The laughter lingering across the silver-white vessel gradually dispersed into smaller conversations as the two ships drifted farther apart once more. The temporary spiritual bridge dissolved into countless particles of qi that scattered into the mountain winds, leaving only the steady rhythm of the convoy continuing through the narrowing valley.
Several Cloud Peak disciples remained near the railing of their own vessel, still waving toward the Celestial Sword Sect ship as though parting from old acquaintances rather than people they had only met the previous night.
Lee Bie responded enthusiastically.
"Practice your catching!"
One disciple cupped both hands around his mouth.
"Bring another ball next time!"
"I’ll bring two."
"You’ll lose both."
"They’ll become tactical sacrifices."
Laughter echoed between the vessels before distance slowly swallowed the voices.
Standing beside the forward railing, Shaurya watched Elder Hang’s flagship gradually move ahead of the formation. The old commander’s posture remained as disciplined as ever, his gaze fixed upon the valley unfolding before the fleet.
Not once did he look back.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Shaurya’s mouth before disappearing almost immediately.
Exactly as expected.
Beside him, Lu Fang rested both forearms upon the railing and followed the flagship with his eyes.
"So..."
Shaurya remained silent.
"The commander finally trusts us?"
Shaurya slowly shook his head.
"No."
Lu Fang blinked.
"No?"
"He trusts Elder Xu Ren."
A brief pause settled between them before understanding gradually appeared across Lu Fang’s face.
"Those are two very different people."
"They’re supposed to be."
The former prince leaned against the railing thoughtfully while the cold mountain breeze stirred loose strands of his hair.
"So..."
He looked toward Shaurya again.
"One problem solved."
Shaurya’s gaze remained fixed upon the convoy stretching through the mist.
"Only one."
Lu Fang studied his master’s expression for several moments.
It wasn’t relief.
Nor satisfaction.
It was calculation.
The kind of expression Shaurya wore whenever his mind had already moved three steps beyond everyone else.
The realization caused Lu Fang’s smile to fade slightly.
"What did we miss?"
Shaurya didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, his eyes drifted toward the eastern horizon where darkness had begun losing its battle against approaching dawn. A thin line of pale silver separated the mountains from the heavens above, almost imperceptible unless someone deliberately searched for it.
Then he quietly spoke.
"We didn’t miss it."
Lu Fang frowned.
"We postponed it."
Before Lu Fang could ask another question, another pair of footsteps approached from behind.
Elder Hua arrived first, carrying a bundle of freshly updated cargo records beneath one arm. Auntie Muo followed several paces behind while wiping flour from her sleeves, evidence that she had somehow convinced half the temporary kitchen staff to prepare another late-night meal despite nobody actually requesting one.
She looked between the two men.
"Why do both of you look like you’re planning another disaster?"
Lu Fang answered immediately.
"Because Master is."
"I haven’t done anything yet."
Elder Hua gave him a flat look.
"The sentence ’yet’ is carrying an unreasonable amount of weight."
Shaurya accepted the criticism with remarkable calm.
"I appreciate your confidence."
"It isn’t confidence."
"It sounds encouraging."
"It isn’t."
Auntie Muo sighed softly.
"Can one journey pass peacefully?"
Four different members of the disguised Sanatan Flame Sect happened to overhear that question.
Every one of them looked away.
Nobody answered.
The silence itself was enough.
Auntie Muo slowly closed her eyes.
"I knew I shouldn’t have asked."
Shaurya allowed the brief amusement to settle before his expression gradually became serious again.
"The inspection is over."
Elder Hua nodded.
"And?"
"Elder Hang won’t investigate us again unless we give him a reason."
"Good."
"It solves one problem."
The elder noticed the wording immediately.
"Meaning another remains."
Shaurya turned toward the surrounding fleet.
Rows of supply vessels continued advancing through the valley in disciplined formation. Formation lights shimmered across damp cliffs while mist drifted lazily between the mountains.
Far ahead...
Beyond the winding valleys...
Beyond the morning fog...
Liu Tong’s encampment waited.
Along with everyone already stationed there.
Shaurya folded his arms.
"The real Celestial Sword Sect disciples."
