Chapter 15: A Brewing Storm
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The aftermath of the altar's trial left the group shaken but triumphant. The mist was gone, and Xu Tian, now imbued with the Obsidian Insight, felt a strange new energy coursing through his body. The Shadow Veil Technique, an ability granted by the system reward, lingered at the edges of his mind, waiting to be tested.
"So," Xu Tian began, stretching lazily, "we're alive, the creepy mist is gone, and I've got new powers. Can we officially call this a win and head back to the sect for a celebratory feast?"
Guo Fan chuckled nervously. "You're scarily upbeat about this. That spirit could've easily killed us."
"I'm not scared of ghosts," Xu Tian said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Now, unpaid debts and angry creditors? That's a different story."
Luo Ying ignored his banter, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "The disappearance of the mist is bound to attract attention. We need to report this to the sect leaders before anyone else investigates."
"Right," Xu Tian muttered. "Because sharing our hard-earned discoveries with old geezers who'll take all the credit sounds so rewarding."
[(Host's rebellious tendencies noted. System recommends cooperation for strategic benefits.)]
"Strategic benefits?" Xu Tian whispered. "Like being sent on more death traps?"
Luo Ying raised an eyebrow at his muttering. "Talking to yourself?"
"Just rehearsing my speech for when we get back," he replied with a grin.
As they traveled, Xu Tian lagged behind, curiosity getting the better of him. The Shadow Veil Technique intrigued him. It felt like a dormant muscle waiting to flex.
"Let's see what this thing can do," he muttered, activating the technique.
Dark energy rippled around him, cloaking his body in shadows. His form became semi-transparent, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. He experimented by moving through the trees, his footsteps silent and his presence nearly undetectable.
[(Shadow Veil activated. Host's visibility reduced by 90%. Energy consumption: Moderate.)]
"This is incredible," Xu Tian whispered, a grin spreading across his face.
Guo Fan, walking nearby, suddenly shivered. "Why do I feel like we're being watched?"
Xu Tian reappeared behind him, leaning close to his ear. "Boo."
Guo Fan yelped, stumbling forward and clutching his chest. "What the hell?! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!"
Xu Tian doubled over with laughter. "You should've seen your face! Priceless!"
Luo Ying turned, her sharp gaze piercing through him. "Stop wasting energy on pranks. That technique is valuable—use it wisely."
"Buzzkill," Xu Tian muttered, but he couldn't hide the gleam of excitement in his eyes.
As they approached the sect gates, something felt... off. The usually bustling entrance was eerily quiet, the air thick with tension. Disciples whispered in hushed tones, their expressions grim.
"What's going on?" Guo Fan asked a nearby junior disciple.
The boy's face was pale. "An envoy from the Iron Shadow Sect arrived earlier. They're demanding compensation for the destruction of their property."
"Compensation?" Xu Tian frowned. "What property?"
"Their outpost near the Misty Grove," the boy explained. "They claim it was wiped out by our sect's actions."
Luo Ying's eyes narrowed. "We need to speak with the elders immediately."
Xu Tian sighed. "Of course. Can't have one peaceful day, can we?"
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The Elder's Council
Inside the sect's grand hall, the atmosphere was even more oppressive. The elders sat in a semicircle, their expressions stern. Across from them stood two Iron Shadow Sect envoys, their black robes adorned with silver accents.
"We demand reparation," one envoy declared, his voice cold. "The Misty Grove was under our sect's protection. Its destruction is an act of aggression."
Elder Feng, the head of Xu Tian's sect, replied calmly, "The Misty Grove was shrouded in unnatural mist that endangered all who ventured near. We merely sought to protect our disciples."
"Convenient excuse," the envoy sneered. "The fact remains: your actions destroyed our base. If you will not compensate us, then prepare for war."
Xu Tian, standing at the back of the hall with Luo Ying, whispered, "These guys are really leaning into the whole 'villainous sect' aesthetic, aren't they?"
"Quiet," Luo Ying hissed.
Elder Feng's gaze swept over the disciples. "Xu Tian, Luo Ying, step forward."
Xu Tian blinked. "Why do I feel like I'm about to be volunteered for something unpleasant?"
The envoys scrutinized Xu Tian and Luo Ying as they approached. "These are the ones who ventured into the Misty Grove?"
"Yes," Elder Feng confirmed. "They can testify to the events."
Xu Tian cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah, about that... The Misty Grove was a death trap. There was an ancient altar spewing creepy mist and a ghost that nearly killed us. So, if your base got destroyed, maybe blame the ghost?"
The envoy's eyes narrowed. "An altar, you say? How convenient. Perhaps you simply sought to claim its treasures for yourselves."
Xu Tian raised his hands defensively. "Hey, if you want to deal with homicidal ghosts, be my guest. I'm not stopping you."
[(Host demonstrates impressive deflection tactics. Success rate: Moderate.)]
Luo Ying stepped in, her voice steady. "The altar's activation was unavoidable. Its collapse was a side effect of dispelling the mist. We had no intention of interfering with your sect's affairs."
The tension in the room was palpable. Finally, the envoy said, "We will report this to our sect leader. Do not think this matter is resolved."
With that, the envoys turned and left, their robes billowing dramatically behind them.
As the doors closed, Elder Feng sighed heavily. "This situation could escalate quickly. Xu Tian, Luo Ying, I need you to prepare for a potential counterattack. Strengthen your cultivation and be ready to defend the sect."
Xu Tian groaned. "Why is it always us?"
"Because," Elder Feng said with a rare smile, "you have a knack for surviving impossible situations."
[(Host's complaints ignored. Task: Prepare for potential sect conflict. Reward pending.)]
"Great," Xu Tian muttered. "More work. Just what I needed."
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To Be Continued...
With tensions rising between sects and the threat of war looming, Xu Tian must navigate the challenges ahead while mastering his newfound abilities. Can he rise to the occasion, or will his luck finally run out?
Stay tuned for the next chapter in Xu Tian's unpredictable journey!