Supreme Legacy, War Of the Gods

The Azure Sky Sect had always been a bastion of discipline and order, but in the wake of the heavenly tribulation, its usually calm atmosphere was shattered. Speculation spread like wildfire, leaving a trail of unease among disciples and elders alike. The mysterious lightning that had descended upon the sect had left an imprint on everyone's mind, creating an air of both curiosity and dread.

The Sect Master's Meeting

Within the grand hall of the sect, Sect Master Tian Guang convened an emergency meeting. The Sect Master, a man of imposing stature with long silver hair and piercing blue eyes, sat at the head of the table. His aura was calm yet commanding, a silent reminder of his vast power.

Elders filled the hall, their expressions ranging from concern to confusion. Elder Lan stood closest to the Sect Master, her sharp eyes scanning the faces of her colleagues. Beside her was Elder Wu, a stoic man with a long white beard, and Elder Bai, a younger but sharp-tongued member of the council.

Tian Guang began the meeting with a deep, resonating voice. "The heavenly tribulation that occurred within our sect is unprecedented. Such power has not been witnessed in centuries. We must uncover its origin."

Elder Wu nodded. "The disciples are restless, and rumors are spreading. If we do not act swiftly, the sect's stability may be at risk."

"Have we identified the source?" asked Elder Bai, leaning forward. "It's hard to believe that someone in the mortal realm could summon such power."

Elder Lan spoke next, her voice calm but firm. "I have questioned several disciples who were near the epicenter of the tribulation. Many reported feeling a presence, but none could identify who it was. I suspect the person responsible is hiding their identity."

Sect Master Tian Guang's gaze grew sharper. "And what of the possibility of an outsider infiltrating the sect?"

Elder Lan shook her head. "The tribulation occurred too close to the disciple quarters. It is almost certainly someone within our ranks."

Elder Bai crossed his arms. "If that's the case, whoever it is must possess a bloodline or physique beyond mortal comprehension. Such power cannot be hidden forever."

Tian Guang leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Continue the investigation, but proceed with caution. If the individual responsible is as powerful as we suspect, they could be an asset—or a threat."

Among the Disciples

While the elders deliberated, the disciples of the Azure Sky Sect were abuzz with speculation. Small groups gathered in the courtyards and training grounds, whispering theories and rumors.

"I heard the sect master himself summoned the lightning to test us," one disciple said.

"That's ridiculous," another replied. "It had to be someone breaking through to a higher realm. Maybe one of the inner disciples?"

A third disciple, a young woman named Lin Fei, shook her head. "What if it wasn't a breakthrough at all? What if it was a sign from the heavens? A warning?"

The group fell silent, the possibility sending a chill through their spines.

Chen Wu and Zhang Hao's Concern

In a quieter corner of the sect, Chen Wu and Zhang Hao sat under a tree, their expressions tense.

"Mo Xiu hasn't been himself lately," Chen Wu said, breaking the silence. "He's always been secretive, but this is different."

Zhang Hao frowned. "Do you think he's involved in the tribulation?"

Chen Wu hesitated before nodding. "I do. But if he is, why would he hide it from us?"

"Maybe he's trying to protect us," Zhang Hao suggested. "Or maybe there's more to him than we know."

The two friends exchanged a glance, their shared concern evident.

"We need to keep an eye on him," Chen Wu said. "If he's in trouble, we'll help him. But if he's hiding something dangerous, we need to know."

Yu Qingling's Suspicions

Yu Qingling sat in her quarters, her thoughts clouded by doubt. She had been training in the forest when the tribulation occurred, and the sheer power of it had shaken her to her core.

Her thoughts kept returning to Mo Xiu. There was something about him—something that didn't quite add up.

"He's too calm," she murmured. "Too prepared for someone who supposedly can't cultivate."

Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword. "If he's hiding something, I'll find out."

Elder Lan's Investigation

Unwilling to let the matter rest, Elder Lan continued her investigation. She visited the disciples' quarters, questioning those who had been near the site of the tribulation.

When she reached Mo Xiu's room, she paused, her intuition warning her of something unusual.

"Mo Xiu," she called, knocking lightly.

The door opened, and Mo Xiu greeted her with a polite bow. "Elder Lan, how may I assist you?"

"I've been investigating the tribulation," she said, her gaze piercing. "You were in the vicinity when it occurred. Did you see or hear anything unusual?"

Mo Xiu's expression remained calm. "I was meditating in my room, Elder. I felt the tribulation, but I didn't leave my quarters."

Elder Lan studied him for a long moment before nodding. "If you remember anything, report to me immediately."

"Of course," Mo Xiu replied.

As she walked away, Elder Lan couldn't shake the feeling that Mo Xiu was hiding something. But without proof, there was little she could do.

The Sect Master's Warning

Later that evening, Sect Master Tian Guang summoned Elder Lan to his private chambers.

"Do you suspect someone?" he asked, his tone grave.

"I do," Elder Lan admitted. "But I have no proof. If I act without evidence, I risk alienating a potentially powerful ally—or provoking a dangerous enemy."

Tian Guang nodded. "Proceed carefully, Lan. Whoever summoned the tribulation possesses power far beyond what we've seen in centuries. If they are loyal to the sect, they could change our fate. But if they are not…"

He let the sentence hang in the air, the weight of his words clear.