After returning to the Azure Sky Sect, Zhao Tian and Liu Qingyun were summoned to the sect master's private chambers. The weight of the glowing orb in the chest seemed to grow heavier as they carried it, each step echoing ominously in the silent halls.
The chamber doors opened, revealing Elder Yun Feng seated at a low wooden table, flanked by two other elders. Their stern expressions hinted at the gravity of the situation.
Scene 1: Reporting the Mission
Zhao Tian and Liu Qingyun bowed deeply. "Sect master, the mission was successful, but we encountered unexpected resistance," Liu Qingyun began.
Zhao Tian stepped forward, placing the chest on the table. "This was what the traitors and the bandits were after."
Elder Yun Feng's eyes narrowed as the lid was opened, revealing the pulsating orb. His usually calm demeanor flickered for a moment.
"Do you know what this is, sect master?" Liu Qingyun asked, her tone careful.
Elder Yun Feng didn't answer immediately. Instead, he waved his hand, creating a barrier of spiritual energy around the chamber. "What I'm about to tell you must not leave this room," he said, his voice grave.
The elders exchanged glances but said nothing.
Scene 2: The Orb's Origin
"This orb," Elder Yun Feng began, "is a relic from the ancient era of cultivation. It contains a fragment of a divine spirit's essence. Whoever absorbs it can potentially ascend to a realm beyond mortal cultivation."
Zhao Tian's eyes widened. "Then why was it being transported so carelessly?"
"Carelessly?" one of the elders barked. "Do you realize the risks of even possessing this? If other sects knew we had it, they would declare war on us immediately."
Elder Yun Feng raised a hand to silence the elder. "We had to move it discreetly. But clearly, our precautions were not enough. Someone within the sect betrayed us."
Liu Qingyun frowned. "The lead disciple we captured hinted that the sect had its own secrets. Could he be referring to this?"
Elder Yun Feng's gaze hardened. "The less you know, the safer you'll be. You've done well to protect it, but this relic is far beyond your concern."
Scene 3: Zhao Tian's Suspicion
Later that evening, Zhao Tian couldn't shake his unease. He sat in his room, the system's voice echoing in his mind.
Host has encountered a high-level artifact. Analysis indicates potential synergy with Host's technological enhancements.
"You mean the orb?" Zhao Tian asked aloud.
Affirmative. Incorporating its energy into Host's arsenal could exponentially increase power output. However, risks include corruption and spiritual instability.
Zhao Tian frowned. Was that why Elder Yun Feng didn't want to discuss it? Could it be dangerous even to the sect?
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Scene 4: A Midnight Visitor
Liu Qingyun entered, her expression serious. "We need to talk."
Zhao Tian gestured for her to sit. "Let me guess—this is about the orb."
She nodded. "I don't trust the sect elders. They're hiding something bigger. The lead disciple may have been a traitor, but his words weren't entirely baseless."
Zhao Tian leaned back, considering her words. "If the orb is as powerful as the sect master says, it makes sense they'd keep it a secret. But what if it's more than just a power source? What if it's a weapon?"
Liu Qingyun's hand instinctively went to her sword. "If that's true, then the sect is playing with fire."
"We need answers," Zhao Tian said. "And I don't think we'll get them by asking nicely."
Scene 5: Sneaking into the Forbidden Library
The Azure Sky Sect's Forbidden Library was located deep within the sect's grounds, guarded by powerful formations. It was said to contain ancient texts and forbidden knowledge, including records of relics like the orb.
Zhao Tian and Liu Qingyun approached the entrance under the cover of night. Zhao Tian examined the formation barrier, his eyes narrowing.
"This thing is a work of art," he muttered. "Good thing I brought my disruptor."
He pulled out a small device, its surface covered in glowing runes. Placing it against the formation, he activated it, causing the barrier to flicker and dissipate momentarily.
"Impressive," Liu Qingyun said, stepping inside.
The library was vast, its shelves towering over them and filled with scrolls and ancient tomes. Zhao Tian's system scanned the room, highlighting several texts of interest.
"This one mentions divine relics," Zhao Tian said, pulling out a dusty scroll.
Scene 6: The Truth About the Orb
As they read through the scroll, a chilling truth emerged. The orb wasn't just a fragment of a divine spirit—it was a remnant of a corrupted deity who had fallen from grace. While it could grant immense power, it also carried the risk of madness and destruction.
"This isn't just dangerous," Liu Qingyun said, her voice low. "It's a ticking time bomb."
"And the sect knows," Zhao Tian added, his anger rising. "They're keeping it, hoping to use it as a trump card, even if it puts everyone at risk."
A sudden noise made them both freeze. Footsteps echoed through the library, and a figure appeared at the entrance.
"Did you really think you could sneak in here unnoticed?" Wang Lei's voice was dripping with malice.
Scene 7: A New Rivalry
Wang Lei stepped forward, flanked by two other disciples. His smug expression was tinged with fury.
"You humiliated me, Zhao Tian," he said, his aura flaring. "Now you're sneaking around like a rat. What are you planning to do with this information?"
"None of your business," Zhao Tian replied, stepping in front of Liu Qingyun.
"Oh, it's very much my business," Wang Lei said, drawing his sword. "Hand over the scroll, or I'll take it from your corpse."
"You can try," Zhao Tian said, activating his shield generator.
The chamber erupted into chaos as Wang Lei charged, his spiritual energy clashing with Zhao Tian's enhanced gadgets.
Ending Note for Chapter 7
The chapter ends with Zhao Tian and Liu Qingyun locked in battle with Wang Lei and his allies, the Forbidden Library's shelves shaking from the intensity of their clash. As the fight rages on, Zhao Tian realizes that exposing the truth about the orb might cost him more than he ever expected.