After vanquishing the last of the undead creatures that had threatened his disciples, Xue Xinyu hurried to catch up with them. The group had forged ahead, their pace brisk and determined, as if they had already reached their destination within minutes.

The mountain they aimed for loomed ahead, its massive silhouette dominating the horizon. Among the peaks of this region, it stood out not just for its size but also for its significance in the annals of the sect. Years ago, a rift had torn open here, an event now repurposed as a trial—a twist of fate that Xue Xinyu found ironically fitting.

In most tales, such trials occurred later, after much preparation and anticipation. The fact that it had begun prematurely filled Xue Xinyu with a sense of urgency to understand why things had gone awry ahead of schedule.

Touching down at a cave entrance high on the mountainside, Xue Xinyu scanned his surroundings, half-expecting to find others seeking refuge in the same sanctuary. The cave wasn't just a simple hollow but a winding tunnel that plunged deep into the heart of the mountain.

As he ventured deeper, the silence enveloped him like a thick blanket, broken only by the occasional rustle of small animals scurrying for cover. The contrast between the bright daylight outside and the oppressive darkness within lent an eerie atmosphere to the cavern's depths.

Periodically, he encountered minor undead impediments—low-level creatures that posed little threat. The vastness of the mountain reduced the likelihood of encountering more formidable foes, offering a temporary respite from the relentless battles he had just endured.

Yet, as he proceeded further into the labyrinthine tunnels, a strange sensation began to creep over him—a faint dizziness, accompanied by subtle traces of demonic energy lingering in the air. It was a whispering presence, guiding him deeper into the mountain's embrace, its source elusive yet compelling.

Huai Xiaozhun, aided by the enchanted necklace that facilitated tracking such ethereal streams of energy, found the task somewhat less daunting. However, the faintness of these energies puzzled him, raising doubts about the scale of the supposed "massive" rift he sought. Could there be multiple demons manipulating these qi flows, or had the sect leaders misjudged the situation?

These uncertainties only fueled his determination to uncover the truth. As he pressed onward, distant cries reverberated through the rugged terrain, their echoes bouncing off the stone walls of the mountainside. Whether these were the desperate calls of fellow cultivators or a cunning ploy by demons to ensnare him mattered little to Huai Xiaozhun. His skills were honed to handle both scenarios, and he continued his solitary journey towards the origin of these haunting sounds.

Suddenly, amidst the jagged landscape, Huai Xiaozhun detected a seismic disturbance—a rhythmic pounding of heavy footsteps that spoke of a substantial demon on the move. Swiftly assessing the situation, he sought shelter behind a massive boulder, strategically positioning himself to observe without being seen, prepared for whatever danger lurked ahead.

Peering cautiously from his concealed vantage point, Huai Xiaozhun surveyed the unfolding scene before him. Strewn across the battleground were cultivators of varying ranks—some ordinary disciples, others esteemed elders like his shizun, Lan Yunlong. Despite their formidable presence, the group appeared diminished, a fraction of its former size. The intensity of the situation deepened with each passing moment, and Huai Xiaozhun remained hidden, silently observing the unfolding chaos.

As he watched Lan Yunlong engage in a fierce battle against the demon, it became evident that even someone as skilled as the esteemed elder was facing significant challenges. The demon, a towering figure of malevolent power, posed a formidable threat, and Lan Yunlong had the additional responsibility of safeguarding the cultivators who stood behind him. Witnessing this struggle, Huai Xiaozhun's analytical mind began to formulate a plan to turn the tide in their favour.

Contemplating his options with a cool demeanour that belied the urgency of the situation, Huai Xiaozhun recognized the need for a strategic intervention. His keen eyes locked onto the demon as it clashed relentlessly with Lan Yunlong and the other cultivators. A plan began to take shape in his mind—by maximising his control over his qi, he could stealthily approach the demon from behind and execute a decisive move that might shift the balance of the battle.

However, the risk of exposing his ability to conceal his qi was too great. Huai Xiaozhun needed to find a delicate balance between aiding the cultivators and keeping his unique skill a secret. Taking a calculated step forward, he began to tread quietly towards the fringes of the battleground, his movements precise and deliberate.

Meticulously adjusting his qi flow, he made it appear normal to those around him while rendering it practically undetectable to the keen senses of the demon. Lan Yunlong, engrossed in the fierce struggle, became subtly aware of another presence behind the demon. Although the other cultivators remained oblivious in their focused combat, Lan Yunlong's seasoned instincts hinted at the familiar aura of a comrade in arms.

