The air outside the Blade Sect's grand hall was crisp, laced with the faint scent of pine that drifted down from the snow-capped peaks. In the training fields below, disciples moved with rhythmic grace, their swords slicing the wind with precision and power. I stood beside Feng Xuan and Mu Lingyao, both of them staring toward the horizon.
Feng Xuan adjusted the cloth around his wrist, a rare seriousness on his face. "The All Sect Competition… this time, it's more than pride. My sect's been falling behind. We need a victory."
Mu Lingyao's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone cold yet resolute. "Everyone wants to win. But only those with real purpose will reach the peak."
I gave a slight nod. "Then we'll reach the peak together."
Feng Xuan scoffed. "Easy for you to say. You just walked into Core Formation like it was buying steamed buns."
I grinned. "I told you not to underestimate me."
Then I turned to him with a playful smile. "And now, you'll be following me."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever," Feng Xuan muttered.
"Hey," I said, elbowing him lightly. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not making you my servant—just traveling together as friends."
He grunted. "Fine."
I turned to the distant clouds. "Then let's go. The world is waiting."
Mu Lingyao tilted her head. "You sure I can come too?"
I raised a brow. "Mu Lingyao, you're coming?"
She shrugged. "I don't really have anywhere else to go right now."
"Alright then. Let's move out."
And with that, the three of us left the towering gates of Blade Sect, stepping onto the dirt road that stretched westward.
---
As we walked through winding forest paths and sunlit plains, I glanced at Feng Xuan. "So… you know where we're going, right?"
Feng Xuan halted. "Huh?"
I scratched the back of my neck. "I'm not from this continent, remember?"
He stared at me in disbelief. "You bastard…"
Mu Lingyao burst into laughter. "You two are hilarious. And creepy. In a funny way."
I laughed too. "Heh. Maybe."
Feng Xuan sighed. "Honestly… I don't really know where to go."
I leaned forward, curiosity sparking. "Do you know where the forbidden area of the Western Continent is?"
Feng Xuan frowned. "Why do you want to know?"
"Because that's where we're going," I said casually.
Mu Lingyao's eyes widened. "Are you insane?! That's a death trap!"
I smirked. "I've been to the forbidden area of the Southern Continent."
Her jaw dropped. "You mean the Beast Mountains?! How deep did you go?"
"Fifth level."
Mu Lingyao's voice trembled. "That's impossible. Even Soul Transformation cultivators can barely survive the third level!"
I paused. That was strange. I started to think back. Could it be my sword? It did glow when I entered… but the beasts I faced weren't even rank four. Maybe the fifth level was a test… and it only sent rank three beasts after me. Was it tailored to me somehow?
"I don't know how," I admitted aloud. "But I did reach the fifth level."
Feng Xuan exhaled. "Alright. I know the way. Follow me."
---
We trekked through a rougher path now, forest giving way to jagged hills and whispering winds. The sky turned cloudy, casting long shadows over the land.
"What's the name of the forbidden area?" I asked.
Feng Xuan looked ahead, eyes grim. "It's called the Illusionary Mountains."
Mu Lingyao's brow furrowed. "Illusions? Don't tell me… people see things there?"
"More than that," Feng Xuan replied. "There are ten levels. Each level traps you in powerful illusions, tests your mind… and then throws beast raids at you. Each level harder than the last."
A smile tugged at my lips. "Sounds fun."
Feng Xuan stared at me like I was a lunatic. "Fun?! You do know people die in there, right?"
I shrugged. "We're cultivators. If there's no danger, there's no growth."
Mu Lingyao exhaled. "Then let's just hope we survive long enough to regret this."