The days following Xiang Chen's discovery were filled with tension. He kept a low profile, training in the forest and avoiding unnecessary contact with the other disciples. His senses remained on high alert, aware that any misstep could lead to an ambush. Meanwhile, his mind raced with strategies to uncover the truth behind Elder Han's scheme.
One afternoon, as Xiang Chen practiced his sword techniques in the forest, he sensed a familiar presence approaching. He turned to find Yuan Mei, the swift and agile disciple he had seen during the Test of Strength. She moved gracefully, her eyes sharp and focused.
"Xiang Chen," she called out as she approached. "I've been looking for you."
Xiang Chen's guard remained up. He didn't know where Yuan Mei stood in the web of schemes that surrounded him. "What do you want?"
She raised her hands, signaling she meant no harm. "Relax, I'm not here to fight. I've heard whispers about what's happening, and I know you're being targeted."
Xiang Chen's eyes narrowed. "And why would you care?"
Yuan Mei crossed her arms, her expression serious. "Because Elder Han's influence is a problem for more than just you. Many disciples have suffered under his rule. He uses his position to push his own agenda, and anyone who stands in his way is either suppressed or eliminated."
Xiang Chen studied her for a moment. "So, you want to take him down too?"
"Not exactly," she replied. "But I believe in fairness. If someone is strong and talented, they should have the chance to rise without interference. What Elder Han is doing is unjust, and I refuse to stand by and watch."
Xiang Chen felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps she could be a valuable ally. "What do you propose?"
A Plan Takes Shape
Yuan Mei's expression remained focused. "I've been gathering information for a while. Elder Han is careful, but not everyone under his influence is as cautious. Some of his loyal disciples are reckless, and they've slipped up more than once. If we can catch one of them in the act, we might be able to get evidence that ties back to Elder Han."
Xiang Chen nodded, his mind racing. "Do you have anyone specific in mind?"
"There's a disciple named Liu Shan," she said. "He's one of Elder Han's most trusted subordinates, and he's been acting suspiciously lately. I've seen him lurking around the restricted areas of the sect at night."
Xiang Chen's eyes narrowed. "Liu Shan, huh? If we catch him, we might be able to find out what he's up to."
Yuan Mei nodded. "Tonight, we'll follow him. But we need to be careful. If he suspects anything, we'll lose our chance."
Xiang Chen appreciated Yuan Mei's caution and dedication. He was starting to see that she wasn't just another disciple—she had her own goals, and she was willing to stand against corruption. "Agreed. We'll follow him tonight."
The Night Hunt
As night fell, Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei moved silently through the sect's grounds, sticking to the shadows. They had chosen to wear dark robes, blending into the night as they kept a distance from Liu Shan. The moon provided just enough light for them to see, but not enough to give away their positions.
Liu Shan moved cautiously, looking around every so often as he made his way to the sect's restricted area. Xiang Chen felt the thrill of the hunt as he and Yuan Mei tracked him. They were careful, maintaining enough distance to avoid detection.
After a while, Liu Shan reached the edge of the forest, where a concealed path led to a hidden chamber known only to senior disciples. He looked around one last time before disappearing into the shadows of the chamber's entrance.
"This must be it," Yuan Mei whispered. "He's up to something."
Xiang Chen nodded. "Let's get closer."
They approached the entrance, and Xiang Chen felt a faint, ominous energy emanating from within. He activated his system panel for a quick scan.
[Celestial Ascendance System]
[Warning: High energy fluctuation detected. Proceed with caution.]
They carefully crept forward, staying low. The chamber's entrance was guarded by two statues that seemed to pulse with spiritual energy. Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei exchanged a look—these statues were likely traps for anyone trying to enter uninvited.
"I'll take care of this," Yuan Mei whispered. "I've studied the formation these statues use. Follow my lead."
She moved with precision, placing her hands on certain points of the statues. A soft glow emerged as she disrupted the flow of spiritual energy. The statues' eyes dimmed, and the path was cleared.
"Impressive," Xiang Chen murmured.
Yuan Mei smiled slightly. "I'm more than just speed, you know."
The two entered the chamber, their movements careful and measured. Inside, they found Liu Shan speaking with another senior disciple, a man with a cold, calculating look.
Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei hid behind a pillar, listening intently.
"The plan is set," Liu Shan whispered. "Elder Han has given the order. We need to create an incident during the next training session—something that will make Xiang Chen look like he's breaking the rules. Once he's expelled, he won't be a problem anymore."
Xiang Chen clenched his fists. Elder Han was planning to frame him. He exchanged a look with Yuan Mei, who nodded. They needed to gather more evidence.
"Do we have the support of the other elders?" the other disciple asked.
"Elder Han has secured the cooperation of a few, but not all. We just need enough to create doubt in the sect master's mind. Xiang Chen may be strong, but he's still new—he has no real influence yet."
Yuan Mei's eyes flashed with anger. "Cowards," she muttered under her breath.
Xiang Chen pulled her back as Liu Shan and the other disciple finished their conversation and began to leave. They waited until the chamber was empty before stepping out of their hiding spot.
"We need to act fast," Xiang Chen said. "If they frame me, it could be over before we have a chance to expose them."
Yuan Mei nodded. "We'll need proof—something undeniable that links them to Elder Han. And we'll need to find it before their plan goes into effect."
A New Ally
As they exited the chamber and made their way back, Xiang Chen's system panel flashed with a notification.
[Celestial Ascendance System]
[Mission Progress Updated: Clues Collected (1/3)]
Xiang Chen felt a surge of determination. "We're on the right track, but we need more."
Yuan Mei agreed. "We'll find it. But for now, be careful. They'll be watching you closely."
Before they parted ways, Xiang Chen turned to her. "Thank you, Yuan Mei. I'm grateful for your help."
She smiled, a hint of warmth in her eyes. "We're in this together now. Let's make sure we come out on top."
As Xiang Chen watched her disappear into the night, he felt a sense of relief. With Yuan Mei's help, he wasn't alone in this fight. But he knew the real battle was just beginning. Elder Han's influence was vast, and if they were to take him down, they would need more allies, more evidence, and more strength.
Xiang Chen's journey to the top was becoming more dangerous by the day. But with determination and strategy, he was prepared to face whatever came his way.