CHAPTER 74: FIRST SECT MISSION

The streets of Red Heaven City were alive with noise and motion. Merchants shouted their wares, peddling spirit herbs, talismans, and trinkets that shimmered faintly with qi. Disciples from various sects passed through the thoroughfares in groups, their robes marked with distinct emblems, while mortal traders and common folk gave them wide berth.

Tian Lei’s gaze swept across the bustling crowd with quiet detachment. He had been in cities before, but compared to the sect’s mountain serenity, Red Heaven City’s atmosphere was like a restless flame—vibrant, chaotic, and always on the verge of flaring higher.

After asking around, he found his way to the Beautiful and Dangerous Caravan, an established trading group known for transporting precious spirit materials across contested territories. Their banner hung proudly above a wide courtyard, inked with a pair of red phoenix wings curling around a jeweled chest.

The place was a controlled storm of activity. Ox-like spirit beasts with armored hides stamped their hooves restlessly, pulling ornate wagons reinforced with qi inscriptions. Caravan guards moved about briskly—some were cultivators in mid stages, others were hired swords with cold eyes and calloused hands.

At the center of it all stood a woman in a crimson traveling cloak, her hair tied up with a phoenix-shaped clasp. She gave orders with crisp efficiency, her voice carrying clearly even over the din.

That had to be the caravan master.

Tian Lei stepped forward, presenting the jade mission medallion he had received from the sect. "I’m here to escort this caravan on behalf of the Azure Feather Sect."

The woman’s sharp gaze slid over him, lingering just long enough to measure his bearing. A faint curve of her lips followed, though it was impossible to tell if it was amusement or approval.

"So, the sect finally sent someone," she said smoothly. "I was beginning to think they’d abandoned the request. You look young—but you carry yourself differently from the average disciple. What should I call you?"

"Tian Lei."

She gave a small nod. "Caravan Master Yao Yuerou." She extended a hand, her crimson sleeve falling back just enough to reveal a wrist adorned with spirit jade. "We’ll be moving by tomorrow morning. The route is dangerous—bandits, rogue cultivators, and sometimes worse. If you’re here for glory, turn back now. If you’re here to fight, then I welcome you."

Tian Lei smirked faintly, folding his arms. "I don’t care about glory. If they come, they’ll fall. That’s all."

Her brows lifted ever so slightly at the sheer confidence, but she didn’t question further. Instead, she gestured for one of her attendants to escort him to temporary lodging within the caravan compound.

As Tian Lei followed, he felt the weight of eyes on him—caravan guards sizing him up, whispering behind his back. Some looked unimpressed, others wary, a few openly mocking.

"Another sect brat," one muttered.

"They never last past the first ambush," another scoffed.

Tian Lei ignored them all, his steps steady.

He had a mission to complete. And if trouble came knocking, he would just show them oif he is just an show off or not.

The servant leading him through the compound was a young woman dressed in simple but neat robes, her steps graceful, her voice soft yet clear. She guided him down a corridor and into a modest guest room prepared for cultivators—a clean futon, lacquered desk, and a spirit lamp glowing faintly against the wall.

"Honored guest," she said with a bow, setting a scroll upon the desk. "This is the route we’ll be traveling. If you study it, you’ll see the safer paths, as well as the more... dangerous shortcuts. The caravan master leaves such decisions to fate—and to the strength of those who protect us."

Tian Lei glanced at the map, noting the waypoints—spirit forests, a mountain gorge, and a wide barren stretch where bandits were most likely to strike. He gave a faint nod.

The girl lingered a moment longer, lowering her gaze. "If you should need anything, you may call for me." She hesitated, then with a tiny flush added, "Even if it’s for... nightly activities."

Tian Lei blinked once, his expression unchanged. "...Did your master order you to say that?"

Her eyes widened briefly, then she shook her head. "No, young master. But... cultivators stand above common folk. For a servant, offering ourselves is sometimes the only way to gain favor. To rise even a little in status. Mortal girls—like myself—are taught this early. It is... expected."

A faint frown tugged at Tian Lei’s lips. He neither softened nor mocked her words. He simply nodded. "I understand. But let me be clear—I don’t need such things from you."

