The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

The morning sun cast long shadows across the Inner Sect courtyard as Jiang Hao's voice boomed, demanding answers.

Ye Tian stood at the periphery, calm and calculating as the crowd shifted nervously under Jiang Hao's glare. Ye Tian knew Jiang Hao wasn't foolish—he suspected someone had outplayed him. Yet brute force couldn't substitute for brains.

Let's make this interesting, Ye Tian thought, his lips curling faintly.

Shifting the Blame

Ye Tian's golden eyes scanned the crowd, locking onto Wei Song, a junior disciple who had allied himself with Jiang Hao's group. Wei Song had always been an arrogant fool, riding on the coattails of stronger men while bullying the weak.

The perfect scapegoat.

Ye Tian quietly slipped through the edge of the crowd until he was close to Wei Song. Standing behind him, he whispered just loud enough for others nearby to hear.

"Strange, isn't it? Senior Brother Jiang Hao's treasure disappears, and you're standing here silent. Didn't you leave the eastern cavern last night, Wei Song?"

Wei Song stiffened immediately, his eyes darting to Ye Tian. "What nonsense are you spouting? I wasn't even there!"

The nearby disciples exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves.

"I did see Wei Song heading toward the eastern caverns yesterday…" one whispered uncertainly.

"Could it be him?" another asked.

Ye Tian stepped back into the crowd, watching his seeds of suspicion sprout. Wei Song's panic was obvious as Jiang Hao turned his dark gaze on him.

"Is this true, Wei Song?" Jiang Hao asked coldly.

"N-No! I swear it wasn't me!" Wei Song stammered.

Jiang Hao wasn't convinced. He grabbed Wei Song by the collar, his voice a low growl. "If I find out you've betrayed me, I'll make you regret it."

Ye Tian suppressed a chuckle as he stepped back, his work done. By the time Jiang Hao's men finished interrogating Wei Song, the Fire Spirit Jade's real thief would be far from anyone's suspicion.

A Curious Question

That evening, as Ye Tian returned to his quarters, he found Lan Yue waiting for him, leaning casually against the wall outside his door. Her emerald robes fluttered slightly in the night breeze, and her expression was as unreadable as ever.

"You're making quite the name for yourself," she said, pushing off the wall as he approached. "Jiang Hao's losing his mind, you know."

Ye Tian smirked. "It's not my fault he can't control his men."

Lan Yue gave him a sidelong look. "You're too calm for someone caught in the middle of this mess. Care to explain why?"

Ye Tian shrugged, unlocking his door and motioning for her to follow. "Why would I panic when others are so eager to do it for me?"

Lan Yue stepped into his chamber, her sharp eyes studying him carefully. "You're hiding something."

"And you seem unusually interested in me, Senior Sister," Ye Tian countered, meeting her gaze directly. "In fact, you were at the Outer Sect battle not long ago. Isn't it strange for an Inner Sect disciple to concern herself with Outer Sect affairs?"

Lan Yue's expression shifted slightly, though she quickly masked it. "Well, just passing by and I want to battle with you."

Ye Tian's lips quirked. "There is no way that is the reason. What were you doing there?"

Lan Yue sighed softly, stepping toward the window where the moonlight bathed her figure. Her voice was calm, but there was an edge of seriousness beneath it.

"There's a reason," she said. "I was investigating something—unusual Rift energy traces near the Outer Sect training grounds. I didn't expect to find you there, much less watch you rise to the top."

Ye Tian raised a brow. "Rift energy? Isn't that just a natural occurences?"

Lan Yue shook her head. "Not entirely. The sect has its own concerns about the Rift's influence bleeding into our lands. My family… has ties to... Sometimes, I'm asked to look into things others can't."

For the first time, Ye Tian saw a glimpse of the weight Lan Yue carried. She wasn't just a skilled disciple—she was connected to her family affairs, a player with a responsibility.

"And what did you find?" Ye Tian asked.

Lan Yue turned to face him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "That's not your concern… yet. But let's just say there's more going on in this sect than meets the eye."

Ye Tian leaned back, considering her words. "So, you weren't there for me after all. I feel almost disappointed."

Lan Yue smirked faintly, though her gaze softened. "Don't flatter yourself. But… I'll admit, you've piqued my interest, Ye Tian."

Ye Tian met her eyes, a spark of amusement flickering in his golden gaze. "Likewise, Senior Sister."

The Storm Brews

As Lan Yue left, the night felt quieter than before, yet Ye Tian's mind buzzed with thoughts.

Rift energy near the Outer Sect? And she was investigating it alone?

Lan Yue's words lingered in his mind like an unsolved puzzle. If Rift energy was leaking into the sect grounds, it could mean trouble for everyone—and opportunities for Ye Tian.

The Aftermath

The next day, news of Wei Song's "betrayal" spread through the Inner Sect like wildfire. Jiang Hao's faction had fractured slightly under the strain, and Wei Song had been all but exiled in disgrace.

As Ye Tian passed through the training grounds, he overheard disciples whispering.

"Did you hear? Jiang Hao nearly killed Wei Song after accusing him of stealing."

"Serves him right. Wei Song was always a snake."

Ye Tian smirked inwardly. With Jiang Hao's attention turned inward, his faction was vulnerable. Now was the time to push further.

Divide and conquer, he thought.

Plans Under the Moon

That night, Ye Tian sat in his chamber, studying the Fire Spirit Jade under the soft glow of candlelight. He could feel its energy pulsing faintly, ready to strengthen his spiritual roots.

Before he could begin absorbing it, a soft knock sounded at his door.

"Again?" Ye Tian muttered, smirking as he opened it to find Lan Yue once more.

She raised a brow. "You look disappointed to see me."

"Not disappointed. Just surprised."

Lan Yue stepped inside, crossing her arms. "You're planning something. I can tell."

Ye Tian chuckled. "Maybe. Or maybe I just enjoy watching others tear themselves apart."

Lan Yue shook her head, though there was a flicker of admiration in her gaze. "I'll admit… you're more cunning than most. Just don't let it backfire on you."

Ye Tian met her eyes, his tone quiet but firm. "I don't plan to lose, Senior Sister."

Lan Yue studied him for a moment before smiling faintly. "Good. Because I'm curious to see how far you'll go."

For once, Ye Tian didn't feel the need to deflect or hide behind his usual walls. Lan Yue's words weren't threats—they were a challenge. And Ye Tian never backed down from a challenge.