Two weeks of intensive training later, Kai had advanced to Foundation Establishment fifth level. Yuhan reached seventh level. Master Jian declared them ready for field missions.
"The spatial tears are multiplying," Liang Qiu briefed them in the secure chamber. "We've found twelve now. All strategically positioned to maximize demon beast impact on our territory."
A map floated in the air, marked with red points indicating each tear's location.
"Your mission: investigate the tear near the Eastern Border. It's the newest one, which means whoever's maintaining it will still be actively working. Catch them, gather evidence, retreat. Do not engage in prolonged combat."
"Understood, Sect Master," they replied in unison.
The Eastern Border was three days' journey through increasingly wild terrain. Kai and Yuhan traveled light, moving fast and avoiding main roads.
On the second night, camping in a cave, Yuhan moved closer to Kai's side of the fire.
"I've been thinking," Yuhan said quietly. "In our previous life, we spent two hundred years fighting side by side but never... this." He gestured between them. "Why?"
Kai was silent for a moment. "Fear, maybe. I was focused on cultivation, on reaching higher realms. I thought attachments made you weak."
"And now?"
"Now I know attachments make you human. Give you something worth protecting beyond abstract ideals." Kai met Yuhan's silver eyes. "I was wrong before. I won't make that mistake again."
Yuhan leaned in, and Kai met him halfway. The kiss was gentle, unhurried, a promise rather than a demand.
When they broke apart, Yuhan smiled. "We're really doing this. Changing fate, fighting wars, saving the world. Together."
"Together," Kai confirmed.
The next morning, they reached the Eastern Border tear. It was larger than the one in the Northern Forest, nearly six feet across, pulsing with violent energy. And around it, five Phoenix Flame Sect disciples worked on strengthening formations.
Kai and Yuhan watched from concealment, recording everything with memory jade. They captured faces, techniques, conversation fragments. Everything needed for proof.
But then one disciple looked directly at their hiding spot.
"We have observers," she said calmly. "Kill them."
Five Foundation Establishment ninth-level cultivators attacked simultaneously. Kai and Yuhan split up, using the terrain to their advantage.
Kai faced three opponents, using Void techniques to disrupt their coordination. His palm strikes contained compressed spatial energy, not enough to kill but enough to disable.
Yuhan danced through his attackers' techniques, his sword a silver blur. He didn't draw it fully—didn't need to. The sword intent alone was enough to keep them defensive.
Within minutes, all five disciples lay unconscious.
"Bind them," Kai commanded. "We're taking prisoners."
They secured the disciples and disrupted the formation maintaining the spatial tear. Then they retreated, moving fast toward the sect with their evidence and captives.
Behind them, something emerged from the destabilizing tear. A demon beast, corrupted and massive, let out a roar that shook the mountains.
"Run," Yuhan said.
They ran.