He turned toward the remaining disciples and elders. “Disperse. Return to your duties and await further instructions. Your leaders and I have matters to discuss.”
The disciples and lesser elders exchanged uneasy glances before bowing deeply and retreating. The courtyard quickly emptied, leaving Shen Yuan alone with the Ancestor, Sect Master, Grand Elder, and several senior elders.
Shen Yuan gestured toward a grand hall nearby. “Let’s continue this discussion in private. There’s much to plan.”
The Silver Fox Sect members looked amongst themselves before quietly following behind Shen Yuan.
Continue your journey with empire
…
Inside the grand hall, the atmosphere was tense but quieter. Shen Yuan took a seat at the head of the large table, his relaxed posture a stark contrast to the strained expressions of the sect leaders.
Xueyan, now perched on his shoulder in her smaller form, let out a low growl of approval as she observed the room.
Shen Yuan broke the silence with a calm tone. “Your sect has potential, but it’s clear living in this backward area and sparse resources have limited how much you can grow. And on top of it is your complacent attitude. After defeating that sect a few years ago, you have been living in peace and forgot to sharpen your blades.”
The Ancestor frowned but kept her tone respectful. “What do you intend for our sect, She—Young Master? Surely you have a vision beyond simple submission from us lowly assassins.”
Shen Yuan’s eyes glimmered with faint amusement as he addressed the Ancestor’s cautious tone. “Lowly assassins? Ancestor, your sect’s skills are valuable, but they’ve been squandered on short-term survival. What I intend is to refine your capabilities and ensure that the Silver Fox Sect rises to prominence that demands respect—not merely fear of hiding turtles.”
He leaned forward, his gaze piercing as it swept over the assembled leaders. “However, this will not be immediate. For now, you will lie low. Do not draw unnecessary attention to your activities, and do not engage in open conflict unless ordered by me. This sect needs time to recover and reorganize.”
The Sect Master, Feng Lian, furrowed her brows. “And during this time of concealment, what do you propose we do? We cannot remain idle.”
A faint smile played on Shen Yuan’s lips. “You will not be idle. Quite the opposite. I will personally oversee the formation of elite squads—units designed to execute missions with precision, efficiency, and unparalleled skill. These teams will serve as the sharp edge of the Silver Fox Sect, capable of turning the tide of any situation.”
The room grew silent, tension thickening as the leaders absorbed his words. Shen Yuan continued, his tone commanding, “I will select 100 members from among those who swore loyalty on their Dao Hearts. Only the most skilled, disciplined, and loyal will qualify. These members will be divided into 10 teams, each consisting of 10 members.”
He raised his hand, gesturing to the Ancestor, Sect Master, and Grand Elder. “Each team will be led by a Core Elder, supported by Inner Sect Elders and Core Disciples. Their purpose will be to act as both the vanguard and the shadow of this sect.”
Shen Yuan’s gaze sharpened as he turned to the Sect Master and Grand Elder. “The ten teams will be split into two groups. Sect Master Feng Lian, you will oversee five teams. Grand Elder, you will manage the other five. Your roles will be to ensure their discipline, training, and readiness for any situation that arises.”
Both leaders exchanged a glance before nodding respectfully. “Understood,” Feng Lian said, her tone steady despite the enormity of the task.
Finally, Shen Yuan’s attention shifted to the Ancestor. “As for you, Ancestor, you will hold ultimate command over all ten teams. They will answer to you in times of critical missions, and you will act as the final authority in my absence.”
The Ancestor straightened, her expression filled with concern. “Young Master Shen, I understand your vision, but building such squads will take time and resources. How do you propose we achieve this?”
Shen Yuan smirked, his tone filled with confidence. “Leave the resources to me. I will provide the techniques, artifacts, and pills needed to ensure these squads are unrivaled. As for training, I will personally design regimens to push them beyond their limits. The Silver Fox Sect will no longer rely on fear alone—it will become a force capable of shaking the foundations of this realm.”
The senior elders exchanged wary but intrigued glances. The Grand Elder spoke hesitantly, “And if these squads are discovered by rival sects or kingdoms? Surely such a force will attract attention or even immediate action from both the righteous and demonic path members.”
Shen Yuan’s smirk widened. “That is precisely why they will be elite. They will operate in shadows, and their existence shall remain a rumor at best. By the time anyone realizes their presence, it will already be too late.”
Xueyan growled softly in agreement, her wings fluttering on Shen Yuan’s shoulder. The room remained silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking into each leader.
Finally, Shen Yuan stood, his gaze sweeping over the room. “This is your chance to prove your worth to me. The Silver Fox Sect has been stagnant for too long. Now is the time to evolve—or perish. The choice, as always, remains yours.”
The Ancestor rose from her seat, bowing deeply. “We will follow your guidance, Young Master. The Silver Fox Sect will rise again under your command.”
One by one, the Sect Master, Grand Elder, and elders followed suit, bowing in unison. Their voices echoed through the grand hall. “We swear to fulfill your vision, Young Master Shen Yuan.”
Shen Yuan extended his hand, summoning a faint ripple in the air. From the distortion emerged a grand artifact—a towering, ethereal pagoda, its shimmering surface adorned with ancient runes and intricate carvings that radiated an otherworldly aura.
The leaders of the Silver Fox Sect instinctively took a step back, awe and fear evident in their expressions.
“This is my Ancestral Pagoda,” Shen Yuan announced calmly. “Its interior will serve as the perfect training ground for your elite squads. Those who enter will face trials designed to sharpen their skills, minds, and resolve.”
He infused his Qi into the pagoda, and a portal appeared at its base, swirling with faint golden light. “Follow me,” Shen Yuan said, stepping into the portal without hesitation. The Ancestor, Sect Master, Grand Elder, and a few senior elders exchanged uncertain glances before following.
…
Inside the pagoda, the environment shifted, a mystical realm stretching endlessly in every direction. The walls of the pagoda’s first level were engraved with glowing runes, pulsating faintly like a heartbeat. In the center stood a humanoid figure composed entirely of radiant light—the Pagoda Spirit.
“Master Shen Yuan,” the spirit greeted with a deep bow, its voice soft and melodic yet resonant. “It is an honor to serve you once more. How may this humble spirit assist you?”
Shen Yuan raised his eyebrow. “Where is the previous spirit?”
The spirit nodded its head and replied, “There is only a single spirit in this pagoda, but as I get bored with time, I change my form and personality. How may this humble spirit serve you?”