The sea shimmered beneath the late morning light. Waves rolled in rhythmic harmony, brushing against the golden sands like whispers of eternity. The cries of distant spirit birds echoed faintly, mingling with the soft rustle of the wind that carried the fragrance of salt and herbs.

Amidst this serene beauty, Shaurya stood — the flame of the Sanatan Sect, awake after a month of divine slumber. His aura, though calm, still shimmered faintly with power. Around him, disciples laughed, trained, and basked in the peace they had all earned.

Shaurya's gaze drifted toward Lin Shu, who stood by the shore, her robes fluttering lightly in the breeze as she spoke with Elder Liya and Meng Liyu. The sunlight reflected gently off her hair, giving it a soft golden sheen.

He stepped forward, the sand crunching softly beneath his boots, until he stopped right in front of her. A calm, easy smile curved across his lips — the kind that carried both affection and understanding.

Lin Shu tilted her head slightly, puzzled but smiling back.

Shaurya's voice came gentle but clear.

"You handled the situation very calmly. The way you explained the difference between love and attraction was very nice."

He lifted his thumb in approval, his expression full of quiet pride.

Lin Shu blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wait… How did you know that? Weren't you sleeping that time inside the sound-blocking formation?"

Elder Wan, who was standing nearby, froze in equal shock. "Yes, Master! How did you hear that conversation?"

Shaurya chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair. The sea breeze carried the sound of his laughter — relaxed, knowing, almost teasing.

"Oh, come on. It's nothing big… for someone like me."

Elder Hua's jaw nearly dropped. "Wow, Master, you always surprise me."

The others nodded quickly, a mix of admiration and disbelief on their faces.

Behind Lin Shu and Elder Liya, Meng Liyu stood quietly, her head lowered. A faint blush colored her cheeks — she was too embarrassed to even meet Shaurya's gaze.

Shaurya noticed. Turning his head slightly, he looked toward her. His eyes were gentle, understanding, without a trace of judgment. Elder Liya, catching his glance, smiled mischievously and stepped aside, giving Meng Liyu a subtle push forward.

"M-Master…" Meng Liyu stammered softly, her face turning crimson from embarrassment.

Shaurya sighed lightly, his voice calm and warm.

"Don't be embarrassed."

Meng Liyu raised her head, her eyes widening in confusion.

Shaurya turned halfway, glancing back at her over his shoulder.

"I didn't take your words seriously. So don't worry. You can be friends of our sect."

His hands slipped casually into his pockets as he walked away toward the edge of the beach. The waves shimmered gold behind him, sunlight tracing the faint glow around his figure.

Meng Liyu watched him go — frozen for a moment. Something shifted inside her. The feelings that once burned with attraction now transformed into something purer — admiration.

She smiled faintly, lowering her gaze.

"Shaurya and Lin Shu…" she thought, "they both are amazing and look perfect together. So this is what people call… a match made in heaven."

Her eyes softened as she clenched her fists gently, a quiet determination rising in her heart.

"Will I ever get this kind of experience in my life?"

A hand rested lightly on her shoulder. Meng Liyu blinked and turned — Elder Liya was smiling kindly.

"Stop wandering in your thoughts. Let's continue our game."

Meng Liyu blinked again, then followed her gaze. Near the shore, Lin Shu and the other girls — Muo Qian, Su Quan, Jun Hua, and Xu Ran — were splashing in the shallow waves, laughing like children.

The sight made Meng Liyu's heart feel lighter. Her eyes lit up with excitement.

A wide smile spread across her face as she nodded and ran toward them, joining in their playful chaos.

Laughter filled the air. Water splashed. The sunlight glinted on the waves, making them sparkle like diamonds. Lin Shu giggled as Meng Liyu joined, and soon, they were all laughing and playing — sisters in spirit rather than rival sects.

For a moment, the beach felt like paradise itself.

---

Meanwhile, Shaurya walked along the shore, hands in pockets, his calm eyes surveying the peaceful world around him.

The soft crunch of sand beneath his boots was the only sound that accompanied him. He passed groups of disciples — some meditating beneath palm trees, others dueling playfully by the water's edge. The Sanatan Flame Sect disciples were laughing with Moonlight Pavilion members, sharing snacks and training tips.

Not far away, the Howling Abyss Sect trained quietly. Zia Bailey sat cross-legged, meditating under the watchful eyes of Elder Xia. His aura pulsed softly, stable and controlled.

He was growing — not just as a fighter, but as a leader.

Though he already bore the title of Sect Leader, his eyes showed humility — the willingness to learn. His sect's disciples stood nearby, watching him with pride and motivation.

Shaurya smiled faintly. "He's learning well," he murmured.

After a few minutes of walking, Shaurya reached a quiet stretch of sand far from everyone else. The sound of waves grew distant. The sunlight shimmered across the horizon. He stopped and raised his hand, summoning a holographic map in the air — the map of the Secret Realm they had been exploring.