The atmosphere quietly changed.
Even Lu Fang’s relaxed expression disappeared.
Elder Hua spoke first.
"They’re still inside the camp."
Shaurya nodded.
"They’ve been there for days."
Auntie Muo frowned slightly.
"They know the actual Elder Xu Ren."
"They know every logistics elder."
"They know their own sect."
Silence settled across the small group.
Nobody needed Shaurya to explain the consequences.
If even one genuine disciple recognized something inconsistent...
The disguise would collapse immediately.
Weeks of preparation...
The forged documents...
The identities...
Everything would become meaningless.
Lu Fang rubbed the back of his neck.
"So..."
"We remove them."
The answer arrived so calmly that it almost sounded ordinary.
Elder Hua studied him carefully.
"How?"
Shaurya didn’t respond immediately.
Instead, he extended one hand toward empty space.
Golden spiritual light gathered above his palm before condensing into a familiar object.
A communication talisman.
Its surface carried intricate sword-shaped inscriptions arranged around a crimson spiritual crystal embedded at the center.
The markings belonged unmistakably to the Celestial Sword Sect.
Lu Fang looked at it.
Then looked at Shaurya.
"You’ve been carrying that this entire time?"
"I’ve been carrying several."
Elder Hua’s eyebrows rose slightly.
"Several?"
"The System is very thorough."
Shaurya rotated the talisman between his fingers while faint spiritual inscriptions awakened one after another beneath his touch.
The surrounding air grew noticeably quieter.
His relaxed demeanor disappeared.
In its place remained only careful concentration.
Golden spiritual threads emerged from his fingertips, flowing across the surface of the talisman with extraordinary precision. One after another, dormant inscriptions awakened beneath his control, connecting into a complex communication array designed specifically for long-distance military correspondence.
Lu Fang watched the process in silence.
Despite everything he had witnessed over the past months...
Watching Shaurya become completely focused still felt unusual.
No jokes.
No teasing.
No dramatic speeches.
Only work.
The communication array gradually stabilized.
Dozens of authorization symbols appeared above the talisman before aligning into a rotating circle of spiritual characters.
Every seal matched perfectly.
Every identification mark belonged to the Celestial Sword Sect.
The System had not merely copied appearances.
It had reconstructed an entire administrative network.
Shaurya’s eyes moved calmly across the floating symbols.
Then he spoke.
"System."
A familiar golden panel appeared quietly before him.
[Awaiting instructions.]
"Open personnel records."
The panel shimmered once.
Thousands of names flowed across the projection before rapidly narrowing into a single list.
Current deployment.
Liu Tong Expeditionary Force.
Assigned Personnel.
Ranks.
Identification codes.
Authorization seals.
Mission schedules.
Nothing had been overlooked.
Lu Fang stared openly.
"...That’s terrifying."
"It is."
Auntie Muo blinked.
"I wasn’t expecting you to agree."
Shaurya never looked away from the projection.
"I’ve learned honesty saves time."
The list finally stopped scrolling.
Six names remained suspended before him.
Every genuine Celestial Sword Sect disciple currently stationed inside Liu Tong’s military camp.
Shaurya read each profile once.
Then again.
His fingers moved through the floating records with calm precision until they reached the expedition’s highest-ranking logistics disciple.
The corresponding authorization seals expanded automatically.
Exactly what he needed.
Elder Hua folded his arms.
"What are you looking for?"
"Permission."
"From whom?"
"The person whose identity I’m about to borrow."
Without hesitation, Shaurya selected the authorization seal.
The communication talisman immediately released a deep humming sound as spiritual inscriptions began weaving themselves into an official military directive.
No forged handwriting.
No fabricated signature.
The authorization pattern itself became the signature.
Exactly as the Celestial Sword Sect’s military communication protocol required.
Golden light reflected across Shaurya’s eyes while line after line of official instructions formed within the projection.
Mission Directive Revision.
Priority Level: Crimson.
Immediate Return Ordered.
Secondary Logistics Convoy Dispatched.
Current Personnel Ordered To Return To Sect Headquarters Without Delay.
Await Further Strategic Assignment.
Every sentence remained concise.
