Just as Lei Chen prepared to confront Elder Yi, an unexpected voice rang out from the shadows. "Step away from the boy, Yi."
A figure emerged from the darkness, an older man with a long beard and a weathered face. He radiated a calm, measured power, unlike Elder Yi's oppressive aura.
"I've been watching you, Lei Chen," the man said. "And it seems you've found yourself in the midst of something far greater than you realize."
The man introduced himself as Elder Tao, a former elder of the sect who had retreated from public life. He explained that the Celestial Sword Sect had once been an honorable institution, but corruption had slowly crept into its leadership.
Elder Tao had long suspected that the sect leaders were dabbling in forbidden techniques, but he lacked the proof to act. Now, with Lei Chen's discovery, they had the evidence they needed.
"You have potential," Elder Tao said, studying Lei Chen closely. "But potential means nothing without guidance. If you want to survive what's coming, you'll need more than just the War God's techniques."
Elder Tao offered to train Lei Chen in secret, teaching him the deeper mysteries of cultivation and how to protect his mind from the corruption that was spreading through the sect. Lei Chen accepted, knowing that this might be his only chance to grow strong enough to confront the danger.