Chapter 18: Shadows in the Sect
The Immortal Sect basked in the pale glow of the moonlight as Xu Tian returned to his modest quarters. The Spirit Jade Crystal trial had left him weary but victorious, his mind brimming with reflections on the day's events. Yet, rest would not come easily; the path of cultivation was a relentless one.
As he sat cross-legged on his rickety bed, he retrieved the Forbidden Scripture. Its tattered pages pulsed faintly, as if responding to his thoughts. Xu Tian closed his eyes, allowing the newfound qi in his dantian to circulate according to the scripture's obscure patterns. The sensation was intoxicating—powerful, yet controlled, like a torrent contained within a narrow channel.
But his meditation was interrupted by a faint knock at the door.
Xu Tian opened his eyes, his body tense. Visitors at this hour were rare, and he wasn't one to take chances. Rising silently, he approached the door and opened it a crack.
It was Zhao Feng, his ever-present grin replaced with a more serious expression. "Mind if I come in?"
Xu Tian hesitated, then nodded. "What's the matter?"
Zhao Feng stepped inside, his hammer slung over his shoulder. "Just came to warn you. Some of the other disciples aren't too happy with how you handled yourself during the trial."
Xu Tian raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Let's just say that snatching a crystal while leaving others to fend off a Crimson-Eyed Serpent doesn't win you many friends." Zhao Feng chuckled, though there was a hint of concern in his tone. "Lan Yue's fine with it—she respects strength—but others? Not so much."
Xu Tian sighed. "I didn't ask for their approval."
"I figured you'd say that," Zhao Feng said, leaning against the wall. "But watch your back. Jealousy runs deep in this sect, especially among those who can't stand seeing someone rise from the bottom."
---
The next morning, Xu Tian was summoned to the Outer Disciple Training Grounds, a sprawling arena surrounded by stone bleachers. Elder Han stood at the center, his piercing gaze scanning the gathered disciples.
"Today, you will spar with one another to test your combat skills," Elder Han announced. "Remember, this is not merely a show of strength. Technique, adaptability, and discipline will be judged."
The disciples murmured among themselves as Elder Han began pairing them off. When Xu Tian's name was called, a ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd.
His opponent was Liang Chen, a senior Outer Disciple known for his brash demeanor and fiery temper. The smirk on Liang Chen's face was enough to convey his intentions—he wasn't here to spar; he was here to crush.
Xu Tian stepped into the arena, his expression calm. The whispers of the crowd grew louder as Liang Chen unsheathed his sword, its blade gleaming in the sunlight.
"Don't take it personally," Liang Chen sneered. "I just need to remind everyone of their place."
Elder Han raised his hand, signaling the start of the match.
Liang Chen lunged immediately, his sword arcing through the air with lethal precision. Xu Tian sidestepped, his movements fluid and economical. The Forbidden Scripture had not only enhanced his qi but also sharpened his instincts.
The crowd gasped as Xu Tian evaded another strike, countering with a swift palm strike aimed at Liang Chen's wrist. The blow landed, forcing Liang Chen to drop his sword.
"You'll regret that!" Liang Chen growled, summoning a fiery qi that engulfed his fists. He charged again, his attacks relentless and wild.
Xu Tian dodged and parried, his calm composure a stark contrast to Liang Chen's fury. He waited for the right moment—then struck. Channeling his qi into his palm, he delivered a decisive blow to Liang Chen's chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.
The arena fell silent.
Elder Han nodded approvingly. "Xu Tian wins."
As Xu Tian left the arena, he caught sight of Lan Yue watching from the bleachers. Her expression remained unreadable, but he could sense her interest. Zhao Feng, on the other hand, cheered loudly, his voice echoing across the grounds.
---
Later that day, Xu Tian found himself walking through the sect's library, its towering shelves filled with ancient scrolls and tomes. He had come here seeking answers, not just about cultivation but about the world he had now entered.
As he scanned the shelves, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You handled yourself well today."
Xu Tian turned to see Lan Yue standing behind him, her icy demeanor slightly softened.
"Thank you," he replied cautiously.
"You fight with precision," she continued. "But precision alone won't carry you far in this sect. You'll need allies."
Xu Tian met her gaze, his expression resolute. "Allies are useful, but trust is earned, not given."
Lan Yue's lips curled into a faint smile. "Wise words. Perhaps we'll see how much you trust when the next trial arrives."
Before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
---
That night, as Xu Tian meditated, the Forbidden Scripture's runes glowed faintly, their energy weaving intricate patterns in his mind. He could feel himself growing stronger, but with that strength came a growing sense of unease.
The shadows within the sect were deeper than he had anticipated. And as the days passed, he knew he would need more than strength to survive.
In the Immortal Sect, power was only the beginning.