Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Feng Yuntian's chamber, but the warmth did little to ease his troubled thoughts. The battle from the previous day lingered in his mind like a shadow, and the weight of what lay ahead pressed on him. He stood by the window, gazing out at the courtyard below, where the disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect were already training. Their movements were precise, each one striving to perfect their swordsmanship. But Feng Yuntian knew that no amount of practice could prepare them for what was coming.
The cloaked figure had been an omen, a harbinger of greater danger. Whoever had sent that dark energy after him wasn't done. More enemies would come, and they would be stronger.
A knock on the door broke his concentration.
"Come in," Feng Yuntian said.
The door creaked open, and Li Xue entered, her face still showing traces of worry from the day before. "Senior Brother, the Sect Master wishes to see you. There's been news from the outer regions."
Feng Yuntian nodded, feeling the familiar sense of unease settle over him. "I'll be there shortly."
In the grand hall of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Sect Master Chen sat at the head of the table, his expression grave. Several elders were gathered around him, their faces tense as they discussed the latest reports.
Feng Yuntian entered the room quietly, acknowledging the elders with a respectful nod before taking a seat.
"We've received reports of strange movements in the surrounding regions," Sect Master Chen began, his voice calm but serious. "Several sects have been attacked in the past week—none as powerful as ours, but their defenses were breached without warning."
Elder Lin, a sharp-eyed woman with a reputation for being cautious, spoke up. "The timing of these attacks is suspicious. We suspect they may be connected to the figure you fought."
Feng Yuntian remained silent, listening as the elders debated. His own thoughts were racing. The cloaked figure's appearance wasn't a random event. It had been a deliberate attack, aimed at him specifically. And now it seemed that other sects were being drawn into the conflict.
"This cannot be a coincidence," Feng Yuntian finally said, his voice cutting through the discussion. "Whoever is behind this, they are targeting sects for a reason. And I fear it may be connected to the Skyshatter Codex."
The room fell silent as the elders exchanged uneasy glances. The Skyshatter Codex was a legendary technique, one that had been lost to time—until Feng Yuntian had rediscovered it. But its power came with a price. It made him a target.
"Then the question is, how do we prepare?" Elder Lin asked, her gaze sharp as she looked at Feng Yuntian. "If this is truly about the Skyshatter Codex, we must be ready for whatever comes next."
Feng Yuntian thought for a moment, his mind turning over the possibilities. His own cultivation was progressing, but it wasn't enough. He needed more strength, and he needed allies.
"We strengthen our defenses," Feng Yuntian said finally, "but we also need to be proactive. Whoever sent that figure won't stop. I'll need to leave the sect for a time to seek answers and cultivate further. Staying here will only draw more danger to us."
Sect Master Chen nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You speak wisely, Feng Yuntian. But know that leaving the sect will expose you to greater risks. You'll be alone."
"I understand," Feng Yuntian replied, his voice steady. "But it's a risk I must take. If I don't find out who's behind this, more lives will be in danger."
The elders exchanged murmurs of agreement, though there was still a sense of unease in the room. Leaving the sect was a dangerous move, but it was clear that remaining passive would invite further attacks.
"We will support your decision," Sect Master Chen said after a pause. "But be careful. The path you walk is filled with shadows."
Feng Yuntian stood, bowing respectfully to the elders. "Thank you. I will return stronger."
Later that day, Feng Yuntian prepared to leave the Heavenly Sword Sect. His belongings were minimal—a few necessities, his sword, and of course, the Skyshatter Codex. As he packed, Li Xue appeared at his door, her expression conflicted.
"You're really leaving, aren't you?" she asked quietly.
"I have to," Feng Yuntian replied, meeting her gaze. "Staying here will only put the sect in more danger. Whoever sent that figure won't stop until they get what they want."
Li Xue bit her lip, her hands fidgeting nervously. "But what if you don't come back? What if something happens out there?"
Feng Yuntian paused, understanding her fear. The world outside the sect was filled with dangers, and the enemies he faced now were far beyond the ordinary. But he couldn't afford to hesitate.
"I will come back," Feng Yuntian said firmly. "I don't plan on dying just yet."
Li Xue gave a small, hesitant smile, but the worry didn't fully leave her eyes. "Just... be careful, Senior Brother. We can't lose you."
Feng Yuntian nodded, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I will."
As he left the sect, the wind blew through the trees, carrying with it the scent of the distant mountains. Feng Yuntian's mind was focused, his heart set on the journey ahead. The battle with the cloaked figure had shown him the limits of his current power. Now, he needed to find the strength to surpass those limits.
His cultivation in the Early Foundation Establishment stage was formidable, but it wasn't enough. He needed to push forward, to break through to the Golden Core stage. Only then would he be able to face the enemies that were coming.
The road ahead was uncertain, but Feng Yuntian was no stranger to adversity. He had faced betrayal, death, and rebirth, and each time, he had risen stronger.
Now, as he set out on this new path, he vowed that he would rise again.