Chapter 19: Whispers of the Forbidden
The Immortal Sect buzzed with activity as the sun rose over its towering spires. Disciples went about their routines—practicing techniques, refining their qi, and competing for favor. But Xu Tian felt a weight pressing on him, one that had nothing to do with the trials or sparring matches.
The Forbidden Scripture in his possession was no ordinary artifact. Each night, as he meditated, its whispers grew louder, filling his mind with cryptic knowledge and warnings. Though it granted him strength, it also brought an unsettling presence that he could not shake.
That morning, Xu Tian ventured to the sect's Hall of Records, hoping to uncover something—anything—that might shed light on the scripture's origins. The hall was a sprawling chamber filled with scrolls and tomes, its walls lined with carvings depicting the sect's history.
He approached one of the librarians, an elderly man with a long white beard and a sharp gaze.
"Excuse me," Xu Tian began. "I'm looking for information about ancient scriptures—particularly those deemed forbidden."
The librarian's eyes narrowed. "Forbidden scriptures? Such texts are not for the faint of heart. Why do you seek them?"
Xu Tian hesitated. "I've… come across mention of one in my studies and wanted to learn more."
The old man studied him for a moment before motioning to a distant corner of the hall. "You'll find some references there. But tread carefully. Knowledge of the forbidden often carries a price."
---
In the dimly lit corner, Xu Tian found a series of scrolls detailing the history of forbidden cultivation techniques. Most were vague, warning of the dangers of pursuing power beyond the natural order. One scroll, however, caught his eye.
> "The Scriptures of Defiance," it read.
The text described an ancient artifact said to have been created by a mortal who defied the Heavenly Dao itself. It granted its wielder immense power but came at the cost of drawing the wrath of the heavens. Few who possessed it lived long enough to master its secrets.
Xu Tian's heart raced as he read further. The scripture's runes, its whispers, and even the trials it demanded matched his experience. But what unsettled him most was the final passage:
> "To wield the Scripture is to declare war on fate itself. Those who embrace its power must prepare to face the heavens' full might."
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled Xu Tian from his thoughts. He quickly rolled up the scroll and turned to see Lan Yue standing behind him, her arms crossed.
"You're full of surprises, Xu Tian," she said, her voice calm but inquisitive. "First you best Liang Chen, and now I find you researching forbidden cultivation?"
Xu Tian kept his expression neutral. "Knowledge is power. Isn't that what we're all here for?"
Lan Yue tilted her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "True, but delving into forbidden knowledge rarely ends well. I wonder—are you bold or just reckless?"
"Maybe a bit of both," Xu Tian replied, his tone steady.
She studied him for a moment before nodding. "Just be careful. The sect doesn't take kindly to those who stray too far from the path."
---
Later that evening, Xu Tian returned to his quarters, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He sat cross-legged and opened the Forbidden Scripture, its runes glowing faintly in the candlelight.
"Why did you choose me?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The scripture's runes shifted, forming words in his mind:
> "You are unbound by fate. A rebel against the natural order. Such defiance is rare… and valuable."
Xu Tian clenched his fists. "And what happens if I continue down this path? Will I become a pawn in your game?"
> "No pawn… only a player. But players must know the stakes. The heavens will not forgive your defiance."
The words hung in the air like a warning, but Xu Tian felt no fear. Instead, he felt a growing resolve. He had lived as a powerless outcast for too long. If the heavens wanted a fight, so be it.
---
The next day, the sect announced the upcoming Trial of Unity, a test designed to foster cooperation among disciples. Teams would be formed to retrieve a rare artifact from a dangerous realm.
Xu Tian found himself paired with Lan Yue, Zhao Feng, and a few other outer disciples. The group met at the edge of the sect's training grounds to discuss their strategy.
"The artifact is said to be located in the Crimson Mist Valley," Lan Yue explained, unfurling a map. "It's heavily guarded by spirit beasts, so we'll need to move carefully."
Zhao Feng grinned, hefting his hammer. "Carefully? That's no fun. Let's just smash our way through."
Lan Yue rolled her eyes. "And get ourselves killed in the process? Brilliant."
Xu Tian observed the exchange silently, noting the tension within the group. This trial would test more than just their combat abilities—it would test their ability to trust and work together.
As the group set out toward the valley, Xu Tian couldn't shake the feeling that the trial would be more than just a test of unity. The shadows of the Forbidden Scripture seemed to follow him, whispering of challenges yet to come.
And in the depths of the Crimson Mist Valley, something ancient and powerful awaited.