The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

The thick mist that cloaked the Crimson Veil Ravine seemed to ripple as Ye Tian and his group advanced deeper into its heart. The faint echoes of distant cries and clashing steel painted a grim picture of the trials other disciples faced. But Ye Tian wasn't here for the same struggles that ensnared the weak. His path was deliberate, guided by foresight and control.

Zhou Lie walked a step behind, his usual sharp demeanor replaced with a rare unease. "Something feels... off. The ravine has its dangers, but this quiet isn't natural."

Ye Tian glanced at Zhou Lie, his expression unreadable. "It's not the ravine that's unnatural—it's the people lurking within it."

The group stopped at the base of a jagged outcrop where the terrain split into three separate paths. Zhou Lie crouched down, examining the faint footprints in the dirt. "Multiple groups passed through here. Some larger, some smaller. But no sign of conflict yet."

"Because they're watching," Ye Tian said, his tone calm. "Waiting for the right moment to strike."

Jiang Hao frowned. "Should we take the narrow path to avoid ambush?"

Ye Tian shook his head. "No. We'll take the middle path—the one most would avoid because it's too open. Let them think we're overconfident. When they come, we'll already be ready."

A Hidden Network

The middle path stretched ahead, barren and unnervingly quiet. Yet Ye Tian moved as if he owned the place, his footsteps deliberate and unhurried. Zhou Lie and Jiang Hao flanked him, their eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of movement.

Halfway through the path, a small, hastily built campsite came into view. Two figures sat around a dying fire, their bodies tense even in apparent rest. They were clad in the robes of the Outer Sect, but their insignias had been ripped off—a clear sign of rogues.

"Outer Sect deserters," Zhou Lie muttered.

"They're scouts," Ye Tian replied, his eyes narrowing. "Someone else is using them to monitor the trial. Let's see what they know."

As they approached, one of the deserters sprang to his feet, drawing a dagger. "Stop right there!" he barked. "This isn't your territory!"

Ye Tian stopped, his posture relaxed. "You're right—it's not my territory. But you're going to tell me who you're working for and why you're here."

The deserter hesitated, his eyes flicking to his companion. The other man stood slowly, his hand resting on a makeshift spear. "You don't scare us. You're just another participant trying to act tough."

Ye Tian smiled faintly. "Tough? No. Just practical. If you tell me what I want to know, you'll live. If not..." He trailed off, his eyes hardening.

The deserters exchanged a glance before the one with the spear lunged forward. The attack was swift but predictable, and Ye Tian sidestepped with ease, his blade flashing in the dim light. A single, precise cut severed the man's weapon arm, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Stop!" the remaining deserter shouted, dropping his dagger. "We'll talk!"

Ye Tian crouched in front of the man, his tone calm but deadly. "Good choice. Now, who sent you?"

The deserter swallowed hard. "Sun Meng. He's leading a faction deeper in the ravine. He's got about fifteen people with him, mostly from the Outer Sect, but a few Inner Sect disciples too. He's trying to control the paths and pick off anyone who strays too far from their groups."

"Where is he now?" Ye Tian asked.

"About half a day's travel ahead, near the Split Fang Gorge," the deserter replied, his voice trembling. "He's setting up an ambush."

Ye Tian straightened, glancing at Zhou Lie and Jiang Hao. "Split Fang Gorge. Let's go."

The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

The group left the deserters behind, leaving them to their own fate. As they neared Split Fang Gorge, Ye Tian's mind raced with possibilities. An ambush meant that Sun Meng was confident in his position. Overconfidence could be exploited.

Instead of charging headlong into the gorge, Ye Tian led his group up a steep incline, using the high ground to observe the area. From their vantage point, they saw Sun Meng's faction spread out below, their movements coordinated but lacking subtlety.

"There's no way they can maintain control with so many people," Zhou Lie whispered. "Too many egos, too many agendas."

"Precisely," Ye Tian replied. "We don't need to fight them directly. We just need to exploit their weakest points."

As the group watched, a disagreement broke out among Sun Meng's followers. Voices rose, and a small skirmish erupted within their ranks.

"That's our opportunity," Ye Tian said, his eyes gleaming.

The Strike

Under the cover of the infighting, Ye Tian and his group descended into the gorge, moving like shadows. They avoided the main paths, using the natural terrain to their advantage. By the time Sun Meng realized they were there, it was too late.

Ye Tian appeared behind him, his blade pressed lightly against the man's neck. "Control is a fragile thing," Ye Tian murmured. "And yours just shattered."

Sun Meng froze, his body tense. "What do you want?" he growled.

"Your position," Ye Tian replied. "Your resources. Your people. Swear loyalty to me, or lose everything."

Sun Meng hesitated, his pride warring with his survival instinct. But before he could respond, Ye Tian leaned in closer. "Refuse, and I'll make sure your followers tear you apart before I finish what they started."

The leader's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Fine. You win."