Chapter 56: Shadows of the Past
A Time of Reflection
The battlefield, once soaked in blood and filled with the echoes of war, had transformed into a place of rebuilding. The scent of burning incense mixed with the earthy aroma of freshly dug soil as both the Sect of Chaos and the Eclipse Sect honored their fallen warriors. Fires crackled softly, illuminating the camp as disciples patched wounds, mended weapons, and recounted the events of the battle.
Atop a small hill, Lin Feng stood with his arms crossed, his gaze locked on the stars above. The flickering campfires below painted a picture of unity, but beneath that unity lay uncertainty.
"We've won a battle, but what about the war?" he thought grimly.
A familiar voice broke his contemplation.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Lin Feng turned to see Elder Shen, his ever-stern expression softened for once. His robes bore minor cuts and soot stains from the recent conflict, but the old warrior stood tall, unwavering.
"This old man really is a monster in battle," Lin Feng mused before sighing.
"I'm just thinking ahead," Lin Feng admitted. "We've managed to take down the Shadow Serpent Clan's main forces, but something tells me we haven't seen the last of them. And even if we have, other threats are bound to rise."
Elder Shen nodded. "Wise words. We may have struck a blow, but serpents are notorious for regrowing their fangs."
Lin Feng rubbed his chin. "We need to strengthen our alliance further. Combined training sessions, shared patrols, perhaps even joint missions. If we want to stand against greater threats, we must become more than just temporary allies."
Elder Shen chuckled, a rare sight. "And here I thought you were just enjoying the view."
Lin Feng smirked. "The view is always better with friends by my side."
---
Old Man Wu's New Invention
Meanwhile, deep within the camp, Old Man Wu was in his usual chaotic element—his workshop, which looked more like a battlefield of blueprints, half-finished gadgets, and bubbling potions.
At the center of his workspace sat a large, humming device: the Shadow Disruptor 3.0, a silver orb covered in glowing inscriptions.
Jiang Tian and Disciple Ren stepped inside, wary but intrigued.
"Alright, Old Man, what's this one supposed to do?" Jiang Tian asked, arms crossed.
Wu puffed up with pride. "This, my dear younglings, is the ultimate counter to shadow-based techniques! The Shadow Disruptor 3.0 can negate any shadow energy within a fifty-meter radius!"
Ren raised an eyebrow. "Didn't the last version of this… explode?"
Wu waved a dismissive hand. "Ah, minor hiccup! That was version 2.5. This one has a self-cooling mechanism—completely explosion-proof!"
Jiang Tian squinted. "So… have you tested it?"
Wu cleared his throat. "Well, not tested tested… but theoretically, it's flawless!"
Ren chuckled. "Theoretically, huh? Let's hope we don't end up as test subjects."
Before they could protest further, Wu activated the device. A pulse of energy rippled outward, causing shadows to flicker unnaturally.
Outside the tent, a disciple training with a shadow technique suddenly yelped as his ability fizzled out.
"WHO MESSED WITH MY SHADOW STEP?!"
Wu grinned triumphantly. "Success!"
Jiang Tian and Ren exchanged glances.
"This is either our greatest asset or our biggest liability."
---
A Mysterious Visitor
Night fell upon the camp, bringing a tense calm. Though victory had been claimed, the warriors knew that peace was often temporary.
The sentries stood watch, their eyes scanning the darkened forest that surrounded them. Then, amidst the rustling of leaves, a cloaked figure emerged, moving with eerie grace.
"Halt!" One of the sentries raised his spear. "State your business!"
The figure stopped. Slowly, they pulled back their hood, revealing a woman with striking silver hair and piercing blue eyes.
"I come in peace," she said, her voice steady. "I bear a message for Lin Feng and Elder Shen."
The guards hesitated before exchanging uncertain glances. Eventually, they escorted her toward the command tent.
Inside, Lin Feng and Elder Shen were poring over battle reports and intelligence when the sentries entered with the cloaked visitor.
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
She stepped forward and bowed slightly. "My name is Li Mei, a former member of the Shadow Serpent Clan."
Elder Shen's fingers twitched toward his weapon. "A spy?"
Li Mei shook her head. "No. A defector. I left before the recent battle. I couldn't stand their methods any longer."
Lin Feng studied her carefully. "And why come to us?"
Li Mei took a deep breath. "Because I have information. The Shadow Serpent Clan was merely a pawn. A greater force lurks behind them, orchestrating events from the shadows."
Elder Shen's eyes darkened. "What force?"
Her next words sent a chill through the tent.
"The Obsidian Hand. An ancient sect long thought extinct. They have been manipulating the sects for decades, and their next move will plunge the world into chaos."
Lin Feng and Elder Shen exchanged grave looks.
"Just when I thought things were getting easier..." Lin Feng thought bitterly.
---
Preparations for the Unknown
The days that followed were filled with a flurry of activity. With Li Mei's intelligence, both sects began reinforcing their defenses and gathering information on the Obsidian Hand.
Jiang Tian and Ren trained relentlessly, sharpening their combat skills and coordination.
One evening, as they practiced under the moonlight, Ren glanced at Jiang Tian. "Do you trust her?"
Jiang Tian didn't stop his movements. "Li Mei? Hard to say. But Lin Feng does, and that's enough for now."
Ren exhaled sharply. "I hope he's right. We've had enough surprises lately."
From afar, Lin Feng observed them. "The storm is coming," he murmured to himself.
His grip tightened.
"And this time, we need to be ready."
---
End of Chapter 56