The misty veil of the cultivation chamber slowly dissipated as Lau Yinheng emerged from his prolonged seclusion. His eyes, like two gleaming stars, sparkled with a newfound intensity as he took his first deep breath of the outside air.
The familiar sensation of the spiritual energy coursing through his meridians told him that he had reached a new milestone in his cultivation – Duo Grandmaster 1.
A satisfied smile spread across his face as he assessed his progress. The seclusion had been a transformative experience, allowing him to refine his techniques and push his limits. He felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that his hard work had paid off.
However, as he began to process his environment, Lau Yinheng's thoughts turned to the world outside his chamber. He had been in seclusion for what felt like an eternity, focused solely on his cultivation and the inner academy competition.
A flicker of uncertainty danced in his mind – had the competition taken place? Had he missed his chance to participate?
Determined to find answers, Lau Yinheng made his way to the outer academy's elder, Zhao Wu. As one of the respected elders, Zhao Wu would likely have information about the competition and the current state of the academy.
As Lau Yinheng approached Zhao Wu's quarters, he knocked on the door and awaited permission to enter.
"Elder Zhao, I've emerged from seclusion and was wondering if you could provide some information," Lau Yinheng said, bowing respectfully.
Zhao Wu's expression was neutral, and his voice was calm. "Lau Yinheng, you've indeed made significant progress. However, I'm afraid the inner academy competition has been postponed. We'll notify you when the new schedule is set."
Lau Yinheng's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded understandingly. "I see. Thank you, Elder Zhao. I'll await further notification."
As he left Zhao Wu's quarters and began his journey back home, Lau Yinheng noticed a sense of unease in the air. People were whispering about an impending war, and the atmosphere was tense.
Even the usually lawless Black Region seemed to be on edge, with rumors of war spreading like wildfire.
Lau Yinheng's curiosity was piqued, and he wondered what could be causing such widespread concern.
He made a mental note to gather more information and prepare for any potential changes in plan from the information they provide.
With a sense of curiosity, Lau Yinheng returned to his quarters, ready to ask for information about the plan. The whispers of war lingered in his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of vengeance and Justice.
[POV Xiao Yan ]
As I ran through the dark forest, the trees seemed to close in around me like skeletal fingers. I was Xiao Yan, a young alchemist on a quest to find the Shadow Emperor, a mysterious figure whom I met 1 year ago.
The ring on my finger, containing the soul of Yao Chen, my master who taught me alchemy and cultivation.
But I wasn't alone. Powerful people, their faces hidden behind masks of darkness, pursued me relentlessly. They wanted the ring, and I knew I had to protect it at all costs. But who were they? What was their organization? The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, leaving me breathless and bewildered.
As he ran, the darkness seemed to grow thicker, like a living entity wrapping itself around him. Xiao Yan's heart pounded in his chest, his senses on high alert. He had to find the Shadow Emperor, but where was he? The forest seemed to stretch on forever, a labyrinth of shadows and silence.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan stumbled, his foot catching on a hidden root. He fell hard, the wind knocked out of him. As he struggled to rise, he saw them - shadowy figures emerging from the darkness, their eyes fixed on him with an unnerving intensity.
Xiao Yan's hand instinctively went to the ring, his mind racing with desperation. He knew he had to get away, but where could he hide? The Shadow Emperor was his only hope, but how could he find him in this endless sea of darkness?
The figures closed in, their faces hidden behind masks of darkness. Xiao Yan's breath caught in his throat as he realized he was running out of time. The Shadow Emperor... where was he?