Afternoon sunlight lit the Hunting Ground as Li Yan moved through the trees like a phantom, a silent blur across the wild terrain. He saw a few of the disciples on his way, but he didn’t slow even a fraction.

  Gradually, the dense undergrowth gave way to structured paths as he neared the barrier of the Hunting Ground.

  Finally, after an hour, he reached the White Rank Leaderboard, which stood a hundred meters from the teleportation portal. The small crowd of white-robed disciples stood before the leaderboard, whispering among themselves.

  Li Yan had no intention of stopping—until he heard his own name.

  "Li Yan Tian? Never heard of him before," one disciple said, squinting at the board.

  "Same here," another replied. "Doesn’t ring any bells."

  Li Yan paused mid-step, curiosity flickering in his eyes. He changed course and approached the group silently.

  "Maybe he’s one of the new recruits?" a young woman suggested.

  A tall disciple shook his head. "Impossible. Look at his cultivation—Qi Gathering Realm (Stage-7). The newcomers who joined recently are all (Stage 1)."

  Another nodded. "And the number of beasts he’s slain… that’s not something a beginner could do."

  A third frowned. "Then who is he?"

  Li Yan stepped closer and lifted his gaze to the towering stone slate. The rankings glowed faintly in the fading sunlight.

  White Rank Leaderboard

  1st – Mu Fan – Qi Gathering Realm (Stage-Peak) – 742 Hunts

  2nd – Wen Hai – Qi Gathering Realm (Stage-Peak) – 631 Hunts

  3rd – Li Yan Tian – Qi Gathering Realm (Stage-7) – 558 Hunts

  4th – Zhang Wei – Qi Gathering Realm (Stage-Peak) – 549 Hunts

  "So that’s what they’re talking about," Li Yan murmured.

  He remembered the totals of the top three when he’d first entered the valley, and the 2nd rank-holder, Wen Hai, at 543.

  In just three days, Li Yan had nearly caught up. If Wen Hai hadn’t improved his own score, Li Yan would already be second.

  One of the disciples muttered, "We should tell Senior Brother Zhang Wei. His rank just got taken."

  "Right," another agreed quickly. "Let’s go."

  They hurried off, whispers trailing behind them. Li Yan followed the path behind them at his own pace. More disciples were returning from the Hunting Grounds—some in groups, talking excitedly about their hunts; others alone, weary but proud.

  Among them, Li Yan blended in easily.

  After three days of relentless hunting, Li Yan’s mind was focused on one thing—returning to the sect hall and finally finding out where he was supposed to stay.

  The path led him to the teleportation door. Without hesitation, he stepped through it, light rippling around him as he emerged on the other side—standing before a wide cave-like tunnel.

  As he entered, the earthy scent of stone and damp moss filled the air. After walking several meters, the tunnel opened into a lively passage where the aroma of food and the chatter of the disciples filled the air.

  Disciples moved between stalls, exchanging Shadow Points for meals and supplies.

  Li Yan approached one of the brown-rank disciples who owned a stall and exchanged twenty Shadow Points for a steaming, freshly grilled meal. The disciple handed it over with a practiced smile. He ate the warm meal quietly; all the exhaustion vanished.

  After finishing the meal, he moved on.

  When Li Yan emerged from another tunnel, the full grandeur of the Shadow Haven Sect (Yǐng Xū Zōng) spread before him.

  The sun was setting behind the mountains, bathing the vast sect grounds in gold and crimson light. Hundreds of disciples moved about—some sparring in open courtyards, others walking in small groups toward the towering peaks.

  At the heart of it all stood the largest mountain—the seat of the Sect Core Hall, where the elders and sect leader resided. The sight was both majestic and humbling.

  Li Yan’s gaze lingered briefly on the peak before he began walking toward it. His purpose was simple: find out where he’d be living.

  "I had been granted special entry into the sect as a guest disciple, but no one had told me where I would be staying." Li Yan muttered, "But I had left immediately for Hunting Grounds, so it’s my own fault."

  As Li Yan walked his way up the path toward the mountain, an elder in green robes suddenly paused mid-step, eyes locking on him. A faint flicker of surprise crossed the elder’s face, followed by a subtle frown—as though sensing something unusual.

  Li Yan felt it, too. His heightened perception caught the shift in the air, the brief focus of someone’s intent on him.

  Before he could turn, a calm but firm voice called out, "Li Yan!"

  He stopped and turned toward the source.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Approaching him was a tall man with striking red hair and eyes that gleamed like embers beneath the evening light. His green robes bore the insignia of the sect’s elders. The man’s presence was calm yet commanding, his aura unmistakably that of a powerful person.

  Li Yan immediately cupped his hands in salute. "Greetings, Elder."

  The elder’s lips curved into a faint smile, though curiosity flickered in his gaze. "Li Yan. I am Yu Long, one of the elders of the sect."

  Li Yan nodded slightly. "So this Elder knows about my entry." Li Yan recognized him as someone who might know about his special entry.

  "It’s an honor to meet you, Elder Yu," Li Yan replied evenly.

  Yu Long’s eyes studied him—his travel-worn robes, the faint traces of blood on the sleeves, and the quiet fatigue behind his calm expression. "From the looks of it, you’ve just returned from the Hunting Grounds," the elder remarked. "Where are you heading?"

  Li Yan nodded lightly. "Yes, Elder Yu. I’ve just finished my hunt and was heading to the Core Hall to inquire about my living quarters. I still don’t know where I’m supposed to stay."

  Yu Long blinked, visibly taken aback. His expression froze for a moment before a wry smile tugged at his lips.

