CHAPTER 27: SECTS ON THE MOVE

The main mansion of the Han Family stood at the center of the estate, its tall red pillars carved with coiling dragons and fierce tigers.

Lanterns lined the pathways, and banners fluttered softly in the wind. Normally, this place was peaceful, filled with the faint fragrance of incense and tea. But today was different.

Every member of the Han Family had gathered—from the youngest servants to the oldest elders.

The air was thick with nervous tension.

The ground itself seemed to hum faintly, as though responding to the immense spiritual energy gathering above.

"Form the line! Hurry, hurry!" Han Cui barked as he straightened his robe, his wrinkled face trembling with both fear and excitement.

At the center of the courtyard, the Patriarch and several old ancestors stood with hands clasped, their eyes turned upward.

The younger generation, including Han Zhanjian, stood behind them, whispering among themselves.

"What’s going on?" one of them murmured. "Why would Immortals descend here of all places?"

"I heard it’s because of a divine omen last night. The heavens shook, and strange lights appeared from the west wing," another said in awe.

Han Cui snapped his fan shut and glared at them. "Silence! When Immortals arrive, even your breath should show respect!"

Then it happened.

A beam of red light streaked down from the sky, splitting the clouds apart.

A golden flower-like spiritual vessel descended slowly, petals rotating gracefully in the air.

The entire mansion shook as the overwhelming aura of Immortal energy pressed down on the mortals below.

Several younger disciples nearly fell to their knees, unable to withstand the pressure.

When the spiritual vessel landed, its petals opened one by one, revealing several figures standing atop it.

Men and women in crimson robes embroidered with golden sand patterns stepped out, their eyes sharp, their movements elegant.

They hovered for a moment before touching the ground, their feet barely stirring the dust.

Han Cui quickly stepped forward, cupping his hands. "Esteemed Immortals, the Han Family welcomes you!"

All the elders and disciples bowed deeply, their voices rising together. "Welcome, Immortals of the heavens!"

The leading Immortal, a tall man with long black hair tied in a jade clasp, smiled faintly. "No need to be so formal." His voice carried smoothly, yet every word struck like thunder in the hearts of those who heard it.

Han Cui bowed again, trembling slightly. "We are honored by your visit, Senior. May we know which noble sect you hail from?"

The Immortal extended a hand, and a crimson sigil appeared above his palm—a blazing sand spiral surrounded by faint golden runes. "We are from the Red Sand Sect," he said proudly. "Perhaps you have heard of us."

A murmur swept through the Han Family ranks.

"The Red Sand Sect?" someone whispered. "They’re as strong as the Five Element Sect!"

"They rarely recruit disciples from mortal realms," another added, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. "This... this could change our family’s future!"

The Red Sand Sect Immortal nodded slowly, his eyes sweeping across the gathered crowd. "Indeed, we rarely come down to the mortal world. But today, the heavens have given us a sign. A talent has appeared here—someone with a unique destiny."

Han Cui and the others straightened, barely daring to breathe.

"Therefore," the Immortal continued, "we are here to recruit disciples. Tell me—are there any among your family with strong spiritual roots? Any siblings showing unusual signs of awakening?"

The courtyard erupted in whispers. Several elders exchanged quick glances. Han Cui turned to the Patriarch, who looked unsure whether to speak.

Han Cui stepped forward. "We have some gifted children, Senior," he said respectfully. "If you would allow us some time, we can—"

The Immortal waved his hand lazily, cutting him off. "No need. Our eyes will find who is worthy."

Behind him, more figures stepped off the floating flower, their robes rippling as they spread out. Some began scanning the disciples with golden talismans. Others released faint spiritual threads, brushing lightly across each person.

Han Cui tried to maintain his calm expression, but his heart raced. He could feel the powerful energy of these Immortals pressing against his chest. "Please, esteemed ones, make yourselves at home. Whatever the Red Sand Sect requires, the Han Family will—"

But the Immortals didn’t respond. They were already searching, their focus entirely elsewhere.

Han Cui swallowed nervously. What in the world are they looking for?

...

