The moon hung low over the forest, casting long shadows that intertwined with the mist rising from the valleys below. The battle from earlier had ended, but the tension lingered. Li Chen walked at the forefront of the joint sect unit, his eyes sharp, sword qi humming faintly like a living thread through the air. Behind him, the disciples moved cautiously, their formation tighter than ever. This was no longer about defense—it was a hunt.
"Be alert," Li Chen instructed, his voice calm but authoritative. "The manipulator is still near. Their energy traces are faint but consistent. We follow them carefully—no rash attacks."
Xu Ming moved beside him, his sword qi extending subtly, probing the surrounding area. The breakthrough to Qi Condensation had changed everything. He could now sense not only the beasts but also the faint manipulation guiding them. Each pulse of energy felt like a whisper, revealing paths, intentions, and vulnerabilities.
Li Chen divided the disciples into scouting pairs. Representatives from the five sects each took responsibility for observing specific signs: claw marks, residual spiritual energy, traces of elemental disturbances, and unnatural behavioral patterns in the local wildlife.
Mountain Sect leader Mo Yun gestured to a group of younger disciples. "Follow the larger claw tracks. They will lead us to the main grouping."
Star Sect cultivator Shen Yue focused her elemental sensing, pointing out disturbances invisible to the naked eye. "There's residual water qi near the stream. They've passed this way, but only recently."
River Sect disciples coordinated to create subtle markers along the suspected path, magical threads that would glow faintly under observation, giving the unit a map of the manipulator's probable direction.
Xu Ming worked alongside them, integrating his sword qi with the elemental flows. Small arcs of silver-white energy gently interacted with the markers, reinforcing the wards and subtly amplifying the readings. He felt a surge of pride and responsibility—the first time he actively contributed to strategy beyond simply defending.
Li Chen observed quietly, occasionally giving subtle gestures or words of advice, letting the other leaders take initiative. This was as much a test for the unit as it was a hunt.
After several hours, the group came across a small cluster of abandoned huts. The signs were subtle but unmistakable: clawed walls, faint burns, and residual energy traces that pulsed in deliberate patterns.
Mo Yun frowned. "The beasts haven't been here recently, yet these marks… it's too organized. Someone used this as a waypoint."
Shen Yue added, "And look here—the energy patterns are layered. Elemental pulses overlapping intentionally. Whoever did this has mastery over multiple elemental techniques."
Xu Ming's eyes narrowed. He sensed the manipulator's intelligence not just in controlling beasts but in leaving these signs, almost taunting them. His hand glowed faintly with sword qi as he analyzed the residual flow. "They're leading us somewhere… and they want us to follow."
Li Chen nodded slightly, his mind racing. "Good observation. Keep your focus. Do not rush. The path they've set is a trap in its own way—they want to see our reactions."
As the disciples adjusted their formation, a small group of rogue beasts emerged from the underbrush, seemingly unprovoked. The unit reacted instinctively: Mountain Sect disciples blocked their charge, River Sect cultivators redirected their path with water techniques, and Star Sect barriers slowed their momentum.
Xu Ming extended his sword qi to reinforce the inner formation, deflecting the beasts without harming them unnecessarily. Li Chen watched carefully, knowing the manipulator was testing their coordination again.
One of the younger disciples, panicking at the sudden charge, faltered, leaving a weak point in the line. Li Chen's voice cut sharply through the tension. "Zhao Li! Reinforce your position! Watch your spacing!"
The disciple hurriedly adjusted, and Xu Ming subtly redirected sword qi to cover the gap. The combined efforts of the disciples and the guidance of Li Chen ensured that no one was injured.
Li Chen turned to Xu Ming quietly. "See? Leadership isn't about striking the enemy. It's about observing weaknesses, correcting mistakes, and ensuring the team survives." Xu Ming nodded, absorbing every word.
Eventually, the unit reached a wide clearing where the manipulator's energy signature was stronger. Faint magical barriers shimmered in the corners, and residual beast qi pulsed rhythmically. Li Chen crouched, scanning the aura.
"They're close," he said, voice low. "Observe the energy flow. Note the patterns—they will reveal the manipulator's location if we move carefully."
Xu Ming extended his sword qi like a sensing net, feeling the manipulator's subtle control over both the beasts and the forest. Even from a distance, he could detect the restrained pulses of energy—their intention, focus, and even their patience.
Li Chen allowed the other sect leaders to step forward, analyzing the clues and exchanging observations. It was a collaborative effort. Each leader contributed insights, creating a strategy that combined knowledge, strength, and foresight.
"Tomorrow," Li Chen said, looking at the assembled leaders and disciples, "we confront them. But tonight, we prepare. Study the terrain, strengthen the wards, and ensure that every disciple understands their role. The manipulator will make the first move; we must be ready."
Xu Ming stood silently, feeling both the weight of responsibility and the thrill of growth. His Qi Condensation had allowed him to participate meaningfully in the operation, but he knew the real test lay ahead: understanding the manipulator's intent and working with the entire unit to neutralize the threat without sacrificing anyone.
The borderlands were quiet, but a storm was approaching. And when it broke, every disciple, every leader, and every ounce of training would be put to the ultimate test.