  "He doesn’t even know his residence?" The thought passed through his mind in disbelief. "Don’t tell me… this kid stayed in the valley for three whole days without returning once?"

  Shaking off his thoughts, Yu Long offered a faint smile and nodded. "Ah, yes. The sect leader did mention your immediate departure to the Hunting Ground upon arrival—without rest. Quite… admirable."

  He paused briefly, then continued, "No need to trouble yourself with the Core Hall. I’ll take you to your quarters myself."

  Li Yan cupped his hands respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Yu. I appreciate your guidance."

  With a casual wave, Yu Long gestured for him to follow. "It’s nothing. The sect leader has already arranged a place for you. All the elders were instructed to assist you upon your return from the Hunting Grounds."

  Li Yan nodded and fell into step behind him.

  As they started walking across the sect grounds, twilight deepened. A cool evening breeze brushed past, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth.

  The sun had dipped behind the mountains, casting the entire sect in hues of soft violet and gold. Shadows stretched long across the stone paths, and the final calls of birds faded into quiet stillness.

  They walked toward a smaller peak adjoining the mountain that led to the Hunting Grounds—the very one Li Yan had just left. Their boots crunched softly against the gravel, the steady rhythm echoing in the quiet.

  For a while, silence reigned between them. Then, Yu Long’s curiosity finally stirred. He glanced over his shoulder. "Li Yan, if I’m not mistaken, you spent three full days and nights in the Hunting Ground?"

  "Yes, Elder Yu," Li Yan replied calmly, his tone even and unhurried.

  Yu Long raised a brow. After a short pause, he asked what had been on his mind since they met. "And… How many beasts did you hunt?"

  Li Yan gave a faint shrug, his voice casual. "Not many. It was my first time entering the Hunting Ground, so most of it was spent learning the terrain—and a few survival tricks."

  Yu Long almost missed a step. "Just… exploring? For three days?"

  His disbelief showed for an instant before he hid it behind a practiced smile. A new disciple spending days in the wilderness—returning without wounds or panic—was unusual enough.

  But this boy’s composure, calm as a still lake, made Yu Long more intrigued than ever.

  He didn’t press further. "Hmm…" he murmured thoughtfully, then nodded and resumed walking.

  Soon, they arrived before a wide cave mouth carved into the mountain. Intricate runes glowed softly around the entrance, forming a living barrier of faint blue and gold light—a protective array humming with energy.

  Without a word, Yu Long stepped inside. Li Yan followed silently. Qi-powered lanterns lighted the narrow tunnel, their steady glow casting long shadows across the smooth stone walls. The air within was cool, quiet, and charged with faint spiritual pressure.

  Neither spoke as they walked.

  Li Yan’s mind was focused on what came next—his cultivation progress, his next breakthrough, and the strength he would need for the challenges ahead.

  Yu Long, on the other hand, found his curiosity deepening with each step. The boy behind him was too calm, too self-contained… as if he carried something far heavier than his age should allow.

  And that, more than anything, intrigued him.

  After barely ten feet, the tunnel widened into a spacious hallway that looked nothing like the rough exterior of the cave.

  Polished stone floors reflected the soft glow of hanging lanterns, while intricate tapestries adorned the walls. The place resembled a luxury inn more than a sect’s quarters—elegant, refined, and unexpectedly warm.

  On either side of the hallway, twenty doors lined the walls, each engraved with the sect’s emblem. To the left, a staircase spiraled upward toward the upper floors.

  Without pause, Yu Long ascended the stairs, with Li Yan following closely behind. The first floor mirrored the layout below—orderly, pristine, and silent. They soon stopped before the fourth door on the right.

  Turning toward Li Yan, Yu Long’s tone shifted to its usual composed authority. "Li Yan, hand me your disciple badge."

  Without hesitation, Li Yan waved his hand, summoning the badge from his storage ring, and passed it to Yu Long.

  Yu Long inserted the badge into a perfectly shaped slot carved into the door. The runes along the frame flared with a soft green light, and a faint click followed — the sound of a formation unlocking.

  The door swung open, revealing darkness within; no lights were yet active.

  Retrieving the badge, Yu Long handed it back. "This room is now yours. It’s bound to your disciple badge and will only respond to it. No one else can enter unless they possess your badge."

  Li Yan studied the badge, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his gaze. "This feels like Earth’s security systems," he thought, "but far beyond them."

  "No wires or system to hack, no keys to forge, no digital loopholes—just pure Qi-linked access. Secure, elegant, and incorruptible."

  A faint smile touched his lips as he cupped his hands. "Thank you, Elder Yu, for your time and guidance."

  Yu Long waved his hand, a trace of approval in his eyes. "It’s nothing. Rest well, Li Yan. We’ll speak again soon."

  With that, he turned and strode away, his figure disappearing down the lantern-lit corridor, leaving Li Yan standing at the threshold of his new quarters.

  Li Yan stepped inside. The door closed behind him, and at once, the lanterns on the walls flared to life, flooding the space with warm, steady light.

  He paused, slightly taken aback. The interior exceeded every expectation. This wasn’t a disciple’s dorm—it was closer to a private suite.

  The living room was elegantly furnished: a soft couch set facing a wooden table, shelves filled with books, a polished desk in the corner, and decorative potted plants that lent a calm, lived-in charm. The atmosphere was peaceful yet refined—designed for both comfort and focus.

  Li Yan’s eyes softened. "So Elder Ji arranged this," he thought.

  "I didn’t ask for special treatment… but it seems I’ve received it nonetheless."