The Thousand Veil Technique was a work of art, every stroke of its ancient runes created to mislead, confuse, and subdue. Lin Feng was stupefied by its intricacy as he studied the scroll by the dim light of a flickering candle. Very few techniques relied on brute force or overwhelming power; the subtlety of the Thousand Veil Technique was just the opposite.
It was a formation art that created layers of illusions, each one more convincing than the previous. To master it would be to become untouchable-your enemies striking at phantoms while your real self remained hidden.
Lin Feng's lips curled into a faint smile. The technique was perfect for him.
---
The Thousand Veil Technique was one that required precision: a small mistake in drawing its runes or channeling qi would make the formation backfire and consume the user. Three days and nights of pouring over the technique, practicing intricate patterns with charcoal on scraps of paper.
His room turned into a labyrinth of sketches, each one more perfect than the last. On the fourth day, Lin Feng was ready to try the technique.
He left his quarters in the darkness of night, into the dense forest beyond the sect. The clearing he chose was very remote, and its atmosphere was heavy with the hum of spiritual energy.
Lin Feng drew the first rune on the ground, and his finger was shining with a weak black qi. The rune was swelling, its energy spiraling outwards. He added the second and then the third runes, seamlessly weaving the pattern into wholeness.
After he had drawn the formation completely, Lin Feng stepped into the middle and activated it.
The world moved. The air around him shimmered like heat waves, and suddenly there were three Lin Fengs standing in the clearing, each perfect in every minute detail.
Lin Feng's smirk grew deeper. "Impressive."
But the test wasn't over. Summoning was one thing; maintaining under pressure, quite another. Lin Feng spread his senses out, finding some Ironback Boars just a ways off, grazing casually. The beasts were strong, territorial, and perfect for seeing how well this formation would hold.
He stepped into their territory deliberately, letting the boars catch his scent. The largest of the group—a hulking beast with tusks as long as Lin Feng's arm—charged immediately, its hooves pounding the ground.
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The illusions sprang to life, moving of their own accord as the boar attacked. It struck one Lin Feng, only for its tusks to pass harmlessly through the image. Confused, the boar turned to another illusion, then another, each attack meeting only empty air.
Lin Feng, the real one, was standing calmly behind the beast. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a blade of black qi through the boar's spine.
The creature collapsed and the other boars ran away as its cries echoed through the forest.
Lin Feng turned the formation off and breathed calmly. The result of the Thousand Veil Technique had been a success, but Lin Feng knew it was only an infinitesimal portion of what that technique could do.
---
Finally, back at the sect, the theft of the scroll from the Vault of Echoes did not go unseen. Elder Shen, flanked by two other members of the Elder Council, stood in the vault, all wearing grim expressions.
"This was no amateur," Elder Shen said, his voice cold. "The Spirit Ward was bypassed with precision, and the guardian was destroyed without leaving a trace of its energy signature."
Elder Jian, a stern woman with piercing eyes, nodded. "Whoever did this is skilled. More skilled than any Outer Disciple should be."
"What was taken?" Elder Shen asked.
“The Thousand Veil Technique,” Elder Jian replied.
Elder Shen’s expression darkened. “An art of deception. Fitting for a thief. I’ll assign Luo Jian to investigate. He’s ambitious, but his loyalty to the sect is undeniable.”
Elder Jian hesitated. “Be careful. If the thief can use the technique, finding them will be nearly impossible.”
---
Luo Jian relished the task. Hunting the thief wasn't just a matter of duty; it was an opportunity to cement his standing within the sect. He began his investigation immediately, questioning disciples and searching for any sign of unusual activity.
It was when his inquiries pointed to Xu Yan's faction that Luo Jian's interest was raised. Xu Yan was known to scheme, and the connection between her and Lin Feng-the rising star-was just a little too convenient.
Luo Jian summoned Lin Feng to the Obsidian Hall, a stark chamber used for interrogations and evaluations.
Lin Feng entered calmly, his expression unreadable.
"Junior Brother Lin," Luo Jian said, his tone smooth but dangerous. "I've heard impressive things about you. You've risen quickly, too quickly for some."
Lin Feng bowed slightly. "I strive to make the sect proud, Senior Brother."
Luo Jian's eyes narrowed. "Ambition is a double-edged sword. If wielded recklessly, it can cut you down."
"I'll keep that in mind," Lin Feng replied evenly.
Luo Jian studied him for a moment longer before waving him off. "You may go. But remember, Junior Brother, the sect sees all."
As Lin Feng left the hall, his mind was already racing. Luo Jian was sniffing too close to the truth. Steps needed to be taken.
---
Lin Feng knew Luo Jian would never stop until he found proof. In order to eliminate the danger, Lin Feng decided to turn the investigation against him.
The days that followed, Lin Feng planted subtle clues pointing at one of Luo Jian's closest associates; an Inner Disciple also went by the name of Qi Wei with a history of underhand ways. Lin Feng forged evidence about Qi Wei and the incident from the Vault of Echoes that, if followed, would assuredly lead Luo Jian to his trap.
It was when Luo Jian pointed a public accusation of the crime at Qi Wei that an angry argument exploded. Qi Wei would not be scapegoated and, in turn, accused others of secrets regarding Luo Jian's dealings that sent the gathered disciples into shock.
The altercation escalated until both disciples drew out their weapons; the dueling disrupted the order the sect had carefully upheld.
When the dust settled, both Luo Jian and Qi Wei were severely disciplined by the Elder Council, with their reputations tarnished.
---
With Luo Jian's influence diminished, Lin Feng moved in quickly to consolidate his position. Xu Yan's faction, appreciating his cunning, started treating him as more of an equal rather than a subordinate. Even Xu Yan herself was cautious around him, sensing his ambitions to be no less compared to hers.
In his quarters, Lin Feng sat crossed-legged, black qi storming around his body. The Thousand Veil Technique had come in quite handy, as if for use not only on the battlefield but as a tool to manipulate others as well.
"This sect is a battlefield," Lin Feng muttered low enough that barely anyone else could hear. "And I am its master."