The Violet Sea World was a vast and mysterious world within the Sea and Mountain Realm, renowned for its unique combination of oceanic expanses and towering mountains. Spiritual energy permeated both land and sea, nourishing countless cultivators, from newly initiated disciples to Nascent Soul experts who commanded entire regions.
Beneath its violet-tinted waters lay ancient ruins, forgotten palaces, and the remnants of civilizations that had disappeared into the depths of history. Countless cultivators had ventured into these submerged ruins in search of treasures, yet many never returned.
Eight major factions dominated the Violet Sea World, each possessing at least one Nascent Soul expert and commanding numerous subordinate sects and clans.
Five of these factions followed the righteous path, with the Azure Dragon Sect standing at their head. Together, they formed the Righteous Sects Alliance, an organization that maintained its influence through cooperation, military strength, and the suppression of rival forces.
Opposing them were three factions of the evil path, whose influence extended through hidden valleys, secluded caverns, and territories beyond the Alliance's control.
The strongest among them was the Bone Forging Sect, a fearsome organization renowned for its mastery of corpse refinement and soul manipulation. Its strength rivaled that of the Azure Dragon Sect, making it one of the few powers capable of challenging the Alliance directly.
Beneath it stood two other major factions: the Shadowclaw Sect and the Crimson Lotus Cult.
Together, these eight factions maintained a fragile balance of power. Neither side possessed an overwhelming advantage, and conflicts between them rarely ended without significant losses.
Yet, despite its importance, the Violet Sea World was little more than a drop in the vast ocean that was the Sea and Mountain Realm.
Deep within the Ironspine Mountains, towering cliffs rose through poisonous mists, concealing a fortress carved directly into the mountainside. Narrow pathways wound toward its gates, guarded by deadly traps and illusion formations that discouraged unauthorized visitors.
This was the heart of the Shadowclaw Sect.
And it was here that Mei Lin had returned.
Elder Jin's Palace
As Mei Lin entered the sect's outer courtyard, the surrounding disciples immediately noticed her arrival.
Those practicing their techniques stopped to bow respectfully, while others exchanged curious glances at her tense expression.
"Sect Leader!"
A Core Formation elder descended from the sky and landed before her. Surprise flashed across his face as he hurriedly bowed.
"It's an honor to see you here."
A younger female cultivator approached from behind him, concern evident in her eyes.
"Master, is something wrong? You don't look well."
Mei Lin glanced at them briefly.
"Nothing you need to concern yourselves with. Continue your duties."
Without further explanation, she proceeded toward the sect's inner territory, where the Nascent Soul elders resided.
Her arrival did not go unnoticed.
Before she had traveled far, two figures appeared in front of her, their auras restrained but unmistakably powerful.
Both were Nascent Soul elders of the Shadowclaw Sect.
"Welcome back, Sect Leader."
Mei Lin nodded toward the first man, a wiry elder with sharp features and piercing gray eyes.
"Junior Brother Wu."
Wu Li kept his hands clasped behind his back, studying her with quiet scrutiny.
She then turned to the second elder, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek.
"Junior Brother Zhou."
Elder Zhou crossed his arms, his expression less reserved than his companion's.
"Sect Leader, you look troubled. Has something happened?"
Wu Li also seemed to sense that something was amiss.
"What brings you to the inner territory so suddenly?"
Mei Lin hesitated briefly before answering.
"I have urgent business that must remain confidential. I need to see Elder Jin immediately. It concerns the future of our sect."
The two elders exchanged a glance.
The mention of Elder Jin, combined with Mei Lin's serious expression, was enough to tell them that the matter was no ordinary affair.
Neither asked further questions. They simply stepped aside and allowed her to pass.
The journey to Elder Jin's palace took little time, but Mei Lin's expression grew increasingly solemn as she approached her destination.
When she reached the ornate entrance, she knocked sharply before entering without waiting for a response.
Inside, Elder Jin sat upon a raised dais, examining several maps and scrolls spread across his desk.
He lifted his head.
His expression revealed neither surprise nor warmth. His cold, calculating eyes settled on Mei Lin, silently assessing the reason for her unexpected visit.
"Mei Lin," he said, his tone carrying a trace of displeasure. "What matter is so urgent that you would interrupt me while I'm occupied?"
Mei Lin wasted no time on formalities.
"Elder Jin, something terrible has happened. Our branch in Violet Mountain City has been destroyed."
For a moment, the room fell silent.
Elder Jin's expression stiffened.
"Destroyed?"
He rose abruptly from his seat.
"That branch is under my son's command! Who would dare attack it?"
His voice grew sharper with every word, but Mei Lin interrupted before he could continue.
"The attack was swift and decisive. Everyone stationed there is presumed dead or missing. We haven't received any reports from survivors."
Elder Jin stared at her, seemingly struggling to process what he had heard.
Then his expression twisted with fury.
"My son..."
His fists clenched, and the spiritual energy surrounding him began to fluctuate violently.
"My only heir!"
For a brief moment, his composure shattered completely.
He had only one son, born late in his life through a series of fortunate and unexpected circumstances. He had treasured the boy from the beginning, deliberately keeping him away from the sect's most dangerous struggles.
Rather than forcing him to pursue the ruthless path of cultivation, Elder Jin had arranged for him to oversee a relatively quiet branch in a distant city.
It had been an act of protection. He wanted his son to enjoy a peaceful life, far removed from the bloodshed and treachery that defined the cultivation world.
Yet now, that very place had been reduced to ruins.
Elder Jin's face darkened as he considered the implications.
The Shadowclaw Sect might have suffered losses in recent conflicts, but it remained one of the three great factions of the evil path. Few forces in the Violet Sea World would dare attack one of its branches so brazenly.
And fewer still would dare do so while his only son was stationed there.
"Who did this?" he demanded, his voice echoing through the palace.
Mei Lin lowered her gaze slightly.
"We're still investigating. I came to inform you as soon as the news reached me."
Elder Jin's eyes narrowed, but his grief quickly gave way to cold fury.
"Investigating can wait."
He turned toward the entrance and barked an order.
"Summon the elders and assemble a force immediately! I will personally inspect Violet Mountain City."
His aura surged, sending the scrolls across his desk fluttering into the air.
"Whoever is responsible will pay for this. I don't care which sect or clan stands behind them. No one who dares attack the Shadowclaw Sect will escape unscathed!"
With that, Elder Jin strode toward the palace entrance, his killing intent spreading throughout the hall.
Behind him, Mei Lin remained still.
The first step of Xiao Ning's plan had succeeded.
Now she only needed to see how Elder Jin would react when he discovered that the destruction of his son's branch was only the beginning of his troubles.