Chapter 18: Incognito Exit
Elias stepped out of his cultivation chamber, his plain, somewhat dusty outer sect robes hanging loosely on his frame. Beneath the fabric, his new combat outfit was a mere whisper against his skin. He’d reactivated his Chameleon Veil immediately, letting the light refraction cloak settle over him like a second, ordinary skin. His unnervingly sharp features softened, his glowing complexion dulled, and his formidable aura vanished, replaced by the mundane presence of any other unremarkable disciple. He looked exactly like Junior Brother Shen Yu, the quiet, easily overlooked one.
He wasn’t interested in drawing attention, especially not now. He had something far more interesting to do than participate in sect politics or impress elders. He needed to test his toys.
Instead of heading to the usual training grounds, Elias walked toward the Sect’s Hall. This grand, imposing building was where all official business was handled, from resource distribution to mission assignments. He needed a mission, something simple that would get him outside the sect’s protective formations without raising any flags. He was looking for an "outdoor experience," as he liked to call it.
As he moved through the bustling courtyards, he caught snippets of conversation—excited chatter about the recent tournament, predictions for the Inner Sect trials, and complaints about tedious chores. He even saw Fu Yu, looking slightly less ghostly than before, though still a bit downcast. Elias gave him a quick, almost imperceptible nod as he passed, a silent acknowledgment of the gift he’d bestowed.
He approached the mission board, a large stone tablet glowing with various tasks. Most were mundane: collecting spirit herbs, patrolling sect borders, or assisting nearby villages with minor spirit beast infestations. Just as he reached out to select a low-difficulty patrol mission, a few disciples gathered nearby, looking curiously at the board.
"Hey, Junior Brother Shen Yu," one of them, a cheerful-looking girl with braided hair, greeted him. "You heading out on a mission?"
Elias cleared his throat, remembering his ’weak’ persona. "Ah, yes. Just... sightseeing, you know." He shrugged casually. "Thought I’d get some fresh air. Been cooped up cultivating."
Another disciple, a lanky young man, piped up, "Really? Most of us are trying to grind out contribution points for better pills. You don’t seem too worried about the Inner Sect promotion."