Professional.
Routine.
The kind of directive experienced logistics officers obeyed without unnecessary questions.
Shaurya read the entire order once before making a single correction.
He replaced one word.
Nothing more.
Elder Hua noticed immediately.
"You changed ’urgent’ to ’strategic.’"
Shaurya nodded.
"’Urgent’ creates curiosity."
His gaze remained fixed upon the directive.
"’Strategic’ creates obedience."
No one argued.
Because everyone standing there understood exactly what he meant.
The final authorization seal settled into place.
The communication talisman released a soft pulse of crimson light.
The message was complete.
Now...
All that remained...
...was to send it.
Shaurya’s fingers settled against the center of the communication talisman.
The crimson crystal embedded within its surface responded immediately. Spiritual light spread through the engraved sword inscriptions one line at a time before converging toward the center. Every authorization seal rotated into position, forming a complete transmission array.
No fluctuations appeared.
No instability emerged.
The System had reconstructed the communication protocol with frightening precision.
Shaurya silently read the directive one final time.
Every sentence carried the formal tone expected from the Celestial Sword Sect.
Every authorization code matched the expedition records.
Nothing invited unnecessary questions.
He finally nodded.
"Transmit."
The crimson crystal pulsed once.
The next instant, the completed directive dissolved into countless strands of spiritual light that vanished beyond the valley, following invisible communication pathways stretching hundreds of kilometers across the western plains.
The transmission lasted only a heartbeat.
Then the talisman became quiet again.
The spiritual inscriptions faded one after another until only the engraved sword emblem remained visible.
A familiar golden panel materialized before Shaurya.
[Transmission successful.]
[Communication accepted.]
[Recipient authentication complete.]
[No irregularities detected.]
Another line appeared beneath it.
[Estimated delivery: Immediate.]
Shaurya closed the system window with a casual wave.
Beside him, Elder Hua slowly exhaled.
"So..."
He folded his arms while looking toward the dark horizon ahead.
"Now we wait."
Shaurya nodded.
"People rarely question orders."
"They question unusual orders."
"They question emotional orders."
His eyes remained fixed upon the convoy.
"They rarely question administrative ones."
Auntie Muo tilted her head slightly.
"That’s because nobody enjoys reading administrative orders."
"Exactly."
A faint smile appeared on Shaurya’s face.
"They want them to end as quickly as possible."
Lu Fang looked genuinely impressed.
"I suddenly understand why paperwork is terrifying."
"It has won more wars than swords."
Nobody laughed.
Because none of them were completely certain he was joking.
Far ahead...
Beyond the final mountain range...
Beyond the drifting morning mist...
Another communication talisman awakened.
The military encampment occupied nearly the entire eastern plain.
Rows of defensive formations stretched across the outer perimeter while dozens of watchtowers overlooked every approach leading toward the camp. Lanterns still burned between thousands of orderly tents, their warm light pushing back the final remnants of the night.
Although dawn approached, the camp had never truly slept.
Soldiers rotated through patrol routes.
Supply wagons continued arriving beneath the guidance of logistics officers.
Smiths hammered damaged weapons beside temporary forges whose fires had burned continuously for days.
Military kitchens prepared breakfast long before sunrise.
Every part of the enormous encampment moved with practiced rhythm.
Near the eastern supply district, six cultivators wearing the robes of the Celestial Sword Sect reviewed inventory records beside several transport wagons.
The eldest among them carefully compared two jade slips before making another notation across a floating spiritual ledger.
His movements remained steady despite the endless workload.
One younger disciple stretched both arms above his head before groaning.
"I swear these mercenaries eat twice as much as cultivators."
Another continued checking grain inventories without looking up.
"They probably do."
"I’ve counted rice for three straight days."
"You’ll count more tomorrow."
"I was hoping you’d encourage me."
"I prefer honesty."
The younger disciple sighed dramatically before reaching for another inventory register.
Unfortunately, another document arrived before he finished the previous one.
He stared at it with visible disappointment.
"I think paperwork reproduces when nobody’s looking."
Before anyone could respond, a crimson light suddenly illuminated the communication talisman resting at the center of their worktable.
