Chapter 12:A New Threat in the Shadows

Chapter 12: A New Threat in the Shadows

"The higher you rise, the more enemies lurk in the darkness, waiting for their moment to strike."

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A Secret Meeting in the Dark Abyss Palace

Far away from the Heavenly Cloud Sect, deep in the Dark Abyss Palace, a group of hooded figures sat in a dimly lit chamber.

Their presence alone made the air heavy with killing intent.

At the head of the table sat a man in black and gold robes, his face hidden behind a sinister mask. His aura was chilling—he was an early-stage Immortal Realm cultivator.

This was Mo Tianhai, the Master of the Dark Abyss Palace—one of the true hidden rulers of the cultivation world.

A cloaked elder kneeled before him. "Master, the Heavenly Cloud Sect has grown too quickly. Xiao Tian has become a dangerous variable."

Mo Tianhai tapped his fingers on the table. "We ignored him before, thinking he would be swallowed by the larger sects… but now, he rules them."

The Dark Abyss Palace had operated in the shadows for thousands of years, controlling the rise and fall of sects without ever revealing their existence.

And yet—

A single young sect master had destroyed their delicate balance in just a few months.

"He must be eliminated," one of the shadowy figures growled. "His growth is unnatural. If we don't stop him now, he could threaten our rule over this continent."

Another figure, an old man with soulless black eyes, spoke coldly. "He has the power of some unknown divine force backing him. We must investigate first before acting."

Mo Tianhai finally spoke, his voice filled with cold amusement. "Then let's test him."

He waved his hand, and a black jade token appeared.

"Summon the Abyss Assassins. Let's see if this so-called Supreme Sect Master can survive."

The Dark Abyss Palace had just declared war on Xiao Tian—without him even knowing.

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Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Cloud Sect

Xiao Tian sat in the sect's grand hall, his expression calm as he reviewed the latest reports.

The sect's influence had spread across the continent.

Dozens of smaller sects had already pledged loyalty.

Merchants and noble families now sought his favor.

The cultivation world trembled at his name.

Everything was going too smoothly.

Then suddenly—

> [Ding! Warning! A powerful hidden force has begun targeting you!]

[Threat Level: Unknown]

Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed.

"Finally, the real enemies have revealed themselves."

He looked up at his most trusted disciples and elders.

"Prepare for war."

The shadows were moving against him.

But Xiao Tian… was ready.