The Secret Order, a Suspicious Escort, and a Familiar Poem

He retrieved a confidential letter, personally penned by Yao Guang, from his robes.

He held the letter high above his head, respectfully presenting it to the Enforcement Hall Elder.

“I, Lin Xingjian of the Shadow Sect, bearing the command of my master, Yao Guang, deliver this secret order.”

“Demonic Path scoundrels have infiltrated the Xuantian Dao Sect, and it is feared they harbor ill intentions towards our sect’s exceptional talents, hence I have come to report this to the Enforcement Hall.”

Lin Xingjian’s every word was resolute and resonant, spoken with unwavering conviction.

“Oh?”

“Such a thing has actually occurred!”

“These Demonic Path cultivators have truly grown rampant of late, completely disregarding the law, daring to hold our Southern Frontier’s foremost sect in such contempt.”

“If the situation proves true, their crimes are indeed deserving of a myriad deaths!”

The Enforcement Hall Elder’s voice boomed like a great bell.

A powerful wave of sound, laden with spiritual power, surged forth like a sharp, long spear, causing Lin Xingjian’s breathing to become rapid and strained.

‘Is this the might of the Nascent Soul realm?’

‘It is truly a world apart from the Golden Core stage; with every movement, one’s cultivation powers are fully displayed.’

Lin Xingjian dared not even draw a full breath.

He suddenly felt his hands lighten as the secret order scroll, enveloped by a wisp of spiritual power, slowly floated into the deepest part of the Enforcement Hall.

After a long while, the Enforcement Hall Elder’s voice echoed again from within.

This time, his voice was considerably softer than before, like the tranquil surface of a lake after a storm.

“Shadow Sect disciple, I have perused the secret order. It states that Demonic Path scoundrels are coercing our sect’s disciples to be used as ‘furnaces’ (TL Note: A cultivation term referring to a person whose spiritual energy is absorbed by another for their own cultivation, often leading to the ‘furnace’s’ death or severe weakening), and are using the sale of Demonic Pills as a feint to distract us. Is this accurate?”

“Accurate!”

Lin Xingjian promptly replied.

“Do you possess any evidence, then?”

The Enforcement Hall Elder spoke again, his voice carrying a probing scrutiny.

Lin Xingjian remained silent for a moment.

“Regrettably, when this disciple infiltrated the Demonic Path stronghold, to avoid leaving any traces, I did not activate the sound-recording stones, thus I have no conclusive evidence.”

“If one were to insist… this disciple serves as the evidence.”

“Hmm… no wonder this secret order also bears the personal guarantee of the Shadow Sect’s leader.”

“Very well, I trust you are aware of the consequences should this intelligence prove false.”

“I shall present this matter, and you may withdraw. Simply await further instructions.”

The Enforcement Hall Elder’s voice remained utterly flat from beginning to end, as if he were recounting a trivial, inconsequential affair.

Lin Xingjian dared not linger, swiftly retreating.

He had initially expected to engage in a debate with the Enforcement Hall Elder, yet he had not anticipated that Yao Guang’s standing and promise would prove so effective.

This implicitly demonstrated the Xuantian Dao Sect’s profound trust in the Shadow Sect.

Even with the Shadow Sect’s current decline, their level of trust remained as steadfast as it once was.

Upon exiting the Enforcement Hall, Lin Xingjian’s footsteps suddenly halted.

Zhang Jingya was still lingering before the entrance of the Enforcement Hall, having not yet departed.

She stood there quietly, like a winter plum blossom defying the snow, her gaze thoughtfully fixed on the distant horizon.

She seemed to be waiting for something, or perhaps recalling something.

“Junior Brother Lin, is it over already?”

A perfectly poised, faint smile graced Zhang Jingya’s lips, making her captivatingly beautiful.

With graceful, lotus-like steps, she moved towards him.

Her skirt swayed gently with her movements, stirring a faint breeze.

This sudden turn caused Lin Xingjian, who had been single-mindedly intent on making his escape, to freeze instantly, utterly at a loss.

“Yes, the matter has been concluded.”

Lin Xingjian managed to force out a stiff smile.

“I am truly grateful for Senior Sister Zhang’s trouble this time. For the remainder of the journey, I shall go by myself…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Zhang Jingya eagerly interrupted him.

“That is excellent!”

“Since Junior Brother Lin has completed his task, allow me to personally escort you back.”

Lin Xingjian felt a strange sensation in his heart.

‘Zhang Jingya was overly enthusiastic and clingy.’

‘They had only just met for the first time.’

