Quantum Immortal

Wuji stepped out of the Jade Eye building, his steps measured and deliberate as he moved through the dimly lit streets of the city. The weight of the information packet under his robes grounded him. But caution had become second nature to him. Rather than heading directly to his inn, Wuji wove through several city streets, deliberately winding his path in a series of circles, sharp turns, and detours. Only after ensuring no shadows trailed him did he enter a narrow alleyway, pulling the plain wooden mask from his face and concealing it within his robes. With a small sigh, he loosened his rice hat from his head, casting it aside. Tonight’s task had been successful, but the preparation was just beginning.

Hunger gnawed at him, so he slipped into a nearby restaurant, a small place with smoky lanterns casting a warm glow across simple tables. The savory scent of spices and steaming dumplings filled the air. Wuji ordered a modest meal, allowing himself a moment to savor the food while replaying the night’s events. The Jade Eye was as efficient and discreet as its reputation suggested, and he was confident in the information he’d acquired.

Once his hunger was sated, Wuji made his way back to his inn. His room was modest but clean, furnished with a simple bed, a wooden table, and a solitary chair. The window let in the faint glow of the street lamps outside, casting long shadows that danced on the walls. Sitting at the table, he pulled the information packet out and placed it before him, examining its contents.

Wuji opened the packet, laying its contents neatly across the table. There were two small books detailing the Ironclad Mountains and its numerous factions, a handful of reports on recent activities in the region over the past decade, and a finely detailed map. He scanned the materials quickly, sorting them into categories in his mind. The map was particularly detailed, marking out routes, hideouts, and high-risk areas with precise notations. A faint grin crept across his face—this was exactly what he needed.

The Ironclad Mountains, he read, lay southeast of the Golden Lotus Dynasty, a brutal, iron-strewn land where lawlessness reigned supreme. The dynasty’s authority meant nothing in those hills, and it was a haven for those who thrived outside the rules of society. The peaks and ravines created a natural fortress, the iron deposits within the earth blocking any tracking spells, making it an ideal hiding place for rogue cultivators, exiled clans, and criminal sects. The book delved into the terrain, describing sharp cliffs and winding passes that made navigation a challenge, particularly for anyone unfamiliar with the region. It was a land that attracted the ambitious and the desperate, where survival depended solely on power.

As Wuji read deeper into the pages, he learned of the factions that inhabited the Ironclad Mountains. A chilling description of the place emerged—a place governed by a brutal code: only the strong survived. Rogue sects practiced forbidden arts in hidden valleys, while bandit clans controlled mountain passes, exacting tolls from travelers foolish or desperate enough to enter. Mercenary groups operated like businesses, offering their services to the highest bidder, and shifting loyalties with as much ease as one might change a robe. Wuji noted the names of several infamous factions: the Blood Blade Sect, known for their ruthless techniques that harvested the blood of their victims; the Black Serpent Clan, experts in poison and stealth; and the Iron Wolf Pack, a band of bandits notorious for their strength and discipline.

Wuji’s eyes skimmed over the sections on trade and commerce. Despite the dangers, the Ironclad Mountains attracted merchants and cultivators in search of rare resources. Hidden markets sprang up in concealed valleys and abandoned caves, serving as hubs for black-market deals. Here, one could trade for rare spiritual herbs, exotic minerals, or information that couldn’t be bought anywhere else. It was the Shadowed Market, where secrecy and survival were currency, and the weak rarely lasted long.

For the next five hours, Wuji pored over every word in the books and every line of the reports. He memorized details about the prominent clans, their movements, and alliances. The reports on recent activities were of particular interest to him; they offered glimpses into recent alliances and betrayals, suggesting the volatile nature of relationships among the factions. Noting key figures and their ambitions, he began piecing together how he might approach the Ironclad Mountains safely and leverage the factions against one another if needed.