The girl’s eyes flickered—first surprise, then something harder to name. She bowed deeply, voice almost trembling. "As you wish, young master. Forgive my presumption."

Tian Lei waved a hand dismissively, turning back toward the map. "Go. Rest."

The servant backed out quietly, closing the door behind her.

Alone in the room, Tian Lei sat cross-legged on the futon, the scroll unrolled before him. His gaze traced the winding path ahead, but his mind lingered on the girl’s words.

Cultivators above mortals... was it truly strength, or just the world forcing the weak to bow?

"I guess some things never change, no matter the world," Tian Lei muttered under his breath.

He eased himself down onto the futon, crossing his legs and resting his back against the wall. His breathing slowed, shoulders relaxing as he shut his eyes. For a mortal, this would be the time to surrender to fatigue and drift into slumber. But for him—sleep was always second.

As usual, he sank into meditation first. His consciousness slipped inward, diving into the flow of qi that threaded through his meridians. The faint hum of spiritual energy filled the room, resonating with his pulse. Each breath drew in a thin thread of heaven and earth essence, refined and circulated through his dantian.

Only once the chaotic remnants of the day were settled—his qi steadied, his mind sharpened—did Tian Lei let his focus ease. His body loosened, meditation slipping seamlessly into rest.

The spirit lamp flickered once, as though bowing to his discipline, before dimming into silence.

And Tian Lei drifted into the stillness of cultivation’s half-dream.

Dawn spilled over Red Heaven City, gilding its crimson rooftops in molten fire. The streets below glimmered like veins of ruby, while a faint mountain chill clung to the air before being swallowed by the sun’s steady warmth.

Tian Lei’s eyes opened as if they had never truly closed. His breathing was calm, his spirit honed sharp from the night’s meditation. Rising from the futon, he rolled his shoulders once before stepping out into the mist-veiled morning.

The guest cave was hushed, but beyond its entrance, life thrummed with restless energy. From the stone road below came the sounds of movement—merchants barking orders, caravan hands shouting over creaking wagons, iron hooves striking sparks against the path. Even the air smelled of oiled leather, spirit beast musk, and faint steel.

A servant in plain but neat robes hurried up the steps and bowed deeply.

"Honored traveler, the caravan is ready. Your mount has been prepared. If it pleases you, I will guide you to the front before the Caravan Master gives the order to depart."

Tian Lei paused at the cave’s mouth, gaze sweeping downward. The caravan stretched like a living serpent—wagons laden with goods, guards tightening armor straps, adventurers strapping weapons to their backs. Great Cloud Cranes shuffled their wings with impatient cries, while lesser spirit beasts stamped against their chains, eager for the road.

"Mm." His reply was brief, carried on a steady breath. "Lead the way."

With a swirl of his cloak, he followed the servant down the stone steps. The caravan was no mere traveling company—it was a beautiful yet perilous procession, one that promised profit, danger, and blood in equal measure. As the horns sounded low and deep, Tian Lei walked toward the heart of it, ready to begin the long road that lay beyond Red Heaven City’s gates.

The servant guided Tian Lei through the bustle, weaving past crates of sealed jade boxes, spirit beast handlers shouting to keep the Cloud Cranes steady, and merchants arguing over route tolls. At the head of the caravan, a cluster of reinforced wagons stood out—gilded trims, steel plating, and extra guards with eyes sharper than blades.

"This way, honored traveler," the servant said, gesturing toward the foremost carriage. "The Caravan Master has arranged special seats here. You will not ride alone."

Tian Lei stepped up, boots brushing against the polished wood. Within the open pavilion of the front seat, four figures were already waiting, each distinct in bearing.

The first was a tall woman in flowing scarlet robes, her aura smoldering faintly—flames seemed to breathe with her every motion. The crest stitched on her sleeve marked her as a disciple of the Crimson Flame Sect.

Beside her sat a slender youth in pale blue, his hair bound with silver thread, his eyes sharp as a hawk’s. A Clear Sky Pavilion jade token hung from his belt, its cool aura spilling faint traces of water qi.