The group raced through the forest, moving with all the speed they could muster. The trees blurred past as Li Feng pushed himself harder, feeling the weight of their mission press down on him. Every second mattered now. The Demonic Order's assault was imminent, and they had precious little time to prepare the Azure Wind Sect.
Finally, they emerged from the dense forest, the familiar sight of the sect's walls rising in the distance. The towering gates stood strong, but Li Feng knew that the strength of their defenses alone wouldn't be enough. They needed strategy, unity, and the element of surprise if they were to fend off the impending attack.
As they reached the entrance, the guards recognized them immediately, opening the gates. Li Feng wasted no time, sprinting toward the main hall where the sect's leaders were gathered. His companions followed, their expressions grim but determined.
Inside the hall, Elder Yun and the other elders were in the midst of discussions. Their eyes turned to Li Feng as he entered, and Elder Yun's expression darkened at the sight of their urgency.
"Li Feng, what have you discovered?" Elder Yun asked, his voice steady but laced with tension.
"The Demonic Order is planning an attack," Li Feng said, his voice carrying across the chamber. "In three days, they'll strike at the Azure Wind Sect. Their goal is the Stellar Ward."
Gasps rippled through the hall, and Elder Han stepped forward. "The Stellar Ward? But that artifact has been hidden for centuries. How could they know about it?"
"They believe it's the key to unlocking the Cosmic Nexus," Li Feng explained. "They've stationed forces in the forest, and they're prepared to move. We must act now if we are to protect the sect."
Elder Yun's eyes narrowed, his mind working quickly. "The Stellar Ward is a powerful artifact, one that holds great potential—but also great risk. If the Demonic Order gets their hands on it, they could shift the balance of the entire realm. We must ensure it stays protected."
Li Feng nodded. "We need to fortify our defenses and rally our allies. If we can prepare in time, we might be able to catch them off guard and turn the tide."
The elders exchanged glances before Elder Yun spoke again. "We will mobilize every available disciple. Elder Han, focus on reinforcing the outer defenses. Elder Wei, contact our allies in the neighboring sects. We'll need every bit of support we can get."
Li Feng felt a surge of relief as the elders moved into action. There was a plan now, a sense of purpose. But he knew this was only the beginning. The real battle would be when the Demonic Order unleashed their full strength.
As the elders dispersed, Li Feng turned to his companions. "We need to help with the preparations. Chen, organize the disciples into combat teams. Mei Lin, coordinate the scouts—we'll need to monitor any movement around the sect."
"What about me?" Xin Ling asked, her eyes sharp and focused.
Li Feng paused, then nodded. "I need you to lead a small group of scouts into the forest and keep an eye on the Demonic Order's camp. If anything changes, report back immediately."
Xin Ling smirked. "Understood. They won't even know we're there."
With that, his friends dispersed to their tasks, leaving Li Feng standing alone in the hall. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to center himself. The memories of the Celestial Monarch still weighed heavily on his mind, but he pushed them aside. Right now, he needed to focus on the present, on the lives depending on him.
As he left the hall and made his way to the training grounds, he found disciples gathering, their faces a mix of determination and fear. Many were young, some barely older than he was when he first joined the sect. But their eyes showed courage—each one willing to stand and fight for their home.
Li Feng's heart swelled with pride as he addressed them. "Listen up, everyone. The Demonic Order is planning an attack, and we must be ready to defend the sect. We've faced threats before, and we've always come out stronger. This time will be no different."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Some of the older disciples nodded, their expressions resolute. Li Feng continued, "In the coming days, we'll be training harder than ever. We'll work in teams, sharpen our skills, and prepare for every possible scenario. Together, we'll show the Demonic Order that the Azure Wind Sect is not to be underestimated."
The disciples responded with a cheer, their spirits lifting. As Li Feng watched them, he felt a sense of responsibility like never before. He wasn't just fighting for his own survival; he was fighting for each and every one of them, for the legacy of the sect.
Training commenced, and the grounds were soon filled with the sounds of battle cries, clashing weapons, and the hum of cultivation techniques being practiced. Li Feng moved among the groups, offering guidance and encouragement, his own energy mingling with that of the disciples around him.
As the day wore on, he joined Chen in a sparring session, their movements fast and precise as they exchanged blows. Sweat dripped down Li Feng's face, but he felt the flow of cosmic energy empowering him, his body moving with a grace that came from years of practice and newfound strength.
"You've gotten stronger," Chen said between strikes, his grin fierce. "Guess those cosmic powers of yours aren't just for show."
Li Feng smirked. "I have to be strong. The Demonic Order won't hold back, so neither will we."
After training, he met Mei Lin and Xin Ling by the sect's main gate, where the scouts were returning from their patrols. Xin Ling gave a brief nod. "So far, no signs of movement from the Demonic Order. But they're preparing—they won't stay hidden for long."
"Good. Keep watching them closely," Li Feng said. "The moment they make a move, we'll be ready."
Night fell, and the sect's walls were illuminated by the glow of warding flames. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the disciples patrolling the perimeter with vigilance. Li Feng stood atop the wall, gazing out at the distant horizon. The dark clouds that had gathered earlier now blanketed the sky, hiding the stars.
Elder Yun joined him, his presence a calming force. "You've done well, Li Feng. The sect is prepared, and the disciples look to you as a leader."
Li Feng's gaze remained fixed on the forest. "I just hope it's enough."
Elder Yun placed a hand on his shoulder. "It will be. Remember, it's not just power that wins battles; it's unity, strategy, and resolve. The Demonic Order may have numbers, but we have something they lack—hope and the will to protect."
Li Feng nodded, the elder's words giving him a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, Elder. I won't let the sect down."
As the night deepened, Li Feng remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the forest for any sign of movement. He knew the storm was coming, and the Azure Wind Sect would face it with all their strength.
And when the time came, he would be ready—ready to prove that the legacy of the Azure Wind Sect was one of courage, strength, and unity.