The Mission Hall of the Verdant Moon Sect's inner court stood like a fortress of jade and silver beneath the cliffs of Whitewing Mountain. Towering marble arches lined the entrance, and glowing jade panels shimmered with missions from across the continent. The air buzzed with focused intensity, the energy of disciples ready to prove themselves.
Shadow stepped into the hall, his steps calm but curious. He had seen battlefields and bloodshed, but this was a different arena-one of ambition, strategy, and merit. His inner sect robes hung neatly over his frame, and his presence, though humble, drew the occasional glance.
He scanned the mission board, eyes flicking past routine assignments. Then one caught his eye:
> **Mission #467**
> **Objective:** Investigate and recover inheritance from a sealed realm known as the **Lightning Tomb**.
> **Note:** High elemental instability. Ancient formations suspected. Thunder-affinity signatures required.
> **Status:** Team Assembly in Progress
Before he could inquire further, a cheerful voice sounded beside him.
"You look like someone who's been struck by lightning before. Perfect."
Shadow turned to see a young man with tied-back golden hair and a relaxed smile. A bronze emblem pinned to his chest read **49**.
"I'm Jian Mu. Inner Court Rank 49. You must be Shadow. Your fight with Jinhai has been the only thing anyone talks about since the tournament. You up for a tomb expedition?"
Shadow blinked. Then, with a short laugh, he extended his hand. "Only if you're not planning on using me as bait."
Jian Mu grinned. "We already have a talisman master for that. Come on, I'll introduce you to the team."
---
Beneath a pine pavilion outside the mission hall, five other disciples waited. The atmosphere was unusually relaxed-laughs, light bickering, and quiet conversation.
"Everyone, this is Shadow," Jian Mu announced. "He's joining us for the Lightning Tomb mission."
A tall girl in blue-etched robes offered a cool nod. Her long black braid shimmered with spiritual threads.
"Yanmei," Jian said. "Ice-type saber user. Probably sharper than her blade."
"Charmed," she said dryly.
Next was a short boy with tanned skin and mismatched talismans tied around his belt.
"Xian Shu," he said. "Talisman specialist, spiritual locksmith, part-time food hoarder."
Luo Fei, a calm woman in forest green robes, leaned on a spiritwood staff. She gave Shadow a small wave.
"I grow things. Heal things. Occasionally lecture people on hydration."
Jian Mu chuckled. "She means she once buried me in vines for ignoring her."
Beside her was a young man in grey robes, eyes closed in meditation.
"That's Wen Hao. Spear specialist. Doesn't talk much, but don't let the silence fool you-he'll gut a demon beast mid-yawn."
Wen Hao opened one eye, gave a slight nod to Shadow, then resumed his meditation.
"You're quite the ensemble," Shadow said with a friendly smile. "Glad to be a part of it."
Jian Mu threw an arm over Shadow's shoulder. "Just wait 'til you meet the tomb."
---
That night, beneath the soft lantern light of their courtyard, Jian Mu explained the stakes.
"The Lightning Tomb opens once every ten years," he said, flipping a jade slip onto the table. "Last time, it incinerated half a team from Green Spear Sect. But rumor says it holds relics from the Thunder Ancients. Some say even blue-tier inheritance scrolls."
Yanmei crossed her arms. "And it's reacting again-for the first time in a decade."
Shadow looked thoughtful. "Because of me?"
"Maybe," Luo Fei said gently. "The tomb is said to resonate with thunder-type cultivators. But it didn't open. It simply pulsed."
Jian Mu nodded. "Your presence might help unlock its gates. But we're not counting on it. We need to be ready for formations, traps, and guardians."
Shadow leaned back, sipping tea. "I've been inside dark places before. But this time, at least, I have a team."
The fire crackled.
Xian Shu leaned forward. "Ever seen a tomb collapse while you're still inside it?"
Shadow chuckled. "I once saw a bandit stronghold collapse while we were still looting it. I don't recommend the experience."
Even Yanmei cracked a smile.
---
Before bed, Jian Mu handed Shadow a small jade slip.
"Inner Court Rankings," he said. "There are over four hundred inner disciples. Only fifty are ranked. You're not on the list yet-but you've already beaten two who are."
Shadow raised an eyebrow. "I didn't come here for rankings."
Jian Mu grinned. "No one does. At first."
Shadow studied the list. Rank 1: **Liang Ye**. Rank 2: **Qiu Rong**. Rank 3: **Han Shuren**.
Yanmei whispered, "They're monsters. Liang Ye mastered two high-grade martial skills by sixteen. Qiu Rong is rumored to have a phoenix soul root."
Shadow simply nodded. "I'll meet them when the time is right."
---
Two days later, the team set off for the Lightning Tomb.
Their steps echoed across the valley trails. Spirits stirred in the wind. The scent of ozone drifted on the breeze.
Six figures walked into legend.
And the tomb waited.
---
**End of Chapter 45**