This situation differed from the previous incident at the Southern Alliance's Qingzhou outpost. Back then, whether it was the disguised Thunder or the Fat Elder, they were essentially the highest-ranking individuals present. Minimal interaction was needed—maintaining an authoritative demeanor sufficed to avoid most complications.
But now, within the Demonic Sect headquarters, many could engage Ghostmask in conversation.
Ning Qi had mentally prepared himself, having questioned Ghostmask extensively about such matters. However, speaking more inevitably risked more mistakes. Unexpectedly, before even stepping into the Ten Thousand Flames Cavern, he encountered someone—a high-ranking candidate for Holy Son status.
He had no choice but to stop; avoiding the encounter would appear deliberate.
Behind his mask, Ning Qi's eyes remained cold and silent.
Jiang Tianlong approached, clasping his hands slightly in a respectful greeting. "Vice-Leader Ghostmask, there's no need for such formality. Might I inquire about your thoughts regarding our previous discussion?"
Ning Qi stiffened internally.
How was he supposed to know what Jiang Tianlong and Ghostmask had discussed?!
But he quickly pieced it together. Previously, including Qin Yun, the Demonic Sect had three Holy Son candidates. Now, with Qin Yun's fall from grace, only Ye Qin and Jiang Tianlong remained in fierce competition. Ghostmask, who had supported Qin Yun, naturally became a coveted ally.
He remained silent, though his gaze softened slightly.
Jiang Tianlong seized the opportunity. "Qin Yun was an outsider—why persist in supporting him? If you assist me in securing the Holy Son position, I promise you the Grand Elder's seat once I become Sect Leader."
His words painted an enticing future.
Ning Qi smirked coldly. "Qin Yun was favored by the Grand Elder."
The simple statement made Jiang Tianlong's expression shift.
Without another word, Ning Qi strode forward, descending deeper.
A wave of scorching heat surged toward him, but tendrils of dark energy emanated from his body, deflecting the intense temperature. The cavern housed various fiery flora, glowing faintly to resist the oppressive heat.
The cavern stretched vast and high, with intricate, interconnected pathways—a marvel of craftsmanship.
Ning Qi marveled inwardly, recognizing the sect's unique markers to navigate. He paused intermittently, avoiding sudden eruptions of flame. Despite being his first visit, he moved with practiced ease.
Jiang Tianlong followed closely, eventually taking the lead—a sect tradition where companions, regardless of status, demonstrated their ability to decipher the markers to prevent infiltration.
Lowering his voice, Jiang Tianlong said, "Vice-Leader, I know you ventured out regarding Lin Ruhua's matter. Since you've returned alone, complications must have arisen. Reconsider—support me against Ye Qin, and name your terms."
His words revealed insider knowledge—this was highly confidential.
Ning Qi's brow arched. This encounter wasn't coincidental; Jiang Tianlong had likely been lying in wait.
Before Ning Qi could respond, another presence approached.
A bald youth with sinister black markings on his scalp emerged—Ye Qin, the other Holy Son candidate.
"Quite the coincidence," Ye Qin remarked dryly. "Brother Jiang and Vice-Leader Ghostmask returning together? It seems my sincerity fell short."
Jiang Tianlong scoffed lightly.
The trio advanced.
Ye Qin bowed respectfully to Ning Qi. "Vice-Leader, was your journey successful? Did you encounter my Ye Clan's elder?"
His words subtly showcased his influence, implying he knew the full details of the operation—the Ye elder leading the mission to capture Lin Ruhua and Jiang Baishan, with Qin Yun assisting and Ghostmask overseeing in secret.
Their presence now was clearly to gauge the mission's outcome. If Qin Yun returned, the three-way competition would resume, complicating matters.
Unbeknownst to them, Ghostmask had long been replaced by Ning Qi.
Ning Qi glanced at them emotionlessly. "Do the two Holy Sons expect a report from me? Very well—why not accompany me to meet the Grand Elder?"
The icy undertone made them bow hastily. "We wouldn't dare."
Regardless, Ghostmask remained a Vice-Leader, commanding respect from all but a select few.
Ning Qi snorted and strode ahead.
After traversing deep underground—likely dozens of miles—the sporadic flames grew fiercer. Yet, past a certain turn, the environment stabilized, entering the safe zones developed by the sect's predecessors.
Suddenly, light bathed Ning Qi's vision.
Luminous crystals, like radiant pearls, adorned the cavern ceiling, mimicking a starry sky. An expansive underground world unfolded—imposing palaces stood in orderly splendor, growing increasingly opulent toward the center.
Though Ghostmask had described it, witnessing it firsthand still awed Ning Qi.
It resembled an underground imperial capital.
Surprisingly, it teemed with people—servants, not sect elites. Their ancestors had been brought here, forbidden from leaving. Generations later, most knew nothing of the outside world, some unaware it even existed.
Their sole purpose: serving the sect's few powerful figures.
A group of elegant palace maids approached, bowing deeply. "Greetings, Vice-Leader Ghostmask and Holy Sons!"
Ning Qi ignored them, asking flatly, "Where is the Grand Elder?"
The lead maid prostrated. "The Grand Elder entered secluded meditation in the Forget-Worry Palace yesterday, declaring he'd emerge tomorrow."
Ning Qi's eyes flickered. "Inform me if he emerges early."
Without another word, he headed toward Ghostmask's designated palace.
