The days following Li Xian's return were a masterclass in political tension.
On the surface, everything appeared cordial. The Azure Sky delegation participated in sect activities, attended formal dinners, and observed training sessions. Li Xian played the role of devoted fiancé, courting Yun Qingxue publicly with gifts and poetry that made her inwardly cringe but outwardly smile politely.
Beneath that surface, multiple games played out simultaneously.
Lin Feng continued his training with Patriarch Cloud, consolidating his Divine Domain Level 2 cultivation while secretly preparing for Level 3 advancement. Each morning session tested his limits, pushing the Law of Liberation to encompass larger areas, maintain stability for longer periods, resist more powerful constraints.
"Your progress is remarkable," the Patriarch observed after one particularly intense session. "At this rate, you'll reach Level 3 within two months. That's unheard of—even for those with divine inheritances."
"The Inverse Void Dao is designed for rapid advancement once the foundation is established," Lin Feng explained, carefully avoiding mention of how the Void Emperor himself had taken decades between levels. My circumstances are different. I have to be faster.
"Perhaps. But rapid advancement without proper consolidation leads to unstable foundations." The ancient cultivator's gaze was knowing. "You're pushing yourself because of the wedding deadline. Because you think being stronger will somehow solve the political situation with Li Xian."
Lin Feng didn't deny it. "Every level I advance makes me more valuable to the sect, harder to eliminate, more capable of defending myself. Yes, the wedding is part of my motivation."
"And your feelings for Yun Qingxue are the other part."
It wasn't a question. Lin Feng met the Patriarch's eyes steadily. "Is that a problem?"
"That depends. Love can strengthen cultivation—the Dao Companion bond is proof of that. But it can also create vulnerabilities. Li Xian is jealous and possessive. If he realizes you love Qingxue, he'll use that against you."
"He already suspects. Everyone suspects."
"Suspicion and proof are different things." Patriarch Cloud's expression grew serious. "Be careful, Lin Feng. Li Xian has made no obvious moves since the soul examination, which means he's planning something subtle. Something that can't be traced back to him directly."
"I'm aware. That's why—"
A knock at the cultivation chamber's entrance interrupted them. Patriarch Cloud frowned—he'd left strict orders not to be disturbed during Lin Feng's training.
"Enter," he called out.
The door opened to reveal Chen Wei, the outer disciple administrator, looking apologetic and nervous.
"Patriarch, Direct Disciple Lin, forgive the interruption. There's an urgent situation. Outer Disciple Xiao Ling has been arrested by the Discipline Hall."
Lin Feng's blood ran cold. "What? On what charge?"
"Theft of sect resources. Specifically, spirit stones from the treasury." Chen Wei's expression suggested he didn't believe the accusation. "Elder Shadow is conducting the investigation personally. He's demanding Xiao Ling be questioned immediately."
Elder Shadow. Of course it's him.
Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt Yun Qingxue's alarm—she'd sensed his sudden emotional spike and was reaching out: What happened?
They've arrested Xiao Ling. Accusing her of theft.
That's absurd! She wouldn't— Yun Qingxue's mental voice cut off as understanding dawned. This is a trap. They're going after her to get to you.
I know. I'm going to the Discipline Hall.
Wait! Don't walk into their trap alone!
I won't let Xiao Ling suffer because of me. Not again.
He felt her frustration through their bond, but also resignation—she knew he wouldn't abandon his friend, trap or not.
"I'm going to the Discipline Hall," Lin Feng said aloud, already moving toward the door.
"I'll accompany you," Patriarch Cloud said firmly. "If this is what I suspect, my presence may prevent things from escalating too far."
They made their way through the sect toward the Discipline Hall, drawing curious stares from disciples who sensed something significant was happening. Word was already spreading—the Patriarch personally accompanying his direct disciple to an investigation was highly unusual.
The Discipline Hall's detention area was underground, carved into the mountain itself. Stone cells reinforced with suppression formations lined a long corridor. Lin Feng's enhanced senses detected Xiao Ling immediately—her spiritual signature diminished by the cell's arrays, her emotions a mix of fear and confusion.
Elder Shadow stood outside her cell, consulting with two Discipline Hall enforcers. The elder's expression showed grim satisfaction that made Lin Feng's anger spike.
"Patriarch Cloud. Direct Disciple Lin. How timely." Elder Shadow's voice was silk over steel. "I was just about to send for you."
"Why is Outer Disciple Xiao Ling detained?" Patriarch Cloud asked, his tone deceptively mild.
