Li Feng paced in his quarters, his mind spinning with everything he had learned. The Black Lotus Syndicate's interest in celestial artifacts wasn't just a threat to him alone—it meant imminent danger for his entire clan. Worse yet, if the Zhou Clan got wind of the Syndicate's true target, they might blame the Li Clan for luring such a powerful shadow organization to their doorstep. He needed allies, and he needed them fast.
The System chimed, alerting him to a new opportunity.
[New Quest Available: Forge Unlikely Alliances]
[Task: Seek out an ally within the clan who possesses knowledge of celestial artifacts or the Black Lotus Syndicate's activities. Gain their trust.]
[Reward: +5 Intelligence Points, Special Item: Celestial Elixir (Boosts energy temporarily)]
Li Feng pondered this. Few in the Li Clan were as interested in celestial artifacts as he was—at least, not openly. But there was one person who came to mind: Li Mei, his cousin. Known for her quiet demeanor and reclusive nature, she was one of the clan's most learned scholars. Rumor had it that she had studied ancient tomes on celestial energy, artifacts, and even forbidden techniques.
With his decision made, he left his quarters and headed toward Li Mei's study.
---
Li Mei's study was in a secluded wing of the Li estate, away from the bustling training grounds and noisy main halls. When he reached her door, he knocked lightly. After a moment, her soft voice called out, "Come in."
Li Feng pushed the door open to find Li Mei surrounded by scrolls and books, some of which looked older than the Li Clan itself. She glanced up from her reading, her gaze sharp and discerning.
"Li Feng," she greeted, a hint of curiosity in her tone. "It's unusual for you to visit me here. Is something wrong?"
He took a breath, realizing that honesty might be his best approach. "I need your help, Mei. It's about… celestial artifacts."
Her expression shifted subtly, interest sparking in her eyes. "Artifacts, you say? And here I thought you only cared about your sword skills."
Li Feng smiled wryly. "A lot has changed. Let's just say I've found myself in a situation that demands a bit more… scholarly insight."
Li Mei's gaze didn't waver. She studied him for a moment, then gestured for him to sit. "All right. Tell me what you're looking for."
He took a seat across from her, lowering his voice. "Have you heard of the Black Lotus Syndicate?"
Her eyes widened, and she leaned in closer, lowering her own voice. "The Syndicate? They're dangerous, Feng. What are you getting yourself into?"
"They're here in the region," he said, keeping his tone steady. "They're watching our clan and the Zhou Clan. And they're searching for celestial artifacts."
Li Mei frowned, concern crossing her face. "If that's true, then we're in greater danger than you realize. The Syndicate has been after celestial artifacts for years, but they're not just seeking power. There are rumors that they're looking to perform a ritual that could alter the balance of energy in the entire region."
Li Feng's brows knitted. "A ritual?"
She nodded, turning to one of the open books on her desk and flipping through its pages. She stopped on a page with a faded illustration of a circle surrounded by arcane symbols. "They believe that by gathering enough celestial energy, they can invoke something called the 'Eclipse Ascension.' It's a forbidden ritual that would grant them immense power, but it could drain the life force of anyone within its range."
The enormity of the threat sank in, and Li Feng clenched his fists. The Syndicate's ambitions were far beyond anything he had anticipated.
Li Mei continued, "There are only a handful of celestial artifacts left that can fuel such a ritual, and most are lost to history. But if they're targeting our clan, they must think we have one of them."
Li Feng hesitated, but he knew he had to trust her. "They're looking for the Celestial Jade Amulet," he admitted. "I… came across it recently. But it's with me now, and I've taken steps to conceal its energy."
Her eyes widened further. "You have the amulet?" She quickly composed herself, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "Li Feng, that amulet is one of the most potent celestial artifacts in existence. If the Syndicate discovers you have it, they'll stop at nothing to take it."
"That's why I need your help," he said urgently. "You know more about these artifacts and their history than anyone else in the clan. If there's a way to protect it—or if you know of any weaknesses the Syndicate has—I need to know."
Li Mei sat back, clearly deep in thought. After a pause, she spoke. "There's a counter-ritual. It's called the 'Celestial Severance.' If performed correctly, it could drain the Syndicate of any celestial energy they've gathered, rendering their ritual useless. But it requires a sacrifice—a large amount of spiritual energy from the person performing it."
Li Feng considered this. The Celestial Severance sounded like his best option, but he didn't relish the thought of draining his own energy and risking his cultivation progress. Still, it was a possible solution.
"Do you know how to perform it?" he asked.
Li Mei nodded. "I've studied the theory behind it. But I've never attempted anything like it. We'd need to practice, and it's dangerous."
Li Feng's System chimed softly, as if encouraging him.
[New Quest Available: Prepare for the Severance]
[Task: Practice the Celestial Severance with Li Mei. Familiarize yourself with the technique and understand its risks.]
[Reward: +15 Spiritual Energy Points, Skill Unlock: Energy Channeling (Increases energy manipulation control)]
He took a deep breath, glancing at Li Mei with determination. "I'll do it. I'll learn the Celestial Severance. If it's the only way to protect the clan from the Syndicate, I have no choice."
Li Mei regarded him with a mixture of pride and apprehension. "All right, Li Feng. But if we're going to do this, we have to be prepared for the risks. The Celestial Severance isn't just a technique; it's a gamble with your own life force."
"Then let's start right away," he replied resolutely.
---
They spent the next several hours in her study, surrounded by ancient scrolls and symbols as Li Mei guided him through the basics of the Celestial Severance. The technique was intricate, involving precise control over one's spiritual energy to sever the connection between celestial energy and the caster.
As they practiced, Li Feng felt the strain on his energy reserves. The ritual's power was immense, and even attempting the first stages drained him.
Li Mei observed his struggles with a critical eye. "You're doing well, but be careful. Overexertion could leave you vulnerable."
Li Feng gritted his teeth, his energy reserves dipping lower with each attempt. But he pushed forward, determined to master the ritual. The System's guidance helped him refine his energy control, and the skill "Energy Channeling" unlocked in his mind, giving him a new level of precision over his spiritual flow.
Finally, after hours of practice, he managed to complete the first stage without faltering. The satisfaction was immense, but so was the exhaustion.
Li Mei handed him a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid. "Drink this. It's a Celestial Elixir—it'll restore your energy."
He downed the elixir, feeling a rush of warmth spread through him as his energy replenished. The System chimed with its approval.
[Congratulations! You have completed "Prepare for the Severance."]
[Reward: +15 Spiritual Energy Points, Skill Unlocked: Energy Channeling (Increases energy manipulation control)]
Li Feng looked up at Li Mei, gratitude in his gaze. "Thank you, Mei. I wouldn't have made it this far without your guidance."
She gave a rare smile. "Just remember, Feng, this ritual could be your last resort. If the Syndicate finds out what we're planning, they'll be more dangerous than ever."
Li Feng nodded, his resolve hardening. The Celestial Severance was a powerful weapon, but he knew he had to be careful in wielding it. The Syndicate was a looming threat, and if he wanted to protect the clan, he would need every ounce of cunning and strength.