The corridor leading to the elders' chambers was cold, its stone walls imposing, as though the very sect itself was preparing to judge Li Xuan. Each step echoed in the silence, reverberating with a sense of finality. He had prepared himself mentally for this moment, knowing full well that his fight with Lin Mei had drawn too much attention. But as he approached the chamber doors, he couldn't help but feel the weight of a thousand unspoken questions pressing on his shoulders.
Zhang Wei had remained behind, his parting words still ringing in Li Xuan's ears: "Be careful. Don't reveal too much."
Li Xuan had nodded, his mind already racing with the challenges that lay ahead. He had to keep the secrets of the Eternal Codex hidden, as well as the truth about the Ninefold Ascension Technique. The sect elders would want to know how he had defeated Lin Mei, a Core Formation powerhouse, while only at the seventh stage of Qi Refining. And that was precisely what he needed to avoid answering directly.
The doors to the inner chamber creaked open as two disciples in azure robes motioned for him to enter. Beyond the threshold lay a vast room, dimly lit by glowing crystals embedded in the ceiling. At the far end of the room sat the council of elders, each one perched on a raised dais, their expressions shrouded in shadow.
Elder Yun, the most senior of the council, sat in the center, his sharp gaze fixed upon Li Xuan the moment he entered. Beside him sat Elder Chen, known for his strict adherence to tradition and law, and Elder Mo, whose eyes never seemed to blink, always assessing, always analyzing.
Li Xuan bowed deeply, lowering his head in a gesture of respect. "Disciple Li Xuan greets the elders."
Elder Yun's voice was deep, almost soothing, but it held an unmistakable authority. "Rise, Li Xuan. We have much to discuss."
Li Xuan straightened, though he kept his gaze respectfully lowered. His heart pounded in his chest, but his outward expression remained calm. He had expected this; he had prepared for it.
"Your performance in the tournament has caused quite a stir," Elder Yun began, his eyes studying Li Xuan carefully. "To defeat someone of Lin Mei's caliber is no small feat. Especially considering your current cultivation level."
Elder Chen leaned forward, his voice sharp and accusatory. "Explain yourself, Li Xuan. How is it that a seventh-stage Qi Refining disciple managed to overcome a Core Formation expert? Such a thing is unheard of."
Li Xuan's mind raced, searching for the words that would satisfy the elders without revealing too much. He couldn't let them know about the Eternal Codex, nor could he reveal the full extent of his mastery over the Ninefold Ascension Technique.
"I have been training diligently, elders," Li Xuan began, his voice steady. "While I may not have the cultivation level of a Core Formation disciple, I focused on exploiting Lin Mei's weaknesses. Her overconfidence led her to underestimate me, and I used that to my advantage."
Elder Mo's eyes narrowed, his voice as cold as the room itself. "You expect us to believe that you won through mere strategy? The power you displayed was far beyond that of a typical Qi Refining disciple."
Li Xuan remained composed, even as Elder Mo's words cut through him like a blade. He knew the elders would not be satisfied with a simple explanation. They needed more. He would have to give them just enough to placate their suspicions without giving away the truth.
"I've been practicing a special Qi control technique," Li Xuan said carefully. "It allows me to maximize the efficiency of my Qi, making each strike more powerful than it would otherwise be. This technique isn't widely known, and I came across it during my own training. It's not a forbidden technique, but it's rare."
Elder Yun leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "A rare technique, you say? And where exactly did you come across this method?"
Li Xuan hesitated for a brief moment, but quickly recovered. "In one of the old sect libraries. I came across a manual that described advanced Qi control techniques for those at the Qi Refining stage. It was difficult to learn, but with time, I've managed to incorporate it into my fighting style."
The room was silent for a long moment, the elders exchanging glances. It wasn't a complete lie—he had indeed spent hours in the sect's libraries, studying ancient texts. However, the true source of his strength came from the Eternal Codex and the forbidden Ninefold Ascension Technique it had revealed to him.
Elder Chen was the first to break the silence, his voice still harsh but less accusatory. "Even if what you say is true, the power you displayed borders on the extraordinary. We will need to see this technique for ourselves."
Li Xuan nodded, his mind racing. "Of course, elders. I will demonstrate it whenever you wish."
Elder Yun held up a hand, silencing Elder Chen's next words. "That won't be necessary, not yet." His eyes flickered with something like understanding. "You are not the only one in this sect to possess hidden strengths, Li Xuan. But remember this: power is dangerous, especially when it is not understood. You have drawn attention not only from us but from others within the sect. Be cautious in how you proceed from here. There are those who would seek to exploit your talent, and others who may see you as a threat."
Li Xuan bowed deeply. "I understand, Elder Yun. I will be careful."
Elder Mo's eyes never left Li Xuan. "You should be. There are forces within the sect that you do not yet comprehend. Watch your back, Li Xuan."
With that ominous warning, Elder Yun dismissed him. "You may go. We will be watching your progress closely from now on."
Li Xuan bowed once more before turning and leaving the chamber, the weight of their scrutiny following him with every step. As he walked down the corridor, his mind raced. The elders were suspicious, but for now, they seemed willing to let the matter rest. But he knew that wouldn't last. He had drawn too much attention, and now his every move would be watched.
When he returned to his quarters, Zhang Wei was waiting for him, pacing nervously.
"How did it go?" Zhang Wei asked the moment Li Xuan stepped inside.
Li Xuan sighed, collapsing onto a chair. "As well as it could have. The elders are suspicious, but they're not pushing for answers—yet."
Zhang Wei frowned, his arms crossed. "That's good, but you need to be careful. The more you reveal, the more they'll dig."
"I know," Li Xuan interrupted. "But for now, we're safe. I'll need to keep a low profile until the attention dies down."
Zhang Wei nodded, but his face remained troubled. "Just don't forget, Li Xuan—there are people in this sect who won't stop until they know your secrets. And once they do, you won't be able to control what happens next."
Li Xuan leaned back, closing his eyes. Zhang Wei was right. The road ahead was more dangerous than ever. But he had no choice but to walk it.