"We received a report of stolen spirit stones from the outer disciple resource allocation. Upon investigation, we discovered 500 low-grade spirit stones hidden in Xiao Ling's quarters—stones she shouldn't possess given her monthly allowance."
"That's impossible!" Lin Feng said. "Xiao Ling would never steal. Someone planted those stones to frame her."
"Perhaps." Elder Shadow's expression remained neutral. "That's what the investigation will determine. However, there's an interesting connection—the stones went missing the same week you completed your mission to Silver Moon City. And witnesses report seeing Xiao Ling entering your quarters multiple times during that period."
Clever. Imply I stole the stones and gave them to Xiao Ling, or that she stole them on my behalf. Either way, we're both guilty.
"Xiao Ling visits my quarters regularly because we're friends," Lin Feng said carefully. "She brings food, helps with errands. That proves nothing."
"No, but combined with the stones found in her possession, it raises questions." Elder Shadow gestured to the cell. "I've requested permission to conduct a thorough interrogation. If she's innocent, the truth will emerge. If she's guilty—or if she's covering for someone else—that will emerge as well."
"What kind of interrogation?" Patriarch Cloud's voice had gone cold.
"Standard procedure. Memory examination, spiritual analysis, possibly truth compulsion if she's uncooperative."
Truth compulsion was a technique that forced cultivators to answer questions honestly. It was considered borderline torture and rarely used except in cases of serious crime.
"Theft of 500 spirit stones doesn't warrant truth compulsion," Patriarch Cloud said flatly. "That's excessive."
"Normally, yes. But given Xiao Ling's close relationship with Lin Feng—a disciple who already has unusual circumstances—I believe the sect's interests require thorough investigation." Elder Shadow met the Patriarch's gaze. "Unless you believe we should give special treatment to those connected to your personal disciples?"
The political trap was elegant. Protest too vigorously, and it implied favoritism. Allow the interrogation, and Xiao Ling would suffer for her connection to Lin Feng.
"I want to speak with her," Lin Feng said.
"That's not advisable. You're potentially involved in—"
"I'm not asking permission, Elder Shadow." Lin Feng's voice carried an edge that made the enforcers shift nervously. "As the Patriarch's direct disciple, I have authority to visit any outer disciple detained on minor charges. Unless you're escalating this to a major crime investigation?"
Elder Shadow's jaw tightened. Escalating to major crime status would require more evidence and higher authority. "Very well. Five minutes. But I'll be observing."
The cell door opened. Lin Feng entered to find Xiao Ling sitting on a stone bench, her face pale but determined. When she saw him, relief flooded her features.
"Lin Feng! I didn't steal anything, I swear! I don't know how those spirit stones got into my room!"
"I know you didn't." Lin Feng knelt beside her, keeping his voice low. "This is about me, not you. They're using you to pressure me."
"Then tell them whatever they want to know! I don't care if they interrogate me—I have nothing to hide!"
"It's not about hiding anything. It's about using interrogation to find connections, implications, things that can be twisted." He squeezed her hands gently. "Xiao Ling, I need you to be brave for a little longer. This will get worse before it gets better, but I promise—I won't let them hurt you."
"I'm not worried about me." Her eyes held his. "I'm worried about you. Everyone knows Elder Shadow is targeting you through me. If you do something rash to protect me, you'll play right into his hands."
Smart girl. She understood the game better than he'd given her credit for.
"I'll be careful. But I won't abandon you." Lin Feng stood as Elder Shadow gestured that time was up. "Trust me."
He left the cell, his mind already working through options. Elder Shadow was forcing him to choose: let Xiao Ling be interrogated and possibly hurt, or intervene in ways that would expose his true power or reveal his secrets.
But what if there's a third option? What if I turn this trap back on him?
An idea formed, risky but potentially effective. If Elder Shadow wanted to play political games, Lin Feng could play back—but with pieces the elder didn't know existed.
Outside the detention area, Patriarch Cloud was in quiet conversation with Elder Yuan, who had apparently been summoned. The examination elder looked displeased.
"This is excessive," Elder Yuan was saying. "Truth compulsion for minor theft? What's the real purpose here?"
"The purpose is ensuring sect security," Elder Shadow replied smoothly. "Given the unusual circumstances surrounding certain disciples—"
"You mean given your obsession with Lin Feng," Elder Yuan interrupted coldly. "Everyone can see what this is. You're harassing an innocent girl to pressure him."
