Part Two
By sunset, three figures stood outside the sect's main gate.
Their robes bore unfamiliar insignia.
Their cultivation aura was disciplined.
Controlled.
Predatory.
The sect elders received them formally.
The leader bowed politely.
"We seek discourse regarding the individual observed by Heaven."
The words were courteous.
The intent was not.
The central elder's expression remained neutral.
"He is under sect supervision."
"Then allow joint supervision," the visitor replied smoothly.
A political trap.
Refuse, and risk conflict.
Accept, and share authority.
"We interpret Heaven's attention as endorsement," the visitor continued.
"We believe cooperation benefits all."
Zheng Wen Te watched from a distance, unseen but fully aware.
He felt the shift immediately.
The sect's internal fracture was no longer private.
External forces had arrived.
Lian stepped beside him.
"They will request demonstration," she said quietly.
"Yes."
"And if the elders refuse?"
"Then conflict accelerates."
She looked at him carefully.
"You could end this by submitting publicly."
He smiled faintly.
"That would only delay it."
Because submission would confirm he was something to claim.
Integration could not be possessed.