The morning was cold when a group of riders appeared at the edge of the Azure Cloud Sect’s territory. The guards stationed at the outer checkpoint raised their weapons immediately, alerting the command post. Kai was notified by the System before anyone could reach him. [System Alert: Unknown envoys approaching from the southern border. Aura fluctuation detected. Estimated power level: Peak Core Formation.] Kai stood from his seat in the command tent and adjusted his robe. “How many?” [Five riders. One masked individual identified as leader. Carrying a neutral banner, marked with the insignia of the Central Alliance.] “Central Alliance?” Kai said quietly. “Why would they come now?” He walked out of the tent and he was followed by his top officers. The wind carried dust across the courtyard as the riders slowed and stopped before the outer gate. The one in the center dismounted first. The envoy was tall. He wore a black armor and a white mask that concealed his face completely. The

The Sect Master sat upright for the first time since his awakening. Kai stood before him, waiting for the reason he had been called. The elders remained silent at the sides. They wore a serious expression. The Sect Master looked directly at Kai. “You already know parts of the prophecy, but it is time you hear all of it.”Kai’s brow furrowed slightly. “You mentioned it once before, when you suspected I might be the one tied to it.”“Yes,” the Sect Master said. “But back then, I had only fragments. After the last battle, the ancient archive’s seals weakened, and the full text was revealed.”He reached beside the bed and brought out a scroll wrapped in protective seals. “This prophecy was left by the founder of the Azure Cloud Sect more than three thousand years ago. It speaks of an Ascendant who will rise from suppression, whose power will shake the balance of the realms.”Kai waited in silence as the Sect Master unrolled the scroll. His voice was calm and deliberate as he read.“‘Whe

The war drums echoed across the mountains as thousands of disciples assembled in lines. Kai stood at the center platform. They were gathered for the war of the Seven Sects, and today marked the first phase of full mobilization.The System’s voice came clearly in his mind.[System Notification: Mobilization Protocol – Active.][All operational sectors linked. Logistics and resource management modules online.]Kai opened his eyes and looked at the gathered disciples. The formation lines stretched down the valley. Each division wore different armor colors.“Report,” Kai said.Commander Ryu stepped forward and saluted. “Eastern Division ready. Two thousand combat disciples deployed and awaiting route confirmation.”Captain Mei followed immediately. “Northern logistics caravans loaded. We have enough supplies for seven days of continuous operations. Forgemasters reinforced wagon seals to prevent spiritual leakage.”“Good,” Kai said. “Make sure none of the supply convoys travel without for

Chapter 88: Southern Infiltration Kai’s instincts refused to settle that night. His System interface flickered above his palm.[Alert: Unauthorized energy signatures detected within Sector Twelve. Probability of infiltration – 96%.]Kai’s eyes narrowed. “Again. The Black Serpents are testing our defenses.”Commander Ryu’s voice came through the communication stone. “Kai, what’s your order? Should we wake the patrol teams?”“No. Keep the main camp calm,” Kai said firmly. “Activate silent alarm across formation channels only. I’ll handle it directly.”Ryu hesitated. “You’re already overworked. At least let me send a squad with you.”Kai’s voice stayed calm. “Negative. If this is a coordinated infiltration, they’ll sense group movements. The System will track them. I’ll end this before they spread.”[System Warning: Host Fatigue Level 85%. Recommended rest interval – six hours minimum.]Kai’s tone hardened. “Override warning. Continue operational mode.”[Command override confirmed.]He

“There are spoke banners approaching from the east, commander." His tone carried both urgency and confusion. “They bear no insignia of the seven sects. Orders?”Kai looked up from the tactical map glowing before him. “System, identify the banners.”[Scanning… Data inconclusive. Energy signatures detected. Affiliation, unknown. Probability of hostility, 42%.]Fei’s voice followed, calm but firm. “Commander, they’re flying white and silver colors. That’s not on our enemy list. Could it be the Mist Valley Sect?”Kai responded, “Mist Valley declared neutrality years ago. They’ve stayed out of conflicts since the Alliance Wars.”Lan added, “Then what are they doing here now? Should I prepare defenses?”“Hold positions,” Kai ordered. “No one attacks until we confirm intent.”[System Suggestion: Activate Caution Protocol. Warning—potential deception detected.]“Engage Caution Protocol,” Kai said. “All units stay alert, but don’t provoke.”[Caution Protocol active.]Moments later, a group of