"I'm conducting a legitimate investigation—"
"Into a crime you manufactured." Patriarch Cloud's voice cut through the argument like a blade. "Elder Shadow, I'm exercising my authority as Patriarch. The interrogation of Xiao Ling will be postponed pending a full review by the Grand Elder Council. You'll present your evidence formally, and we'll vote on appropriate investigative measures."
Elder Shadow's expression darkened. "Patriarch, with respect, this matter falls under Discipline Hall jurisdiction—"
"And Discipline Hall jurisdiction is subject to Grand Elder oversight. Or are you suggesting your authority supersedes the council's?" The temperature in the corridor seemed to drop as Patriarch Cloud's presence intensified. "Call the council. Present your evidence. Let's settle this properly."
For a moment, the two Immortal Emperors stared at each other, wills clashing silently. Then Elder Shadow bowed, though his eyes remained cold.
"As you wish, Patriarch. I'll convene the council for tomorrow morning. But I warn you—the evidence is substantial. Protecting those who break sect law, even if they're connected to your disciples, sets a dangerous precedent."
"I'm not protecting lawbreakers. I'm ensuring justice rather than persecution." Patriarch Cloud turned to Lin Feng. "You're dismissed. Return to your quarters. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Lin Feng bowed and left, but his mind was already racing ahead. Tomorrow's council meeting would be another battleground. But tonight, he had work to do.
Through the Dao Thread, he reached out: Can you meet? I have a plan.
Yun Qingxue's response came immediately: Lotus Pavilion. One hour. And Lin Feng? Fan Wu has been trying to reach you. He says he has information about Li Xian's "specialists."
Good. Bring him to the meeting.
An hour later, under cover of darkness, three figures gathered in the Lotus Pavilion—Lin Feng, Yun Qingxue, and Fan Wu, who appeared characteristically disheveled but whose eyes were sharp with intelligence.
"Ah, young friends! Such a pleasant evening for conspiracy." Fan Wu took a drink from his ever-present gourd. "Though technically, since we're conspiring against those conspiring against us, is it really conspiracy? More like counter-conspiracy. Or perhaps meta-conspiracy?"
"Fan Wu," Yun Qingxue said with strained patience. "You said you had information?"
"Indeed! My Heavenly Fortune Body has been working overtime, placing me in all sorts of interesting locations." The Lucky Wanderer's manner shifted, becoming serious. "Three days ago, I accidentally stumbled into a restricted area of the Azure Guest Hall. Would have been caught, except I tripped over a loose tile, which caused a decorative vase to fall, which created enough noise that the guards investigating missed me hiding behind a pillar. Very fortunate timing."
"What did you hear?" Lin Feng asked.
"Li Xian and his specialists discussing their real purpose here. The soul examination was just the opening move—a way to gather data on your spiritual signature." Fan Wu's expression grew grave. "They're building a formation specifically designed to counter void cultivation. Something called a 'Void Anchor Array'—it's supposed to lock down spatial manipulation within a large area, making void techniques impossible to use."
Lin Feng's blood ran cold. "That would completely neutralize my primary advantages."
"Indeed. And here's the clever part: they're building it into the wedding venue." Fan Wu met their eyes. "The grand ceremony hall where Li Xian and Yun Qingxue are supposed to marry in three months. During the ceremony, with all sect leadership present, they plan to accuse Lin Feng of some crime—probably conspiracy to disrupt the wedding. Then they activate the Void Anchor Array, preventing you from escaping or defending yourself properly. With your void techniques suppressed and everyone watching, they can eliminate you 'legally.'"
Yun Qingxue's face had gone pale. "That's why they accelerated the wedding timeline. They need the ceremony as cover for the trap."
"Exactly." Fan Wu took another drink. "It's actually quite brilliant in a horrifying sort of way. They get rid of Lin Feng, formalize the political alliance through marriage, and do it all publicly with apparent legitimacy."
"Can we counter the formation?" Lin Feng asked. "Disrupt it somehow?"
"I'm not a formation expert, but from what I overheard, the Void Anchor Array requires three months to construct properly. It's incredibly complex—has to be built into the venue's existing formations without being detected. That's both their advantage and their weakness."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning if we discovered it 'accidentally' during the construction phase, if we could prove they were building unauthorized formations in sect territory for hostile purposes..." Fan Wu smiled. "That would be grounds for serious consequences. Possibly even breaking the engagement for breach of trust."
Lin Feng felt hope stirring. "That's it. That's how we expose them."
