Kai stood at the center command post. His eyes fixed on the glowing map projected by the System. Red markers blinked faster than before. Something was wrong.“System,” he said sharply, “update tactical feed.”“Processing…” the System replied. “Warning: Unknown energy detected within Crimson Serpent ranks. Source classified as ‘Ancient Artifact’ level. Effect radius: one kilometer and expanding.”Kai’s gaze darkened. “What kind of artifact?”“Energy signature resembles a formation nullifier. Estimated ninety-five percent chance it targets spiritual barriers directly.”“Formation nullifier?” Captain Ren repeated, his voice tense. “That would render our entire defense grid useless.”Elder Han stepped forward, clutching a talisman. “Impossible. Those relics haven’t been seen since the Old War. How could they possess one?”“Debating won’t change the outcome,” Kai said. “System, confirm barrier stability.”“Warning: Outer barrier stability reduced to sixty-one percent. Decline rate increasi

The day began quietly, but tension filled the air. The System had been running constant scans after the retreat. Kai was at the command post, reviewing reports from every division when a sudden alert flashed before him.“System,” he said quickly, “display the alert in full.”“Detected encrypted spiritual transmission originating from Elder Mo’s quarters,” the System reported. “Signal pattern matches Crimson Serpent Sect frequency. Estimated duration: eight minutes.”Kai’s face hardened. “Trace the destination.”“Transmission connected to enemy envoy camp two miles east of the ridge. Communication logs partially intercepted.”Kai read the text appearing in front of him: ‘…the Azure Cloud Sect’s defenses are weakened. The inner barrier will fail in two days. I can open the western seal in exchange for safe passage and elder status under your banner…’Ren entered the command post right then, holding a battle report. He stopped when he saw Kai’s expression. “What’s wrong?”Kai didn’t answ

There was no battle today. The cold air carried the stench of blood. Kai stood at the edge of the ruined field. His body was trembling from fatigue. He looked over the battlefield. “System,” Kai muttered weakly, his voice low, “status report.”[System Notification: War Status – Paused (Preparation Phase 2). Casualties recorded: 1,372 Azure Cloud disciples. Estimated enemy losses: 3,108. Mana reserves at 12%. Host vitality at critical threshold.]Kai clenched his jaw. “Show remaining supply count.”[Supplies remaining: 27% of original capacity. Food shortage in five days. Healing potions critically low. Formation materials depleted.]He exhaled slowly, his body aching as if it could collapse at any second. Around him, survivors began to gather. Many were bloodstained, their faces pale and hollow.“Guildmaster!” Arin shouted as he approached, carrying a bandaged disciple over his shoulder. “The eastern ridge is secured. No more enemies are left standing.”Kai turned to him, his eyes s

Kai stood at the center of the main yard. He was surrounded by his captains, healers, and senior officers. His armor was patched from combat. His expression remained calm. The System interface hovered in front of him and it showed the list of ongoing restoration efforts.[System Notification: Reconstruction Phase Initiated. New feature unlocked: Sub-Sect Expansion Menu.]Kai looked at the glowing text for a moment. “System, open the Sub-Sect Expansion Menu.”[Menu Opened. Functions available: Establish Sub-Divisions, Assign Regional Overseers, Allocate Resource Nodes and Manage Loyalty Networks.]Arin stepped forward with a stack of reports. “Guildmaster, the rebuilding is going slowly. We’ve repaired three outer walls and two defensive towers, but the spiritual barrier at the east flank is still unstable.”Kai nodded. “Assign the Formation Division to the east barrier. Double the reinforcement team. Use the leftover formation stones from the west ridge.”“Yes, sir.”Mei approached ne

Reports from all divisions had arrived, and the reconstruction of Azure Cloud Sect was finally stable. Kai stood before the central table where maps and spirit jade tokens floated above the glowing formation screen. His expression was composed, but his eyes were sharp.“Vice Leader Kai,” a messenger bowed deeply before handing over a sealed letter with a silver emblem. “This message arrived from the Northern Alliance through a courier eagle. They request an immediate audience.”Kai took the letter and broke the seal. Inside was a neat script marked with the insignia of the Frost Valley Sect, a powerful but neutral force that had avoided all conflicts so far. He read through the contents carefully.“They propose an alliance,” Kai said quietly. “In exchange, they will supply high-grade resources—Frost Spirit Crystals and Silverwood Essence.”The elders around the table looked at each other with visible surprise.Elder Shen spoke first. “Frost Spirit Crystals are rare. With them, our dam