a reply.
Once again, they fell into silence.