The Armory Pavilion stands beneath carved stone arches, its heavy doors inscribed with patterns of blades and shields locked in timeless formation. Inside, rows of weapons glisten under faint lantern light — sturdy steel meant for training and missions, not the legendary spirit weapons whispered about in higher circles.
De-Reece and Kalia enter together. The armoury attendant, a sharp-eyed man with a measured air, steps forward.
"Outer sect issue?"
Kalia nods, presenting their tokens.
The man gestures toward the racks. "Select wisely. These weapons are ordinary steel but well-forged. Use them to temper your foundations. Only through discipline will you one day earn something greater."
Kalia moves toward the sabres. Her gaze lingers over several blades before selecting one with a smooth, dark-polished curve — balanced but slightly lighter than her main sabre.
"Training weapon," she murmurs, testing the weight. "Good for drills and practice forms."
De-Reece approaches the sword rack. He runs his hand along the hilts, feeling the cold steel beneath his fingertips. These swords lack the depth of spirit resonance — no whispers, no pull — but that suits him. He needs no crutch. Only a clean slate to refine his Domineering Demon Sword technique.
He selects a straight, well-balanced sword with a simple black leather-wrapped hilt. No ornamentation. No distractions.
As they turn to leave, a soft, melodic voice cuts through the silence.
"A plain blade for someone who doesn't seem plain."
They turn to see a young woman standing in the doorway. She's striking — raven-black hair in a long braid, dark eyes sharp yet playful, her white and silver robes pristine.
Her gaze lingers on De-Reece with curiosity. "You handle selection with restraint. Most choose flash. You chose balance."
De-Reece meets her gaze calmly. "The sword is a tool. The wielder defines it."
Her smile deepens, almost approving. "Lan Xue," she introduces herself with a graceful nod. "Remember that philosophy. It will serve you well."
Her gaze flicks briefly toward Kalia, then back to De-Reece, before she turns and walks away, her steps light but deliberate.
Kalia watches her retreat, lips tightening.
"She seems… observant."
The armoury attendant chuckles softly. "Lan Xue is well known. Inner sect background. From the prominent xue family. Many admire her, but she rarely takes notice."
Kalia's eyes narrow briefly, though she says nothing more.
They step out into the courtyard.
Solar pads beside them, glancing at Kalia with a knowing flick of her golden-violet eyes.
Kalia mutters under her breath. "Not a word, Solar."
Solar huffs quietly, tail flicking with amusement.
The Mission Hall stands near the eastern side of the outer sect grounds — a grand building with towering columns and wide marble steps, banners fluttering softly in the wind. Inside, the air hums with quiet energy as disciples come and go, reading task postings, registering for missions, and exchanging whispers of upcoming opportunities.
The walls are lined with massive notice boards, glowing with faint formation light. Each task is posted on jade plaques — from menial chores within the sect to dangerous assignments in the outer regions.
Kalia steps in beside De-Reece, her eyes flicking across the listings.
"There's a lot more here than I thought…" she murmurs.
De-Reece scans the board, his gaze drawn toward the combat-related postings. He spots one immediately:
Mission: Bandit Suppression
Location: Wei Village outskirts
Required: 8 outer sect disciples
Reward: 100 contribution points each. Additional bonus for uncovering and eliminating the bandit hideout.
Departure: Two days. Briefing tomorrow morning.
Kalia catches the slight narrowing of his eyes.
"You're thinking of taking it?"
De-Reece nods. "Good field experience. Plus… bandits preying on villagers?" His tone tightens. "They need dealing with."
Besides he knew he constantly had to improve, why not use some bandits as target practice.
Kalia hesitates, then grins. "I'm in."
They step toward the registration counter. A senior disciple seated behind a jade-topped desk glances up.
"Names?"
"Cheon Ma De."
"Kalia."
The disciple inscribes their names with a flick of his brush, pausing only slightly as he glances up at De-Reece.
"Two spots left." He gestures to the side. "Report to the Jade Briefing Hall tomorrow at sunrise."
They nod and step back.
Several nearby disciples murmur quietly, their eyes lingering on De-Reece. His presence continues to draw subtle notice.
Kalia glances sideways at him. "You don't exactly blend in, you know."
De-Reece offers the faintest of smiles. "Never tried."
The next morning dawns clear and sharp, the mountain air brisk with the scent of pine and morning dew. De-Reece and Kalia make their way toward the Jade Briefing Hall, a large open pavilion supported by pillars carved with ancient runes of vigilance and duty.
Eight disciples gather beneath the pavilion's high ceiling — most standing quietly, some adjusting their weapons with nervous energy.
Lan Xue is already there, standing apart, serene and composed. Her gaze flicks toward De-Reece as he approaches, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on her lips before she looks away.
Kalia notices.
Before any words are exchanged, a tall man in dark grey robes steps forward — the appointed mission overseer. His expression is strict but not harsh.
"Listen well," he begins, his voice carrying across the courtyard without force. "This mission is straightforward, but do not mistake simplicity for safety."
He gestures to a map unfurled on the stone table before them.
"Wei Village has reported sustained harassment from a group of bandits. They began with small raids. Now, they are becoming bolder. Three caravans have been attacked on the southern road in the past month. The village's outer farmland has been pillaged twice."
His gaze sweeps over the group.
"Your task: accompany a supply run to the village and protect it for one full day and night. Afterward, you will have the option to scout and, if deemed feasible, eradicate the bandit hideout."
He pauses.
"The reward for the escort and defence is one hundred contribution points each. Should you locate the hideout and bring proof of its destruction or map its location for senior forces, an additional two hundred contribution points will be awarded per participant."
Kalia's eyes widen slightly at the generous bonus. De-Reece's face remains composed, but inwardly he notes the opportunity.
Rack up as much points as possible and see what this mount Kunlun sect had to offer him, he couldn't yet learn anymore of the heavenly demons teachings.
The overseer's tone sharpens.
"This mission is not a contest for glory. Follow your team lead's orders, do not act recklessly, and do not let personal ambition override collective safety."
His gaze falls on De-Reece for a fraction of a second, lingering, as if gauging something.
The overseer continues.
"Your team leader will be Senior Disciple Lan Xue."
A ripple of whispers runs through the group.
Lan Xue steps forward, offering a graceful nod. Her presence is commanding without arrogance.
"We depart at midday. Prepare your supplies. We ride light and fast."
Her gaze lingers briefly on De-Reece once more.
The overseer dismisses them with a final warning:
"Represent the sect with discipline. The eyes of the outer world are upon you."
The group begins to disperse.
Kalia nudges De-Reece slightly.
"Of course she's the leader," she mutters.
Solar, padding alongside, emits a faint amused huff.
De-Reece only nods. "It doesn't matter who leads. Only that we complete the mission cleanly."
Kalia glances at him, then at Lan Xue's retreating figure, her jaw tightening.
"Still… watch her."
"I will."
They turn and walk toward their quarters to prepare, the tension of the coming mission humming just beneath the surface.