The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

The dense fog of the Crimson Veil Ravine seemed alive, shifting with each step, whispering secrets only the dead could hear. Ye Tian's group advanced cautiously, their formation tight. Despite their fearsome reputation, the ravine was unpredictable, and Ye Tian knew better than to let his guard down.

Zhou Lie, ever vigilant, scanned their surroundings. "The terrain's changing again," he muttered. The narrow path widened into a series of jagged rock platforms, each separated by yawning chasms. Below, the faint sound of rushing water hinted at the dangers that lay beneath.

Jiang Hao nodded, his expression tense. "A natural bottleneck. Perfect for an ambush... or worse."

Ye Tian smirked. "Which is why we'll let someone else go first."

A Strategic Pause

The group stopped at the edge of the platform, concealing themselves among the rocks. Ahead, another group of disciples emerged from the fog, their steps hesitant. Ye Tian recognized their leader: Wu Liang, a cautious but ambitious Inner Sect disciple who rarely acted without a plan.

Wu Liang's group paused at the edge of the first platform, their hesitation evident. From their murmurs, Ye Tian picked up snippets of their discussion.

"Too risky to cross without knowing what's ahead," one of them said.

"Then test it," Wu Liang replied coldly. He gestured to one of his subordinates, who reluctantly stepped forward, hopping onto the first platform. The stone held firm, but the moment he leapt to the second, it crumbled beneath him. The disciple screamed as he plunged into the chasm, his voice swallowed by the roaring waters below.

Wu Liang's face darkened, but he showed no sign of remorse. "Memorize the pattern. We move carefully."

Watching from their cover, Zhou Lie frowned. "Cowardly, but effective."

Ye Tian chuckled softly. "Cowardly? No. He's cautious. But caution won't save him."

Manipulating the Field

Ye Tian motioned for his group to stay hidden. "We'll let them chart the path, then act."

As Wu Liang's group painstakingly worked their way across the platforms, Ye Tian's sharp eyes caught the faint glimmer of an energy node embedded in the rocks. His lips curled into a sly grin.

"Zhou Lie, Jiang Hao, see that cluster of rocks over there?" He pointed discreetly. "There's a dormant formation. If we trigger it at the right moment, we'll trap them on the unstable platforms."

Zhou Lie's grin mirrored Ye Tian's. "Leave it to me."

He moved swiftly and silently, his form melding with the shadows. Moments later, a faint hum filled the air as the formation activated.

Wu Liang's group froze as the platforms beneath them began to tremble. "What's happening?!" one of them cried out, panic seeping into their voices.

"The platforms are destabilizing!" Wu Liang barked. "Move back, now!"

The Hunter Revealed

As Wu Liang's group scrambled to retreat, Ye Tian and his companions stepped out from their hiding spot. Their imposing presence stopped the retreating disciples in their tracks.

"Well, well," Ye Tian drawled, his voice calm yet cutting. "Hello Fellow Brothers. Are you lost, perhaps?"

Wu Liang's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "You. What do you want?"

Ye Tian's smirk deepened. "What do I want? Nothing much. Just to see how a man like you fares under pressure."

"You triggered the formation," Wu Liang said, his voice low with accusation.

"And you walked right into it," Ye Tian replied smoothly.

A Test of Wits

Wu Liang raised a hand, signaling his group to stand down. "Fine. You've made your point. But if you're here to kill us, don't think we'll go down without a fight."

Ye Tian shook his head. "Kill you? Now, why would I waste my time? No, I admire your resourcefulness. In fact, I might even have a proposition for you."

Wu Liang's wariness deepened. "What kind of proposition?"

Ye Tian stepped closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "This trial isn't about survival—it's about power. Alliances. Control. You've proven you have the brains to survive, but without someone stronger backing you, your path ends here."

"And you're offering to back me?" Wu Liang asked, his skepticism clear.

"Consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement," Ye Tian said. "You guide us through the ravine's traps. In return, we ensure your safety and... share the spoils."

Seeds of Doubt

Wu Liang hesitated. His group murmured amongst themselves, the tension thick enough to cut.

Zhou Lie leaned toward Ye Tian, his voice barely a whisper. "Are we really allying with him?"

Ye Tian's smirk didn't waver. "Ally? No. We're using him. Let him think he's in control. When the time comes, we'll decide his fate."

After a moment, Wu Liang nodded. "Fine. I accept your terms."

"Smart choice," Ye Tian said. "Now, lead the way."

Moving Forward

As Wu Liang's group resumed their careful navigation of the platforms, Ye Tian followed with his companions, his mind already several steps ahead.

"Watch him closely," Ye Tian murmured to Zhou Lie and Jiang Hao. "He's plotting something. But by the time he makes his move, it'll already be too late."

The fog thickened again as the path twisted deeper into the ravine. Shadows loomed ahead, promising more danger, more treachery. But Ye Tian's smirk never faltered.

After all, the greatest danger in the ravine wasn't the traps, the beasts, or the shifting paths.

It was him.