The journey back to the Heavenly Sword Sect was a quiet one. Though they had dispatched the assassins with relative ease, the encounter weighed heavily on Feng Yuntian's mind. His recent acquisition of the Skyshatter Codex had already drawn attention, and he knew that more enemies would soon follow.
As they neared the sect's outer gates, Li Xue glanced at him, concern flickering in her eyes. "You're thinking about what the assassin said, aren't you?"
Feng Yuntian nodded. "They were just the first. Whoever hired them will send stronger forces next. The Codex has made me a target."
"But you're not going to hide it, are you?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
He gave her a sidelong look, his expression calm but resolute. "No. To hide would be to invite more trouble. I'll face whatever comes head-on."
Li Xue smiled faintly. "Of course you will. I wouldn't expect anything less."
The gates of the Heavenly Sword Sect loomed ahead, and as they entered the sect grounds, they were greeted by a few familiar faces. It had been days since their departure for the Skyshatter Sect's hidden realm, and the sect elders were undoubtedly eager to hear of their success—or failure.
Inside the main hall, the sect elders were assembled, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. At the head of the hall sat Elder Yun, the senior elder and one of the most respected figures in the sect. His sharp gaze fell upon Feng Yuntian and Li Xue as they entered.
"You've returned," Elder Yun said, his voice calm but commanding. "Tell us, what did you find?"
Feng Yuntian stepped forward, his hand resting on the Skyshatter Codex tucked inside his robe. He had already decided that he wouldn't reveal the full extent of his discoveries—at least, not yet. Trust was a valuable commodity in the world of cultivation, and even within his sect, there were those who would seek to exploit his newfound power.
"We were successful," he said simply. "The Skyshatter Sect's legacy is real, and we have brought it back."
A murmur rippled through the assembled elders. Even Elder Yun's normally impassive face showed a flicker of surprise.
"The Skyshatter Sect's legacy?" one of the younger elders, Elder Han, asked, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Did you manage to claim it?"
Feng Yuntian met his gaze steadily. "Yes, I did. But the legacy is incomplete. There are still parts of it hidden within the sect's ruins." A partial truth, but one that would serve his purposes for now.
Elder Yun leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "The Skyshatter Codex... you have it, don't you?"
Feng Yuntian didn't answer immediately. He knew the elder wasn't asking out of mere curiosity. The Skyshatter Codex was a legendary artifact, and its power could shift the balance within the sect, potentially making its holder the most powerful cultivator among them.
After a moment, Feng Yuntian nodded. "I have the Codex. But it is dangerous and not something to be taken lightly. There are forces outside the sect that already know of its existence. We were attacked on our way back by assassins from the Bloodshadow Sect."
At this revelation, the room fell into a tense silence.
Elder Yun's expression darkened. "The Bloodshadow Sect is no small threat. If they know about the Codex, then others surely do as well."
Another elder, Elder Qian, spoke up, his voice sharp. "This could bring disaster upon us. The sect cannot afford to become embroiled in a conflict over the Skyshatter legacy."
Feng Yuntian remained calm, though inwardly, he knew this would be the reaction. The Heavenly Sword Sect had always valued caution, avoiding unnecessary conflict with rival sects and dangerous enemies. But he had no intention of relinquishing the Codex, nor would he allow the sect to control his actions.
"I understand the risks," he said, his tone measured. "But I am prepared to face them. The Skyshatter Codex is in my hands, and I will take responsibility for its protection."
The room grew still, the elders exchanging glances. Elder Yun was silent for a long time, his eyes never leaving Feng Yuntian.
Finally, the senior elder spoke. "Very well. The Codex is yours to keep, but know this: the sect will not be dragged into any conflict that arises because of it. If you wish to claim its power, you will do so on your own terms."
Feng Yuntian inclined his head. "I understand."
With that, the meeting came to a close, and Feng Yuntian left the hall with Li Xue by his side.
As they walked through the sect grounds, Li Xue spoke softly. "You know they're afraid, don't you? The elders. They think the Codex will bring more trouble than it's worth."
Feng Yuntian smiled slightly. "Fear and caution often go hand in hand. But they aren't wrong. The Codex is both a blessing and a curse."
"So what will you do now?"
He looked up at the sky, the clouds swirling above as if in response to the turmoil within his own heart. "I'll begin by mastering the Codex. Once I've done that, I'll decide what comes next."
Li Xue fell silent, her thoughts turning to the future. She had seen Feng Yuntian's growth since the day he entered the sect, and she knew he was destined for greatness. But greatness often came with a heavy cost.
That night, in the quiet of his chambers, Feng Yuntian sat cross-legged on the floor, the Skyshatter Codex before him. He had only begun to scratch the surface of its power, and already he could feel its immense potential.
As he opened the Codex, a soft glow illuminated the room, and the ancient script within seemed to come alive. He could feel the energy within the words, a pulse of power that resonated with his own cultivation.
Slowly, he began to read, his mind delving deeper into the Codex's teachings. The Skyshatter Sect's techniques were unlike anything he had encountered before, and even with his past knowledge as Xuan Jiutian, they were difficult to comprehend fully. But Feng Yuntian was nothing if not determined.
Hours passed as he immersed himself in the Codex, his mind racing to absorb the profound knowledge it contained. Each passage revealed new layers of cultivation techniques, from the manipulation of spiritual energy to the control of the very elements themselves.
By the time dawn broke, Feng Yuntian's eyes were alight with understanding. He had unlocked the first secret of the Codex—a powerful technique known as the "Heavenly Descent." With it, he could harness the power of the heavens themselves, drawing upon the energy of the stars and sky to strengthen his attacks.
But this was only the beginning. The Skyshatter Codex held far more secrets, and Feng Yuntian was determined to master them all.
As he closed the Codex and stood, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. His cultivation had advanced, and though he was still far from his ultimate goal, he was one step closer.
He looked out the window at the rising sun, a new resolve burning within him.
Far away, in the shadowy depths of a forgotten temple, a figure sat in meditation. His eyes snapped open, and a cold smile crossed his lips.
"So, the boy has begun to master the Skyshatter Codex. Interesting."
The figure rose, his robes billowing around him as he stepped into the light. His face was obscured, but his aura was unmistakable—a power that rivaled even the greatest of sect leaders.
"Let him grow stronger. It will make his fall all the more satisfying."
With a wave of his hand, the figure disappeared into the darkness, leaving only the echo of his laughter behind.