Aksai listened carefully, absorbing the familiar dynamics.
He was well aware of the rivalry between the factions, but Haitin’s tone suggested there was more to it than just surface-level friction.
“The righteous and demonic factions,” Haitin continued, “well, both sides keep a very close eye on each other. For their own interests, of course. It’s not just about open hostility; it’s about watching for opportunities or weaknesses.”
Haitin’s voice dropped slightly, adding a layer of intrigue to his explanation.
“It’s common practice for each side to embed spies within the enemy’s ranks. It’s a dirty game, but one everyone’s been playing for centuries. No matter how careful we are—no matter the kinds of screening methods we use—there’s always someone on the inside.”
Haitin’s eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement as he leaned back, watching Aksai’s expression closely. “Purple River Sect is no different,” Haitin continued, setting the stage for his story.
“Like any other major sect, they’ve infiltrated both the righteous and demonic factions for years. A few years ago, they sent one of their most talented young disciples to infiltrate Frostbound Sect, one of the three major demonic sects under our faction’s banner.”
Aksai tilted his head, intrigued but unsure where the story was headed. Haitin smiled knowingly and continued.
“This infiltrator wasn’t just a powerful cultivator—she was beautiful, charismatic, and had a likable personality. The kind of person who naturally draws people to her, you know?
From the moment she stepped into the Frostbound Sect, she became the center of attention. People admired her not just for her beauty but also for her innate ability to grasp the sect’s core cultivation techniques and Spirit spells.”
Aksai’s curiosity deepened, but he remained silent, letting Haitin paint the picture.
“What made her especially unique was her Physique,” Haitin explained. “Her body was naturally attuned to Frostbound’s techniques. This wasn’t planned by the Purple River Sect, mind you. It was a coincidence—one that helped her rise quickly through the ranks.”
He paused, letting Aksai absorb this twist.
“At first, she was loyal to her mission,” Haitin said, “keeping her original ties with the Purple River Sect while gathering information for them. But as the years went by, things started to change. You see, it’s not uncommon for spies—especially the longer they stay embedded in enemy sects—to grow attached to their new environment.”
Aksai nodded thoughtfully, following Haitin’s reasoning. It made sense. Spies might begin as loyal to their cause, but isolation, attachment, and the passage of time could blur those lines.
“The Purple River Sect, though, wasn’t overly concerned about her. She was just one of many sleeper cell spies, sent more as a precautionary measure than for any specific infiltration mission.
So they didn’t bother to check up on her too often. And in her case, that was fortunate for her, because as the years went by, she became one of the Frostbound Sect’s rising stars.”
Haitin’s voice dropped slightly, adding a layer of suspense. “Now, during this time, Frostbound Sect was still led by Nael Netherfrost—one of the three Core Formation Lords of the demonic faction. A powerful man, but unlike the other two demonic leaders, Lord Nael was single. No heirs. No family ties. Just him and his position.”
Aksai’s eyes widened slightly. “Nael Netherfrost…” he muttered, the name familiar now that Haitin had brought it up earlier.
Haitin smiled. “Haha. That’s right. Nael was a bit of an enigma in that regard, but that made him all the more interested when this young, beautiful, and talented female cultivator began making waves in his sect. Over time, their paths crossed, and she caught his attention. He was impressed by her feats, her talent, and her sheer will.”
Aksai could sense where this was going but let Haitin continue the story.
“The two grew closer. Years went by. And then, during the risky cultivation breakthrough in the Foundation Building realm, she nearly lost her life while trying to reach the Foundation Building realm. You can imagine how critical that moment was for her. But it was Lord Nael who came to her rescue—he personally intervened and saved her life.”
Aksai raised his eyebrows. “A Core Formation Lord cared about a mere Foundation Building Expert?”
“Exactly,” Haitin said. “That’s when everything changed. She became a Foundation Building expert—a breakthrough that solidified her position as one of the Frostbound Sect’s rising stars. From there, she was made one of the sect elders, and her influence continued to grow.”
Aksai was leaning forward now, engrossed in the story. “And then? What happened between them?” he could more or less guess what Haitin was hinting at. However, he decided to let Haitin narrate the story in his own way.
“Ah,” Haitin said with a chuckle, “this is where it gets interesting. She felt indebted to Lord Nael, of course. More than that—she grew attached to him, emotionally and otherwise. Eventually, she confessed everything to him.”
“Everything?”
“Yes. She told Nael that she had originally been sent to the Frostbound Sect as a spy for the Purple River Sect. But by then, she had severed all ties with them. Her loyalty was now fully with the Frostbound Sect—and with Lord Nael.”
Aksai asked. “And he accepted that?”
“More than accepted it,” Haitin said, his smile widening.
“He married her. Despite her past as a spy, Lord Nael treated her well, and their bond only grew from there. The marriage was a grand event. Core Formation Lords from both factions attended, including the very leader of the Purple River Sect, who arrived with a generous dowry, treating the female cultivator as his daughter, even if it was only in name more or less.”
“And the Frostbound Sect accepted this?”
Haitin nodded. “They did. After all, who would object to a Core Formation Lord’s marriage, especially one that brought with it such alliances and benefits?”
Aksai sat back. “So, what happened next?”
Haitin’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “A few years later, a daughter was born—a child of great promise, with talents from both of her parents.”
Aksai narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the punchline approaching. “And her name?”
Haitin grinned. “Nuya Netherfrost.”