Huang Di read the message he received from Zhao Fei’s senior disciple. It was his plan to change how they traveled to the secret realm. He sighed and put the message down. Tian Lu was smart, Huang Di thought this senior disciple was possibly the smartest mortal he had ever seen. In order to capitalize on that, the sect master had given Tian Lu unfettered access to all the information in the sect’s library, the elders, and whatever else he needed. And any thoughts or insights he shared, he would be rewarded accordingly.

The sect master’s trust was rewarded as Tian Lu created potions that were more effective and easier to make, weapons and armor that were better than ones made even by the best craftsmen in the Empire, and strategies for picking and training sect members. He knew Tian Lu had kept some things from him and given them to his fellow disciples. He even knew that the senior disciple was keeping some information from everyone including his own master. But Huang Di knew eventually, he would find out. He always did. That was how he was able to get a powerhouse like Zhao Fei to come to his sect and be a protector. The heavens blessed him, he thought. And as he was thinking that. Zhao Fei appeared in front of him.

“Sect Master, why must all my disciples be part of this strange ritual the Empire and the sects play?”

Although Zhao Fei offered words of encouragement to his disciples, he still didn’t like being forced to do things. He had had this discussion multiple times with the sect master but he was never convinced. Huang Di knew this and knew he had to appease the sword master.

“The Empire is powerful, but it is afraid. Afraid of what the sects are becoming, especially my Plum Tree Sect. I’m even sending my own disciple to this secret realm just to let them see a glimpse of our strength. And if they want to make a move, it will be justification for the sects to unite and force their hand.”

“So you’re sending them to their deaths!?” Zhao Fei roared. But no one besides the two of them was able to hear it as Huang Di had been inside Zhao Fei’s cultivation cave since the beginning.

“I came because I knew your disciple would have a plan and now that I have read it. I agree with his plan and will let him lead the expedition. No one can promise safety in the path of cultivation, Zhao Fei, you of all people should know that. And if their deaths could -” Before he could finish that sentence he crumpled and knelt to the ground. He could feel the sword master's Transcendent Realm crashing down on him. He activated his treasure and he was barely able to keep standing.

“Just because I let you live and protect your sect doesn’t mean you can keep taking advantage of my good will. Should my disciples come to harm, I don’t care if you let out my secret, you will find your sect burned to the ground and then your soul tortured for eternity. Now GET OUT!”

Huang Di left as fast as he could. Sweating all over, feeling fear he hadn’t felt in a long time. However, like always, he got what he wanted. And like always, he knew his smarts had ruffled someone he couldn’t afford to offend.