By the time Lu Yuan reached the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, dawn had yet to break.
Nothing outside the sect looked especially unusual. The lights and patrols remained as they always were, and there was no obvious increase in people moving about. Ning Fengzhi had clearly begun gathering his forces as planned. Disciples with real fighting strength were moving deeper into the sect, while the perimeter showed few signs of deliberate fortification.
As soon as Lu Yuan entered, someone led him straight to the Council Hall. Ning Fengzhi had not rested. Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were there too, and a freshly drawn map of the sect's perimeter lay spread across the center of the table. Two positions that had stopped responding were already marked on it.
"An hour ago, two Hidden Sentries on the northwest side went silent, one after the other." Ning Fengzhi pointed to the marks. "The replacements didn't go in. They took a look from farther away, but found no bodies and heard no fighting."
Sword Douluo added, "They did a clean job. For now, at least, they don't want to alert the sect."
Lu Yuan studied the two positions. Between them ran a road few people normally used. Following it inward would let someone avoid the heaviest perimeter patrols. The intruders had silently removed the Hidden Sentries instead of charging in. This was no spur-of-the-moment decision. They were clearing a path for those behind them.
"Don't send replacements."
Ning Fengzhi quickly understood. "Let them keep coming?"
"They've gone to the trouble of clearing a path. Sending people back now would only tell them we've noticed something wrong. If they want to come in this way, leave it open."
Bone Douluo leaned back in his chair and glanced at Lu Yuan, a smile tugging at