Just moments after the corpses flopped unceremoniously onto the forest floor and the phantom bell vanished into thin air like a mirage in the desert, another figure descended with all the grace of a swan. It wasn't just any figure—this person exuded an air of authority and power that set them apart from the ordinary disciples. It was none other than Feng Mingzhu, the esteemed peak master of Fenghuang Peak, revered throughout the cultivation world as a war god incarnate.

In the annals of their novel, Feng Mingzhu was a legend for a reason. He was the master who wielded victories like a magician with a deck of unbeatable cards, all without ever drawing his sword. The only times he faced true challenge were when names like Huai Xiaozhun, Xiao, and Zhao Lian were penned.

With wide eyes and a heart pounding like a drum in a rock concert, Xue Xinyu turned to face Feng Mingzhu, the living legend now standing before him. Meeting the War God felt like stumbling upon a rare mythical creature in the wild—equal parts exhilarating and nerve-wracking, with a sprinkle of disbelief thrown in for good measure.

"Ah, Feng-shidi, what brings you here?" Xue Xinyu inquired, doing his best to suppress the squeal of excitement bubbling up within him. After all, he had a reputation to uphold, even in the face of meeting his idol.

"I'm sorry, Master Xue, but initially, we weren't aware of your proximity, so we sent out a signal firework to call for aid," one of the disciples explained, their voice tinged with a hint of apology.

"I understand," Xue Xinyu reassured them, flashing a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Feng Mingzhu. "Xue-shixiong, it's been a while since our last encounter. It seems trouble has a way for finding you wherever you go," Feng Mingzhu remarked, his voice carrying the weight of past adventures and shared memories.

Their initial meeting had been during a disciplinary trial. It was a time when Huai Xiaozhun, in his youth, stumbled upon a treasure, the remnants of a warlock's legacy. Despite the temptation, Huai Xiaozhun chose to keep it under wraps.

Shortly thereafter, Feng Mingzhu joined Huai Xiaozhun's class, hence the affectionate term 'shixiong'—senior brother—used by Feng Mingzhu.

"Feng-shidi, it's a delight to see you again," Xue Xinyu greeted warmly, genuine curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "Considering the vast distance of Fenghuang Peak, what brings you to Gentian Recess?" His query hung in the air, a mix of genuine curiosity and subtle bewilderment at Feng Mingzhu's unexpected presence.

"I happened to be nearby, taking a leisurely stroll, when I spotted the signal firework," Feng Mingzhu explained casually. Laughter erupted from the other disciples, leaving Feng Mingzhu momentarily puzzled. It was an ironic twist—the peak master's excuse mirrored Xue Xinyu's own explanation earlier.

"Since you're already here, would you care to join me for some tea at Gentian Recess?" Xue Xinyu proposed with a flourish, his enthusiasm palpable. Feng Mingzhu's eyes twinkled with amusement as he readily accepted the invitation to catch up over tea.

"Ah, may I inquire about your esteemed names?" Xue Xinyu asked, his curiosity piqued as he addressed the disciples with a courteous nod.

"I am Wang Lei, known by my courtesy name Wang Xiang," one disciple replied promptly, his posture radiating respect and propriety. The other disciple mirrored his comrade's formality.

"And I am Chen Yu, with the courtesy name Chen Feng. We hail from Qi Yun Peak, as you can discern from our attire," Chen Yu explained, a faint hint of nervousness colouring his voice.

"Very well, I entrust the tidying to you two. More disciples will likely arrive soon, drawn by the signal firework for assistance," Xue Xinyu declared with a firmness that brooked no argument. With a respectful bow, Wang Lei and Chen Yu accepted their duty, their dedication evident in their swift preparations.

With a deft flourish of Qi manipulation, Feng Mingzhu lifted gracefully into the air, his sword slicing through the breeze as he headed towards Qi Yun Peak. Xue Xinyu followed suit, his determination masked behind a facade of serene composure. Earlier, he had managed to mimic Huai Xiaozhun's speech; now, he aimed to master the art of elegant flight without the grace of a newborn penguin on ice.

Flying over Qi Yun Peak, Xue Xinyu could see the beautiful scenery and his house in the distance. As Feng Mingzhu lands in the middle of the streets, Xue Xinyu follows suit and also lands. "You know your way around here the best. Would you mind guiding me?" Feng Mingzhu suggests.

"Since we have a lot of catching up to do, let's go eat something good," Xue Xinyu proposes as he guides Feng Mingzhu to a nice restaurant for dinner.

Stepping inside, they were greeted warmly by a waiter adorned in traditional attire. "Welcome, Xue Xiangsheng and Feng Xiangsheng. Please follow me," the waiter said with a respectful bow, ushering them towards the secluded VIP section reserved for esteemed guests.