‘Could it be that Zhang Jingya treats all strangers with such kindness, truly living up to her reputation as a renowned, gentle and talented lady?’

‘Upon closer reflection, it truly seemed to be the case.’

‘Zhang Jingya had always disdained those persistent suitors who coveted her beauty, treating them with an indifference as cold as winter frost.’

‘Yet, towards ordinary people, she was always amiable, impeccably courteous, her every word and action exuding the demeanor of a noble young lady.’

“No, no need.”

Lin Xingjian hastily waved his hand.

“I imagine Senior Sister Zhang must have many affairs to attend to within the Dao Gate Sect. Furthermore, this junior brother is not new to this place and is perfectly capable of departing alone. There is no need to trouble Senior Sister.”

He had assumed his words had conveyed his intent, that any sensible person would recognize this as a polite refusal, the reluctance in his tone palpable.

Zhang Jingya, however, seemed not to hear, persisting relentlessly.

“Not so, not so.”

“Junior Brother misunderstands. In truth, this senior sister’s talent is quite good, and I happened to finish my cultivation today. Feeling idle and bored, I thought I would accompany Junior Brother on this journey.”

‘Lin Xingjian inwardly cursed Zhang Jingya thoroughly.’

He hesitated, unsure how to respond for a moment.

Zhang Jingya seemed to perceive his inner reservations, quietly drawing closer, her footsteps as light as a cat stalking its prey.

Suddenly, she leaned close to his ear, lowering her voice as she spoke.

“Junior Brother, do not misunderstand.”

“This senior sister is merely concerned that Liu Jinyao might seek revenge on you again.”

“Liu Jinyao is the son of a great elder, arrogant and domineering within the Dao Gate Sect, always retaliating against grievances. He usually relies on his uncle’s influence to act unrestrainedly within the sect.”

“Should he cause you trouble on your return journey, few would be able to assist you then.”

“However, if I am by your side… I imagine Liu Jinyao would certainly not dare to lay a hand on you.”

“Eh? Why?”

Lin Xingjian’s face was filled with confusion, his brows furrowed into the shape of a ‘川’.

“The reason is simple: Liu Jinyao is also one of my suitors, having been infatuated with me for many days, but I truly have no affection for him.”

‘Alright, that reason was so straightforward it left him speechless.’

‘If Liu Jinyao was indeed pursuing Zhang Jingya, it would explain why Zhang Jingya dared to make a move against him so easily.’

‘After all, Liu Jinyao would surely not lightly seek revenge on the woman he admired.’

‘No matter how arrogant and overbearing he was, he would still have to restrain himself somewhat in front of the person he liked.’

“Speaking of which, this matter is also my fault. Before you arrived, Junior Brother Lin, I had already refused Liu Jinyao’s invitations three times, which made him furious and led him to vent his anger on you.”

‘Lin Xingjian nearly rolled his eyes.’

‘He knew it. He had been well-behaved, bothering no one, so why had he inexplicably attracted such a troublesome person?’

“This senior sister has already told you the truth; even so, are you still unwilling to let me escort you back?”

Seeing Lin Xingjian remain silent, a flicker of disappointment crossed Zhang Jingya’s eyes.

She resembled a puppy cruelly abandoned by its owner.

Lin Xingjian frowned.

He knew well that this was no longer something a simple refusal could resolve.

Zhang Jingya was ostensibly explaining the reason he had encountered trouble, but her words carried a hidden meaning.

She seemed to be hinting at him.

‘If he didn’t agree to her request, countless ‘Liu Jinyaos’ might appear to trouble him shortly.’

“Alright then, I shall trouble Senior Sister Zhang.”

Lin Xingjian sighed faintly, resigned.

Hearing Lin Xingjian agree, Zhang Jingya’s face immediately brightened with a radiant smile, revealing a row of perfectly white, even teeth.

Filled with joy, she promptly walked ahead to lead the way for Lin Xingjian.

Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting fragmented patterns of light and shadow, like countless golden feathers.

Zhang Jingya occasionally inquired about Lin Xingjian’s personal circumstances.

For instance, his cultivation realm, when he joined the Shadow Sect, and some brief details about the sect’s current situation.

Lin Xingjian answered with great caution, selectively responding to certain questions.

He understood clearly that before a Confucian Path cultivator like Zhang Jingya, one could not simply lie outright.

Confucian Path cultivators were also referred to by some as Wisdom Path cultivators.

They possessed extraordinary intellect and minds as intricate as a fine spiderweb.

If he were to weave a tapestry of lies, he would very likely be caught in a flaw, rendering him unable to justify himself.

