Chereads / Ascendance of the Celestial Monarch / Chapter 27 - Chapter 27: Secrets in the Shadows

Chapter 27 - Chapter 27: Secrets in the Shadows

Returning to the sect after their mission in the mountains, Xiang Chen and his team were greeted with a somber atmosphere. Though they had succeeded in sabotaging the rogue cultivators' formation, the tension among the disciples and elders was palpable. News of the ongoing threat had spread, and the entire sect was on high alert.

Elder Yuan awaited them in the council chamber, flanked by Elder Ling and several other senior disciples. The atmosphere was heavy as Xiang Chen and his companions entered, bowing respectfully.

"Report," Elder Yuan commanded, his eyes sharp.

Xiang Chen recounted the events—the rogue cultivators' camp, the formation anchored by the dark pillar, and their subsequent ambush. As he spoke, Elder Yuan's expression grew graver. Elder Ling listened intently, her brow furrowing.

Elder Yuan nodded when Xiang Chen finished. "You've done well, all of you. But this confirms our fears. These rogues are not acting alone. Someone is orchestrating these attacks with precise intent."

Elder Ling added, "The question is why. What could they possibly gain by targeting our spiritual veins and destabilizing the sect?"

Yuan Mei spoke up. "It's possible they're weakening us to prepare for a larger assault. If they can drain our spiritual energy, it would leave us vulnerable to a direct attack."

Elder Yuan sighed. "We must prepare for the worst. Elder Ling, increase the patrols around the sect's borders and secure the spiritual veins. We cannot afford to let them succeed."

A Mysterious Visitor

As the meeting concluded, Xiang Chen was about to leave when a messenger rushed into the room, bowing hurriedly before Elder Yuan. "Sect Master, there is someone at the gates asking to speak with you. He claims to be an envoy from the Celestial Thunder Sect."

Elder Yuan's eyes narrowed. "The Celestial Thunder Sect? What could they want now?"

Elder Ling's expression was cautious. "Their sect has always been our rival. We should tread carefully."

Xiang Chen felt a surge of curiosity. The Celestial Thunder Sect was one of the most powerful sects in the region, known for their aggressive expansion and mastery of lightning-based cultivation techniques. They had been at odds with Xiang Chen's sect for generations, with tension flaring into open conflict on more than one occasion.

Elder Yuan turned to Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei. "You two will accompany me. If this is a trap, we must be prepared."

The Envoy's Warning

The trio made their way to the main gate, where a man clad in the signature blue and gold robes of the Celestial Thunder Sect awaited. He was tall and imposing, his eyes cold and calculating. Around his waist was a belt adorned with lightning motifs, and a powerful aura radiated from his body.

Elder Yuan greeted the man with a formal nod. "I am Elder Yuan of the Azure Sky Sect. State your business."

The envoy returned the gesture but did not bow. "I am Lei Feng, an emissary of the Celestial Thunder Sect. I come bearing a warning."

Xiang Chen and Yuan Mei exchanged a glance, their guard up.

Elder Yuan's expression remained neutral. "And what warning would your sect offer us?"

Lei Feng's eyes flickered with a mix of disdain and caution. "We have observed a growing disturbance in the spiritual energy around this region. Rogue cultivators are gathering in numbers not seen in decades, and it appears your sect is their target."

Yuan Mei frowned. "Why would you warn us? The Celestial Thunder Sect has never been an ally of ours."

Lei Feng's expression hardened. "Make no mistake, we are not allies. However, we cannot ignore the fact that these rogue cultivators threaten the stability of the entire region. If they succeed in weakening your sect, they may turn their sights on ours next."

Elder Yuan nodded slowly. "So, this is a matter of mutual interest. And what is it that your sect proposes?"

Lei Feng's tone was measured. "We suggest a temporary truce. Our scouts have tracked several rogue factions moving through the region. If we combine our forces, we may be able to crush their strongholds before they grow too powerful."

Xiang Chen watched Lei Feng closely, sensing there was more to this alliance than what was being said. "And what's in it for your sect?" he asked.

Lei Feng's eyes shifted toward Xiang Chen. "Simple. We want access to the spiritual resources we recover from these rogue cultivators. And any ancient relics or artifacts found during the campaign are ours to keep."

Elder Yuan's eyes narrowed. "That's a steep price."

Lei Feng smirked. "Consider it a small price for ensuring the survival of your sect. If you refuse, we will still act, but the full brunt of the rogue forces will fall upon you alone."

The Decision

Back in the council chamber, the discussion was tense. Elder Ling voiced her concerns. "The Celestial Thunder Sect cannot be trusted. If we agree to this alliance, they may use the opportunity to sabotage us from within."

Yuan Mei nodded. "They could be looking for a chance to weaken us further while we're focused on fighting the rogues."

Xiang Chen remained silent, contemplating the offer. The Celestial Thunder Sect's proposal was risky, but the threat from the rogue cultivators was real. If they continued to grow in strength, they could become an even greater danger.

Elder Yuan finally spoke. "We must weigh our options carefully. But we cannot ignore the fact that the Celestial Thunder Sect has resources and information we lack. If we go into this conflict blindly, we may not come out victorious."

He turned to Xiang Chen. "What do you think?"

Xiang Chen met Elder Yuan's gaze. "I believe we should proceed, but with caution. We need their help, but we should also be prepared for betrayal. If we accept their proposal, we must maintain vigilance at all times."

Elder Yuan nodded. "Very well. We will accept their alliance, but on our terms. We will send a contingent of our disciples to join forces with them, but we will keep the majority of our forces on alert here at the sect."

A New Mission

Xiang Chen, Yuan Mei, Lei Hong, and Jin Li were chosen to lead the group of disciples that would join the Celestial Thunder Sect's forces. The mission was clear: scout out the rogue cultivator strongholds and strike them before they could consolidate their power.

As they prepared to set off, Lei Hong approached Xiang Chen. "Do you really trust the Celestial Thunder Sect?"

Xiang Chen shook his head. "Not entirely, but right now, we need every advantage we can get. We'll work with them, but we'll keep our eyes open."

Yuan Mei added, "And if they try anything, we'll be ready."

Jin Li grinned. "Good. I've been itching for a fight."

With their preparations complete, the group set off, traveling under the banner of cooperation. The Celestial Thunder Sect's forces met them at a predetermined location in the mountains, where Lei Feng greeted them.

"Welcome," Lei Feng said, his tone polite but distant. "I trust your sect has decided to cooperate fully."

Xiang Chen nodded. "We are here to fight the rogue cultivators. Nothing more, nothing less."

Lei Feng's eyes flashed with amusement. "Good. Let's see if your sect lives up to its reputation."

As they moved deeper into the mountains, Xiang Chen felt the tension building. The alliance was fragile, and any misstep could shatter it. But for now, they had a common enemy, and he was determined to face the challenge head-on.