124. Digging a Tunnel

The patrol shift began at twilight, when the world turned shades of gray.

During the patrol, the disciples were, as always, diligent and attentive, checking every nook and cranny. Most of the disciples were quite young and possessed a natural curiosity, though none dared to step out of line.

The atmosphere in the residence was solemn. Every disciple moved with purpose, their expressions uniform in their gravity, as if they were all carrying the weight of the world. Even speaking was done in hushed tones, as if any louder sound might disturb the sanctity of the place.

Lu Chen, sitting on a small stool, felt that this was truly not a place for a person to live. The state of being suspended in a void, with nothing to do, was far too tedious.

He sighed softly, his expression weary. Just as he was about to rest, a disciple hurried over. "Master, someone is here."

Lu Chen followed the disciple, gesturing to himself. "Me?"

"Yes, the person is waiting at the main gate. They asked who is in charge here."

Lu Chen circled the area, checked his robes, and adjusted his collar. "Let's go and see."

The disciple hesitated, then pointed toward the wall. "They are waiting outside."

Lu Chen frowned. "Outside?"

The disciple nodded. "Yes."

Lu Chen sighed. "Fine, go open the gate. Don't keep them waiting. It’s not good for our reputation if we keep guests outside."

"But they are already inside the perimeter."

"That’s impossible." Lu Chen waved his hand. "The defensive formations are active. Even if a bird tried to fly in, it would be detected. You must be mistaken."

"It's true."

"Fine, just one person, it shouldn't be an issue." Lu Chen walked toward the main gate, his footsteps growing heavier with each step.

"Master?"

"Go on, I have a few things to say. If we can save some resources, that would be for the best. Maybe we can find some work for them, perhaps they can help pay off our debts." Lu Chen muttered to himself.

The disciple blinked. "Debts?"

"I mean, we are currently short on labor for the construction projects. If they haven't eaten, we can offer them a meal. It shouldn't be much of a problem, right?"

Lu Chen paused for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you for the reminder; I'll see what I can do." He had been feeling quite stagnant lately, and perhaps this visitor would provide a change of pace.

"Is it really that simple? That person is quite strange, Master."

Lu Chen gestured to himself. "I am the master here. If I can't handle a single person, I might as well quit."

He was a man of his word, and as long as he didn't stop, he would keep moving forward.

The Blood Sect was a mysterious organization. Ten years ago, it was merely a remote, insignificant sect, but it had grown rapidly, expanding beyond the territory. Its reputation was such that many were now unable to even speak its name.

The so-called Blood Sect was essentially a collection of people who practiced a forbidden art involving blood. They were not merely a group of fanatics; they were a tightly knit organization. In the beginning, the Blood Sect was just a small group. Its disciples were all outcasts, beggars, and the downtrodden. Every disciple was bound to one another by blood, relying on each other for survival.

Because they were outcasts, they grew stronger and more unified, slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with.

However, despite the Blood Sect's reputation, they were far from the villainous, bloodthirsty monsters people imagined. They were simply people who followed their own path. They sought power, they sought survival, and they sought justice in a world that had abandoned them.

They were not inherently evil, yet the world viewed them as such.

On the second day, Lu Chen stood at the gate, watching the visitor. He didn't say a word, merely observing. He wondered if this person was truly what they claimed to be, or if it was all a ruse.

"You seem to be looking for something," a voice drifted over. It was a clear, crisp sound.

Lu Chen paused, noticing the person was looking at a small stone in their hand.

"What is that?"

The visitor held up a small, shimmering object. "Just something I found."

Lu Chen squinted, noticing some fine, intricate carvings on the surface of the stone.

"Where did you get that?"

The visitor smiled. "I found it. Isn't it interesting?"

"Indeed," Lu Chen replied, his interest piqued. "Would you be willing to part with it?"

The visitor laughed. "If you can tell me what it is, perhaps."

Lu Chen didn't speak, but he reached out, his fingers grazing the surface of the stone. To his surprise, it felt warm, as if it were alive. He looked at the visitor, his expression unreadable. "Where did you find this?"

"I told you, I found it."

"Truly? This object is quite unique."

The visitor stood up, pointing toward the distance. "I don't know, but I think it belongs here."

Lu Chen didn't ask further. He gestured for the visitor to follow. "If you'd like, you can stay. We have plenty of room."

The visitor smiled. "Then I shall take you up on that offer."

Lu Chen nodded, feeling a strange sense of anticipation.

The guest settled in, and the residence seemed to brighten.

"Master, who is that?" a disciple asked.

Lu Chen looked at the visitor, who was now walking toward the garden. "A guest."

"A guest?"

"Yes, a guest who might just change everything."