The silence in the Hall of Balance was oppressive, weighted by the unspoken weight of accusation. Elder Council sat stoically while Elder Shen revealed his newest evidence against Lin Feng. The scrolls and jade slips containing fragments of the rogue artifacts lay before them; the faint traces of corrupted qi still ominously hanging in the air.
"Honored Elders," Shen began, his voice firm and clear. "Lin Feng's activities, though admittedly brave, have become an increasingly cause of concern. These artifacts, retrieved near sites related to his missions, all have the unmistakable signature of forbidden techniques applied to them."
Elder Ji furrowed his brow, stroking his beard. "Forbidden techniques? Or what was left from those rogue cultivators he defeated?"
Shen inclined his head. "That is the question, Elder Ji. But should we not investigate thoroughly, given the stakes?"
Elder Qiu, who sat at the edge of the council table, spoke for the first time. "Then let us investigate." His voice was soft, almost disinterested, but his sharp eyes fixed on Lin Feng, who stood silently before the council. "As a neutral party, I volunteer to lead this inquiry."
Lin Feng bowed slightly, but a simmer of unease was churning beneath his composed exterior. "I welcome Elder Qiu's involvement. Transparency will vindicate me."
Shen's lips twitched upwards into a faint smile. "Indeed. Let the truth come to light."
---
Later that evening, Lin Feng sat in his quarters, the Seal of Calamity floating before him. Its black surface gleamed faintly, and the whispers began as soon as he activated his qi.
"The truth will not save you," the Seal whispered. "Shen, Qiu, even Jiang Yue-they are all your enemies. Crush them before they crush you."
And the visions were successive: Lin Feng himself stood in the Hall of Balance, looking down at the broken forms of his enemies, hands glowing with dark power from the Seal. Elders on the council bowed to him, faces ashen with fear.
Lin Feng opened his eyes and with one violent breath, he dissolved the vision. "You will not control me," he whispered, though even his voice betrayed a hint of strain.
The Seal pulsed once, almost mockingly. "Control? I merely show you what already lies within you."
Lin Feng clenched his fists as his mind went firm. He would master the power of the Seal, but on his own terms.
---
Early next morning, Lin Feng was summoned to Elder Qiu's quarter. Compared with other elders whose places were grand and magnificent, Qiu's quarters were quite modest; wooden shelves lined the walls full of ancient scrolls and many jars of preserved herbs. Qiu sat cross-legged on the mat, inviting Lin Feng to join him with his hand.
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"Lin Feng," Qiu began, his voice soft. "I have heard much about your exploits. You rise quickly—a trait that inspires both admiration and suspicion."
"I seek only to serve the sect," Lin Feng replied, his voice steady.
Qiu's gaze sharpened. "And yet you wield a power that many do not understand. Tell me, how did you come to possess the artifact known as the Seal of Calamity?
Lin Feng's face was calm for a moment, and finally, he said, "Spoil of war, taken on one of the missions against the rogue cultivators."
Qiu nodded expressionlessly. "The Seal is not a commonly used artifact. Its lore involves using it against the heavens, so it will provide quite a power boost but with proportionate risks. Please proceed cautiously."
Lin Feng replied, "Thank you, sir. I will definitely use my better judgment.
As Lin Feng withdrew, he couldn't help but wonder: was Qiu an ally, or another game piece in Shen's bag of tricks?
---
Later that day, news spread like wildfire through the sect: the neutral ally Verdant Blade Sect had been attacked by rogue cultivators. Survivors described a massacre: their defenses shattered by overwhelming force.
Without wasting any further time, the Elders Council was carried out. "This cannot be let off without an answer. Lin Feng, you will lead a counter-attack force to strike them and make them understand who they are messing with." said Elder Ji seriously.
Elder Shen then added, "To make sure this mission is a success, Jiang Yue will go out with you. The council expects cooperation between both of you."
Lin Feng and Jiang Yue stared coldly at each other. "As the council wills," Lin Feng said smoothly.
---
The stronghold of the rogue was deep in the Shadowmire Forest, a tangle of roots and a smothering mist. Lin Feng approached the forest with his crew. Jiang Yue spoke incisively, "We must flanking them. Attacking the head is an unthinking risk."
Lin Feng paid her no attention; he was taken with the few vestiges of qi he sensed before him.
Jiang Yue snorted then followed as Lin Feng brought the group ahead.
Then came the thieves, wave after wave, in short-actually everywhere, laying traps and ambushes to wring out their strength. Lin Feng had countered the former with the Thousand Veil Technique, where the illusory images misled, and his Shadow Phantoms struck the lethal blow.
In the heart of this stronghold, Yan Xiang, a gigantic rogue leader, waited for them. His qi surged with chaotic energy while grinning. "Black Lotus fools. Your sect falls today."
The fight was fierce. The power of Yan Xiang overpowered the disciples, and Jiang Yue couldn't stand her grounds. In a hopeless situation, Lin Feng activated Phantom Apex, summoning a huge shadow construct which mirrored his movements.
The construct tore through the rogues, its strikes shaking the ground, but the effort left Lin Feng drained. Yan Xiang capitalized, pressing the attack, and Jiang Yue was forced to step in, blocking a strike meant to finish Lin Feng.
“You’re slipping,” she muttered, helping him to his feet.
“And you’re welcome,” Lin Feng replied curtly.
Together, they delivered the final blow, defeating Yan Xiang and scattering the remaining rogues.
---
After the battle, Lin Feng had searched the stronghold and found a map with key locations marked on it, including the Sacred Lotus Vault, the most guarded treasure trove of the Black Lotus Sect.
The meaning was self-evident: the Eclipse Sovereign wasn't just attacking sects but was preparing to strike to the heart of the Black Lotus Sect.
Lin Feng folded the map and tucked it into his pocket, deep in thought. To the council, he would reveal enough to make them trust him, but the rest-he would keep to himself.
---
The next moment, Lin Feng was standing before the council once more in the sect. As had by now become routine, Elder Shen dove right into the marrow. "Your methods were… effective," he sneered. "But word from several sources says you utilized extremely doubtful techniques. The investigation shall be continued by the council."
Lin Feng bowed and showed respect. "I am here to serve the sect."
As he was leaving, Jiang Yue caught up with him. "Whatever game you're playing, Lin Feng, it won't end well for you."
Lin Feng smirked. "That depends on who's making the rules."
That night, the Seal's whispers returned, more insistent than ever. Visions of the Eclipse Sovereign's forces marching on the sect filled his mind.
"The board is set, Lin Feng," the Seal murmured. "Will you seize it, or will you fall?"
Lin Feng's will hardened. "I will shatter the board and forge my own."
The Seal throbbed - malevolently bright, warning and promise in equal parts.