Once Ning Qi vanished, Jiang Tianlong and Ye Qin exchanged puzzled glances.
"Did you notice anything off about Vice-Leader Ghostmask today?" Jiang Tianlong muttered.
Ye Qin nodded. "He seemed reluctant to engage. Could the mission have gone awry? He seemed eager to see the Grand Elder."
Jiang Tianlong scoffed. "Your Ye Clan spearheaded this operation—don't play ignorant."
Ye Qin shrugged. "Truly, I don't know. Ghostmask returned alone. Perhaps Qin Yun betrayed us again?"
Jiang Tianlong's gaze sharpened. "Let's collaborate. We can't let Qin Yun rejoin the Holy Son race. As sect-born heirs, why should an outsider like him compete with us? Two contenders are better than three."
Ye Qin bared his teeth in a grin. "Agreed. The Grand Elder's support for Qin Yun baffles me. Let's crush him together."
They parted casually.
Unbeknownst to them, Ning Qi, from a distance, smirked.
Even their covert whispers reached his ears.
"The infighting here is vicious," he mused.
His observations deepened his understanding.
Rumors claimed the Demonic Sect descended from remnants of a fallen dynasty, plotting to overthrow the Great Yan Empire. After two millennia, how many retained that ambition was unclear. But their divided loyalties worked in his favor.
His objective remained clear.
Returning to Ghostmask's palace, Ning Qi dismissed all attendants.
"The priority is preventing the sect from producing a Martial Sage. The Grand Elder holds the key. Ideally, I'd subdue him quietly for answers, but his seclusion complicates things."
"Fortunately, he emerges tomorrow. Delays would raise suspicions, especially with Fifth Brother's missing intel."
"Perhaps a nighttime reconnaissance..."
Ning Qi braced for the worst—a direct confrontation.
Confirming the Grand Elder's presence was better than groping blindly, but conserving energy was preferable.
He closed his eyes, meditating to replenish his strength.
---
Night fell.
Without sun or moon underground, the palace's crystal lights dimmed artificially, mimicking the surface's cycle.
Ning Qi's eyes snapped open.
Activating the Silence Art, he slipped out unseen.
The palace lay in darkness, save for eternal lamps. Ning Qi moved like a shadow toward the Forget-Worry Palace, evading patrols effortlessly—the servants' cultivation was too weak to detect him.
Soon, he halted outside the palace.
Concealed in darkness, he advanced no further. Guards were negligible, but the hidden formations posed a risk—triggering them would alert the Grand Elder, forcing a battle.
His stealth approach had failed.
"The Demonic Sect's caution is impressive," Ning Qi mused.
This was far trickier than the Qingzhou outpost. Few could even locate this palace, let alone infiltrate it.
Undeterred, he shifted tactics. If stealth wouldn't work, he'd wait for tomorrow's meeting.
Meanwhile, he prepared alternatives.
Silently, he explored the palace's periphery, mapping its layout.
Circling back, he frowned.
"Over thirty Heaven-Man Realm auras, possibly forty. And most aren't novices in this realm."
The numbers were staggering.
This was just the headquarters—adding branch forces would double the count.
"The Great Yan Empire's thirteen provinces likely house only a few hundred Heaven-Man Realm experts—one in millions. The imperial court claims a third; the rest scatter among martial sects."
"No wonder the Demonic Sect endures against the empire—their foundation runs deep."
Ning Qi grew warier.
Among these experts, some ranked high on the Heaven-Man List. A messy battle would be troublesome.
Escape wasn't an issue, but failing now meant losing this rare opportunity.
After deliberation, he formulated a plan.
Moving stealthily, he planted Qi-Origin Sword Seeds throughout the palace, setting up formations to prevent escapes.
With preparations complete, he returned to his quarters.
Now, he awaited dawn.
---
Morning arrived.
After breakfast served by attendants, yesterday's maid appeared.
"Vice-Leader, the Grand Elder has emerged. He requests your presence in the Skyward Hall."
Skyward Hall?
Ning Qi paused, then nodded. "Understood."
This was the Grand Elder's private residence—where he conducted long seclusions. Normally, no other sect leaders were summoned here; meetings occurred elsewhere.
This signaled exceptional trust.
The servants' heightened deference confirmed it.
Yet Ning Qi remained vigilant.
Adjusting his robes to mimic Ghostmask's mannerisms, he ordered, "Lead the way."
The maid bowed and guided him.
Jiang Tianlong and Ye Qin appeared again, envy flickering in their eyes.
"Congratulations, Vice-Leader Ghostmask! The Grand Elder's favor shines upon you!"
Within the sect, the Sect Leader and Grand Elder held paramount authority, privy to secrets beyond others' reach. The Holy Son inherited the Sect Leader's role; the Grand Elder selected successors from the Vice-Leaders.
Ghostmask's summons to the Skyward Hall hinted at the Grand Elder's growing preference.
Ning Qi nodded thoughtfully and pressed on.
He overheard their whispers:
"Vice-Leader Ghostmask's luck is uncanny. Like Qin Yun, he joined the sect externally. Could the Grand Elder have a soft spot for outsiders...?"
They trailed off, exchanging startled looks.
Ning Qi grasped their implication.
Soon, he entered the Skyward Hall, bowing respectfully.
"Ghostmask pays his respects to the Grand Elder!"
A silver-haired elder turned, smiling faintly.