The White Lotus Sect

The cold moonlight draped over the vast expanse of the Misty Forest, casting eerie silver glows upon the swaying branches. The soft rustling of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal demon beasts, and the occasional whispers of the wind intertwined into an unsettling melody.

Li Feng and Li Jue moved forward cautiously.

Behind them, figures cloaked in darkness lurked within the thick foliage, their presence subtle yet undeniable.

Li Jue instinctively tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword, his body slightly tensed.

Li Feng noticed his reaction and gently squeezed his hand. Her fingers, despite her injuries, were warm and reassuring.

"Jue'er, don't tense up." Her voice was soft yet firm, a whisper carried by the wind. "They won't attack us unless we provoke them."

Li Jue's gaze flickered towards her, searching for certainty in her expression. Seeing the calm determination in her eyes, he exhaled slowly and nodded.

"I trust you, Feng'er."

A soft smile played on her lips.

Still, neither of them dropped their guard as they ventured deeper into the forest.

The towering ancient trees loomed around them like silent sentinels, their gnarled branches stretching across the sky, veiling the stars in a web of shadows.

The scent of damp earth and lingering spiritual energy filled the air, a sign that powerful creatures roamed this region.

Despite the ominous presence trailing them, their journey was eerily smooth.

Li Jue glanced at the surroundings. "Feng'er, I expected more resistance on our way back. We killed two great elders; surely their allies would want revenge."

Li Feng's eyes narrowed. "That's what worries me. The White Lotus Sect is not weak. Even if their allies haven't acted yet, the sect should have sent someone to meet us. Yet… no one has come."

A chill ran down Li Jue's spine.

"You think something happened?"

"I don't know," Li Feng admitted, her expression darkening. "But we must be prepared for the worst."

Li Jue nodded, gripping his Eclipse Sovereign Sword tighter.

As they continued walking, Li Feng staggered slightly, a sharp pain surging through her body.

Li Jue immediately caught her by the waist. "Feng'er, are you alright?"

She forced a smile. "I'm fine… I just need to recover a little."

Li Jue frowned, his eyes filled with concern.

Without a word, he led her to a secluded clearing near a crystal-clear spirit spring. The water emitted a soft bluish glow, filled with pure healing energy.

"Sit down," he ordered gently.

Li Feng hesitated before nodding. She sat cross-legged by the water, activating her Lunar Blossom Breathing Technique—a high-legendary-grade recovery method.

Li Jue stood guard, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

Slowly, a gentle silver mist surrounded Li Feng as her injuries mended at a visible pace.

Her wounds closed, her complexion regained its glow, and her aura stabilized.

Li Jue sighed in relief, kneeling beside her.

"Feng'er, don't push yourself so hard next time," he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

She gazed at him, warmth flickering in her eyes.

"You always worry about me, don't you?"

"Of course." His voice was resolute.

Li Feng's heart skipped a beat.

Before she could say anything, she suddenly tensed, sensing movement from the shadows.

The lurking figures were still there… watching.

But just as before, they didn't attack.

Instead, their presence seemed to withdraw, fading into the night.

Li Jue noticed it too. "They're leaving?"

Li Feng narrowed her eyes.

"They were never planning to attack."

A heavy silence followed.

Something was wrong.

Without wasting another moment, they resumed their journey towards the White Lotus Sect, their pace swift and cautious.

By the time the sect's towering jade gates came into view, the first light of dawn had begun to paint the sky.

However, as they stepped closer, Li Feng's brows furrowed in confusion.

"No one is here."

Li Jue's expression darkened.

The White Lotus Sect, one of the most prestigious sects in the region, always had disciples stationed at the gates.

But now, the entrance was deserted.

A strange silence hung in the air.

Li Feng clenched her fists. "Something is very wrong."

Li Jue drew his sword. "We need to be careful."

With swift yet silent steps, they passed through the gates, moving towards the main hall.

But the moment they stepped inside, their eyes widened in horror.

The once majestic halls of the White Lotus Sect were in ruins.

Blood splattered the walls.

Corpses of sect disciples lay strewn across the marble floors, their eyes frozen in shock.

And at the center of the chaos stood two familiar figures.

Two men, dressed in dark robes embroidered with crimson lotuses, sat on the sect master's throne.

Li Feng's breath hitched.

She recognized them immediately.

They were the direct descendants of the two great elders she and Li Jue had slain.

Her fingers tightened around her sword hilt, her heart pounding.

"They… overthrew the sect…"

Li Jue's killing intent surged.

The man on the throne smirked.

"Well, well… The former sect master has finally returned."

His voice was laced with mockery and malice.

Beside him, the other man chuckled darkly.

"We've been waiting for you, Li Feng."

The air grew heavier, charged with impending battle.

Li Feng's eyes burned with fury.

"YOU DARE BETRAY THE SECT?!"

The man on the throne merely laughed.

"The White Lotus Sect was weak under your rule. It was time for a change."

His Void Reaper Spear, a high-legendary-grade weapon, appeared in his hands, its dark aura pulsating.

The other man brandished a Scarlet Phantom Blade, another peak-tier artifact, as he smirked.

"We'll kill you just like you killed our grandfathers."

Li Jue stepped forward, his aura surging like a raging inferno.

"Feng'er, let's end this."

Li Feng nodded, her eyes blazing with determination and wrath.

With a flicker of light, her Snow Lotus Sword ignited with divine frost energy.

The battle to cleanse the White Lotus Sect had begun.

After a long and brutal battle, Li Feng and Li Jue stood victorious, their enemies lying defeated at their feet.

The White Lotus Sect was cleansed of traitors, but the scars remained.

Li Feng sighed, glancing at the ruined sect halls.

She turned to Li Jue, her voice soft.

"Come with me, Jue'er. Let's rest for a while."

Li Jue nodded, following her towards her private chambers.

But as they stepped inside, Li Feng suddenly stopped in her tracks, her expression changing.

Something was wrong.

And then—