Just as Liang Wei seemed on the brink of an uncontrollable explosion, a Qi shield suddenly enveloped him, containing the blast within its confines. Xianwu, scanning the arena for the source of this intervention, spotted the responsible figure: the current Sect Master of the Azure Cloud Sect, Master Yun Xi, floating above the arena with a dominant aura. Her presence commanded immediate silence, and her order for calm was obeyed without question, restoring peace to the once chaotic scene.
Xianwu was internally impressed. He was familiar with Master Yun Xi by reputation but had never witnessed her in action, having left the sect early in his journey. He watched as she conferred briefly with Elder Huang Zheng, their discussion undoubtedly concerning the events that had just unfolded.
Then, with a grace that belied her formidable power, Master Yun Xi floated down to Xianwu. "You, come with me," she said, her voice leaving no room for disobedience.
Without hesitation, Xianwu followed her, curious and slightly wary of what the Sect Master might require of him. The respect he held for her position and abilities was evident, even as he pondered the implications of her direct summons.
Xianwu and Sect Master Yun Xi arrived at the Azure Cloud Sect's palace, a grand structure that stood as a testament to the sect's power and heritage. The palace, with its soaring spires and azure rooftops, reflected the sect's affinity with the heavens and the vast sky. Intricate cloud patterns were carved into the stone, giving the impression of the building itself floating among the celestial bodies. The interior was no less impressive, with vast halls adorned with paintings of legendary battles and tapestries depicting the sect's illustrious history.
Master Yun Xi led Xianwu to the main hall, where she took her place upon the Sect's Throne, a majestic seat carved from ancient azure jade, imbued with centuries of Qi cultivation. She regarded Xianwu expectantly, her gaze sharp and penetrating, as if waiting for him to recount the events that had transpired.
Xianwu, understanding the silence as a tactic, remained quiet. As a former Sect Master of the Heavenly Sect, he was well-versed in such strategies, having employed them countless times himself. The silence stretched between them, becoming a test of wills.
After a moment, Master Yun Xi's patience wore thin. "Tell me what happened," she commanded, her voice carrying a mix of authority and annoyance.
Xianwu responded calmly, "Surely, Elder Huang Zheng has already informed you of the details." His reply, while respectful, carried an undercurrent of confidence that seemed to irritate Yun Xi further. No outer disciple had ever addressed her with such audacity, prompting her to reassess the man before her.
"If you insist on hearing it from me, I can recount the events from my perspective," Xianwu offered, his tone even.
He then proceeded to narrate the occurrences, carefully selecting details that Elder Huang Zheng would likely have shared, omitting any personal insights or undisclosed information. His account was factual, focusing on the confrontation with Liang Wei and the subsequent intervention by Yun Xi herself.
As he spoke, Yun Xi listened intently, her initial irritation giving way to a grudging respect for Xianwu's measured approach. Xianwu, for his part, remained acutely aware of the need to navigate this conversation carefully, providing enough information to satisfy Yun Xi's inquiry without revealing the full extent of his knowledge or suspicions.
The dialogue between them, while initially strained, became a bridge of understanding, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within the sect and underscoring Xianwu's unique position within it. As the conversation concluded, Yun Xi's expression was thoughtful, a sign that Xianwu's words had given her much to consider.
After their initial discussion, Master Yun Xi shifted the focus towards Xianwu's capabilities, a topic sparked by the reports from the elders. "Elder Huang Zheng has mentioned your...unusual abilities. Care to enlighten me on how an outer disciple acquired such skills?" she inquired, her tone laced with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
Xianwu, caught in the crosshairs of Yun Xi's probing gaze, scrambled for a plausible explanation. "My skills are not so unusual. I've simply dedicated more time to my training, perhaps more intensely than others," he offered, hoping the vague response would suffice.
Yun Xi, however, was not easily dissuaded. "Indeed? It's rare for 'intense training' alone to account for the mastery you've displayed. But, for now, we'll let the matter rest," she conceded, though it was clear she remained unconvinced.
At that moment, Elder Huang Zheng entered the room, having waited for the opportune moment to discuss the aftermath of the tournament's events. "Master Yun Xi, we must decide how to address this situation with the sect," he said, his voice carrying the weight of the responsibility they bore.
Yun Xi nodded, turning her attention to the elder. "Yes, Elder Huang. The disciples are unsettled, and rumors have already begun to spread. We cannot hide what happened, but we must be cautious in our response."
Elder Huang Zheng agreed, "Indeed. We'll tell the disciples that the matter is under investigation and that they will be informed of the outcomes in due course. It's imperative we maintain order and reassure them of the sect's stability."
Xianwu listened, noting the careful diplomacy at play. Despite his status as an outer disciple, the gravity of the situation had placed him at the center of a complex web of sect politics and concerns.
"And what of Liang Wei and those who may share his inclinations?" Yun Xi pondered aloud, her gaze settling on Xianwu for a moment before returning to Elder Huang Zheng.
"We must interrogate Liang Qiu. If there are others with similar dangerous capabilities, we need to identify them quickly," Elder Huang Zheng proposed, his expression serious.
Xianwu, despite being the subject of their planning, was not invited to contribute. His role, for now, was that of an observer, a position he understood all too well. The dynamics of power within the sect were clear, and Elder Huang Zheng's lack of deference underscored his position as merely an outer disciple in their eyes.