Every disciple instinctively stopped moving.
The eldest logistics disciple immediately placed his brush aside.
"A priority transmission."
He reached toward the talisman.
The moment spiritual energy flowed into the communication array, crimson inscriptions expanded into the air above the table.
Sword-shaped authorization seals appeared first.
Then expedition identification codes.
Then the official directive itself.
Nobody interrupted.
Nobody spoke.
Every disciple quietly read the message from beginning to end.
The youngest among them frowned first.
"Mission revised?"
Another disciple looked toward the authorization seal.
"The sect is recalling us."
A third immediately examined the verification marks.
His fingers traced the floating symbols carefully before he nodded to himself.
"The authorization is genuine."
The eldest disciple checked the command codes one final time.
Everything matched.
Strategic command authorization.
Internal logistics seal.
Expedition revision code.
Even the spiritual signature belonged to the sect’s administrative headquarters.
Nothing appeared unusual.
One younger disciple looked up.
"The timing is strange."
The eldest disciple slowly dispersed the projection with a wave of his sleeve.
"Perhaps."
He reached for the communication talisman again before performing one final verification.
The response arrived instantly.
Authorization confirmed.
"Prepare departure."
Nobody questioned him again.
Jade slips disappeared into storage rings.
Inventory ledgers were sealed.
Pending reports were transferred to local quartermasters.
Within minutes, the six Celestial Sword Sect disciples had completed every remaining administrative responsibility expected of them.
Military camps rarely allowed leisurely departures.
Fortunately...
Professional logistics officers had spent their entire lives preparing for orderly transitions.
Before leaving the supply district, the eldest disciple turned toward a nearby Black Iron Mercenary guard.
"We need to report our reassignment to Commander Liu."
The guard nodded immediately.
"I’ll escort you."
The group followed him through the awakening encampment.
Morning activity gradually increased around them.
Mercenaries gathered beside temporary kitchens while cooks stirred enormous iron cauldrons suspended above spirit flames. Patrol captains exchanged reports with night watch officers finishing their rotations. Supply workers loaded wagons with grain, medicinal herbs, preserved meat, weapon parts, and formation materials destined for different sectors of the camp.
Nobody paid particular attention to the six departing disciples.
Administrative movements happened every day.
This looked no different.
The guard finally stopped before the largest command pavilion standing near the center of the military encampment.
Two heavily armored Death Riders guarded the entrance.
One stepped forward.
"The Celestial Sword Sect requests an audience with Commander Liu."
The guard bowed respectfully.
"Strategic reassignment orders."
The Death Rider studied the six disciples briefly before disappearing inside the pavilion.
The Death Rider pushed aside the heavy entrance curtain before stepping aside.
"The Commander will see you."
The six Celestial Sword Sect disciples entered together.
The command pavilion was considerably larger than it had appeared from outside. Spiritual lamps suspended beneath thick wooden beams illuminated a massive tactical table occupying the center of the chamber. Detailed maps covered nearly every surface, each marked with colored flags representing supply routes, military detachments, defensive formations, and expected marching schedules.
Several mercenary captains stood around the table discussing deployment orders in low voices.
None continued speaking after the newcomers entered.
Every gaze shifted toward the six disciples.
At the far end of the pavilion—
Liu Tong sat comfortably upon a broad wooden chair, one elbow resting against its armrest while a large wine cup remained loosely balanced between his fingers.
He looked exactly as relaxed as before.
As though commanding an army several hundred thousand strong required no more effort than watching street performers.
His crimson eyes drifted toward the newcomers.
Then toward the communication talisman held by the eldest disciple.
One eyebrow rose slightly.
"A problem?"
The eldest disciple immediately cupped his fists.
"Commander Liu."
Liu Tong gestured casually.
"Speak."
The disciple stepped forward before presenting the activated communication talisman with both hands.
"A priority directive arrived directly from the Celestial Sword Sect."
Liu Tong accepted the floating projection without leaving his seat.
His eyes calmly moved across the document.
Strategic Expedition Revision.
Immediate Personnel Recall.
Emergency Internal Deployment.
Replacement Logistics Team Already Dispatched.
