The Western Mountains loomed ahead, their peaks shrouded in mist. After five days of hard travel through increasingly difficult terrain, Liu Yun and Lin Fei had reached the foothills. They paused at a vantage point, surveying the path ahead.
"The Earth Vein energy signature is growing stronger," the Imperial Jade Seal informed them, hovering at Liu Yun's shoulder. "Distance to source: approximately fifteen kilometers."
Lin Fei pulled her cloak tighter against the mountain chill. "These mountains are known for their strange energy fluctuations. Even without Protocol surveillance, we need to be careful."
Liu Yun nodded. Since learning about his potential sacrifice, Lin Fei had been more protective, though she tried not to show it. He appreciated her concern but remained focused on their mission.
"Any sign of Protocol activity?" he asked the Seal.
"Two surveillance formations detected. Basic perimeter type, not actively searching but designed to trigger alerts if covenant energies pass through."
Lin Fei smiled. "That's where my Phoenix Sect techniques will be useful. I can mask our energy signatures temporarily."
They continued their ascent as the day progressed, following narrow mountain paths that wound between towering cliffs. By midafternoon, they reached the first Protocol surveillance formation—an innocuous-looking stone marker carved with intricate symbols.
Lin Fei approached it cautiously. "Standard Protocol design. They haven't updated these in decades."
She traced complex patterns in the air, her fingers leaving trails of faint orange light. The Phoenix Sect technique surrounded them both in a subtle energy field that dampened their covenant resonance.
"This will hold for about two hours," she explained. "We need to pass through the surveillance zone before then."
They moved quickly but carefully through the monitored area. The mountain path narrowed dangerously at points, forcing them to press against the cliff face as they edged forward.
"The Earth Vein descendants were known for their connection to mountains," Liu Yun commented as they walked. "Makes sense they'd hide here."
Lin Fei nodded. "According to the stories my grandfather told, they could speak directly to the earth and stone. Their cultivation techniques focused on stability and endurance rather than raw power."
As sunset approached, they cleared the surveillance zone and found a small cave for shelter. While Lin Fei prepared a simple meal, Liu Yun practiced the Fifth Technique, his sword movements more fluid with each repetition.
"You've nearly mastered it," Lin Fei observed. "How does it feel?"
Liu Yun completed the final stance before answering. "Different from the previous techniques. It's not just about breaking external restrictions—it's changing something within me."
The Seal pulsed with light. "Correct assessment. Each mastered technique transfers a portion of Protocol restriction into the vessel. Current burden: forty percent of capacity."
Lin Fei frowned. "And at one hundred percent?"
"The vessel becomes the new anchor for all Protocol restrictions," the Seal replied dispassionately. "Previous vessels did not survive the transition."
Liu Yun sheathed his sword. "Then I'll be the first to survive it."
"Or we'll find another way," Lin Fei insisted. "The ancestral message mentioned resetting the Protocol, not simply transferring it to a new host."
Before Liu Yun could respond, the ground beneath them trembled slightly. The Seal rose higher, pulsing rapidly.
"Earth Vein energy activation detected. Defensive formation initializing."
The trembling intensified. Small rocks fell from the cave ceiling as the entire mountain seemed to shift around them.
"We need to get outside!" Lin Fei shouted, grabbing their packs.
They rushed from the cave just as the entrance collapsed behind them. But instead of finding safety, they discovered the entire mountainside reshaping itself. Rocks flowed like water, forming new patterns and paths.
"Someone's controlling the mountain," Liu Yun realized, drawing his sword.
A deep voice echoed around them. "Intruders are not welcome here. Protocol hunters or covenant seekers—it matters not. Turn back or be buried."
The Imperial Jade Seal floated forward. "Covenant identification protocol initiated. Earth Vein descendant detected. Request communication."
For several tense moments, nothing happened. Then the ground before them split open, revealing a hidden staircase leading down into the mountain.
"Follow if you truly serve the covenant," the voice commanded. "But know that false claimants will never leave this place."
Liu Yun and Lin Fei exchanged glances. The Seal hovered at the stairway entrance, clearly indicating they should proceed.
"Could be a trap," Lin Fei whispered.
"Could be our Earth Vein ally," Liu Yun countered. "We won't find out by standing here."
They descended the stone stairs, which were perfectly carved despite appearing to have formed moments ago. The passage wound deep into the mountain, illuminated by strange crystals that glowed with a soft green light.
After several minutes, they emerged into a vast underground chamber. The walls were lined with the same glowing crystals, revealing ancient carvings that depicted the history of cultivation. At the center stood a broad-shouldered man with graying hair, his hands pressed against a large formation stone.
"I am Jiang Tao," he announced without turning. "Last guardian of the Earth Vein legacy. Step forward so I may judge your covenant claim."
Liu Yun approached first, the Imperial Jade Seal floating beside him. "I am Liu Yun, bearer of the Imperial bloodline and master of five sword techniques."
Lin Fei followed. "I am Lin Fei of the Phoenix Sect."
Jiang Tao finally turned to face them. His eyes were the same green as the crystals, and his weathered face showed years of solitude.
"Three bloodlines gathered," he said, studying them carefully. "The prophecy speaks truth. But are you worthy of the covenant's power?"
The ground rumbled again as Jiang Tao raised his hand. "The Ancient Trial grounds lie beneath us. If you seek my allegiance and the power of Earth Vein, you must first pass the trial of endurance."
Liu Yun stepped forward without hesitation. "I am ready."
Jiang Tao's stern expression softened slightly. "Courage is good. But the trial will test more than bravery. It will test your very reason for seeking power."
A circular section of floor descended, forming another staircase. This one glowed with ancient formation marks, clearly of the same origin as the covenant.
"Descend when you are ready," Jiang Tao instructed. "The sixth technique awaits—if you survive to claim it."