Before them lay the Obsidian Shard Valley: a scar on the ground, jagged and wide, its black cliffs standing over them with menacing height, as they rode through this treacherous terrain. Qi storms thickly laced the air with their soft crackling as a continuous reminder of how volatile it was here. Every now and then, obsidian shards burst from the ground as if from between the jaws of some fantastic beast.
Lin Feng led with accuracy, his steps neat and steady. Behind him, Zhao Qing and Yan Wei followed, their eyes on the surroundings as keen as razor blades. Jiang Yue trailed behind them, face stern and aloof, impassable. The remaining disciples hung back awkwardly.
"The atmosphere in this place feels. different," one of the disciples muttered, all a-tremble.
"It's the residual energy from an ancient battle," Lin Feng said without turning. "The Nexus has lain dormant for centuries, but its power still lingers. Stay focused, or you'll become a casualty of the terrain before the enemy even strikes."
Jiang Yue's voice cut through the tense silence. "You speak with such certainty, Lin Feng. Perhaps because you have already planned how to make use of this Nexus?"
Lin Feng looked back over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Doubt my motives, Jiang Yue, and be my guest to turn your back. But let me warn you-cowards rarely do well in this valley."
The tension simmered, yet Jiang Yue said nothing more.
---
After hours of cautious travel, the group finally reached the outskirts of the Hidden Nexus. As the air grew thick with qi, the earth faintly shook, as if it were alive. Before them, an intricate formation of runes in the dirt glowed with an energy from another age.
Lin Feng knelt and peered into the structure of the formation. The fragment of the Celestial Conduit pulsed softly beside him, guiding his comprehension as he listened to the defense of the Nexus.
"This formation is attuned to the core of the Nexus," Lin Feng said. "It reacts to unfamiliar qi signatures. If we force our way through, it will trigger-and none of us shall survive."
Zhao Qing wrinkled her brow. "How, then, do we clear it?"
"Carefully," Lin Feng said, now standing. "I will break some important parts in this formation so that a path will be safe to go through. The rest of you just stay close to me and follow my pace."
Jiang Yue stepped out and asked, her voice laced with doubt, "What if you fail?"
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Lin Feng smiled cynically. "Then you finally have a reason to call me reckless."
---
Just as Lin Feng was working out the formation, a shrill whistle cut the air of the valley; shadows darted between craggy cliffs, and in the next instant, a rain of arrows full of corrupted qi pelted down on the group.
"Ambush!" Shouted Zhao Qing, his blade whipped out in the face of scattering disciples.
The attackers emerged from the shadows, wearing dark robes and masks to obscure their features. Among them stood Lang Wei, a tall, gaunt figure with piercing eyes and a cruel smile.
"Black Lotus Sect scum," Lang Wei called, his voice echoing. "Did you really think we'd let you waltz into the Nexus unchallenged?"
Lin Feng got up as the mayhem began. "I see you have brought fodder to delay us. Ambitious—were I as weak as you are."
Lang Wei grinned to his ears. "We'll see how that pride of yours will look when your disciples lie before your feet, crushed."
The battle started.
Zhao Qing and Yan Wei were at the forefront, their swords cutting through the first wave of attackers with precision. Lin Feng remained at the formation, his hands moving in a blur as he deactivated key runes.
"Hold the line," Lin Feng ordered, his voice cutting through the din.
As the fight intensified, Lin Feng activated a trap he had prepared earlier. A hidden talisman embedded in the ground flared to life, releasing a surge of qi that caught the rogue cultivators off guard. Lang Wei’s forces faltered, allowing the disciples to regroup.
Lang Wei snarled. “You think tricks will save you?”
Lin Feng’s gaze met his, cold and calculating. “Tricks are for those who lack strategy. You’ll learn the difference soon enough.”
---
With the attackers momentarily pushed back, Lin Feng completed his work on the formation. The glowing runes dimmed, and a narrow path appeared, leading toward the Nexus.
“Move quickly,” Lin Feng ordered. “The formation won’t stay dormant for long.”
They were inside the center of the Nexus: a huge cave-like chamber bathed in eerie light. There, at its very middle, lay the Hidden Nexus, an artifact in crystal that hung within a web of glowing energy. Its power radiated from it, saturating the air with raw qi.
The Seal of Calamity pulsed violently at Lin Feng's side, its whispers surging in his mind. "Claim it, Lin Feng. Its power will reshape the heavens in your image."
Lin Feng neared the Nexus, expression unreadable. As his hand reached for the artifact, Jiang Yue stepped forward, her blade drawn.
Enough, Lin Feng," she exclaimed, the quiver in her voice half-anger, half-fear. "You'll end up getting us all killed if you take this for yourself."
Lin Feng didn't even turn towards her, his voice icy. "Step aside, Jiang Yue. You're out of your league."
"I won't let you do this," she exclaimed, clenching tightly onto her weapon.
---
As Jiang Yue lunged, Lin Feng's trap was triggered. A phantasmal construct appeared behind her. The shadowy body wrapped itself around her like a serpent. Jiang Yue turned frozen, her blade only inches from Lin Feng.
"You thought I wouldn't anticipate your betrayal?" Lin Feng asked, low and menacing. "You've been predictable from the very start."
They watched Lin Feng disarm Jiang Yue in one swift and merciless motion.
"This isn't leadership, Lin Feng," Jiang Yue spat, defeat not hindering her from making that comment. "This is tyranny."
Lin Feng leaned in closer and glared at her coldly. "Tyranny is only a word the weak use to describe strength they can't overcome. Remember that."
Lin Feng steadied the Nexus and channeled its energy into the fragment of the Celestial Conduit. The artifact pulsed with new life as the structure of the Nexus started to collapse.
"Fall back!" Lin Feng ordered, guiding the group out as the cavern crumbled around them.
The scattered rogue cultivators fled in defeat, their morale broken. Outside, Lang Wei disappeared into the shadows, a parting glare promising revenge to come.
As the dust settled, the disciples looked towards Lin Feng with a mixture of admiration and fear. Jiang Yue, in isolation and humiliation, retreated wordlessly without a word.
That night, Lin Feng sat alone, the Celestial Conduit fragment glowing faintly in his hand. The Seal of Calamity pulsed beside him, its whispers more insistent than ever.
"You are closer, Lin Feng. The heavens tremble at your rise. Take the next step, and their power will be yours."
Lin Feng closed his eyes, his voice quiet but resolute. “Power is a tool. Nothing more. The moment it becomes a master is the moment I’ve already lost.”
The fragment vibrated with energy as Lin Feng opened his eyes, already thinking about the next step.