"But we can't just stumble upon it," Yun Qingxue said. "If we 'discover' the formation too obviously, they'll know we were investigating them. It needs to look natural."
"Leave that to me," Fan Wu said confidently. "My constitution ensures I'm in the right place at the right time. I'll have an accident near the ceremony hall, maybe fall through a wall, 'accidentally' discover formation work that shouldn't be there. Very fortuitous and completely believable given my reputation."
"When?" Lin Feng asked.
"Give them another week to make significant progress. If we expose it too early, they haven't built enough for clear intent. Too late, and they might complete it before we can act." Fan Wu stood. "One week from today, I'll have my fortunate accident. In the meantime, you two need to focus on tomorrow's council meeting about the servant girl."
"Xiao Ling," Lin Feng corrected. "Her name is Xiao Ling."
"My apologies. The young woman Elder Shadow is using as leverage." Fan Wu's expression turned serious. "Be careful tomorrow. Elder Shadow isn't working alone—I've seen him meeting with Chen Hong, Li Xian's attendant, late at night. They're coordinating."
After Fan Wu left, Lin Feng and Yun Qingxue remained in the pavilion, processing everything they'd learned.
"A Void Anchor Array," Lin Feng said quietly. "Designed specifically to counter my cultivation. That's... thorough."
"That's Li Tianlong's influence. He's Sovereign Monarch Level 5—he understands formations at a level most cultivators never reach. If he designed this array personally..." Yun Qingxue looked troubled. "Lin Feng, even knowing about it might not be enough. If they're building it into the ceremony hall, we can't just destroy sect property without consequences."
"We don't need to destroy it. We need to prove its hostile intent." Lin Feng's mind was already working through strategies. "Once Fan Wu 'discovers' it, we can claim it's a danger to all void cultivators in the sect, not just me. Force them to explain why they're building something that targets a specific cultivation method."
"That could work. But it requires perfect timing and execution. One mistake, and—"
"And I die at the wedding, you marry Li Xian, and Elder Shadow wins." Lin Feng moved closer to her. "I know the risks. But this is our chance. Our opening to turn their trap against them."
Yun Qingxue's hands clenched. "I hate this. Every plan we make, every step we take, feels like walking on a sword's edge. One slip, and everything falls apart."
"Then we don't slip." He took her hands in his. "Tomorrow, I'll handle the council meeting about Xiao Ling. You focus on gathering more information about the Void Anchor Array—construction schedules, materials being requisitioned, anything that can help Fan Wu's 'discovery' seem more credible."
"And if Elder Shadow's evidence against Xiao Ling is actually substantial? If she really is guilty somehow?"
"She's not. I know her. But even if somehow she was framed so perfectly that evidence looks real, I'll take responsibility. Claim I gave her the spirit stones for safekeeping, or that I asked her to handle resources for me. Whatever it takes to protect her."
"That would implicate you in theft."
"Better me than her. I can weather accusations—I have the Patriarch's protection. She doesn't." Lin Feng's voice was firm. "Besides, we both know this isn't really about theft. It's about applying pressure, creating leverage, forcing mistakes. Elder Shadow wants me to either abandon Xiao Ling and prove I'm ruthless, or defend her recklessly and expose myself. I'll do neither. I'll protect her carefully, using the system against him."
"You're learning to think like a politician."
"I'm learning to survive in a world run by politicians. There's a difference." He smiled slightly. "Though I'd much rather spend my time cultivating than playing these games."
"Welcome to sect life at the upper levels. It's all games within games within games." Yun Qingxue leaned against him, a rare moment of vulnerability. "I'm tired, Lin Feng. Tired of pretending to love Li Xian, tired of political maneuvering, tired of watching everything we do trying to trap or manipulate us."
"I know. But we're close now. One week until Fan Wu's discovery. Three months until the wedding that won't happen. We just have to hold on a little longer."
"And if something goes wrong? If Li Xian moves faster than we expect, or Elder Shadow has evidence we don't know about, or the Patriarch's protection proves insufficient?"
"Then we adapt. Improvise. Fight." Lin Feng's voice held absolute certainty. "But we don't give up. We don't surrender. And we don't let them win."
She looked up at him, her ice-blue eyes holding warmth they'd never shown anyone else. "How do you stay so confident? So determined? After everything they've thrown at us, how are you not afraid?"
"I am afraid. Every day. Terrified, actually." Lin Feng's admission was honest. "But I'm more afraid of what happens if I give up. Of you being trapped in a marriage you don't want. Of Xiao Ling suffering for knowing me. Of the Void Emperor's legacy being destroyed again. So I channel that fear into action rather than paralysis."
