Three years later, early winter.
The Azure Cloud Sect was shrouded in a somber atmosphere.
Xiao Yi stood in his small courtyard, looking at the gloomy clouds in the sky, feeling an inexplicable unease in his heart. Over the past few days, the atmosphere in the sect had become increasingly tense. The elders held frequent meetings, and the disciples were all intensifying their cultivation.
"Senior Brother Xiao!" Mo Wanxian's voice came from outside the courtyard.
Xiao Yi turned around and saw Mo Wanxian hurrying into the courtyard, her face showing worry. Three years had made her even more beautiful, but at this moment, her brows were furrowed, clearly troubled.
"Wanxian, what's wrong?" Xiao Yi asked with concern.
"Master just called us for a meeting, saying that the demonic path has been very active recently and told us all to be careful," Mo Wanxian walked to Xiao Yi's side. "Moreover, I heard that several small sects have already been attacked."
Xiao Yi's expression became serious. Three years ago, Ling Yu had mentioned the demonic path's unusual activities, and now they had actually taken action.
"What about Senior Brother Ling Yu? Does he have any news?" Xiao Yi asked.
"He was sent by Master to patrol the mountains and won't return until tomorrow," Mo Wanxian was somewhat worried. "Senior Brother, I always feel that something bad is about to happen."
Xiao Yi gently stroked Mo Wanxian's hair, comforting her: "Don't worry, our Azure Cloud Sect is powerful. The demonic path wouldn't dare attack us easily. Besides, with Master and the others here, we'll be fine."
"Mm." Mo Wanxian nodded, but the worry in her eyes didn't dissipate.
Just then, urgent bell sounds suddenly rang out—it was the sect's alarm bell!
"Not good!" Xiao Yi's face changed drastically. "Enemies are invading!"
The two immediately rushed out of the courtyard, only to see disciples running everywhere throughout the sect, and several black shadows moving rapidly in the air.
"All disciples listen!" An elder's voice echoed in the air. "The demonic path is attacking! Disciples from each peak immediately return to your respective peaks and follow your peak masters' commands!"
"Wanxian, quickly return to Jade Maiden Peak!" Xiao Yi said to Mo Wanxian.
"What about you?" Mo Wanxian looked at him worriedly.
"I need to go to Azure Cloud Peak. Master needs me," Xiao Yi gripped Mo Wanxian's hand. "Remember, you must be careful!"
"You too!" Mo Wanxian nodded firmly, then turned and ran toward Jade Maiden Peak.
Xiao Yi watched Mo Wanxian's figure disappear into the crowd, feeling a surge of unease in his heart. He always felt this attack was unusual, but couldn't pinpoint what was wrong.
On Azure Cloud Peak, Xiao Yi's master, Qingyun Zi, was directing the disciples in setting up defenses. Seeing Xiao Yi arrive, Qingyun Zi nodded.
"Master, what's the situation?" Xiao Yi asked.
"The demonic path has sent quite a few people this time, and they're all experts," Qingyun Zi's face was grave. "Their target doesn't seem to be conquering the sect, but rather searching for something."
"Searching for what?" Xiao Yi asked puzzledly.
"It's unclear, but their actions are very targeted," Qingyun Zi shook his head. "Go assist the other senior brothers and protect the disciples on the peak."
"Yes, Master!" Xiao Yi accepted the order and left.
As night deepened, the battle intensified. Though the demonic path didn't have many people, each was an expert. Although the Azure Cloud Sect had numerical superiority, they couldn't completely repel them for the time being.
Xiao Yi patrolled the peak, ensuring every disciple was safe. Just then, he saw firelight flickering in the direction of the back mountain, seemingly indicating intense combat.
"That's the direction of the Scripture Pavilion!" Xiao Yi's heart jumped.
The Scripture Pavilion was one of the most important places in the Azure Cloud Sect, housing the sect's various secret manuals and precious texts. If the demonic path's target was there, it would be troublesome.
Xiao Yi hesitated for a moment, then finally decided to go check the situation. He quietly left Azure Cloud Peak and made his way toward the back mountain.
Near the Scripture Pavilion, several black-clothed figures were engaged in fierce battle with the guarding elders. Xiao Yi hid in the shadows to observe, discovering that these demonic path members all had high cultivation levels, and the guarding elders were already at a disadvantage.
"I must help!" Just as Xiao Yi was about to rush out, he heard footsteps behind him.
He turned around and saw a masked black-clothed figure quietly approaching him. Xiao Yi was greatly alarmed and immediately drew his sword to engage.
"Clang!" The sword blades met, producing a crisp sound.
The black-clothed figure was very strong, and Xiao Yi couldn't gain the upper hand for the moment. The two fought fiercely in the forest, sword light flashing, killing intent soaring.
"Who are you? Why are you attacking our Azure Cloud Sect?" Xiao Yi asked while fighting.
The black-clothed figure didn't answer, only attacking more fiercely. Xiao Yi gradually felt the strain—the opponent's cultivation was clearly much higher than his.
Just when Xiao Yi was nearly struck, a sword light suddenly shot from the side, forcing back the black-clothed figure.
"Junior Brother Xiao, are you alright?" Ling Yu's voice rang out.
"Senior Brother Ling! How are you here?" Xiao Yi looked at the suddenly appearing Ling Yu with surprise.
"I returned from patrol and heard the alarm, so I rushed over," Ling Yu held his long sword, watching the black-clothed figure warily. "These demonic path members are indeed formidable."
Seeing the situation was unfavorable, the black-clothed figure flashed and tried to escape. But Ling Yu was prepared and blocked his path with one sword.
"Want to leave? Not so easy!" Ling Yu said coldly.
The three engaged in fierce battle again. With Ling Yu's help, Xiao Yi's pressure was greatly reduced. The two cooperated seamlessly and soon forced the black-clothed figure into a desperate situation.
"Puff!" The black-clothed figure was pierced by Ling Yu's sword and fell to the ground.
Xiao Yi walked over intending to remove his mask, but the black-clothed figure suddenly bit down on a poison capsule in his mouth and died instantly.
"Suicide?" Xiao Yi frowned. "It seems these people are well-trained and would never reveal secrets."
"Let's go check the Scripture Pavilion's situation first," Ling Yu said.
The two rushed to the Scripture Pavilion and found the battle had ended. Several demonic path members had all escaped, the guarding elders were injured, but the Scripture Pavilion hadn't been damaged.
"Strange," Xiao Yi said puzzledly. "Since they came, why didn't they ransack the Scripture Pavilion?"
"Perhaps their target isn't here," Ling Yu said thoughtfully.
As dawn broke, the demonic path's attack finally ended. Although the Azure Cloud Sect successfully repelled the enemies, this attack left a deep impression on everyone.
More importantly, no one knew what the demonic path's true purpose was, which cast a shadow of gloom over the entire sect.
Xiao Yi stood on the Moon Gazing Platform, looking at the distant sky, his heart full of unease. He had a premonition that this attack was just the beginning, and a greater storm was about to come.
And he would become the center of this storm.