Chereads / Embers of the Celestial Flame / Chapter 17 - The Reckoning Begins

Chapter 17 - The Reckoning Begins

The tension within the sect had reached a boiling point. Every corner seemed filled with whispers, every glance a potential sign of treachery. Zhao could feel the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him as he prepared to confront Feng Wei. It was time to gather their allies and reveal the truth of Feng Wei's betrayal to the elders and, if necessary, to the entire sect.

Zhao and Mei Lin spent the morning rallying their core group of loyal disciples. Lin Yu, Jing Hao, and a handful of others gathered in a hidden clearing just outside the main hall. Their faces were grim but resolute, and Zhao could see the fire of determination in their eyes.

"Tonight, we make our stand," Zhao said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "Feng Wei has betrayed our sect, allying himself with Liang Shen. We have to expose him, but we must be careful. His influence runs deep, and not everyone will believe us without proof."

Jing Hao nodded, her expression tense. "If he's as entrenched as we suspect, this confrontation could split the sect. Are we prepared for that?"

Zhao met her gaze, then glanced at each of his friends. "This is our home, and I won't let it fall into the hands of those who seek only power. Tonight, we protect the flame and our legacy, no matter the cost."

As dusk settled over the sect, Zhao's group moved with purpose, each step filled with the weight of what lay ahead. They made their way to the central hall, where the elders and key disciples had gathered for the evening council. Zhao felt Mei Lin's steady presence by his side, her strength and loyalty fortifying his resolve.

Entering the hall, Zhao felt every eye turn toward him. Feng Wei stood near the elders, his face a mask of innocence and composure. Zhao knew that he had to act quickly before Feng Wei could sway the council.

"Elders, I have urgent news," Zhao began, his voice strong and unwavering. "There is a traitor within our sect—someone who seeks to ally with our enemies and seize control of the Celestial Flame for their own gain."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, but Zhao didn't falter. He held up the evidence Mei Lin had gathered—coded messages, reports of meetings, and the testimony of disciples who had witnessed Feng Wei's suspicious actions. "Feng Wei has been in contact with Liang Shen, plotting against us from within."

Feng Wei's eyes narrowed, his calm demeanor slipping. "These are baseless accusations," he sneered, his voice cold. "You are merely trying to distract the sect with lies, Zhao, because you fear the responsibility that the flame requires."

One of the elders, Elder Qian, looked between Zhao and Feng Wei, his expression skeptical. "Zhao, these are serious claims. Do you have irrefutable proof?"

Zhao took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their expectations. "I have more than just words," he replied. "We have eyewitness accounts, and we intercepted messages between Feng Wei and Liang Shen's forces. The rogue cultivators who attacked us recently were part of this plan."

At that moment, Ren stepped forward from the shadows, surprising Zhao. "I can confirm Zhao's claims," Ren said, his voice calm but firm. "I infiltrated the sect under orders from Liang Shen, but I have since realized that his plans are far more sinister than I thought. Feng Wei has been working with him, preparing to betray us all."

Feng Wei's composure shattered as Ren spoke, and Zhao saw fear flicker in his eyes. The hall erupted into chaos, with disciples voicing their shock and anger, while the elders struggled to maintain control. 

Elder Qian raised his hand, his voice booming. "Enough! Zhao, we will investigate this further, but if your claims hold true, Feng Wei will be held accountable."

Seeing his plans unraveling, Feng Wei lashed out, summoning his Qi and launching an attack at Zhao. Zhao barely had time to react, summoning the Celestial Flame to shield himself. The two clashed, their powers lighting up the hall in a dazzling display. Zhao could feel the flame's power surging within him, responding to his determination and focus. He countered Feng Wei's attacks with precision, pushing him back with each strike.

In a final burst of energy, Zhao overpowered Feng Wei, sending him crashing to the ground. Defeated and humiliated, Feng Wei glared up at Zhao, his face twisted with anger and shame.

The elders moved quickly, ordering Feng Wei to be taken into custody. As he was led away, Zhao felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion wash over him. The immediate threat had been quelled, but he knew this was only the beginning. Liang Shen was still out there, and the battle for the flame's legacy was far from over.