Red Cloud, Northern Lands, near Heavenwater, Golden Robe Valley.
Stark white metal qi surged through the valley. Gold, iron, tin, and copper of every hue lay scattered across its floor, thrusting out of mud and stone in overlapping layers of golden branches and iron leaves, like a dense forest.
This had once been where True Person Hua Yuan of the Longevity Monastery refined weapons. Steeped in Geng Metal qi year after year, it had become a Spirit Land of metal virtue.
The many aristocratic clans and sects of northern Red Cloud had first suffered harassment from the monsters under Fire Crow, then suppression by Buddhist cultivators. The strongest among them had caught wind of events and left Red Cloud early. Now this place had become Buddhist territory.
The monks occupied Spirit Lands throughout the region, converting mortals and gathering vow power. Yet they had never attacked the Longevity Monastery's spirit mountains and treasured lands, instead taking detours around them.
Outside Golden Robe Valley stood a warrior monk, holding a demon-subduing pestle with a respectful expression and lowered eyes. It was Chifa. Brilliant red light now shone in his eyes, and his revealed aura showed that he had reached the Dharma Master realm.
The metal qi within the valley faltered. Blue-black demonic qi surged, dimming the radiance of Geng Metal. Gold and iron corroded and crumbled to dust.
When the strange phenomena faded, all spiritual vitality within the valley had been destroyed, converted into nourishment for the demonic qi. A young man walked slowly out. His features were imposing, and he wore treasured armor patterned with black tigers and flames. Borne aloft by five-colored demonic light, he trod upon the winds of heaven and approached Chifa.
"Greetings, Lord An Qing."
Chifa hurried forward and knelt in salutation, utterly deferential. The brilliant