dark descendent lurking fate

1. Disciples on the Trail

The village of Mirewood was unusually quiet that morning.

The Crimson Ring Sect had sent four elite inner disciples—not to attack, but to investigate. They wore matching blood-red robes, swords tied with crimson tassels that hummed faintly with spiritual resonance.

They walked through the market, past the well, past the fields.

Every villager bowed respectfully... but their eyes showed fear.

> "Their spirit roots are negligible," said one, scanning a farmer.

"No one in the Qi Condensation stage, even."

> "And the ones who aren't afraid?" another asked.

"Children. And only one girl who says 'the silent man' lives near the trees."

> "Could be him," muttered their senior, narrowing his eyes.

They climbed the slope to Ash's house. It was sealed. Silent. The air around it was... unnatural.

They didn't step too close. One placed a Spirit Detection Charm in the soil and channeled energy through it.

The charm twisted. Cracked. Shattered.

> "It… resisted?"

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2. The Mistaken Conclusion

The four disciples sat under a tree near the cliff, just above the village.

> "This isn't a cultivator hiding in the village," the senior finally said.

"This is someone powerful hiding near the village."

They looked toward the black-peaked mountain just beyond the forest line.

> "He could have made the village his decoy. A trap to throw off spiritual sensors."

"He's probably living in seclusion... somewhere in the caves or deeper terrain."

They nodded, eyes dark with curiosity and caution.

> "We should report this—not engage. If we provoke someone of Sovereign level…"

"We're dust," another whispered.

They marked the mountain with a tracking talisman before vanishing into crimson flashes—gone in seconds.

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3. Ash's Perspective

Ash stood behind a tall pine tree.

He had watched them from the moment they entered the village.

Their steps. Their scent. Their heartbeat. Their spiritual intent.

> "So they think I'm in the mountains."

Shen Mu chuckled lightly in his mind.

> "Let them. Let all their pride send them chasing shadows."

Ash exhaled softly.

> "They still believe Sovereign Throne cultivators are ancient monsters who live in caves…"

> "They'll learn. Eventually."

He turned and walked back into the house—but not before glancing toward the distant sky.

> "If they report me... others will come."

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4. A Calm Before Another Storm

That night, Ash sat outside his house with Mei beside him, the stars stretched above.

> "People in the village say you scare the clouds away," Mei said, chewing a fruit.

"But I think you just like the sky too much."

Ash smiled faintly.

> "What do you think I am?"

> "You're like the mountain," she said.

"Still. Quiet. But everyone knows it could move if it wanted."

Ash stared at her, then chuckled.

> "That's the best answer I've heard."

The winds carried the faint scent of blood from far away—the Crimson Ring disciples had reported in.

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5. In the Hall of Crimson Ring Sect

Sect Master Ru Qingyan listened without blinking.

> "No spirit fluctuations in the village?"

"None, Sect Master."

"But there was resistance when we used the detection charm," added the senior disciple.

"Likely someone residing near the village. Deeply hidden. Or secluding."

Ru Qingyan tapped the arm of his throne slowly.

> "Interesting. This might be the Sovereign fluctuation we sensed during the altar storm."

He turned to an elder at his side.

> "Send a scouting elder. Not to provoke. Just to verify."

> "And if it is a Sovereign?"

> "Then we prepare. Quietly."

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