As Huai Xiaozhun surveyed the intense battlefield with a mix of apprehension and determination, he acknowledged the inherent risks in his plan. Yet, the potential for success and the opportunity to aid his fellow cultivators motivated him to proceed.

With a calculated resolve, he retrieved three meticulously prepared talismans from within his robe. These ancient artefacts, when infused with a modicum of his qi, became versatile tools under his precise control. Holding his index and middle fingers close to his mouth, Huai Xiaozhun assumed a focused stance, ready to orchestrate a precise and devastating move that might tip the scales of battle.

Closing his eyes to shut out distractions, Huai Xiaozhun immersed himself in a state of deep concentration, focusing solely on the three talismans hovering at his fingertips. With practised expertise, he skillfully directed them towards the demon's back, strategically placing each talisman at key points—the neck and both shoulders.

To avoid detection by the vigilant demon, Huai Xiaozhun infused only a minimal amount of qi into the talismans. With a subtle touch that betrayed his years of training, he initiated a technique that propelled the talismans towards the demon, positioning them strategically amidst the chaos of battle.

As the talismans affixed themselves to the demon's vulnerable points with precision born of experience, Huai Xiaozhun unleashed a controlled torrent of qi. The ancient symbols etched on the talismans glowed faintly as they transformed into ethereal chains, binding the demon and restricting its movements.

The effect was immediate and profound—the demon roared in surprise and frustration, its mighty form momentarily immobilised by the unexpected attack from behind. The cultivators, sensing an opening, redoubled their efforts with renewed vigour, pressing the advantage that Huai Xiaozhun's intervention had provided.

These ethereal chains, forged from the essence of ancient talismans and infused with Huai Xiaozhun's focused qi, encircled the demon like spectral serpents. With each passing moment, they tightened their grip, their ethereal forms cutting through the demon's monstrous flesh with an otherworldly efficiency. The once imposing figure was reduced to shredded pieces, scattered like confetti across the battlefield.

A hushed silence descended upon the stunned cultivators as the dust settled, revealing Huai Xiaozhun standing resolutely amidst the remnants of the defeated demon. Their eyes widened in disbelief and amazement, their astonishment palpable in the charged air. Here stood a mere disciple, who had single-handedly dismantled a demon that moments ago had seemed invincible.

As the battlefield lay strewn with the shattered remnants of the demon, Huai Xiaozhun remained a composed figure amid the chaos, his eyes closed in a moment of reflection and aftermath.

Lan Yunlong, the authoritative figure among the disciplined warriors, took a purposeful step forward as the haze of battle began to settle. His voice cut through the post-battle silence with a mixture of stern authority and genuine curiosity. "Huai Xiaozhun, I knew it was you. What brought you here?" His penetrating gaze met Huai Xiaozhun's as the younger disciple opened his eyes, meeting the elder's gaze with calm composure.

"It was a coincidence. I happened to be nearby," Huai Xiaozhun replied smoothly, suppressing a chuckle at the melodrama unfolding around him. He had a knack for navigating such situations with the ease of a seasoned diplomat, even amidst the chaos of a battlefield turned theatre.

As the grateful warriors surged forward to express their thanks and admiration, Huai Xiaozhun couldn't help but notice some of the honoured disciplines puffing up like peacocks, claiming victory as if they had personally wrestled the demon into submission.

"Please stay with us from now on!" one particularly eager disciple pleaded, her sincerity bordering on desperation. Her companions chimed in with equally earnest pleas, as if Huai Xiaozhun's mere presence could ward off any future demonic incursions.

In the midst of this chorus of adoration, some of the honoured disciplines seemed to forget they weren't auditioning for a hero's role in a stage play. Their exaggerated gestures and self-congratulatory grins painted a picture more comical than courageous.

Attempting to restore order amidst the chaotic display, an honoured discipline stepped forward with an air of authority tinged with impatience. "Calm down, everyone," he commanded, though his strained tone betrayed the urgency of his words. "Let's not forget the imminent dangers lurking deeper into the rift. He should stay with us for his own safety."

Huai Xiaozhun, ever the astute observer, couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly at the thinly veiled attempt to manipulate the situation. "How pathetic," he thought to himself, amused by the theatrics and grandstanding unfolding before him. Amidst the swirling emotions and exaggerated heroics, Huai Xiaozhun remained grounded, quietly contemplating his next move in the unfolding drama of sect life.

As the mention of venturing "further into the rift" sank in, Huai Xiaozhun had a sudden epiphany. They were already waist-deep in the rift, a fact that seemed to have eluded him until that moment.

With a resigned sigh and a mental note to invest in a better map next time, he reluctantly agreed to join their ranks, fully aware of the absurdity of the situation.