Meanwhile, not far from the courtyard, Wei Ji walked along the stone path leading away from the west wing. His expression was calm, though his eyes flickered faintly with thought.

Behind him, a voice called out. "Young Master Han!"

Wei Ji turned slightly. It was Attendant Wu, hurrying down the path, his robe flapping around his legs. He bowed quickly when he reached Wei Ji. "You’re awake early, Young Master. Did you rest well?"

Wei Ji gave a short nod. "Fine."

"And the young mistress?" Attendant Wu asked carefully. "I heard there was some... commotion last night."

"She’s fine." His tone was flat, offering no room for further questions.

Attendant Wu blinked, sensing something unusual in Wei Ji’s mood. "Ah, that’s good... that’s good," he said awkwardly. After a moment, he leaned closer. "Young Master, have you heard? Many strange things are happening in the city. Even the royal palace is restless."

Wei Ji raised an eyebrow. "Strange things?"

"Yes," Wu whispered. "The Immortal sects have descended. It’s said they’re searching for something—or someone. Even the kings and emperors are powerless to stop them."

Wei Ji’s steps slowed. His eyes narrowed slightly. So it has begun already...

He spoke in a low voice. "Searching for something, huh?"

Attendant Wu nodded eagerly. "Indeed! Some say it’s a lost divine artifact. Others say it’s a person blessed by the heavens. But no one knows for sure."

Wei Ji’s jaw tightened. He didn’t need to guess. It was either his wife, the woman fated to become the Celestial Demon Empress... or his younger brother, Han Zhanjian, the boy who had unknowingly awakened the Sword Eyes.

He clenched his fist briefly, then relaxed it. So the great sects are already moving. I can’t allow them to interfere.

A faint grim look passed through his eyes. "It seems I have to become the head of this family," he muttered under his breath.

Attendant Wu blinked. "Pardon? Did you say something, Young Master?"

Wei Ji ignored him and kept walking.

But the attendant, always talkative, hurried to keep up. "Actually, this could be a blessing, Young Master. The sects coming down means mortals like us have a chance! The Immortals might take some of our youths as disciples. Think of it—a Han Family member becoming an Immortal!"

Wei Ji gave a faint smirk, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "A blessing, huh?"

"Yes! It’s a rare chance! Usually, they only recruit once a year, and only from selected noble families. But now they’re descending everywhere. Isn’t that wonderful?"

Wei Ji stopped walking. "Tell me something, Attendant Wu."

"Yes, Young Master?"

"How strong was my father?"

The question caught the attendant off guard. "Eh? Why are you asking about the Patriarch?"

Wei Ji looked at him quietly. "Just answer."

Wu hesitated, scratching his head. "Well... the Patriarch is known to be strong. Peak of the twelfth stage of Body Infusion, if I’m not mistaken. He’s one of the strongest in the county."

Wei Ji’s lips curved faintly. "Peak twelfth stage, huh..."

His eyes glowed faintly, like a flicker of lightning beneath calm waters. He knew that even though he was only at the fourth stage of Body and Qi Infusion, with the borrowed power from Chen Liang that he had used to form the west wing’s protection array, he could already temporarily reach the seventh stage. And with that formation backing him... even his father would fall.

Attendant Wu noticed his silence and grew uneasy. "Y-Young Master... why do you ask? You’re not planning something, are you?"

Wei Ji said nothing. His gaze drifted toward the mansion where the Immortals had descended. He could already feel their spiritual presence spreading like a web, searching.

Attendant Wu swallowed hard. "Young Master Han, please don’t do anything reckless—"

Wei Ji turned slightly, his calm eyes silencing him at once. "Don’t ask too many questions," he said softly.

Then, without another word, he began walking toward the main mansion. His long robe fluttered behind him with each step, and the faint pulse of spiritual energy rippled in the air.

Attendant Wu stood frozen for a long time, watching him disappear into the crowd of Han disciples rushing toward the courtyard. "What... what is the Young Master planning?" he murmured, his face pale.

But Wei Ji didn’t look back. His mind was set.

It was time to take the Han Family throne.