Word spread quickly through the sect about the increasing tension between the factions. The atmosphere grew heavy, and disciples whispered of conflict brewing beneath the surface. Xiang Chen and his allies knew they needed to act swiftly before Elder Han took more drastic measures.
Elder Ling had arranged a private meeting with Sect Master Elder Yuan. She believed that if the sect master was made aware of Elder Han's activities, they might have the chance to reveal the truth before Elder Han could mount a defense. However, approaching Elder Yuan was no simple task; he was known for his impartiality, and without undeniable evidence, their plea could be dismissed as factional infighting.
The Audience with the Sect Master
Elder Yuan's hall was an imposing structure, adorned with spiritual artifacts and ancient scriptures. Xiang Chen, Yuan Mei, Jin Li, and Elder Ling entered with solemn expressions. Elder Yuan sat at the head of the hall, his eyes wise yet distant. Beside him stood Elder Han, his face a mask of neutrality.
Elder Yuan's gaze swept over them. "Elder Ling, disciples, what brings you here today?"
Elder Ling stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Sect Master, we come with grave news regarding Elder Han. We have discovered evidence of his activities, which violate the sect's principles and endanger its integrity."
Elder Han's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent as Elder Yuan motioned for Elder Ling to continue. She presented the scroll Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei had recovered. "This scroll contains proof of his manipulation of disciples and secret dealings that undermine the sect's unity."
Elder Yuan took the scroll and read it carefully. The room was silent, tension thick in the air. After a moment, he set the scroll down and looked directly at Elder Han. "Elder Han, what do you have to say to these accusations?"
Elder Han's expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of anger. "Sect Master, these are baseless accusations. Disciples like Xiang Chen, who have shown insubordination, seek to disrupt the sect's harmony. This is nothing but a fabrication."
Xiang Chen stepped forward, his voice firm. "Sect Master, I swear on my honor that the evidence is genuine. Elder Han has been manipulating disciples and forming alliances with external forces to increase his power."
Elder Yuan's eyes shifted back and forth between them, his face unreadable. "This is a serious matter. If Elder Han is guilty of these charges, it would be a severe breach of our laws. However, if these accusations are false, the consequences will fall upon you."
Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei exchanged glances. They knew this was the risk, but they also knew they had no choice.
Elder Yuan sighed. "I will not judge this matter lightly. We will investigate these claims thoroughly. In the meantime, Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei, you are to refrain from any action that might escalate this situation further. As for Elder Han, you are to remain under scrutiny until the investigation is complete."
The Sect Divided
As the meeting concluded, Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei left Elder Yuan's hall with Elder Ling and Jin Li. They knew that the investigation would take time, and during that time, Elder Han would undoubtedly try to consolidate his influence.
"We've bought ourselves some time, but it's not enough," Yuan Mei said. "Elder Han's disciples will be watching us closely."
Elder Ling nodded. "Elder Han will do everything in his power to discredit you both. You must be cautious."
Jin Li placed a hand on Xiang Chen's shoulder. "We need to gather more evidence—something that Elder Yuan cannot ignore. Elder Han's secret dealings must have left traces beyond that scroll. If we can find them, we can bring him down for good."
Xiang Chen's eyes lit up. "The archives. The hidden chamber we found before—it might contain more information. If we can access it again, we may find the evidence we need."
Elder Ling frowned. "The archives are heavily guarded now that Elder Han is aware of your activities. We must find another way in."
A Risky Plan
That night, Xiang Chen, Yuan Mei, and Jin Li gathered in a secluded cave within the forest to plan their next move. Xiang Chen knew that getting into the archives would be nearly impossible now that Elder Han had tightened security. But they had no choice—if they didn't act, Elder Han would use his power to sway the investigation in his favor.
"I've been thinking," Yuan Mei said. "We might not need to break into the archives again. We have someone who could help us—Lei Hong."
Xiang Chen was surprised. "Lei Hong? Why would he help us?"
Yuan Mei explained, "He approached me earlier today, offering his assistance. He's not loyal to Elder Han; he's only been pretending to be. If we can gain his trust, he could give us valuable information about Elder Han's movements."
Jin Li considered this. "It's a risk, but it might be our best shot. If Lei Hong is telling the truth, he could be a crucial ally."
Xiang Chen nodded. "Then we'll take the chance. We'll reach out to him."
An Unlikely Ally
The next day, Xiang Chen met with Lei Hong in a remote part of the sect grounds. Lei Hong's expression was cautious, but there was a flicker of determination in his eyes.
"Xiang Chen, I told you before—Elder Han's reach is vast. If you want to bring him down, you need more than just a few scrolls."
Xiang Chen nodded. "I know. That's why I'm here. You've been close to Elder Han's inner circle. If you're truly against him, you must have information that could help us."
Lei Hong hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I do. Elder Han has a hidden chamber in his personal quarters, where he keeps records of his dealings. If you can access that chamber, you'll find everything you need."
Xiang Chen's eyes widened. "His personal quarters? That's one of the most secure places in the sect."
Lei Hong nodded. "It is, but there's a way in. Elder Han has a habit of leaving the chamber unguarded during the midnight hour when he meditates. If you time it right, you can slip in unnoticed."
Xiang Chen considered the plan. It was dangerous, but it could provide the decisive evidence they needed. "All right. We'll do it."
Lei Hong's eyes were serious. "Just be careful. If you're caught, Elder Han will have the perfect excuse to eliminate you."
Xiang Chen nodded. "I understand."
Infiltration
That night, Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei prepared for the infiltration. They donned dark robes and concealed their spiritual presence, using talismans to mask their movements. The sect grounds were quiet as they made their way toward Elder Han's quarters.
Yuan Mei whispered, "Remember, we only have a short window. We need to move fast."
Xiang Chen's eyes were focused. "Let's go."
They slipped past the guards, using the shadows to their advantage. As they approached Elder Han's quarters, they sensed his powerful aura emanating from the meditation room. Xiang Chen nodded to Yuan Mei, and they crept toward the entrance of the hidden chamber.
The door was protected by spiritual seals, but Yuan Mei was prepared. She took out a talisman and pressed it against the seal, whispering an incantation. The seals flickered and faded, allowing them to enter.
Inside, the chamber was filled with scrolls, ledgers, and artifacts. Xiang Chen scanned the room quickly, searching for anything that could incriminate Elder Han.
"There," Yuan Mei whispered, pointing to a set of ledgers marked with Elder Han's personal seal.
Xiang Chen grabbed them, flipping through the pages. His eyes widened as he saw records of secret meetings, alliances with rogue cultivators, and transactions that violated sect laws. This was the evidence they needed.
Suddenly, a powerful aura surged through the room. Elder Han's voice echoed, filled with anger. "Did you really think you could sneak into my quarters unnoticed?"
Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei's eyes met in alarm. They had been caught.