Chapter 36: Unraveling the Veil

Lin Tian stood in the grand hall of the Heavenly Beast Sect, his eyes gazing out over the horizon. The vast lands stretched before him, but the weight of the world seemed to press down on his shoulders. The revelation of the Shrouded Veil had shaken him to his core. The peace he had fought so hard to protect now seemed like a fragile illusion, about to be shattered by the forces lurking in the shadows.

Beside him stood Yue Ling, her eyes filled with worry as she observed his somber expression. "Lin Tian," she said softly, her voice full of concern, "you've been staring at the horizon for hours. What's on your mind?"

He turned to her, his golden eyes reflecting the turmoil within him. "The Shrouded Veil... I didn't expect something so ancient, so powerful, to be tied to the Black Lotus Sect. I've been fighting them, thinking I was protecting the world from their corruption, but now it feels like I'm only seeing the tip of the iceberg."

Yue Ling placed a gentle hand on his arm. "You don't have to do this alone, Lin Tian. We've faced countless trials together. This will be no different."

Lin Tian gave her a small smile, grateful for her unwavering support. "I know. But what's coming isn't just a battle of strength. It's a battle of everything we stand for. And I need to be prepared—prepared to face them, no matter what they throw at me."

As they stood together, a figure appeared from the shadows. It was the woman from the Black Lotus Sect—the one who had warned him about the Shrouded Veil. Her name was Feng Mei, and she had proven herself an ally, albeit a reluctant one. She had no choice but to join Lin Tian's cause after witnessing the horrors of the Shrouded Veil firsthand.

Feng Mei approached them with a grim expression. "I've been gathering information," she said, her voice low and urgent. "The Shrouded Veil is not just an ancient sect—they are the remnants of a forgotten empire, one that once ruled over all the realms. Their influence spans far beyond the Black Lotus Sect. They have spies everywhere, in every faction, waiting for the moment to strike."

Lin Tian's expression darkened. "So they've already infiltrated the other sects. What's their goal? Why are they so determined to resurface now?"

Feng Mei's gaze was distant, as if recalling a painful memory. "The Shrouded Veil's power comes from the hearts of the realms themselves. They seek to reawaken the ancient beings—creatures of unimaginable power that were sealed away when their empire fell. These creatures… they are the true source of their power. If they succeed in reviving them, the realms will fall under their control."

Lin Tian's mind raced. "You mean to say that the Shrouded Veil plans to revive ancient beasts, and with them, they will control the world?"

"Yes," Feng Mei replied grimly. "And they will not stop until every realm is bowing at their feet. The Black Lotus Sect was just one of their tools to gather the power they need to awaken these beasts. Bai Ying was nothing more than a pawn in their grand scheme."

Lin Tian clenched his fists. The weight of the situation was becoming clearer, and with it, the reality of the battle he was about to face. The stakes were higher than he had ever imagined.

"But we won't let that happen," he said, his voice steady but filled with resolve. "We can't afford to wait. We need to stop them before they gather more strength. Feng Mei, I need everything you know about the Shrouded Veil. Every detail, every ally, every hidden location. We must strike first."

Feng Mei nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. "I'll prepare everything I can. The Shrouded Veil operates in secrecy, but I know a few places where their influence is strongest. We need to infiltrate those areas, gather intel, and sabotage their efforts before they can complete their plans."

Yue Ling stepped forward, her eyes determined. "What's our next move, Lin Tian? We need to act quickly."

Lin Tian looked to his loyal disciples, who had gathered in the hall, awaiting his orders. His thoughts flickered to his family, the women who had stood by him and supported him. The time for preparation was running out. Every moment counted.

"We'll split into two groups," Lin Tian declared. "One will stay here, strengthening the sect, preparing for any potential attacks. The other will go on a reconnaissance mission to infiltrate the Shrouded Veil's strongholds. We'll gather as much information as we can, and then we'll make our move."

Yue Ling nodded. "And we'll be ready for anything. I'll lead the reconnaissance group."

Feng Mei looked at Lin Tian, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You must be careful, Lin Tian. The Shrouded Veil will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. If they discover you're after them, they will strike with all their might. You cannot underestimate them."

Lin Tian's gaze hardened. "I don't intend to. But no matter what happens, we will take the fight to them. The world is depending on us."

The room fell silent as his disciples nodded in agreement. Lin Tian's resolve was unwavering, and his leadership had earned their trust. They would follow him into whatever dangers lay ahead.

The plan was set. Lin Tian would go on the offensive. The Shrouded Veil had made their move, and now it was his turn.