The figure standing by the dock was unmistakably a Faceless Judge, a member of the sect that bore the same name. The Faceless Judges were one of the Great Eight—eight of the most powerful and revered organizations within the cultivation world and the Righteous Alliance. Each of these organizations was a sprawling network of sects and factions, their influence stretching across the continent and their power unmatched. Even the lowest-ranking members of the Great Eight wielded immense authority, capable of commanding respect—or fear—from the entire cultivation world. Their ranks were filled with some of the most formidable cultivators in existence, individuals whose strength and mastery were the stuff of legends.

  Compared to the Great Eight, sects like the Ember Sword Sect, though powerful and influential within their own regions, were like ants standing before giants. The Ember Sword Sect might command respect and fear in its territory, but against the might of any of the Great Eight, it was insignificant—a mere speck in the grand tapestry of the cultivation world.

  Kai’s mind raced as he recalled the stories he’d heard about the Faceless Judges. They were infamous for their obsession with order and their unwavering dedication to enforcing the rules set by the Righteous Alliance. They were hunters, arbiters, and executioners all in one, tasked with seeking out those who violated the laws of the cultivation world and delivering punishment without bias or hesitation. It was said that a Faceless Judge was the ultimate arbitrator, due to their entire Dao built around the principles of fairness and justice. This made them incorruptible—immune to bribes, manipulation, or emotional influence. Their judgments were absolute, their decisions final.

  But this unwavering commitment to justice also made them ruthless. Kai had heard tales of Faceless Judges showing no mercy, even to children or the elderly, if they were found guilty of breaking the rules. To a Faceless Judge, the law was the law, and no amount of pleading or extenuating circumstances could sway their verdict. They were as unyielding as the mountains and as cold as the deepest winter.

  Kai’s stomach churned as he considered the implications of a Faceless Judge appearing in this remote town. Their presence was never a coincidence. Wherever they went, trouble followed—or, more accurately, they followed trouble. Someone or something in this town had drawn their attention, and Kai had no desire to find out what—or who—it was.

  He glanced down at his shoulder, where Yinying’s presence was a faint, reassuring shadow. “Stay hidden,” he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. “If they see us, we’re done for.”

  The shadow fox, sensing the gravity of the situation, remained perfectly still, her usual mischievous energy subdued.

  Kai took a deep breath, his mind racing. He needed to get out of here—now. The Faceless Judge’s presence changed everything. Whatever was happening, there was trouble nearby. And Kai had no intention of sticking around to find out just how deep the trouble went.

  With one last glance at the figure by the dock, Kai slipped deeper into the alley, his movements careful. He would find another way out of town, even if it meant taking the long way around. The presence of a Faceless Judge was not something to be taken lightly, and every second he spent in Kumitari increased the risk of being discovered.

  Kai moved cautiously, his senses on high alert as he navigated the maze of narrow alleys. He emerged from one alley and peered out, scanning the street for any signs of movement. When he was certain the coast was clear and no one was watching, he stepped out and quickly darted toward another alley, his movements swift and silent. He repeated this pattern, weaving through the labyrinth of backstreets and hidden passages, always staying out of sight and avoiding any chance encounters. Each step took him further from the dock and closer to the edge of town, but the tension in his chest refused to ease.

  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

  As he dashed from one alleyway to the next, Kai’s mind raced. If that Faceless Judge were to catch him and discover he was a rogue cultivator—one who had abandoned his sect—there would be no mercy. The punishment for such an offense was death, and the Faceless Judges would not show leniency. The thought sent a cold shiver down his spine, and he quickened his pace, his heart pounding in his ears.

  At one point, Kai considered using Yinying’s abilities to cloak himself in shadows. The shadow fox’s power to hide within darkness was unparalleled, and it had helped him more than once in the past while they traveled the wilderness. But he quickly dismissed the idea. High-ranking cultivators, especially those from the Great Eight, were far more sensitive to qi fluctuations than ordinary cultivators. If Yinying extended her qi to cloak him entirely, the Faceless Judge might detect the subtle shift in energy and investigate. Yinying, while skilled, wasn’t yet at a level where she could conceal anything beyond herself from such powerful individuals. The risk was too great.

  Instead, Kai relied on his own wits and agility, sticking to the shadows and avoiding people as much as possible. He moved like a ghost, slipping through the gaps in the town’s awareness, his presence unnoticed by the bustling crowds and wandering eyes. Every corner he turned, every alley he crossed, brought him closer to the edge of Kumitari—and further from the looming threat of the Faceless Judge.

  As he neared the outskirts of town, Kai allowed himself a small measure of relief. The streets grew quieter, the buildings more sparse, and the risk of being seen diminished. Still, he didn’t let his guard down. The Faceless Judge’s presence had shaken him. He couldn’t afford mistakes, not now.

  Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Kai reached the edge of Kumitari. The open road stretched out before him, leading away from the town and toward the distant horizon. He paused for a moment, glancing back at the place he had just escaped. Somewhere in that town, the Faceless Judge still lingered, a silent sentinel of justice and order. Kai didn’t know what had brought them here, and he didn’t want to find out. All that mattered was that he was free—for now.

  With a deep breath, Kai set off into the woods, his pace steady but quick as he made his way back to his spirit beast companions. The dense trees provided cover, their shadows stretching long in the fading light, and the rustle of leaves in the wind masked the sound of his footsteps. Each step took him further from Kumitari and closer to the safety of the forest, where his loyal companions awaited.

  If there had ever been any question of settling down in the Liuhe region, the sight of the Faceless Judge had answered it definitively. Kai knew now, more than ever, that he wouldn’t be safe from the reach of cultivators—especially those from the Righteous Alliance—unless he reached Zan. The cursed land, with its reputation for being a spiritual wasteland, was his only hope for true refuge. There, he could disappear, free from the relentless pursuit of those who would judge him for abandoning his sect.

  For now, though, he focused on the path before him, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the cool evening air filling his lungs. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, a stark contrast to the tension and danger he had left behind in Kumitari. It was a small reprieve, a moment of peace in the chaos of his life had become. And as the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Kai allowed himself to hope—just a little—that he might yet find a place where he could truly be free.

  “It’s only a two week journey to Zan, and I'll…we’ll be free…” Kai said softly as he continued along.

  Patreon. If you want to read up to 36 chapters early you can head over there.