When he finally set down the last report, he was satisfied. The information had been extensive and revealing, showing the Ironclad Mountains in all its brutal glory. Wuji pulled out a map he had worked on ever since he left the Celestial Harmony Village, carefully marking each place he had traveled to and those he deemed significant to his journey. With meticulous care, he began updating it, aligning it with the new information on the Ironclad Mountains.

Celestial Harmony Village was marked as the starting point of his journey. From there, he traced his travels to Green Willow City, where he had spent a year under Master Zhang’s guidance, learning the art of talisman crafting. Each point on the map told a part of his journey: the towns he’d passed, the forests he’d camped in, the cities where he’d taken odd jobs to earn a living. Now, he added the Ironclad Mountains, marking key locations and noting potential routes.

He traced a few possible paths, weighing the risks and potential allies he might find along the way. Plans began to form in his mind, taking shape as he considered how best to approach his journey into the lawless territory. The thought of infiltrating the mountains and navigating its complex web of alliances and betrayals filled him with a sense of purpose. He would need to be shrewd, precise, and flexible, prepared for anything that could unfold.

The first light of dawn began to creep in through the window, its soft rays painting the walls in hues of gold and pink. Wuji leaned back in his chair, satisfied but weary. He had worked through the night, refining his plans with every new piece of information. A few hours of sleep would do him good, so he moved to the bed, closing his eyes as his mind eased into a quiet stillness.

Four hours later, Wuji awoke, feeling refreshed and ready for the day. After a quick wash, he dressed in a simple white robe and tied a white belt around his waist, securing a ribbon around his hair. The clean, unadorned look suited him—he wanted no attention as he set out to visit two familiar faces. Jinhai and Zhen, his childhood friends, had supported him when he needed it most. Now, he was ready to share his plans with them.

The bustling marketplace greeted Wuji as he stepped out of the inn, the noise and energy filling the air. He wove his way through the streets, eventually arriving at the inn where Jinhai and Zhen were staying. It was a modest establishment tucked away on a quieter street, its wooden exterior worn but well-kept.

He knocked on the door of their shared room, and within moments, Jinhai’s cheerful face appeared. His eyes lit up with excitement upon seeing Wuji, and he opened the door wide, inviting him inside. Zhen was sitting by the window, reading a scroll, but he looked up, his face breaking into a smile when he saw him.

“Wuji! You’re finally here,” Jinhai said, gesturing for him to take a seat. “We were just wondering when you’d come by.”

Wuji sat down, nodding in greeting to Zhen. “It’s good to see you both. I’ve been gathering some information—there’s a lot I need to discuss with you.”

Jinhai’s eyebrows rose with intrigue. “You sound serious. What have you been up to?”

Wuji took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. “It’s about the Ironclad Mountains. I’ve been planning something for a while now. The Jade Eye provided me with valuable insights, and I have a strategy in mind. But I’ll need allies—people I can trust.”

Zhen leaned forward, his gaze intent. “The Ironclad Mountains? That place is dangerous, Wuji. What are you planning to do there?”

Wuji’s expression grew resolute. “It’s where I can grow stronger, both in skill and influence. The mountains are filled with hidden resources, powerful factions, and a network of connections that could be invaluable. But it’s not just about personal strength; it’s about positioning ourselves to make an impact.”

Jinhai nodded, his face serious now. “And you think we can help?”

Wuji nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. “I need people who understand the value of loyalty, who can think strategically and act with purpose. This won’t be easy, but together, we can carve out a place for ourselves.”

Zhen glanced at Jinhai, his face thoughtful. “If this is as dangerous as it sounds, we’ll need to prepare. But Wuji, you’ve always been a step ahead. If you believe in this plan, then we’ll stand with you.”

A sense of calm determination filled the room as they sat together, discussing the details. Wuji outlined his strategies, the factions he intended to engage, and the resources they would need. As the conversation unfolded, a newfound purpose bound them together, shaping their friendship into something deeper—a shared resolve to face the trials that lay ahead.