"The Void Emperor's legacy... is that what really drives you? Completing his work, avenging his death?"
"No." Lin Feng's answer was immediate. "That's what started this journey, but it's not what keeps me going. What drives me now is simpler: protecting the people I care about. You, Xiao Ling, Elder Shen, even the Patriarch who's risked his reputation to shield me. You're my reason to fight, not some ancient revenge quest."
Through the Dao Thread, Yun Qingxue felt the absolute truth of his words. She kissed him then, less tentative than the first time, more certain of what she wanted despite all the complications.
When they separated, her expression held new determination.
"Tomorrow, we start fighting back properly. No more just reacting to their moves. We make moves of our own, force them to react to us." She stood, pulling him up with her. "Elder Shadow thinks he's backed you into a corner with Xiao Ling's arrest. Let's show him what happens when a void cultivator feels trapped."
"What do you have in mind?"
"The Law of Liberation. You can free things from constraints, yes? What if you freed the truth about who really planted those spirit stones?" Her eyes glinted. "Everyone assumes Xiao Ling is either guilty or was framed by unknown parties. But what if we could prove Elder Shadow himself was involved in planting the evidence?"
"That's a serious accusation. We'd need proof."
"Then we find proof. Or we create circumstances where he reveals himself." Yun Qingxue's smile was cold, her Ice Goddess persona emerging with calculated purpose. "He wants to play investigator? Fine. Let's investigate the investigator. See how he likes being under scrutiny."
Lin Feng felt a surge of affection mixed with slight fear. Yun Qingxue in full strategic mode was formidable—beautiful and dangerous in equal measure.
"I like how you think. Ruthless but targeted."
"I learned from the best—centuries of family politics taught me how to fight dirty when necessary." She activated her own movement technique, preparing to leave. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's council meeting will be intense. And Lin Feng?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For not being willing to sacrifice your friends for convenience. It's... refreshing to see someone with actual principles at this level of power."
She vanished into the night, leaving Lin Feng alone with his thoughts and the distant sounds of the sect settling into sleep.
Tomorrow I defend Xiao Ling. In one week, Fan Wu exposes the Void Anchor Array. In three months, the wedding that won't happen. And through it all, I keep advancing, keep growing stronger, keep building toward the day when I don't have to hide anymore.
The Void Emperor fought alone and died betrayed. I'm surrounded by allies, building something he never had—genuine loyalty based on mutual care rather than political convenience.
That has to be worth something. That has to give us an edge.
Lin Feng returned to his quarters and settled into meditation, drawing on the Inverse Void Dao to center himself. In the void, complications fell away. There was only power, potential, and the steady progress toward strength that would eventually make all these political games irrelevant.
Divine Domain Level 3 was within reach—perhaps another month of intensive cultivation. Level 4 after that. Each advancement made him more formidable, harder to threaten, closer to the level where even Sovereign Monarchs would think twice before moving against him.
Just have to survive long enough to get there.
Through his window, Lin Feng could see the Azure Guest Hall where Li Xian and his delegation slept, dreaming of schemes and victories. The wedding venue where they were secretly building a trap. The Discipline Hall where Xiao Ling remained detained, innocent but caught in political crossfire.
So many threats, so many dangers, all closing in simultaneously.
But also—allies. The Patriarch watching over him. Yun Qingxue fighting beside him. Fan Wu's fortune ensuring key information arrived at critical moments. Even Xiao Ling's courage and Elder Shen's quiet support.
We're all pieces in this game. But we're learning to play together, to coordinate, to turn individual vulnerabilities into collective strength.
That's something Li Xian and Elder Shadow don't have. They have subordinates, tools, pawns. We have genuine partnerships.
In the long run, which will prove stronger?
The night deepened. The three moons rose in perfect alignment again—another Trinity Mirror, the rare celestial configuration. Lin Feng took it as an omen, though whether good or ill remained to be seen.
Tomorrow would bring the council meeting. One week would bring Fan Wu's discovery. Three months would bring the wedding's prevented catastrophe.
Between now and then—survival, cultivation, strategy, and the careful building of power that would eventually let him stop playing defensive games and start dictating terms.
The countdown continued. But Lin Feng no longer felt like he was just waiting for inevitable disaster.
He was preparing for victory.
END OF CHAPTER 17
TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 18: THE COUNCIL'S JUDGMENT