In the dim stillness of his chambers, Wang Yu sat cross-legged, immersed in deep meditation. A soft glow surrounded him, the faint residue of spiritual energy lingering in the air. His breathing was calm, measured like a pond undisturbed by wind.
Suddenly, the silence was broken.
The heavy doors creaked open, and a shadow slipped in. A messenger, clad in the sect's dark robes, entered and immediately dropped to one knee, head bowed low in deference.
Sensing the disturbance, Wang Yu's eyes fluttered open. Calmness faded into awareness as his sharp gaze fell upon the intruder.
The messenger raised his head slightly, his voice trembling under the pressure of the news he carried.
"Young Master," he said, "the Patriarch is furious over the delay. He demands that you hasten the process of killing."
For a brief moment, the air thickened with tension. Wang Yu's eyes narrowed. His mind stirred with unease, but he gave a slight nod, masking the storm within.
The messenger, understanding he had said enough, bowed once more and exited without another word.
Alone again, Wang Yu let out a quiet sigh. His fist clenched on his robe, his knuckles turning white. A trace of helplessness flickered across his face, but he restrained the anger boiling within.
So the Patriarch can't wait to see me dead, he thought bitterly. He grows restless. This only complicates things further. I must act quickly
After a moment of silence, clarity dawned upon him. There was no path forward but submission, at least in appearance. If he was to survive, he had to show unwavering loyalty to his mission. Perhaps, that would momentarily pacify the old monster.
He called out for his men.
Within minutes, a small group entered the room and bowed low. At their head stood a man dressed in faded green Taoist robes, his face lined with the weariness of battle and years. Chu Yen. A loyal and seasoned follower.
Wang Yu fixed his gaze on him. "Bring the Governor to me," he ordered, his voice low but firm.
Without hesitation, Chu Yen nodded and turned on his heel, leaving to carry out his master's will.
As the door closed behind them, Wang Yu's expression turned grim once more.
I can't fool the Patriarch not even slightly, he mused. He's a peak Fifth Heaven cultivator, while I'm barely at Nirvana King Level Seven. He could unravel my intentions with a single glance.
His hands tightened at his sides.
Any suspicious movement, and he'll know. Hiding something from a monster that ancient almost impossible. The gap between our cultivation levels between our life experiences is far too vast. I must commit to this attack with everything I have.
He exhaled sharply.
As for this Feng Clan assassin if he's here to kill me, he surely knows my cultivation level and techniques. But if I push forward with full force. perhaps I can draw out his true intent. This is a gamble. But I have no other choice. I can only hope his condition mirrors mine.
Anger swelled once more in his chest.
This situation all of it stems from my weakness.
Just then, the door opened again. Chu Yen had returned, and with him stood the Governor an elderly man with a reserved demeanor, eyes downcast, posture respectful.
The Governor bowed deeply. "What are your orders, Young Master?"
Wang Yu stood, his silhouette tall and resolute against the fading light.
The pieces were moving, whether he willed it or not.