LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 20: THE COUNCIL'S DECISION
Chapter 20: The Council's Decision
The Azure Sky Sect felt different in the days following the exposure of the Shadow Fang Sect's sleeper agents. The weight of suspicion had lifted, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose among the disciples. Yet, beneath the surface, the reality of the ongoing conflict lingered like an unspoken truth.
Zhang Wei sat cross-legged in his room, his spear resting against the wall. His body was sore from the battle and the relentless investigations, but his mind was sharper than ever. The system's newly integrated perception technique had already proven invaluable, allowing him to notice subtle shifts in Qi and emotions that others might overlook.
The system chimed: Host has successfully uncovered critical threats to the sect. Preparation for larger-scale conflicts is advised.
Zhang Wei sighed, standing and stretching. "Larger conflicts… it's always something," he muttered.
A sharp knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Zhang Wei opened it to find a junior disciple bowing deeply.
"Senior Zhang Wei, Elder Hua has summoned you to the council chambers," the disciple said.
Zhang Wei nodded. "I'll be there shortly."
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The council chambers were a place few disciples ever entered. Reserved for the sect's elders and high-ranking disciples, the room exuded an air of authority. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, depicting the sect's history and victories. A massive table stood at the center, where the elders sat in quiet deliberation.
Zhang Wei entered, bowing deeply. Elder Hua motioned for him to step forward.
"Zhang Wei," she said, her tone calm yet commanding. "Your actions over the past weeks have been commendable. You've not only proven your strength but also your loyalty and ingenuity. For that, the council has decided to entrust you with a critical mission."
The other elders nodded, their expressions ranging from stern approval to quiet contemplation.
"What is the mission?" Zhang Wei asked, his voice steady.
Elder Hua gestured to a large map spread across the table. It depicted the surrounding territories, including the Shadow Fang Sect's stronghold and its network of allied outposts.
"The Shadow Fang Sect has suffered significant setbacks thanks to your efforts," Elder Hua began. "However, they are regrouping. Our intelligence suggests they are planning to form alliances with rogue cultivator clans and mercenaries. If successful, their forces will grow exponentially."
She pointed to a cluster of marked locations on the map. "These are known meeting points for the Shadow Fang Sect and their potential allies. Your mission is to infiltrate these areas, gather intelligence, and, if possible, disrupt their negotiations."
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Quest: Disrupt the Alliances
Objective: Infiltrate the Shadow Fang Sect's meeting points and prevent them from forming alliances.
Reward: Advanced infiltration technique and Sect Contribution Points.
Penalty: Increased exposure to enemy forces.
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Zhang Wei studied the map, his mind racing. The locations were scattered across treacherous terrain, from dense forests to desolate cliffs. Each one would pose its own challenges, but Zhang Wei knew the importance of the mission.
"I accept," he said firmly.
Elder Hua nodded. "You'll depart at first light. Take only what you need and move swiftly. Time is of the essence."
Liang Feng stepped forward, placing a hand on Zhang Wei's shoulder. "You've earned the respect of the entire sect, Zhang Wei. We trust you to see this through."
Zhang Wei bowed deeply. "I won't let the sect down."
---
That evening, Zhang Wei prepared for his journey. He packed light, bringing only essential supplies, his spear, and a set of Qi-masking talismans. As he secured his belongings, there was another knock at his door.
"Come in," Zhang Wei called.
Lin Xiyu entered, her arms crossed and a faint smirk on her lips. "So, you're off on another dangerous mission. Should've guessed."
Zhang Wei chuckled. "Seems to be my specialty."
Lin Xiyu's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Be careful out there, Zhang Wei. The Shadow Fang Sect doesn't play fair. If they get the chance, they'll strike before you even see them coming."
"I know," Zhang Wei said, his tone resolute. "But someone has to stop them. The sect can't afford to let them grow stronger."
Lin Xiyu hesitated before stepping closer. "Just… don't get yourself killed, okay? The sect might trust you with this, but that doesn't mean you have to shoulder it alone."
Zhang Wei offered a faint smile. "I'll do my best. And thanks, Lin Xiyu."
She nodded, her smirk returning. "You'd better."
---
The next morning, Zhang Wei stood at the gates of the Azure Sky Sect, the rising sun casting a warm glow over the mountains. Elder Hua and a small group of senior disciples watched as he prepared to depart.
"Remember, Zhang Wei," Elder Hua said, her voice steady. "This mission is about strategy, not brute force. Trust your instincts and use the skills you've honed."
"I will, Elder," Zhang Wei replied, bowing deeply.
With that, he turned and began his journey, the weight of the mission heavy on his shoulders. The path ahead was uncertain, but Zhang Wei's resolve burned brighter than ever. He would face the Shadow Fang Sect and their allies, no matter the cost.
As he disappeared into the horizon, the system chimed: New challenges await. Host must remain vigilant and adaptable.
Zhang Wei's grip on his spear tightened. "Let's see what the Shadow Fang Sect is hiding this time," he murmured, his eyes set on the path ahead.