After returning from the Shadow Abyss, Lei Chen found himself being watched more closely than ever. His unexpected breakthrough had caught the attention of both his peers and the sect's elders. He was no longer just another disciple—he was a rising star, and that made him dangerous.
But Lei Chen couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The sect's atmosphere had grown darker, more secretive. Rumors circulated about a hidden chamber deep within the mountains, a place where the Celestial Sword Sect kept its most dangerous secrets.
Lei Chen had always believed the sect was a place of honor and tradition, but whispers of betrayal and forbidden techniques began to reach his ears. He overheard a conversation between two senior disciples late one night, their voices low and filled with fear.
"The elders are planning something," one of them said. "They've been gathering ancient scrolls from the forgotten sects. Techniques that... should have stayed buried."
"But why?" the other replied. "What could they want with those techniques?"
Lei Chen's mind raced. If the sect was truly delving into forbidden knowledge, it could put everyone in danger. The War God's legacy had taught him that power came with a price, and using it recklessly could lead to catastrophe.
He decided to investigate.
Late at night, Lei Chen snuck into the mountains, following a path he had discovered during his training. It led to a hidden chamber deep within the sect's heart, a place that few knew about.
What he found there shocked him.
The chamber was filled with ancient scrolls and artifacts, each one radiating a dark, oppressive energy. At the center of the room was a stone altar, upon which lay a massive tome inscribed with strange, shifting runes. As Lei Chen approached, a cold voice echoed through the chamber.
"So, you've discovered the truth."
Lei Chen spun around to see Elder Yi, the man who had recruited him to the sect. His eyes were dark, filled with malice.
"You thought the Celestial Sword Sect was a place of honor," Elder Yi said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But the truth is far more complicated. Power is all that matters. We are preparing for a war—a war that will reshape the continent."
Lei Chen's heart raced. "And you're willing to use forbidden techniques to do it?"
Elder Yi's smile was cold. "The ends justify the means. You'll understand that soon enough."