Chapter 15: Shadows in the Forest

Li Feng and his team moved swiftly through the dense forest surrounding the Azure Wind Sect. The foliage was thick, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and earth. The shadows of the towering trees danced in the growing twilight as the group advanced silently, keeping their senses alert for any sign of danger.

"Remember, we're not here to fight unless absolutely necessary," Li Feng whispered, glancing back at his companions. "Our mission is to gather intelligence and stay undetected."

Chen gave him a thumbs-up, his grin undeterred by the seriousness of the mission. "Got it. No fighting unless they provoke us first."

Xin Ling, moving like a ghost beside them, narrowed her eyes. "We're getting close. There's movement up ahead."

The group halted, crouching behind a thick cluster of bushes. Li Feng focused his senses, reaching out with his Celestial Sight. The energy of the cosmos flowed through him, enhancing his perception as he scanned the area.

Through the shadows, he saw them—figures clad in black robes with crimson emblems, the unmistakable mark of the Demonic Order. They moved in groups, patrolling the area with an air of confidence, as if they knew they were in control.

"There are at least two dozen of them," Li Feng murmured. "And they're organized. This isn't just a scouting party—they're securing the area."

Mei Lin leaned closer, her eyes narrowed in concentration. "We need to find out what they're doing here. If they're mobilizing forces this far from their base, they must have a purpose."

Xin Ling motioned for silence as she slipped ahead, her form blending seamlessly with the shadows. Li Feng watched as she vanished, barely a whisper of movement. Moments later, she returned, her expression grim.

"There's a camp deeper in the forest," she reported. "And it's heavily guarded. I saw several high-ranking cultivators among them—possibly leaders of the Demonic Order."

Li Feng's heart tightened. "If they're stationed here in such numbers, they must be planning something big. We need to get closer and find out what they're up to."

The group proceeded cautiously, moving from shadow to shadow, keeping low and silent. Li Feng felt the pulse of cosmic energy within him, urging him to act, but he held back, remembering Elder Yun's words about restraint. They needed to be patient and gather information, not engage recklessly.

As they approached the Demonic Order's camp, they took cover in the underbrush, observing the scene before them. The camp was large, filled with cultivators sharpening weapons and chanting incantations. In the center of the camp stood a grand tent, adorned with crimson sigils that glowed faintly in the dim light.

"Those markings… they're warding seals," Mei Lin whispered. "They're amplifying the area's demonic energy."

Li Feng frowned. "They're up to something, and it involves more than just preparing for battle. We need to find out what's inside that tent."

Chen, always eager, whispered, "Want me to cause a distraction? I can draw some of them away."

Li Feng shook his head. "No. If we alert them, we might lose our chance. Xin Ling, can you get close enough to overhear their leaders?"

Xin Ling nodded, her expression resolute. "I'll slip inside and gather what I can. Stay hidden."

Li Feng watched as Xin Ling vanished once again, her presence almost undetectable even to his enhanced senses. He felt a surge of admiration for her skills, but also a twinge of worry. If she was caught, they'd be forced into a fight they weren't prepared for.

Minutes passed like hours as they waited, the sounds of the camp filling the silence. Li Feng could hear the murmurs of conversation, the crackling of flames, and the distant howls of beasts. Every muscle in his body was tense, ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of danger.

Finally, Xin Ling returned, her face pale but determined. "They're planning an attack on the Azure Wind Sect," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "In three days."

Li Feng's eyes widened. "Three days? What's their plan?"

"They're after something called the Stellar Ward," Xin Ling explained. "It's an ancient artifact said to be hidden within our sect's territory. They believe it's the key to unlocking the Cosmic Nexus."

Mei Lin's expression grew grave. "If they're right, and they get their hands on the Stellar Ward, they could find the nexus and gain control over cosmic energy itself."

Li Feng's mind raced. This was worse than he had anticipated. The Demonic Order was moving quickly, and they were prepared to strike at the heart of his sect. "We need to get back and warn the elders immediately. The Azure Wind Sect has to be ready."

As they began their retreat, a faint rustling behind them made Li Feng's heart skip a beat. He spun around, but it was too late. Dark-robed figures emerged from the trees, surrounding them. They had been spotted.

Chen drew his sword, his eyes blazing. "Well, so much for avoiding a fight."

Li Feng felt the rush of cosmic energy flood his veins as he summoned his power. "Stick together! We fight our way out and get back to the sect."

The cultivators of the Demonic Order charged, their eyes glowing with malice. Li Feng and his companions met them head-on. Li Feng unleashed a wave of starlight, his movements swift and precise. Mei Lin summoned her wind techniques, sending gusts that knocked their enemies off balance, while Chen's sword danced in a blur of steel.

Xin Ling moved through the chaos, her daggers flashing as she struck with deadly precision. They fought as one, their teamwork honed from countless battles together.

Despite their strength, more enemies poured in. Li Feng's senses screamed with the urgency of the situation. They were outnumbered, and the longer they stayed, the greater the risk.

"Fall back!" Li Feng shouted. "We have to retreat!"

As they fought their way through the encirclement, Li Feng glanced up at the darkening sky. The storm clouds that had been gathering all day now loomed overhead, thunder rumbling ominously. It was as if the heavens themselves knew that a storm was coming—not just from the skies, but from the clash of forces preparing for war.

With one final burst of cosmic energy, Li Feng led his companions out of the Demonic Order's grasp. They sprinted through the forest, the cries of their enemies fading behind them. Li Feng knew the battle had just begun, and the true test of his strength—and the fate of his sect—was fast approaching.