Chapter 12: The Mountains Whisper — The Patriarch Awakens

The Shen Clan had been quiet for ten long years.

Tucked away in the cold spines of the Ironspine Mountains, surrounded by fog, forests, and unfortunate terrain that discouraged visitors (and carts), the world had largely forgotten it.

But peace, like a drunk pigeon on a tightrope, never lasts long.

Especially when a certain Patriarch opens his eyes.

It started with a single letter.

To: All recognized sects and clans within the region of Southern Dusk Territories

From: Elder Zhang, Administrative Council, Shen Clan

Subject: Notice of Patriarchal Awakening

This is a formal declaration that the Shen Clan’s Patriarch, Shen Liang, son of the Main Line, has awakened from his ten-year coma and resumed his position.

He is now available for ceremonial visits, spiritual recognition, and tea-based diplomacy.

Signed,

Elder Zhang, 4th Finger of the Council, Still Tired

The news spread slowly at first. A ripple across still water.

Then it hit the sects.

And the still water turned into a tsunami made of scrolls, spies, and stunned cultivators spitting out their tea.

❖ Cloud-Veined Blade Sect – Regional Middle-Tier Sect

Sect Leader Tao was mid-breakfast when the scroll arrived.

He chewed slowly, stared at the message, then dropped his dumpling.

“…The Shen Patriarch woke up?”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“The same Shen Clan with no recorded Patriarch activity for a decade?”

“Yes.”

“The same Shen Clan whose only remaining main-line member was—?”

“Comatose, yes.”

Silence.

Then:

“Notify the intelligence division. Send flowers. And cancel the scouting mission to their outer mines. We are officially friendly again.”

❖ Jade Crown Merchant Consortium – Eastern Branch

Madam Qian reviewed the report with an arched brow.

“Hmm. So the boy woke up. Interesting.”

The trade secretary fidgeted nervously. “Should we resume stalled negotiations?”

“With the people who tried to pay us with deer meat and handwritten coupons?”

“Yes?”

She sighed. “Send them a box of dried peaches. If they respond with gratitude instead of offense, we’ll talk.”

❖ The Ironroot Brotherhood – Minor Martial Clan

“The Patriarch is back?”

“Yes.”

“But he’s a teenager.”

“Still the Patriarch.”

“Weren’t they leaderless all this time?”

“No. Technically he was just… asleep.”

A pause.

“…So they were led by a bed-ridden coma child for ten years?”

“Yes.”

Silence.

“That’s either terrifying… or deeply inspiring.”

“Or both.”

❖ Flying Sun Sect – Regional Giant

“Shen Wuji’s bloodline lives,” murmured Elder Feng, staring out into the clouds. “So the rumors were true.”

A nearby disciple whispered, “Should we worry, Elder?”

“No,” Elder Feng replied. “Worry is for those who think they understand the mountain. We watch. We wait.”

“Should we send someone?”

“Eventually. But not yet. Let the wind move first. Then we’ll see if it howls… or bows.”

❖ Small Border Town Tavern, Somewhere Dusty

“I heard the Ironspine Clan got their Patriarch back.”

“Didn’t they go quiet years ago?”

“They did. But now he’s back. Young guy. Raised from bed like a spirit reborn.”

“I’ll believe it when I see him destroy something.”

“Or marry a princess.”

“Or cough and split a mountain.”

“…You need new hobbies, man.”

❖ Somewhere Deep in the Mountains – A Shadowy Cave

“He’s awakened,” said the hooded figure.

Another nodded slowly. “The last of Shen Wuji’s blood. A thread of old power reemerges.”

“And the prophecy?”

“Still uncertain.”

A pause.

“Should we act?”

“No. Not yet. We let him grow. Let him rise.”

A third figure chuckled.

“Then we break him.”

Meanwhile, back in the Shen Clan, completely unaware of the diplomatic chaos unfolding outside…

I sneezed. Loudly.

Aunt Mei peeked in from the kitchen. “Are you catching a cold again?”

“Someone’s probably just talking about me.”

She smiled. “Good things, I’m sure.”

I highly doubted that.

[End of Chapter 12]