Chapter 8: Shadows of Power and Intrigue

The Azure Sky Sect had always been a place of order, discipline, and unwavering focus on cultivation. But ever since the mysterious heavenly tribulation shook the sect, the once-stable foundation of the sect seemed to crack under the weight of suspicion and fear. Rumors spread like wildfire among the disciples, and even the elders were restless. Everyone wondered who or what could have summoned such a powerful and terrifying phenomenon.

Amid this chaos, Mo Xiu remained calm, though inwardly, he was keenly aware of the growing scrutiny. His greatest weapon was secrecy—neither the sect nor the gods and demons could ever know who he truly was.

In the grand hall of the Azure Sky Sect, Sect Master Tian Guang held a meeting with the council of elders. The room was quiet, but tension filled the air.

Tian Guang, a wise and composed man with silver hair, spoke calmly but firmly. "The heavenly tribulation that struck near our sect was no ordinary event. Such power cannot be ignored. We must uncover its source, but we must do so carefully."

Elder Lan, one of the most observant elders, nodded. "I agree, Sect Master. My investigation suggests that the source lies within the disciples' area. Many reported feeling an overwhelming force near the outer quarters. It was unlike anything they've felt before."

Elder Bai, who was known for his sharp tongue and ambition, frowned. "If it came from one of our disciples, why haven't they stepped forward? They should have sought guidance—or punishment."

"Perhaps they are afraid," Elder Lan replied. "Or perhaps they're hiding their power for a reason."

Tian Guang raised a hand to silence the debate. "Enough. We cannot act hastily. Elder Lan, continue your investigation, but ensure you do not alarm the disciples. If this power belongs to someone within the sect, they could be a valuable ally—or a grave threat."

The elders exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared question the sect master's decision.

Far from the prying eyes of the sect, Mo Xiu trained in the dense forest surrounding the Azure Sky Sect. The forest was a quiet place, untouched by the sect's bustling activity, and provided the perfect cover for Mo Xiu's secret cultivation.

Sitting beneath an ancient tree, Mo Xiu focused on stabilizing the immense power that had returned to him. Golden lightning crackled faintly around his body as he meditated, the energy pulsating with divine intensity.

"The gods and demons think I'm dead," Mo Xiu thought. "And that's exactly how it needs to stay. But if they ever come for the mortal realm again, I'll be ready."

Though his power had returned, Mo Xiu knew he couldn't unleash its full potential just yet. He needed to remain cautious. Each time he trained, he carefully suppressed his aura to avoid attracting attention. But the heavenly tribulation had already drawn too many eyes.

Back at the sect, the disciples couldn't stop talking about the tribulation. Groups gathered in the courtyards, training grounds, and dining halls, sharing their theories.

"I heard it was Sect Master Tian Guang testing his powers," one disciple said excitedly.

"No way," another argued. "It had to be a core disciple reaching a higher realm. What else could cause such a massive disturbance?"

Lin Fei, a sharp-tongued outer disciple, joined the conversation. "You're all wrong. I saw someone heading into the forest the night before it happened. He was carrying a strange glowing book."

"Who was it?" another disciple asked, leaning closer.

"I don't know," Lin Fei admitted. "But whoever it was, they're hiding something big."

The rumors spread quickly, and soon, all eyes were on the outer disciples.

In a quiet corner of the sect, Chen Wu and Zhang Hao sat under a willow tree, discussing their concerns.

"Mo Xiu has been acting strange lately," Chen Wu said. "He's always been quiet, but now it feels like he's avoiding us."

Zhang Hao frowned. "You think he's involved in the tribulation?"

"I don't want to believe that," Chen Wu admitted. "But he was nearby when it happened. And you've seen how he's been training in secret."

Zhang Hao sighed. "If he's hiding something, it must be for a reason. Maybe he's trying to protect us."

"Or maybe he doesn't trust us," Chen Wu said quietly.

The two friends sat in uneasy silence, unsure of how to confront their growing doubts about Mo Xiu.

Elder Lan wasn't one to let rumors cloud her judgment. She relied on facts and observation. After hearing reports of strange activity near the forest, she sent her trusted aide, Elder Qiao Feng, to investigate.

Qiao Feng, a skilled tracker, followed Mo Xiu into the forest one evening. From a safe distance, he watched as Mo Xiu sat beneath an ancient tree, golden lightning crackling faintly around him.

Qiao Feng's eyes widened in shock. "Golden lightning... That's not something any ordinary mortal can control."

He returned to Elder Lan immediately.

"Elder Lan," he said breathlessly. "I've found the source of the tribulation."

Lan's expression darkened. "Who?"

"It's Mo Xiu," Qiao Feng said. "He's hiding immense power, far beyond what a disciple should have."

Elder Lan frowned. "This confirms my suspicions. But we can't act rashly. If we confront him without proof, we risk alienating him—or provoking him. I'll report this to the sect master."

When Elder Lan shared her findings with Sect Master Tian Guang, he listened carefully.

"This is troubling," Tian Guang said. "If Mo Xiu truly wields such power, he could be the sect's greatest asset—or its greatest threat. We must proceed with caution."

Lan nodded. "What should we do, Sect Master?"

"For now, we wait and observe," Tian Guang said. "But ensure he remains unaware of our suspicions. If he feels cornered, it could lead to disaster."

While the Azure Sky Sect dealt with its internal suspicions, a darker threat loomed in the forest. A group of hooded figures, exuding a sinister aura, gathered under the cover of night.

"The heavenly tribulation originated here," one of them said in a low, raspy voice. "Someone in this sect wields a power that could threaten our plans."

Another figure nodded. "We cannot allow them to interfere. Prepare to infiltrate the sect. We must find and eliminate the source of this power before it's too late."

As the figures disappeared into the shadows, the sect unknowingly stood on the brink of an attack, its internal conflicts leaving it vulnerable to an even greater danger.