Lin Xingjian was distracted throughout the journey, answering Zhang Jingya’s questions perfunctorily.

It wasn’t that he intended to be so.

He simply couldn’t fathom how a mere letter-delivery task had been judged by the system as a completed Shadow Sect mission.

This was truly far beyond his expectations.

Without the slightest hesitation, Lin Xingjian silently urged the system to immediately issue the reward.

After the system assented, a line of text slowly appeared in his vision: [Reward issued!]

The moment he saw the reward, Lin Xingjian nearly gasped aloud.

The reward issued this time was Ghost Shadow Steps.

It wasn’t an upgrade from Minor Accomplishment to Proficient, but a direct leap across two levels, entering the Grand Accomplishment realm.

‘Ghost Shadow Steps… Grand Accomplishment?!’

‘The jump in levels is too immense!’

Lin Xingjian felt his head buzzing.

Before, whenever he drew a duplicate cultivation technique, it would always only advance by one level. To have it advance by two levels consecutively was a first in his life.

His heart suddenly quickened, excitement and doubt intermingling within him.

He asked the system why it had given him such a generous reward.

The system’s reply was concise and cold, stating that rewards were issued based on the difficulty and magnitude of the task, and were absolutely infallible.

Lin Xingjian’s brows furrowed deeply.

‘For the system to deem this simple secret order delivery worthy of such a substantial reward indicates that the hidden dangers behind it…’

‘Are immeasurable.’

Regardless, with Ghost Shadow Steps at Grand Accomplishment, Lin Xingjian would find it much more convenient, whether for escaping or, well, escaping.

He would no longer fear retaliation from a madwoman like Bai Qingxue.

As the two walked slowly along.

Just as Zhang Jingya had said, they encountered no retaliation from Liu Jinyao or his ilk, safely arriving back before the main hall.

“Many thanks, Senior Sister Zhang, until we meet again.”

Lin Xingjian eagerly stepped forward, turned, and cupped his fist in a crisp, clean motion.

‘In his heart, he hoped they would never meet again.’

Zhang Jingya nodded slightly, her beautiful eyes shimmering as if she had something to say.

Just as Lin Xingjian turned to leave, she suddenly called out to him, taking a step forward.

“Wait, Junior Brother Lin.”

She took a piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Lin Xingjian.

“This is a poem I composed just now while idle outside the Enforcement Hall. It was originally gifted to me by my lover, and now I pass it on to you, hoping you will enjoy it.”

“Furthermore, I hope that if you ever encounter a Shadow Cultivator who recognizes this poem, you will inform me. I believe that person would be my lover. I entrust this to you.”

Her smile was gentle, her voice soft, like a babbling brook in spring.

Lin Xingjian’s heart involuntarily eased.

‘Hearing Zhang Jingya speak like this, his suspicions should have been cleared.’

“Very well, it shall be so.”

Lin Xingjian smiled as he took the paper from Zhang Jingya’s hand.

Out of curiosity, he unfolded it and looked.

He saw Zhang Jingya’s handwriting, elegant and graceful, black characters on white paper, which read:

“Before my bed, the moon’s bright gleam, I wonder if it’s frost on the ground.

I raise my head and gaze at the bright moon, I lower my head and think of my hometown.”

“Hmm?”

Lin Xingjian couldn’t help but murmur aloud.

“Before my bed, the moon’s bright gleam, I wonder if it’s frost on the ground. I raise my head and gaze at the bright moon, I lower my head and think of my hometown?”

‘He secretly wondered.’

‘Wasn’t this a widely celebrated poem by a certain “Immortal Poet” named Li from his previous life’s world?’

‘No wonder Zhang Jingya said it was written by her lover; that made sense.’

The scene of him reciting this poem in his previous life flashed through his mind, and for a moment, he felt a sense of disorientation.

“I understand, Senior Sister Zhang. I will certainly preserve this poem well, and one day, when…”

He hadn’t even finished speaking.

Suddenly, Zhang Jingya’s eyes instantly turned blood red, like an enraged beast. Her aura abruptly became violent, and she lunged at Lin Xingjian.

Without warning, completely caught off guard!

“Indeed, indeed…”

Zhang Jingya’s face was clouded with malice, her eyes as fierce as a jackal’s or a tiger’s, fixed intently on Lin Xingjian.

“I knew it was you! Where do you think you can escape to now!”

“You are… him!”

Lin Xingjian’s mind went utterly blank at this moment.

He had no idea what he had said wrong, or why Zhang Jingya had suddenly seen through him.

Then, his gaze fell upon the poem Zhang Jingya had just written.