The Grand Hall was filled with an air of tension as the assembly progressed. Elder Yuan presented the evidence, reading from the ledgers that Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei had risked their lives to obtain. The room was filled with murmurs as the disciples and elders absorbed the details—records of clandestine meetings, secret exchanges of resources, and alliances with rogue cultivators.
Elder Han's face remained impassive, but his eyes held a dangerous glint. "These accusations are nothing more than an elaborate attempt to slander my name," he said, his voice resonating through the hall. "I have served the sect faithfully, and I demand that these falsehoods be dismissed."
Elder Yuan's gaze was stern. "The ledgers bear your seal, and several witnesses have come forward. We will not dismiss such serious charges without a thorough investigation."
Elder Ling stood beside Elder Yuan, her voice calm but firm. "We have also received testimony from those who have seen the rogue cultivators you've consorted with. This evidence is more than enough to warrant action."
The elders and disciples whispered among themselves. The atmosphere was heavy, and Xiang Chen could sense that Elder Han's influence, though formidable, was weakening. But as the assembly continued, he felt a sudden shift in the spiritual energy around him.
His eyes darted around the room. Something was off.
The Attack Begins
Just as Elder Yuan prepared to speak again, a loud explosion rocked the Grand Hall, sending shockwaves through the room. Spiritual energy surged as the walls trembled, and panic erupted among the disciples. From the smoke and debris, figures clad in black robes emerged—rogue cultivators, their eyes filled with malice.
Elder Han's loyal disciples sprang into action, blocking the exits as the rogues began their assault. It was clear they were working together. Xiang Chen's suspicions were confirmed—Elder Han had orchestrated the chaos to silence his opponents.
"Protect the Sect Master!" shouted Elder Ling, drawing her sword. Several loyal disciples formed a defensive formation around Elder Yuan, but the rogue cultivators pressed their attack, launching spiritual techniques that lit up the hall with flashes of energy.
Xiang Chen's eyes narrowed. He drew his sword, activating his movement technique, and leapt into the fray. Yuan Mei followed, casting defensive talismans to shield the disciples who were caught off guard. Jin Li and Lei Hong joined them, cutting through the rogue cultivators with swift strikes.
Amid the chaos, Elder Han moved, his aura flaring as he engaged Elder Yuan. Their clash sent ripples of power through the hall, shaking the very foundations of the building.
The Duel
Elder Yuan's expression was filled with disappointment as he faced Elder Han. "You have betrayed the sect for your own ambition."
Elder Han sneered. "The sect was mine to rule! You and your naive ideals have held us back for too long."
Their swords clashed, and spiritual energy crackled around them. Elder Yuan's attacks were precise and controlled, while Elder Han fought with a wild fury, his moves filled with aggression. The disciples watched in awe as the two powerful elders exchanged blows, their battle lighting up the hall.
Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei continued fighting off the rogue cultivators, but their numbers were overwhelming. Despite their efforts, the disciples defending Elder Yuan were struggling to hold their ground.
"We need to turn the tide!" Yuan Mei shouted as she unleashed a burst of energy, knocking back a group of attackers.
Xiang Chen nodded. "We need to take down the leaders of these rogues. If we can disrupt their formation, we can weaken their assault."
A Turning Point
Xiang Chen spotted the leader of the rogue cultivators—an imposing figure with a scar across his face, channeling a dark aura. "That's him," he muttered. "If we take him down, the others might scatter."
Yuan Mei agreed. "I'll cover you. Go!"
With a burst of speed, Xiang Chen launched himself toward the rogue leader. The man saw him coming and smirked, gathering dark energy into his palms. "You think you can stop me, boy?"
Xiang Chen's eyes burned with determination. "Watch me."
Their clash was intense, spiritual energy colliding in an explosion of force. The rogue leader's attacks were powerful, but Xiang Chen's cultivation had advanced, and his control over his energy was precise. He parried each blow, waiting for the right moment.
As the rogue cultivator prepared a devastating strike, Xiang Chen's eyes flashed. "Heaven-Splitting Slash!"
His sword glowed with a brilliant light as he unleashed his technique, slicing through the dark energy and striking the rogue leader directly. The man's eyes widened in shock as he was sent crashing into the wall, his aura flickering and fading.
The rogue cultivators hesitated, their leader's defeat shaking their resolve. Seizing the moment, Yuan Mei and the other disciples launched a counterattack, pushing back their enemies.
Elder Han's Desperation
Meanwhile, Elder Han was struggling against Elder Yuan. The Sect Master's superior skills and cultivation level were beginning to show. Elder Han's aura flickered as he took another blow, his expression twisted in rage.
"This is not over!" Elder Han roared. He unleashed a powerful technique, sending waves of dark energy spiraling toward Elder Yuan. The energy ripped through the hall, causing more destruction and forcing the disciples to scatter.
Elder Yuan held firm, his spiritual energy forming a barrier that absorbed the attack. "Elder Han, your ambition has blinded you. This is the end."
But as Elder Yuan prepared to strike the final blow, Elder Han smirked. "Not if I take them all with me!"
He pulled out a dark talisman, and the energy within the hall began to shift violently. Xiang Chen's eyes widened as he realized what was happening.
"He's going to use a forbidden technique!" Xiang Chen shouted.
The Critical Moment
Elder Han activated the talisman, and a vortex of dark energy formed at the center of the hall. The rogue cultivators retreated, and the disciples screamed as they felt their spiritual energy being pulled toward the vortex.
Elder Yuan's expression was grim. "Everyone, fall back! That energy will consume anything in its path!"
Xiang Chen's mind raced. If the vortex was not stopped, it could destroy the entire hall—and everyone inside. He exchanged a quick glance with Yuan Mei. "We need to disrupt the talisman's energy flow."
Yuan Mei nodded. "I'll cover you. Be quick!"
Xiang Chen channeled his spiritual energy, moving swiftly toward Elder Han. The elder was focused on controlling the vortex, his face twisted with concentration. Yuan Mei unleashed a series of talismans, creating a barrier that protected Xiang Chen from the vortex's pull as he advanced.
With precise movements, Xiang Chen reached Elder Han and struck at the talisman. His sword met resistance, but he pushed through, channeling his energy into the strike. "Break!"
The talisman shattered, and the vortex collapsed, its energy dispersing in a shockwave that sent Elder Han flying. The hall fell silent as the rogue cultivators fled, their morale shattered.
The Aftermath
Elder Han lay on the ground, his aura weak. The elders and disciples surrounded him, their expressions a mix of anger and disappointment. Elder Yuan stepped forward, his voice filled with authority. "Elder Han, you have betrayed the sect and endangered the lives of your fellow disciples. You will be judged for your crimes."
Elder Han glared at Xiang Chen, his eyes filled with hatred. "This isn't over, Xiang Chen. One day, I'll have my revenge."
Xiang Chen's expression remained cold. "We'll be ready."
The elders led Elder Han away, and the disciples began to clean up the aftermath of the battle. The sect had survived, but Xiang Chen knew that the road ahead would be difficult. Trust had to be rebuilt, and the scars of the conflict would take time to heal.
Elder Yuan placed a hand on Xiang Chen's shoulder. "You have done well, Xiang Chen. Today, you proved your loyalty and courage. The sect is in your debt."
Xiang Chen bowed. "It was my duty, Sect Master."
As the morning sun rose over the sect, Xiang Chen felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path of cultivation was filled with trials, but he was determined to walk it to the end, no matter what challenges lay ahead.