Chapter 4: Undercurrents and Turmoil in the Sect
Lin Yu's outstanding performance in the Spirit Valley trial caused his reputation within the inner sect of the Qingxuan Sect to soar. Countless disciples cast looks of admiration toward him, and even several elders began to view him in a new light, frequently offering him guidance in his cultivation. However, beneath this glory, hidden undercurrents lurked.
Within the Qingxuan Sect, a faction had long harbored ambitions for the position of Sect Master, led by the Great Elder Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan wielded immense power within the Qingxuan Sect and commanded a large following of disciples; he was bent on replacing the current Sect Master to take control of the Qingxuan Sect. Lin Yu's rise had inevitably drawn his attention.
"This boy possesses immense potential. If he is allowed to grow, he will surely become a stumbling block in our plans," Zhou Yuan said, sitting in the secret chamber with a gloomy expression as he spoke to his trusted aide.
"Great Elder, what should we do then? Why not find an opportunity to secretly eliminate him?" the aide suggested with flattery.
Zhou Yuan pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "No. Lin Yu is currently enjoying the height of his prestige. If he were to suddenly die, it would cause a massive uproar, and it would be difficult to explain things to the Sect Master. We need to devise a safer method."
Meanwhile, the Qingxuan Sect received an important mission. A nearby town was frequently plagued by a band of Demonic Cultivators, leaving the common people in deep misery. The Sect Master decided to dispatch inner sect disciples to provide reinforcement and assist the local cultivation family in fighting against the Demonic Cultivators.
Upon learning of this matter, Zhou Yuan felt a stir in his heart as a scheme took shape. Before the Sect Master, he strongly recommended that Lin Yu lead the team, masking his proposal with the pretense that Lin Yu's exceptional strength would surely live up to expectations. Unaware of Zhou Yuan's malicious intentions, the Sect Master agreed to his proposal.
Without the slightest hesitation upon receiving the mission, Lin Yu immediately selected a group of like-minded inner sect disciples and set out on the road toward the town. Little did he know, however, that all of this was a trap set by Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan secretly contacted the band of Demonic Cultivators, informed them of Lin Yu and his companions' itinerary, and promised them generous rewards on the condition that they eliminated Lin Yu during the operation.
Lin Yu's group quickly arrived at the plagued town. The local cultivation family warmly welcomed their arrival and provided a detailed briefing on the Demonic Cultivators. According to what they learned, this band of Demonic Cultivators was far from weak; their leader was a Foundation Establishment Mid-stage expert, and under his command were several Demonic Cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Early-stage.
Knowing full well the formidable nature of this mission, Lin Yu did not shrink back. After deliberating with the others, he formulated a detailed combat plan, deciding first to scout out the lair of the Demonic Cultivators and then launch a surprise attack while they were unprepared.
After a few days of reconnaissance, they finally located the hideout of the Demonic Cultivators—an abandoned mine. Taking advantage of the cover of night, Lin Yu led the group to infiltrate the mine quietly.
Just as they approached the camp of the Demonic Cultivators, flames suddenly soared into the sky all around them, and battle cries erupted from every direction. As it turned out, the Demonic Cultivators in collusion with Zhou Yuan had been well-prepared and had set an ambush.
"Not good, we've walked right into a trap!" Lin Yu silently cursed to himself, yet he quickly steadied his composure. He swiftly commanded the group to form a defensive array and engaged in a fierce battle with the Demonic Cultivators.
The Demonic Cultivators were numerous and formidable, and Lin Yu's side gradually fell into a difficult predicament. At the critical moment, Lin Yu unleashed the Shattered Star Sword Art, causing sword radiance to burst forth and temporarily suppress the advance of the Demonic Cultivators.
However, the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage demonic leader locked his gaze onto Lin Yu. Wielding a black saber, he lunged fiercely toward Lin Yu. Lin Yu engaged him in a life-or-death struggle, and before long, he sustained several injuries on his body.
Just as Lin Yu was nearing his limit and about to collapse, a crisp, resounding phoenix cry suddenly echoed from afar. Following closely behind, a dazzling crimson-red light slashed across the night sky, charging straight into the ranks of the Demonic Cultivators.
Straining their eyes to see, the group beheld a gigantic Fire Phoenix. Wherever the Fire Phoenix passed, the Demonic Cultivators shrieked and crashed to the ground in droves. As it turned out, the Sect Master of the Qingxuan Sect had sensed that this mission might involve foul play and, unable to set aside his worry for Lin Yu and the others, had personally rushed to provide reinforcement.
With the help of the Sect Master, Lin Yu and the others successfully beat back the Demonic Cultivators. Through this incident, Lin Yu also faintly perceived the surging undercurrents within the sect. He understood that his future path of cultivation would likely no longer be peaceful.