Just as Xianwu prepared to leave, considering the day's tumultuous events and their implications, Master Yun Xi halted him with an offer that would irrevocably alter his path within the Azure Cloud Sect. "Xianwu," she began, her voice steady and commanding the room's attention, "I would like you to become a core disciple, under my personal tutelage."
Elder Huang Zheng, upon hearing this, struggled to mask his astonishment, his composure momentarily slipping. The thought of an outer disciple being elevated directly to core disciple status, and furthermore, as the Sect Master's direct disciple, was unheard of. The air tinged with his disbelief, a silent testament to the unprecedented nature of Yun Xi's proposal.
Xianwu, equally taken aback, found himself at a loss for words. In his previous life, he had left the sect as an inner disciple, never imagining such an offer could be extended to him. "Master Yun Xi, this is...unexpected. I'm honored," he managed, his voice betraying a hint of his internal surprise and contemplation.
Yun Xi, observing him, grew impatient with his prolonged silence. It was unlike any outer disciple to hesitate when presented with such an opportunity. "Well? What say you?" she pressed, expecting a swift acceptance.
Xianwu, realizing the gravity of her offer, knelt in a gesture of respect. "I am deeply honored, Master Yun Xi. I accept," he said, his voice calm, though his mind raced with speculation. He suspected her offer was not solely based on his abilities displayed during the tournament but perhaps also on her belief that he held deeper knowledge about the day's events.
Elder Huang Zheng, still reeling from the surprise, quickly regained his composure. "My apologies, Master Yun Xi. I shall take my leave to interrogate Liang Qiu," he said, excusing himself with a bow, his mind undoubtedly filled with questions about the sect's future and Xianwu's sudden ascent.
After Elder Huang Zheng had left, Master Yun Xi gestured for Xianwu to accompany her, leading him through the sect's grounds to a place of serenity and power: the garden of the Sect Master. Unlike any typical garden, this space was designed to embody the essence and values of the Azure Cloud Sect. Encompassing a vast expanse of meticulously curated landscapes, it featured an array of spiritual flora, each species thriving with vibrant Qi. Meandering streams, filled with crystal-clear water, reflected the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, while strategically placed stones and pathways encouraged meditation and the flow of internal energy.
At the heart of this tranquil domain stood an open pavilion, overlooking a pond where koi, imbued with minor spiritual energies, glided beneath the water's surface. Here, they seated themselves at a round table carved from ancient, Qi-infused rock, the setting fostering a connection with the natural world.
In this secluded haven, Yun Xi turned the conversation towards Xianwu's enigmatic abilities. "Your powers have piqued the interest of many within the sect. As your master, it's time you share the truth with me," she stated, her voice echoing softly in the pavilion.
Xianwu, while admiring the garden's beauty — though privately considering it no match for the one he once had — wrestled with his response. "Master Yun Xi, while I hold great respect for you and the sect, there are aspects of my abilities I'm not yet ready to fully disclose," he admitted carefully, hinting at the depth of his secrets.
However, he didn't leave her inquiry unanswered, sharing the insight he had gleaned during the confrontation with Liang Wei. "The power Liang Wei harnessed was Demonic Energy, a dark force exclusive to followers of the Demon Faction," Xianwu explained, revealing the sinister implications of such energy within the sect's walls.
The Demon Faction, known across Murim for their worship of darkness and chaos under the rule of the Heavenly Demon Emperor, posed a threat to the established order, seeking to usher in an era dominated by their cruel ambitions. Yun Xi's expression turned grave as she processed Xianwu's revelation. "A follower of the Demon Faction, here? But their influence was thought to be minimal in these times..."
"How did you come to recognize Demonic Energy so accurately?" Yun Xi probes, her gaze sharp.
Xianwu's gaze lingers on the tranquil waters of the garden pond, his mind not traversing battles, but a more personal tragedy—a tragedy that marked the beginning of his cultivation journey.
Yun Xi, noticing his hesitation, presses on gently, "How do you possess such detailed understanding of this energy? It's not common knowledge, even among our highest ranks."
"It comes from... a personal loss," Xianwu says, his voice steady but imbued with a depth of sorrow rarely revealed. "My family fell victim to the Demon Faction when I was very young."
Yun Xi's eyes narrow slightly, catching the pain veiled in his answer. "Your family? That's a profound source of knowledge, albeit a painful one. Would you care to elaborate?"
Xianwu pauses, weighing the shadows of his past. "I've been entangled with the Demon Faction from a young age," he admits, letting the truth of his early encounters with darkness surface. "Their energy... it's something you never forget, especially when it's taken everything from you."
"Indeed?" Yun Xi leans forward, her interest piqued by his story. "To survive such an ordeal and stand strong before us now... that speaks volumes of your resilience, Xianwu. Not many can say the same."
He smiles faintly, acknowledging the compliment with a nod. "Perhaps. But it's also a reminder of the vigilance we must always maintain. The Demon Faction's threat is ever-present, not just to me but to the entire cultivation world."
The Sect Master reflects on his words, recognizing the depth of personal experience they carry. "Your personal history could prove invaluable to us, especially now. I hope you'll consider sharing more about these encounters in time."
"I will, when the moment is right," Xianwu assures her, his gaze returning to the serene view before them. "For now, my focus is on aiding the sect in any way I can, ensuring that no one else has to endure the loss I've faced."
With these last words, their conversation comes to an end, and Xianwu returns to Feng and Jianyu, carrying with him the resolve forged from his past, ready to face whatever threats may come.