Seated amidst the opulent ambiance of the restaurant, Xue Xinyu gestured elegantly. "Order as extravagantly as you desire; tonight, I insist on treating you," he declared generously, his eyes twinkling with hospitality.

"How gracious of you," Feng Mingzhu acknowledged with a nod of appreciation as he settled into his seat. This was a rare treat indeed—not only was Xue Xinyu dining at an expensive restaurant, but they were also seated in the VIP section, surrounded by opulent décor and an air of luxury.

It was a testament to Xue Xinyu's newfound status as sect master, with the wealth to match.

"You've been the peak master for a while now. Back then, I could've never imagined you as a peak master," Xue Xinyu remarked after they finished ordering food.

"I could say the same for you. You've always been strong, yet you were a huge troublemaker," Feng Mingzhu responded with a chuckle, recalling their shared history. Xue Xinyu nodded in agreement, even though he had no idea about his childhood since the novel didn't provide many details.

"It's quite amusing that we both ended up as peak masters," Xue Xinyu commented lightly as he savored a bite of his meal, the flavours dancing on his palate.

"So, what brings you on a walk so far away from Fenghuang Peak?" Xue Xinyu inquired, sensing a subtle tension in the air, his curiosity piqued.

"You could hear the bell tolling from miles away. The user was definitely no low-life warlock," Feng Mingzhu remarked gravely, his expression serious. Xue Xinyu's thoughts raced as he processed the implications of Feng Mingzhu's words. "I see. Well, when I arrived, there was nothing left but the bell and the disciples," Xue Xinyu recounted, his voice steady despite the underlying uncertainty that gnawed at his thoughts like an insistent mouse in a granary.

"Do you believe this is a matter we should share with the higher-ups?" Feng Mingzhu inquired, his sharp gaze drilling into Xue Xinyu's, seeking reassurance or perhaps a plan of action.

"I doubt it. So far, the warlock hasn't shown any signs of aggression toward others,". Xue Xinyu replied thoughtfully, considering the situation carefully.

That day marked a pivotal realisation for Xue Xinyu. He discovered that both his abilities and his resolve exceeded expectations, a revelation underscored by Feng Mingzhu's acknowledgment—a peak master's validation held weight, indeed.

Arriving back at his home on Qi Yun Peak, Xue Xinyu quietly entered his room. He knew Liang Zhiguan would likely be immersed in his studies, as it was his nightly routine, while Li Tao, the diligent sect member, either retired early or busied himself with official matters in his chamber.

Seated at his desk, Xue Xinyu pondered his options. Wine, though enjoyed elsewhere, was not considered elegant in Qi Yun Peak. Venturing outside after dark was also out of the question; the city below frowned upon such activities.

With a resigned sigh, Xue Xinyu resigned himself to the less glamorous aspects of his role. Among his responsibilities lay the oversight of the watchtowers that dotted the landscape surrounding the modest peaks under Qi Yun's jurisdiction. While these peaks often garnered little attention, Huai Xiaozhun, in his foresight, had erected these towers as bulwarks against potential threats emerging from the borderlands between Ende and the cultivation realm.

While these peaks often garnered little recognition, Huai Xiaozhun, in his wisdom, had erected watch towers near them to safeguard against any potential threats from the borderlands between Ende and the cultivation world.

Disciplines from Qi Yun Peak and other sect disciplines were stationed at these watch towers, their duty to remain vigilant at all times. Periodically, they would rotate with counterparts from other peaks to maintain their alertness. For some, this assignment served as a form of punishment, the monotony of watching for undead creatures proving tiresome.

Despite the inconvenience, Huai Xiaozhun had spearheaded the initiative, bearing most of the costs and logistical burdens.

Now, Xue Xinyu found himself tasked with overseeing this operation, a responsibility he found daunting given his limited political knowledge.

As he sifted through the stack of letters on his desk, Xue Xinyu was updated on the latest developments regarding the watch towers. Reports detailed sightings of new undead creatures by vigilant disciples, expressions of gratitude from smaller peaks in the form of gifts, and even requests from disgruntled disciplines for more luxurious accommodations at the watchtowers.

Indeed, the landscape boasted a multitude of watchtowers, each serving a unique purpose. Some, used as disciplinary outposts, were modest in design—sparse, functional, and austere. In contrast, others were luxurious havens, replete with opulent features and state-of-the-art functionalities designed to support and comfort the stationed disciples during their vigil.

Furthermore, the interconnected nature of these watchtowers formed a cohesive network of communication and support. In times of crisis—be it a skirmish with a formidable undead creature or an unforeseen emergency—the watchtower's alarm system would reverberate across the peaks, summoning aid from Qi Yun Peak and its affiliated sister peaks with urgent clarity.