Kai eventually returned to his shack from the forest, the brief trek calming him somewhat after the earlier encounter with the junior disciples. As he approached his home, he paused for a moment, gazing up at the sky in every direction. The clouds were light and scattered, with no signs of an impending storm. The air carried a faint dampness, but it wasn’t enough to suggest rain. Judging by these conditions and his years of experience living in this region, Kai was fairly confident it would remain sunny for the rest of the day. That was ideal for what he had planned.

  He made his way over to a large drying rack he had constructed himself—a simple yet sturdy structure designed specifically for processing the herbs he collected. Reaching into his herb bag, he carefully emptied its contents onto the rack, spreading the freshly picked butterfly clovers evenly across the surface. He ran his fingers through the herbs, ensuring none were bunched together, and adjusted them meticulously.

  Once satisfied with their arrangement, Kai hoisted the rack and carried it to a sunlit clearing near his shack. He placed it in a spot that was fully exposed to the sunlight, angling it slightly to maximize the herbs' absorption of the sun’s qi.

  Over the years, Kai had discovered that drying spirit herbs in direct sunlight had a remarkable effect. The gentle infusion of solar qi enhanced the potency of the herbs, making them more effective in alchemical processes. This subtle improvement could significantly increase the value of the herbs, earning him more merit tokens when he sold them to the sect.

  Kai crouched down to inspect the placement of the rack one last time, ensuring it was stable and in the best position. Satisfied, he straightened up and allowed himself a small smile. The sun was high, the air was warm, and the gentle rustle of the forest surrounded him. It was a moment of quiet purpose—a rare, fleeting peace in an otherwise turbulent life.

  Once Kai finished setting the herbs out to dry, he glanced up at the sun’s position in the sky. Judging by its angle, he estimated it to be around two in the afternoon. His foraging in the forest had gone faster than expected, leaving him with more free time than he’d anticipated. Realizing he could dedicate the rest of the day to the spirit beasts lifted his mood considerably. A rare smile crossed his face as he quickly stowed his herb bag inside his shack and began his journey to the stables.

  The path to the stable was long and winding, bordered by dense trees and patches of wildflowers. The tranquil scenery and the soft chirping of birds overhead had a calming effect, but there was a downside to such peace—it gave his mind room to wander. Despite his best efforts to focus on the present, his thoughts kept returning to the encounter with the junior disciples and the pain he felt over Yan’s suffering. He tried to shake off the lingering frustration, but it clung to him like a stubborn shadow.

  As he rounded a bend in the path, he noticed a group of people up ahead, walking toward him. This was unusual—few ever ventured near the stable area unless they had a specific purpose. As they drew closer, Kai’s eyes narrowed, and he recognized the distinctive robes of high-ranking inner disciples. His stomach tightened with unease.

  The realization struck him like a thunderclap. Lei Ju.

  The sect elder’s son was likely visiting the menagerie today, accompanied by other inner disciples eager to curry favor. Kai hadn’t been informed, but it wouldn’t have been the first time Lei Ju had shown up unannounced to flaunt his authority. Worse still, if they were on their way back from the stables, it meant they had arrived while Kai was out, leaving the area unattended.

  A bead of sweat rolled down Kai’s temple. If Lei Ju had expected him to be there and found he wasn't, it would be easy for him to twist the situation into a charge of negligence or incompetence. Lei Ju wasn’t known for his patience or fairness, and he certainly wouldn’t hesitate to berate someone as low-ranking as Kai.

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  Kai quickened his pace, the tranquil mood of earlier replaced by a mounting sense of urgency. This day just keeps getting better and better, he thought bitterly.

  Kai hurried toward the group of inner sect disciples, his footsteps quickening with every stride. As he reached them, he came to an abrupt halt, dropping to his knees in a swift, practiced motion. His head bowed low in a kowtow, his gaze never once lifting to meet theirs, for in the strict hierarchy of the Ember Sword Sect, it was considered an offense for an outer sect member to look upon an inner sect disciple unless spoken to.

  “Great and honorable senior disciples of the glorious Ember Sword Sect, whose blade pierces the very heavens,” Kai began, his voice dripping with exaggerated reverence. “What can this lowly servant of the outer sect do to assist individuals of such unparalleled wisdom and esteemed virtue?”

  The words tasted bitter as they left his mouth, but Kai forced himself to maintain a deferential tone. He despised groveling, but he knew all too well the consequences of showing even a hint of disrespect to these inner disciples. Their egos were as inflated as their robes were adorned, even more so than outer disciples, and the smallest perceived slight could lead to devastating repercussions.

  Inner sect members like these had power, not just in cultivation but in their untouchable status within the hierarchy of the sect. If an outer sect member angered them, the punishment could range from a crippling injury to outright death. Worse still, the sect’s leadership would turn a blind eye to such “discipline,” dismissing it as an unfortunate but necessary expression of authority.

  Kai remained still, his head bowed, silently hoping they wouldn’t find fault with his words or actions. Just let this go smoothly, he thought. I can’t afford another mess today.

  "Who are you?" a voice demanded, sharp and unfamiliar, cutting through the tense air like a blade.

  Kai froze momentarily, his heart skipping a beat. He had expected Lei Ju to interject, to explain his presence, but the silence that followed was deafening. Seconds ticked by, each one stretching longer than the last. When it became clear no one else would respond, Kai swallowed his hesitation and spoke, his tone practiced and deferential.

  "This humble and inconsequential servant," Kai began, his words flowing with an almost rehearsed eloquence, "is but a lowly worker of the great and honorable Lei Ju—may his glory endure for a thousand years. I humbly serve as the stable master, tending to the spirit beasts in loyal service to the glorious Ember Sword Sect, whose radiance pierces the heavens."

  Kai’s voice was steady, each word calculated to appease. He carefully layered praise, ensuring no ego in the group went unacknowledged. In this moment, humility wasn't just a virtue; it was survival.

  "Exactly who we were looking for!" the voice roared, brimming with authority and disdain. "You're under arrest!"

  Kai's head snapped up in confusion, his gaze settling on the group before him. Five inner disciples stood in formation, their expressions severe. Only now, seeing them clearly, did Kai realize none of them were familiar. Lei Ju wasn’t among them. His stomach sank, dread tightening its grip on his chest.

  Before Kai could process or speak, four of the disciples moved in unison, their speed blurring as they surrounded him. Swords gleamed in the sunlight, their razor-sharp tips hovering mere inches from his neck. Instinctively, Kai raised his hands, palms open, in a gesture of surrender.

  "W-what is going on?" he stammered, his voice tinged with both fear and incredulity.

  "Still playing innocent," the leader sneered, stepping forward with an air of smug authority. "I should strike you down where you stand, but the Sect Leader has decreed you shall face judgment first."

  "What crime have I committed?" Kai demanded, his voice shaky but rising with desperation. His mind raced, searching for any possible explanation for this accusation. "I don’t understand—what am I being accused of?"

  The leader’s eyes narrowed, his voice cold and cutting. "You are under arrest for the crime of being a demonic cultivator."