The Sword Saint Region's adventurer district operated with brutal efficiency, matching cultivators seeking employment with clients requiring dangerous services. Wei Liang and Zhang Wuji established themselves at the Silver Blade Tavern, where independent sword cultivators gathered to discuss available opportunities.
"We need individuals with diverse blade techniques," Wei Liang explained to Zhang Wuji as they observed the tavern's clientele. "The laboratory's defenses will require multiple sword philosophies to overcome. More variety means better chances of success."
And more techniques for me to consume when their usefulness ends, he added silently.
Zhang Wuji nodded earnestly. "My research suggests we'll need representatives from at least five different sword schools. Fire-blade techniques, ice-sword methods, wind-cutting styles, earth-severing forms, and lightning-quick strikes."
Wei Liang's enhanced senses had already identified suitable targets. A red-haired woman in the corner practiced flame-wreathed sword forms between drinks—clearly a fire-path cultivator with Core Formation strength. Near the bar, a pale youth emanated the cold precision of ice techniques while maintaining his weapon with obsessive care. Others represented wind, earth, and lightning cultivation approaches.
Perfect variety, Wei Liang assessed. Each one represents years of accumulated technique knowledge, and their combined abilities should provide access to Jian Wuhen's laboratory.
He approached the first potential recruit—the fire-blade cultivator. Her technique displays had drawn admiring attention from other patrons, suggesting both skill and reputation among the local sword community.
"Lady cultivator's flame techniques are impressive," Wei Liang said respectfully, offering a slight bow. "This humble person is organizing an expedition to investigate ancient ruins. Would you be interested in discussing potential collaboration?"
The woman looked up from her drink, revealing sharp features and calculating eyes. "Depends on the ruins and the payment," she replied directly. "I'm Zhou Meili of the Burning Sword Sect. My techniques don't come cheap, especially for dangerous expeditions."
"Zhou Meili's reputation precedes her," Wei Liang said smoothly. "The expedition involves exploring Jian Wuhen's lost laboratory in Whispering Valley. Payment would be a share of any techniques or treasures discovered, plus standard daily compensation."
Zhou Meili's interest sharpened at the mention of Jian Wuhen. "The legendary Sword Without Trace? If his laboratory truly exists, the technique fragments alone would be worth considerable risk. What's the team composition?"
"Currently seeking five specialists representing different sword philosophies," Wei Liang explained. "Your fire techniques would be invaluable for bypassing certain defensive formations."
After brief negotiation, Zhou Meili agreed to join the expedition. Wei Liang used similar approaches to recruit the other necessary specialists: Bai Feng of the Glacier Sword School, Liu Yun who practiced Wind-Cutting techniques, Shi Gang whose Earth-Severing methods could break through physical barriers, and Lei Jun whose Lightning Flash sword style provided speed and precision.
Each recruit possessed Core Formation cultivation and decades of experience with their respective techniques. More importantly, their diverse backgrounds meant they were unlikely to coordinate effectively if circumstances required Wei Liang to eliminate them.
Five different sword schools, Wei Liang thought as the team gathered for final preparations. Each one representing a different aspect of blade cultivation. Consuming them all simultaneously should provide comprehensive sword technique integration.
The expedition departed Iron Sword City at dawn, traveling toward Whispering Valley through terrain that grew increasingly wild and dangerous. The region's ambient sword qi created strange phenomena—grass that grew in blade-sharp patterns, trees whose branches naturally formed sword shapes, and rock formations that hummed with metallic resonance.
"The records indicate Jian Wuhen chose this location specifically for its sword-attuned environment," Zhang Wuji explained as they traveled. "His laboratory defenses would be enhanced by the natural blade qi concentration."
The recruited sword cultivators displayed impressive mobility as they navigated the challenging terrain. Zhou Meili's flame techniques burned paths through sword-grass obstacles, while Bai Feng's ice methods created temporary bridges across blade-edged chasms. The others contributed their own specialized solutions to environmental hazards.
Efficient teamwork, Wei Liang observed. Their coordination will make them more effective at accessing the laboratory, which serves my purposes perfectly. Once we've claimed Jian Wuhen's treasures, I'll harvest their accumulated experience as payment for services rendered.
As afternoon shadows lengthened, the expedition reached Whispering Valley's edge. The depression in the landscape was shrouded in perpetual mist that moved with unnatural patterns, creating blade-shaped formations that dissolved and reformed constantly.
"There," Zhang Wuji pointed toward the valley's center, where ancient stone structures were barely visible through the mist. "Jian Wuhen's laboratory complex. The records indicate the main defensive formation activates when intruders approach."
Lei Jun stepped forward, his lightning-enhanced perception cutting through the obscuring mist. "Multiple sword qi signatures detected. The formations are definitely active, and they're scanning for specific technique patterns."
Time for the first test, Wei Liang thought. Let's see how effective my recruited specialists are at bypassing ancient defenses.
"Form a pentagram pattern," he instructed the team. "Each of you should activate your signature techniques simultaneously when we reach the formation perimeter. The combined resonance should satisfy the laboratory's entry requirements."
The sword cultivators moved into position with professional efficiency. As they approached the defensive perimeter, ethereal blades began manifesting in the air around them—ghostly projections of countless sword techniques that tested intruders' qualifications.
"Now!" Wei Liang commanded.
Five different sword philosophies erupted simultaneously as the specialists activated their most powerful techniques. Fire and ice, wind and earth, lightning and steel—all five elements of blade cultivation created a complex harmonic resonance that made the valley's mist swirl in intricate patterns.
The defensive formation responded by solidifying into a massive gate of crystallized sword qi, its surface inscribed with challenge requirements in ancient script. As the team's combined techniques met the gate's specifications, the barrier began to dissolve, revealing the path to Jian Wuhen's hidden laboratory.
Excellent, Wei Liang thought as they gained entry to the complex. Phase one complete. Now to explore what the legendary Sword Without Trace left behind, and determine which of my companions will survive the experience.
The ancient laboratory awaited, filled with centuries of accumulated sword techniques and the failed experiments that had claimed their original master. Soon, Wei Liang would discover whether Jian Wuhen's research could contribute to his own path toward the First Demonic Body.
Another step closer to absolute domination, he concluded as the expedition entered the mysterious ruins. Let the harvest continue.