The command seals remained flawless.
The authorization signatures carried the unmistakable spiritual imprint of the Celestial Sword Sect.
Nothing appeared unusual.
Nothing suggested forgery.
After reading the directive once, Liu Tong silently read it again.
Then he looked toward the disciples.
"So..."
He casually placed the talisman back onto the table.
"Your sect wants you home."
The eldest disciple nodded respectfully.
"Our orders are to depart immediately after completing the transfer of responsibilities."
Liu Tong remained silent.
The pavilion gradually became quiet.
Several mercenary captains exchanged brief glances before returning their attention toward the commander.
Military expeditions frequently experienced personnel adjustments.
Supply officers became ill.
Messengers arrived.
Strategic priorities changed.
Entire detachments were reassigned overnight.
None of that was particularly unusual.
Liu Tong leaned back comfortably.
"When does your replacement arrive?"
"They should already be approaching the camp."
The disciple answered without hesitation.
"They departed immediately after receiving revised deployment orders."
Liu Tong slowly nodded.
Reasonable.
Very reasonable.
He reached toward a nearby military register before making a brief notation across its surface.
"So be it."
He looked toward one of the officers standing nearby.
"Prepare transfer documents."
The officer bowed immediately.
"Understood."
Liu Tong returned his attention toward the Celestial Sword Sect disciples.
"You’ve handled your responsibilities well."
The compliment arrived casually.
Almost carelessly.
Yet the six disciples still cupped their fists respectfully.
"We appreciate the Commander’s praise."
Liu Tong waved dismissively.
"Save your politeness."
His grin returned.
"I prefer competent people over polite people."
That earned several quiet smiles from nearby officers.
The eldest disciple nodded once.
"We’ll complete the transition before departure."
"Good."
Liu Tong picked up his wine again.
"I dislike administrative delays."
The conversation ended as naturally as it had begun.
One by one, transfer documents were prepared.
Warehouse inventories changed ownership.
Supply records received fresh authorization seals.
Pending delivery schedules passed into temporary military administration until the replacement logistics team officially arrived.
The process proceeded with practiced efficiency.
Within less than half an hour—
Everything had been completed.
The six Celestial Sword Sect disciples stood once more outside the command pavilion.
The eldest among them looked toward the eastern road disappearing beneath the fading darkness.
"They should arrive soon."
Another disciple stretched his shoulders.
"I almost feel guilty leaving before they inherit this mountain of paperwork."
"You won’t feel guilty after another week."
"...That’s fair."
Soft laughter spread through the group before they began walking toward the eastern gate together.
None of them noticed—
High above the command pavilion...
A tiny spiritual bird circled lazily through the dark sky before silently disappearing toward the western mountains.
Hundreds of kilometers away...
Shaurya slowly opened his eyes.
The tiny vision transmitted through the reconnaissance talisman faded quietly from his consciousness.
A faint smile appeared across his face.
"They’re leaving."
Elder Hua immediately looked up.
"The transfer succeeded?"
"It succeeded."
Shaurya rose from his seat before looking toward the convoy advancing through the final mountain pass.
"The road is finally clear."
Lu Fang folded his arms.
"So now..."
He smiled knowingly.
"...our real performance begins."
Shaurya’s gaze settled upon the faint orange light beginning to appear beyond the distant eastern horizon.
Night had almost ended.
The first rays of dawn quietly spread across the mountain peaks, washing away the last remnants of darkness one ridge at a time. Thin layers of mist drifted across the valleys beneath them while sunlight gradually reflected from rivers winding between the cliffs. The convoy emerged from the narrow mountain passage into broad rolling plains where countless military banners fluttered faintly in the morning breeze.
Far ahead...
The enormous military encampment finally came into view.
Rows upon rows of tents stretched toward the horizon.
Watchtowers overlooked the surrounding plains.
Formation barriers shimmered faintly beneath the newborn sunlight.
Smoke rose steadily from dozens of military kitchens already preparing the day’s first meals.
The Black Iron Mercenary Group had arrived.
And so had the disguised members of the Sanatan Flame Sect.
The stage had been prepared.
Now...
The real game could finally begin.
To Be Continued...
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