Chapter 10: The Sect’s Shadow

The days following the Trial of Reflection were a blur of intense training and self-discovery. Lin Wei's control over his Qi and his glitchy system improved steadily, though the unpredictability of his abilities still posed challenges. Elder Ming continued to guide him, pushing him to explore the limits of his potential while also teaching him the history and philosophy of the Azure Sky Sect.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the garden was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, Elder Ming summoned Lin Wei to her private pavilion. The air was cool, and the faint scent of blooming flowers filled the space. Lin Wei approached cautiously, sensing that something important was about to be discussed.

"Lin Wei," Elder Ming said, her voice calm but serious, "you have made significant progress in your training. But there is more to the Azure Sky Sect than what you have seen so far. Tonight, I will show you a side of the sect that few disciples ever witness."

Lin Wei's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean, Elder Ming?"

She gestured for him to follow her, leading him to a hidden pathway behind the pavilion. The path was narrow and overgrown, clearly unused by most. They walked in silence, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets.

After a few minutes, they reached a secluded grove where a small stone altar stood. The altar was ancient, its surface covered in intricate carvings that seemed to tell a story. Elder Ming placed her hand on the altar, and the carvings began to glow faintly.

"This is the Altar of Secrets," she explained. "It is a place where the sect's most guarded knowledge is kept. Only those who have proven themselves worthy are allowed to access it."

Lin Wei stared at the altar, feeling a mix of awe and apprehension. "Why are you showing me this?"

Elder Ming turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Because you are different, Lin Wei. Your system is unlike anything we have seen before, and it holds the potential to change the balance of power in this world. But with that potential comes great danger. There are those within the sect—and beyond—who would seek to control or destroy you if they knew the truth."

Lin Wei's heart raced. "What truth?"

Elder Ming hesitated, as if weighing her words carefully. "Your system is not just a glitch. It is a fragment of an ancient power—a power that was sealed away long ago by the heavens themselves. The System Exiles were not accidents. They were experiments, created by those who sought to defy the heavens and unlock that power."

Lin Wei felt a chill run down his spine. "So… I'm part of some kind of experiment?"

"In a sense," Elder Ming said. "But you are more than that. You are a person, with your own will and potential. The question is, what will you do with that potential? Will you use it to defy the heavens, as your creators intended? Or will you forge your own path?"

Lin Wei was silent for a moment, processing her words. "I… I don't know. I just want to survive and protect the people I care about."

Elder Ming nodded. "That is a good start. But survival alone is not enough. You must also understand the forces at play and the choices you will have to make. The Azure Sky Sect has long sought to maintain balance in the world, but there are those within our ranks who have other ambitions. You must be careful who you trust."

Lin Wei frowned. "Are you saying there are people in the sect who would betray us?"

Elder Ming's expression darkened. "The sect is not a monolith. It is made up of individuals, each with their own goals and desires. Some seek power, others seek knowledge, and still others seek to uphold the sect's ideals. But there are always those who will put their own interests above the greater good."

Lin Wei felt a sense of unease. "What should I do?"

"For now, continue your training," Elder Ming said. "But be vigilant. Watch and listen. Learn to discern the true intentions of those around you. And when the time comes, be ready to make difficult choices."

Lin Wei nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I understand."

Elder Ming placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch firm but reassuring. "You have the potential to be great, Lin Wei. But greatness comes with a price. Remember that."

---

The next morning, Lin Wei returned to his training with a renewed sense of purpose. He practiced his Qi control, honed his combat skills, and experimented with his glitchy system, pushing himself to new limits. But even as he focused on his training, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

One afternoon, as he was practicing in the main training area, he noticed a group of disciples whispering among themselves. They glanced at him occasionally, their expressions unreadable. Lin Wei tried to ignore them, but the sense of unease lingered.

Later that evening, as he was returning to his quarters, he was approached by a young disciple he didn't recognize. The disciple was nervous, glancing around as if afraid of being seen.

"Lin Wei," the disciple said in a hushed tone, "I need to talk to you. It's important."

Lin Wei frowned. "What is it?"

The disciple hesitated, then handed him a small scroll. "Take this. Read it when you're alone. And be careful—there are those who are watching you."

Before Lin Wei could respond, the disciple hurried away, disappearing into the shadows. Lin Wei stared after him, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He quickly made his way back to his quarters, locking the door behind him.

He unrolled the scroll, his heart pounding as he read the message:

*"Beware the Shadow Faction. They seek to use you for their own purposes. Trust no one—not even Elder Ming."*

Lin Wei's hands trembled as he reread the words. Who were the Shadow Faction? And why would they be after him? The warning about Elder Ming was particularly unsettling. She had been his mentor, his guide. Could she really be hiding something from him?

He sat on the edge of his bed, his mind racing. The sect was more complex—and more dangerous—than he had realized. He had come here seeking strength and knowledge, but now he was caught in a web of secrets and lies.

As the night deepened, Lin Wei made a decision. He would continue his training, but he would also be vigilant. He would watch and listen, as Elder Ming had advised. And when the time came, he would make the choices necessary to protect himself and those he cared about.

The path ahead was uncertain, but Lin Wei was determined to face it head-on. With his glitchy system and newfound resolve, he was ready to uncover the truth—no matter where it led.