The Hall of Balance was bleak and stern, situated in the heart of the Black Lotus Sect. The high ceilings were supported by black stone pillars with runes of judgment etched into them. This room was oppressive, as Lin Feng stood serenely unyielding in the center, the gaze of the Elder Council weighing heavily from their raised seats.
To his left, Jiang Yue's sharp gaze cut into him, her features set in righteous indignation. The air she wore was that of a wronged disciple, put on well to garner the sympathy of the elders. Lin Feng thought it was a little too predictable-almost boring.
"Lin Feng's actions have brought chaos among the Inner Disciples," Jiang Yue said, her voice firm but steady. "He hoards resources, encourages factionalism, and makes use of others to forward his ambitions. This is not the behavior of a loyal disciple. It's a threat to the unity within our sect."
Heavy with her words, murmurs rippled through the chamber. Among Jiang Yue's allies, Elder Ji nodded gravely. "Serious accusations these are, Lin Feng. Have you an explanation?"
Lin Feng respectfully bowed his head, his expression unreadable. "Unity is based on strength and never on complacency. The struggles Jiang Yue mentioned did not stem from my doing but from the dissatisfaction of the disciples who wanted things to be fair in our sect.".
He paused and let his words sink in before continuing. "More importantly, I have a reason to believe that the troublemakers were actually spies working for Elder Shen all along, stirring up trouble to undermine a talented disciple."
The room fell silent. Lin Feng had not directly accused Elder Shen but had cast an aura of doubt over him. The gaze of Elder Shen turned somber, but he did not say a word, unreadable.
Jiang Yue stumbled, faltering for a moment, but regained her composure. "Even if that were so, your actions escalate hostilities. The sect has no room for inner fighting."
"Then let us settle this properly," Lin Feng said, his tone calm but edged with challenge. "The Shadow Lotus Tournament is near. Let the results speak for themselves. If Jiang Yue or her allies can best me, I will yield to their judgment."
The elders conferred in low tones, before Elder Ji spoke up. "Very well. Let the tournament decide it. But let this be a warning to you, Lin Feng—if your actions continue to cause such disruptions to the sect, there will be consequences."
Lin Feng bowed slightly. "Of course, Elder Ji."
---
The announcement of the tournament sent a ripple of excitement within the sect. Disciples were buzzing with anticipation as conversations were filled with speculation about the matchups and-most importantly-the potential for glory.
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For Lin Feng, this was an opportunity: a contest of strength, indeed, but also a stage upon which to solidify his influence and bring down his enemies.
---
Lin Feng stood before the center training ground, where countless disciples of their sect were sparring against and practicing with one another on the second day before the battles would start. The atmosphere was thickly electrifying as the qi techniques danced in the sky while these competitors sharpened up.
"Lin Feng!"
The voice was loud and commanding, cutting through the din. Lin Feng turned to see Wu Zhang, a tall, broad-shouldered disciple with an aura of fiery energy that made the air shimmer around him.
“I’ve heard much about you,” Wu Zhang said, his tone carrying both mockery and challenge. “A rising star, they say. But stars burn out quickly when faced with true strength.”
Lin Feng's expression didn't change. "Is that a threat, Senior Brother, or an invitation?"
Wu Zhang sneered, "Take it as you will. When the time comes in the tournament, I will show you the difference between ambition and capability."
Lin Feng slightly nodded, even-toned. "I am looking forward to it."
Lin Feng shut himself in his room during the days leading up to the tournament and busied himself perfecting his skills. The Seal of Calamity stirred quietly beside him, whispering its raspy voice louder each time he accessed it.
He worked hard and found a way to merge the Seal's life-sucking energy with his Shadow Phantoms, creating a new technique: Phantom Oblivion. It would allow his phantoms to draw his opponents' qi and life force out, thereby debilitating and empowering him in turn.
Outside, his faction moved secretly. Zhao Qing and Yan Wei worked at intelligence gathering on Wu Zhang's techniques, coming up with his dependence on the Violet Flame Domain-a technique that created an oppressive field of burning qi.
"His strength is overwhelming, but his control falters when pressed," Yan Wei reported. "Force him into repeated bursts of power, and he'll exhaust himself.
Lin Feng nodded. "Good. Let him burn himself out."
---
The grounds of the tournament were alive with energy. Disciples filled the stands, their cheers echoing across the open arena. Elders watched from the raised platform, their expressions ranging in a multitude of ways from curious to indifferent.
Lin Feng's early matches were effortless. His opponents were skillful but no match to his Shadow Phantoms and precision of his techniques. Every victory consolidated his name and earned murmurs of admiration—and fear—into the crowd.
As the final rounds approached, Lin Feng found himself standing across from Wu Zhang in the arena. The senior disciple's aura flared, his Violet Flame Domain spreading across the battlefield in a wave of searing heat.
"Let's end this quickly," Wu Zhang growled, launching a barrage of flaming strikes.
Lin Feng moved with calculated precision, his Thousand Veil Technique creating illusions that danced through the flames and drew Wu Zhang's attacks into empty space.
"Stop hiding!" Wu Zhang roared, unleashing a massive explosion of fire. The crowd gasped as the arena was consumed in a blinding inferno.
When the flames had burnt themselves out, Lin Feng was still standing there, whole and unscathed-the remnants of the attack were absorbed by his phantoms. "You waste energy," he said serenely. "Allow me to show you efficiency."
He activated Phantom Oblivion, his phantoms closing in on Wu Zhang and siphoning his qi and strength from him. The senior disciple's flames faltered, his movements slowing as Lin Feng closed the distance.
Lin Feng struck once more and sent Wu Zhang to the ground, defeated.
---
Lin Feng had won the tournament and was now among the strongest sect disciples; his victory had also drawn a number of ill-intentioned people's attention.
From where Elder Shen stood on the platform, his eyes wrinkled. Lin Feng was just getting too powerful-already beyond what could be handled. The elder made a resolve there and then that he had to take action before it became too late.
As Lin Feng went down from the stage, a figure approached him under cover of shade. "Beware the Seal," it warned him, "for its power will ruin you, and you're heading very close to it."
Lin Feng's eyes were cold as he gazed after the figure into the sea of people. "I decide the price," he muttered, his determination unshakeable.
The Seal stirred softly beside him, its whispers louder than ever.