The Azure Sky Sect's library was a vast archive of ancient texts, martial techniques, and forgotten histories. By the time Lei Tian arrived, the halls were empty, save for a few disciples lost in their own studies. The flickering lanterns cast long shadows over the towering shelves, adding an air of mystery to the already sacred place.
He moved quietly through the aisles, scanning the countless scrolls and books. He had no idea what he was looking for, only that the answers to his origins and the dark energy he had encountered might be hidden somewhere within these walls.
After what felt like hours, Lei Tian's search led him to the back of the library, where an ornate iron gate barred access to a section filled with dust-covered tomes. A plaque above the gate read 'Restricted Archives—Only Authorized Disciples May Enter'.
He furrowed his brow. If there were any records of the dark energy or forbidden techniques, they would surely be in this section.
Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, he placed his hand against the gate. Unexpectedly, a faint ripple of energy passed through his fingers, as if the gate itself were testing him. Then, with a soft click, the lock unlatched on its own.
Lei Tian hesitated. Did the sect truly believe this gate could keep out someone determined enough? Or had something—or someone—allowed him to pass?
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and ink. Dim lanterns flickered to life as he stepped in, illuminating shelves lined with ancient scrolls and forgotten records.
His fingers brushed over the titles: 'The Rise and Fall of the Nightshade Sect', 'Forbidden Arts of the Abyss', 'The Era of Shadow Cultivation'.
Each name sent a chill through him. This was it. This was where the sect hid the knowledge they didn't want ordinary disciples to see.
One particular book caught his eye— 'The Legacy of the Void Veil'. The same name as the mysterious energy he had felt during the battle in the Shadowfall Forest. His heart pounded as he carefully pulled the book from the shelf and flipped through the brittle pages.
'The Void Veil was an anomaly of cultivation, an energy neither yin nor yang, neither righteous nor demonic. It was said to be the power of those who walked between realms, a force that could consume or create. Those who wielded it were feared, for none could predict whether they were saviors or destroyers.'
Lei Tian's breath caught. This described his power almost perfectly. He continued reading, absorbing every word like a man starved for truth.
Just as he turned another page, a voice cut through the silence.
"You shouldn't be here."
Lei Tian's body tensed. He slowly turned to find an elderly man standing at the entrance of the restricted archives. The man's piercing eyes gleamed in the dim light.
Elder Xuan.
"Did you think no one would notice?" the elder continued, stepping forward with measured calm. "Tell me, boy, what is it you seek?"
Lei Tian clenched his fists, torn between honesty and deception. But as Elder Xuan's gaze bore into him, he realized something—this elder knew more than he was letting on.
Taking a deep breath, he decided to take a risk.
"The truth," he said firmly. "About the Void Veil."
Elder Xuan's expression remained unreadable, but after a moment, he gave a slow nod.
"Then you have much to learn."