The Hall of Shadows was fuller than usual as the Elder Council gathered to deliberate. Elder Shen sat cross-legged with his usual calmness, his hands folded neatly before him. His eyes gleamed as he addressed the council.

"Lin Feng's methods, though indeed effective, are too unbridled," Shen began. "His reliance on the Seal of Calamity cannot be ignored. He is a danger not only to himself but also to the integrity of the sect."

Elder Ji scowled and said in a serious voice, "Reckless, maybe, but he has achieved results few others could match. The recent rogue incursion was repelled because of his leadership."

"Results mean nothing if they come at the cost of the sect's foundation," Shen shot back. "If we allow him to continue unchecked, what message does that send to our disciples? That ambition trumps discipline? That power justifies any means?"

The always silent Elder Qiu at the far end finally spoke, "Perhaps it's better to decide this matter by taking action. The Sacred Lotus Vault is threatened by the army of the Eclipse Sovereign; let Lin Feng defend against it."

The chamber fell silent. The Sacred Lotus Vault was one of the most sacred sites in the sect, housing not only invaluable techniques but also relics too dangerous to be left unguarded.

"If he succeeds," Qiu continued, "it will prove his value. If he fails…" Qiu let the words hang, his meaning clear.

The council murmured among themselves before Elder Ji nodded reluctantly. "Very well. Lin Feng will be in charge of the defense of the Sacred Lotus Vault."

Elder Shen smiled faintly. "And Jiang Yue will accompany him to ensure transparency."

Lin Feng stood at the edge of the sect's main training ground, watching as his chosen disciples gathered. Zhao Qing and Yan Wei flanked him, their faces set. Behind them, a mix of trusted allies and skeptical followers awaited orders.

“The Sacred Lotus Vault isn’t just a treasure trove,” Lin Feng began. “It’s a fortress. Its defenses are strong, but the Eclipse Sovereign’s forces won’t come unprepared. We’ll need to anticipate every move.”

Yan Wei grinned. “Let me guess, Senior Brother—you’ve already mapped out their attack?”

Lin Feng handed him the map he'd recovered from the rogue stronghold. "This outlines the vault's vulnerabilities. Keep it to yourself, but prepare our formations accordingly."

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Zhao Qing nodded. "And the others?"

"Have them focus on agility and precision," Lin Feng said. "This won't be a battle of brute strength.

Jiang Yue strode up, her arms across her chest. "How opportune that you have already found the weaknesses of the vault. Shall we entrust you to guard them-or exploit them?"

Lin Feng looked back at her calmly. "If I wanted to exploit the vault, Jiang Yue, I wouldn't need an excuse. Remember that before questioning my loyalty again."

Her eyes narrowed, but she said nothing more.

---

Before them stood the Sacred Lotus Vault: a towering black stone construction with ancient runes carved all over it, pulsing with a faint protective qi. The air was thick with tension as Lin Feng's team fell into position.

The first attack came at dusk. Some rogue cultivators emerged from the forest, their chaotic Qi distorting the air around them, and at the forefront stood Mo Yan, with his dark armor and imposing presence reflecting oppressive power. Black lotus disciples, Mo Yan roared, his voice thunder-like. "Surrender the vault, and I may spare your lives."

Lin Feng stepped forward and said icily, "You waste your breath. If you've got the strength to take it, then try."

Mo Yan laughed, lifting his hand. "As you wish then."

The thieves came forward immediately and formed a brutal formation of killers.

---

The battle was chaotic. Lin Feng directed his team with precision, his Thousand Veil Technique creating illusions that lured the rogues into ambushes. Zhao Qing was ferocious on the frontlines, holding the enemy back, while Yan Wei orchestrated flanking maneuvers that chipped away at their forces.

But the more the rogues tried, the more wear and tear they inflicted on the defenders. Mo Yan's techniques disrupted the protective formations that guarded the vault, its gates now at risk.

Lin Feng clenched his fists. The Seal of Calamity hummed at his side, its whispers louder than ever. "Unleash me, Lin Feng. You cannot win without me."

Lin Feng suddenly inhaled deeply and summoned his Phantom Apex. The air around him instantly dimmed, as the colossal shadow construct finally began to materialize, mimicking his figure but exuding powerful energy.

It directly charged into the enemy ranks with resounding blows. Mo Yan had barely parried it in time, his eyes previously wide with confidence now wide-eyed and wild-eyed from desperation.

"You lose." Lin Feng's voice dripped in disdain, his voice carrying with him across the battlefield as his strike crashed down. The final seal had broken Mo Yan's guard and sent him crashing down on to the earth.

The remaining assassins retreated, their morale already in tatters.

---

As the dust settled, Lin Feng made his move. He went into the vault while Jiang Yue and the others were securing the area. Deep inside the chamber, he found a hidden door with runes that looked similar to those on the Seal of Calamity.

Inside was a single artifact: a crystalline orb faintly glowing with golden light. Lin Feng's heart was racing, a wild realization of what he was looking at surfacing-the Celestial Conduit, an artifact said to channel energy from the heavens themselves.

The Seal of Calamity pulsed and its whispers echoed in his mind. "You have one piece of the jigsaw, Lin Feng. In concert, we can never lose."

Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. One would have to tread as carefully as a bird on tiptoes here. In addition to containing immense powers, the Conduit was something that might yield valuable information as to the real nature of the Seal.

Once he emerged on the surface again, Lin Feng noticed Jiang Yue's gaze hung on his face like daggers. "What did you get?" her line of sight asked.

"Whatever needed securing."

She straightened a thin eyebrow. "Someday, your secrets will overtake you."

"Then best of luck staying ahead of 'em, girlie," Lin Feng said brusquely, brushing by.

That night, while meditating Lin Feng, the Seal resumed its whispers. This time visions came with it: skies shattering, the sect in flames, and amidst the chaos, the maddened laughter of the Eclipse Sovereign.

"The heavens fear you, Lin Feng," the Seal whispered. "Will you rise above them, or will you let them crush you?"

Lin Feng's will hardened. "Before I fall, heaven and earth shall be toppled."

Again the Seal stirred, its brilliance mounting as though approving-or enjoying-what had just occurred.