The sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky gold.
Ruolan was inside his hut, recovering.
Lin Xuanji sat outside, staring at his Sect Master's Token like it might suddenly explain itself.
"System."
(Listening.)
"That defensive pulse earlier… was that part of the token? Or did you sneakily help me?"
(The token has passive defensive reactions. Host simply triggered one accidentally.)
"Accidentally? So you're saying my fighting style is 'trip until enemies die'?"
(Accurate.)
Lin Xuanji sighed deeply. "I need stronger techniques. Or stronger disciples. Or stronger… everything."
Then the mountain trembled.
Not a small rumble like before—
but a deep, resonant vibration that rolled through the entire peak.
Lin Xuanji jerked to his feet.
"System! What now?! Another enemy?!"
(No. This is a summoning.)
"A summoning? Of what?"
The System paused.
(Of whom.)
The ground beneath the training field began to glow, forming a circular pattern—an ancient, intricate array that pulsed with restrained power.
Ruolan stumbled out of his hut, alarmed. "S-Sect Master, what's happening!?"
"I don't know! System, what's happening!?"
(Host has fulfilled the minimum requirements for the awakening of the First Elder.)
Lin Xuanji blinked. "Elder? You mean—like an actual elder? To help the sect?"
(Correct.)
"Oh thank heavens," Lin Xuanji breathed. "Finally, someone competent!"
The array flared.
The wind rose, swirling around the peak like a storm circling its prey.
Ruolan shielded his eyes.
Lin Xuanji's heart raced.
Excitement.
Terror.
Relief.
A silhouette began forming inside the glowing circle—
a slender figure, tall and composed, with long hair drifting like snow in the rising wind.
The air chilled.
The sky dimmed.
Ruolan whispered, "Sect Master… is that…"
The glow snapped like lightning.
And a woman stepped out of the formation.
She wore deep-blue robes embroidered with ancient patterns. Her expression was serene, calm to the point of icy. A blade hung at her waist, its sheath old yet flawless. Her eyes swept over the world as if evaluating reality itself.
Then she looked at Lin Xuanji.
Her breath caught.
Her eyes—calm, unreadable—trembled for just a moment.
Lin Xuanji blinked. "…Hello?"
The woman exhaled softly, a breath that carried centuries of weight.
"It has been… a long time, Sect Master."
Lin Xuanji stiffened.
Ruolan gaped.
"W-Wait," Lin Xuanji stammered. "You—you know me?"
She bowed gracefully, one hand over her heart.
"Grand Elder Ling Xueyin pays respect to the Heavenly Peak Sect Master."
Ruolan nearly fainted.
Lin Xuanji nearly followed.
"Grand… Elder?" he repeated. "As in… the highest-ranking elder?"
"Yes," she said, voice smooth and quiet. "Your right hand. Your most senior advisor."
Lin Xuanji opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
"…System."
(Yes.)
"Why didn't you tell me we had someone like her?!"
(Host did not ask.)
Lin Xuanji grabbed his hair. "Why would I ever assume something this important existed?!"
(Host's assumptions are not my responsibility.)
Ling Xueyin watched their bickering with the faintest trace of amusement in her eyes—
well-hidden behind her calm expression.
Ruolan bowed hastily. "G-Grand Elder!"
Ling Xueyin nodded gently at him. "Rise, child."
Ruolan straightened as if being knighted.
Lin Xuanji swallowed. "Um… Grand Elder… you seem very familiar with the role, but I… uh… don't remember anything."
Ling Xueyin's gaze softened by a hair's width.
"Your memories are sealed," she said quietly. "You are not at fault."
"How do you know—?"
She shook her head gently. "You are not ready for the truth, Sect Master."
Lin Xuanji froze. "…I hate when people say that."
(Host is indeed not ready.)
"System! NOT NOW!"
Ruolan cupped his hands politely. "Grand Elder, will you be staying with us?"
Ling Xueyin nodded. "Of course. This sect… and its master… require guidance."
She looked at Lin Xuanji again.
For a moment—only a moment—her eyes carried grief, relief, and something deeper he couldn't place.
Lin Xuanji didn't notice.
He was too busy panicking.
"System," he hissed, "does she come with any kind of instruction manual?"
(No.)
"Great. Wonderful. Absolutely perfect."
Ling Xueyin spoke softly, a faint smile touching her lips.
"Sect Master, shall I inspect the peak?"
Lin Xuanji swallowed and nodded. "Y-Yes. Please. Maybe you can explain why everything here keeps shaking."
She turned gracefully. "Of course."
As she walked, the mountain hummed faintly—as if welcoming an old friend.
Lin Xuanji felt none of it.
But Ruolan did.
"...Sect Master," he whispered, "she's… incredible."
Lin Xuanji nodded weakly. "Yeah. And I think I'm in over my head."
The System chimed calmly.
(This is only the beginning.)
Lin Xuanji stared at the sky.
"…That's what I'm afraid of."