Floating golden lines outlined vast mountains, ancient ruins, glowing lakes — and one remaining area shrouded in mist.

Shaurya placed his right hand on his chin, thinking aloud.

"Ummmm… I've already checked three of the major treasure sites in this secret realm — out of four. But I didn't get a single one."

He sighed, shaking his head with a helpless smile.

"Now only one is left. I hope this time I get something."

He lifted his gaze toward the distant horizon — where the golden sands ended and a foggy expanse began. Beyond that mist lay a forest of gravestones, ancient and eerie, half-swallowed by white haze. The very air around it shimmered faintly with ominous spiritual energy.

A slow grin spread across his face.

"Oh, that's gonna be something creepy."

He took a deep breath — the kind that stirred the air and rippled through the sea itself. Then, with a sudden sharp exhale, his voice boomed across the entire shore.

"Everyone, gather!"

His words echoed far and wide, carried by spiritual energy. No matter what anyone was doing — training, eating, resting, even sleeping — they all heard it.

Within moments, the disciples of the Sanatan Flame Sect dropped everything and rushed to him. In perfect order, they assembled — elders in front, disciples behind, their faces disciplined yet eager.

The Howling Abyss Sect and Moonlight Pavilion watched from afar, their eyes wide in awe.

"All that in one call…" Meng Liyu whispered to herself. "What unity…"

Even Zia Bailey stared in quiet admiration. The formation of the Sanatan Flame Sect was flawless — like a single living entity.

Shaurya stretched his neck casually, his tone relaxed but commanding.

"Yes, my dear sect members. We've had enough fun. Now let's get some work done. Are you all ready?"

Wang Tian grinned proudly. "We are born ready, Master."

Luo Chen nodded firmly, while the disciples shouted in perfect unison, their voices echoing like thunder.

"Yes, Master!"

Xiao Rui stretched his arms lazily and said, "As you say, Master."

Shaurya laughed heartily. "Then let's start our journey again!"

He raised his right hand toward the sky, his golden aura flaring faintly around him.

"Hail the Sanatan Flame Sect!"

The disciples and elders followed instantly, raising their hands high. Their combined voices roared across the beach — powerful, proud, united.

"Hail the Sanatan Flame Sect!"

The very sea seemed to tremble in response, waves crashing louder as if bowing to their spirit.

From afar, Meng Liyu and Zia Bailey watched in awe. The display of strength and unity sent shivers down their spines.

Shaurya turned toward them, smiling.

"Hey, Zia Bailey and Meng Liyu — would you like to come with us?"

Zia Bailey bowed respectfully. "I would love to go with you, but right now, I don't think my sect members and I are in condition to accompany you."

Meng Liyu, standing beside him, nodded once. "I will accept your offer." She glanced at her disciples, who nodded in approval. She smiled brightly.

Shaurya's smile widened. "That's great. Then let's go and rock."

---

The group moved out.

Shaurya walked in front, hands still in his pockets, his black coat fluttering behind him in the cool breeze. His disciples followed close behind, chatting and laughing. The Moonlight Pavilion members mingled among them, curiosity bright in their eyes.

One of the Moonlight Pavilion disciples whispered, "Where are we going?"

Before Shaurya could answer, Xiao Rui grinned and said, "We'll go wherever Master takes us."

The others chuckled, their laughter lightening the mood.

Minutes later, they stood before the edge of the beach — where golden sand met a wall of thick, white mist. Beyond it, faint silhouettes of crooked trees and stone pillars stood like sentinels in the haze. The atmosphere grew colder, the light dimmer. The wind carried a distant whisper — as if the forest itself breathed.

The Sanatan Flame Sect disciples stood calm, their expressions almost cheerful, as though this eerie place were just another adventure.

The Moonlight Pavilion disciples, however, gripped their weapons tightly, nerves visible in their eyes. Yet, seeing the calm confidence of the Sanatan disciples made their fear subside.

Shaurya turned slightly, glancing over his shoulder.

"I have no idea what we're going to face inside. So all of you take care of yourselves — and don't go die, alright?"

The disciples laughed loudly and nodded.

Behind him, Meng Liyu blinked, her expression mixed with confusion and disbelief. Her disciples stood with jaws dropped.

One of her three elders leaned close and whispered, "Master, their confidence is more frightening than anything in this place."

Meng Liyu nodded silently, still stunned.

Then Shaurya raised his voice, his grin wide.

"Let's rock and roll!"

His disciples cheered, their excitement bursting through the air.

And together — the Sanatan Flame Sect and Moonlight Pavilion stepped forward, entering the mist.

The fog swallowed them whole, the light fading as the sound of waves vanished behind. Only the faint echoes of laughter and boots against the wet ground lingered before silence returned.

The Graveyard Forest awaited.

To be continued…

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