Preparing for War

Tang Feng continued his journey, the encounter with the Dark Sect still fresh in his mind. Though he had survived the ambush, the battle had left him with a grim understanding: the Dark Sect was growing more desperate and more dangerous. They were no longer just a distant threat—they were actively hunting him.

As he descended from the forest and back onto the main road, Tang Feng's thoughts turned to his next steps. He couldn't afford to return to the Heavenly Sword Sect without a plan. The Dark Sect's ambitions had grown bolder, and it was clear they would stop at nothing to seize the Soul Mirror and expand their influence.

Tang Feng needed to ensure that the sect was ready for the inevitable conflict that was coming. His battle with the transformed leader had shown him the depths of the dark arts that the sect was willing to use. The fact that they had sent such a formidable force after him was proof that they viewed him as a significant threat to their plans.

As he neared the outskirts of the city where the Heavenly Sword Sect was based, Tang Feng's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hoofbeats approaching rapidly from behind. He turned, his hand instinctively moving to his blades, but as the riders came into view, he recognized them as members of the sect.

The leader of the group, a young disciple named Mei Ling, reined in her horse as they came to a stop before him. Her expression was urgent, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Master Tang Feng," she said, her voice breathless from the ride. "The elders sent us to find you. There's been news—troubling news."

Tang Feng's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"

Mei Ling glanced around, her voice lowering as if she feared they were being overheard. "The Dark Sect has made its move. Several smaller clans have been attacked in the last few days. There are rumors that they are planning something bigger—an all-out assault."

Tang Feng's expression hardened. The Dark Sect's aggression was escalating faster than he had anticipated. If they were already attacking smaller clans, it was only a matter of time before they turned their sights on the larger sects.

"We need to return to the Heavenly Sword Sect," Tang Feng said, his voice calm but firm. "The elders must be warned. We have to prepare for what's coming."

Mei Ling nodded, and without another word, they mounted their horses and rode hard toward the sect. The city loomed in the distance, its towering walls and bustling streets a stark contrast to the quiet isolation of the forest. But even here, Tang Feng could sense the tension in the air. Word of the Dark Sect's attacks had spread, and the people were afraid.

As they approached the gates of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Tang Feng's mind raced. The sect had faced threats before, but this was different. The Dark Sect's dark arts, their willingness to sacrifice their own to achieve their goals—it was unlike anything the sect had dealt with in recent history. And now, with the Soul Mirror in his possession, Tang Feng knew that he had become a central figure in this conflict.

The gates swung open, and Tang Feng and his companions rode through, the familiar sight of the sect's grand halls and training grounds greeting them. Disciples trained in the courtyards, their movements precise and disciplined, but there was an undercurrent of unease in the air. The sect was preparing for war, even if they didn't fully realize it yet.

Tang Feng dismounted and made his way to the elders' chamber, Mei Ling at his side. As they entered the chamber, the elders were already gathered, their expressions grim. Elder Zhao, the head of the council, looked up as Tang Feng entered.

"You've returned," Elder Zhao said, his voice heavy with concern. "We received reports of a Dark Sect ambush. We feared the worst."

"I survived," Tang Feng said, his tone steady. "But the Dark Sect is growing more dangerous. They're no longer content to work in the shadows. They're making their move."

The elders exchanged uneasy glances.

Elder Zhao nodded slowly. "We've heard the reports of their attacks on the smaller clans. It seems they are trying to weaken us before they strike."

"They won't stop there," Tang Feng said, stepping forward. "The leader of the ambush I faced—he was transformed into a creature of shadow and flesh. The Dark Sect is using forbidden techniques. They're willing to sacrifice their own to achieve their goals."

The room fell silent as the gravity of Tang Feng's words sank in. The Dark Sect had always been a threat, but the fact that they were openly using such dark arts was a clear sign that they were preparing for something far more dangerous.

"What do you propose we do, Tang Feng?" one of the elders asked. "The Dark Sect's power is growing, but we cannot strike blindly. We need a strategy."

Tang Feng nodded. "We need to prepare our defenses, but we also need to go on the offensive. The Dark Sect is coming for us, whether we like it or not. We can't wait for them to strike first."

Elder Zhao folded his arms, his expression thoughtful. "You speak wisely, Tang Feng. But attacking the Dark Sect directly would be a dangerous move. We don't know the full extent of their power."

Tang Feng's eyes narrowed. "Then we need to find out. I suggest we send scouts to gather information—find out where the Dark Sect is hiding, what their plans are. We can't afford to be caught off guard."

The elders murmured in agreement.

"And I will lead the charge," Tang Feng continued. "The Dark Sect is after the Soul Mirror, and they won't stop until they have it. But I won't let them succeed. I'll take the fight to them before they have the chance to strike."

Elder Zhao studied Tang Feng for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. We will prepare for war. But be cautious, Tang Feng. The Dark Sect is more dangerous than ever. We must tread carefully."

Tang Feng bowed respectfully. "I understand, Elder Zhao. I will not let the sect fall."

As Tang Feng left the chamber, the weight of the coming conflict pressed heavily on his shoulders. The Dark Sect was a formidable enemy, and the battles to come would test him like never before. But he was ready. With the power of the Phoenix's Flame, the Soul Mirror, and the strength of his allies, he would stand against the darkness.

The war was coming, and Tang Feng would lead the charge.