Two weeks passed in deceptive peace.
Lin Feng settled into the rhythm of outer disciple life—morning training, afternoon missions, evening cultivation. He completed escort duties, herb gathering expeditions, and even helped repair sect formations under Elder Feng's supervision. Each task he performed competently but not spectacularly, maintaining his cover as a talented but not extraordinary disciple.
His private training with Patriarch Cloud continued daily. Behind the impenetrable formations of the personal cultivation chamber, Lin Feng pushed his void techniques further, learning to blend the Void Emperor's inherited knowledge with his own developing style. The Patriarch proved to be an exacting teacher, demanding not just technical perfection but deep understanding of why each technique worked.
"Power without comprehension is a bomb waiting to detonate," the ancient cultivator had said during one session. "The Void Emperor understood this—his techniques weren't just about manipulating void energy, but understanding the fundamental nature of existence itself. You must do the same."
Through these sessions, Lin Feng felt his cultivation consolidating. Divine Domain Level 1 became truly his own rather than just inherited power. The Eternal Void domain grew more refined, more responsive to his will. And slowly, carefully, he began preparing for advancement to Level 2.
But beneath this surface tranquility, undercurrents of danger swirled.
Elder Shadow's investigation had intensified. Lin Feng felt the elder's spiritual sense probing at him constantly now—during meals, training sessions, even when he thought he was alone. The observation formations in his room activated nightly, though he'd learned to detect and mislead them.
Chen Hong remained in the sect, ostensibly as a liaison maintaining relations with the Azure Sky Family. But his real purpose was obvious: gathering intelligence on Lin Feng's activities, relationships, and movements.
And there were whispers. Rumors spreading through the sect like ripples in a pond—speculation about Lin Feng's true cultivation, questions about the inheritance he'd found, suggestions that he was hiding something dangerous.
Someone is deliberately spreading these rumors. Trying to turn sect opinion against me before Li Xian makes his next move.
On the fifteenth day since his return from Silver Moon City, the fragile peace shattered.
Lin Feng was in the Grand Library, studying formation theory in a quiet corner, when Xiao Ling burst in—her face pale, breathing ragged from running.
"Lin Feng! You need to come quickly!"
He immediately set down his texts. "What happened?"
"It's Elder Shen. He's been arrested by the Discipline Hall. They're saying—" She struggled to catch her breath. "They're saying he helped you illegally. That he knew about forbidden techniques and didn't report them. That he's been concealing evidence of demonic cultivation!"
Lin Feng's blood ran cold. "That's impossible. Elder Shen has done nothing wrong."
"I know that! But Elder Shadow is leading the investigation personally. He's claiming Elder Shen's jade token—the one he gave you—contains evidence of collusion." Xiao Ling grabbed his arm. "Lin Feng, they're using him to get to you. If they prove Elder Shen helped you do something forbidden, they can arrest you too!"
Clever. Attack me indirectly by going after my allies. Force me to either defend Elder Shen and expose myself, or abandon him and prove I'm willing to sacrifice anyone for self-preservation.
"Where is Elder Shen now?"
"The Discipline Hall's detention chambers. They're holding a formal inquiry this afternoon—all the Grand Elders will be present, along with sect leadership. It's a public trial, Lin Feng. Everyone will be watching."
Lin Feng's mind raced through options. If he stayed silent, Elder Shen would be punished for helping him—possibly stripped of his position, possibly worse. But if he defended the elder too vigorously, he'd draw even more attention to himself.
No. I won't let an innocent person suffer because of my secrets.
"I'm going to the inquiry."
"That's what they want! They want you to defend him so they can turn the investigation toward you!"
"I know. But I won't abandon Elder Shen." Lin Feng stood, his expression hardening. "He helped me when no one else would. Now it's my turn."
Through the Dao Thread, he felt Yun Qingxue's sudden alarm—she'd sensed his emotions shift from calm to determined. A moment later, her mental voice reached him:
What's happening?
Elder Shadow arrested Elder Shen. Claims he helped me practice forbidden techniques. There's a public inquiry this afternoon.
Don't go! It's obviously a trap!
I have to. If I don't defend him, I prove I'm willing to sacrifice allies. That makes everyone else afraid to help me.
And if you do defend him, you walk right into whatever Elder Shadow has planned!
Then I walk carefully. But I walk.
Her frustration rippled through their connection, but beneath it was understanding. She knew he was right—abandoning Elder Shen would be pragmatic but morally devastating.
Fine. I'll be there too. As Sacred Disciple, I have authority to observe Discipline Hall proceedings. If things go wrong, I'll intervene.
That could expose our connection.
Some things are worth exposing. Her mental voice was firm. Elder Shen is a good man. If we let him be destroyed by false accusations just to protect our secrets, what does that say about us?
Lin Feng felt warmth through their bond—not just relief at her support, but something deeper. Respect. Admiration. The beginning of love that went beyond fated connection.
Thank you.
Don't thank me yet. Just prepare yourself. Elder Shadow isn't subtle—if he's making this move publicly, he's confident he has evidence that will damn both of you.
The connection faded, and Lin Feng turned to Xiao Ling. "Come with me. I want you to witness what happens."
"Why?"
"Because if things go badly, I need someone who knows the truth to survive and tell it." He met her eyes seriously. "Xiao Ling, if I'm arrested or worse, you run. Find Yun Qingxue and tell her everything you saw. Promise me."
She looked frightened but nodded. "I promise."
They made their way through the sect toward the Discipline Hall—a severe structure of dark stone that radiated authority and judgment. A crowd had already gathered—disciples drawn by rumors of scandal, elders coming to observe one of their own being questioned, and various other sect members curious about the spectacle.
The Discipline Hall's main chamber was designed for exactly this kind of public proceeding. Tiered seating surrounded a central floor where the accused would stand. At the chamber's far end, seven seats for the Grand Elders, with the Patriarch's throne elevated above them all.
Elder Shen stood in the center of the floor, his hands bound by formation chains that suppressed spiritual energy. The old cultivator looked tired but not defeated, his eyes scanning the crowd until they found Lin Feng. A small smile touched his lips—relief that his young friend had come.
Don't smile, old man. You're in danger because of me.
The Grand Elders filed in one by one, taking their seats. Elder Shadow sat at the left position, his expression carefully neutral but eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The other elders showed varying degrees of concern or interest—this was highly unusual, investigating one of their own.
Finally, Patriarch Cloud entered, his ancient presence silencing all whispers. He took his throne and surveyed the assembled crowd before speaking.
"We convene this inquiry to investigate accusations against Elder Shen of the Herb Gardens. The charges are serious—concealing evidence of forbidden cultivation, providing resources to a disciple engaged in suspicious practices, and failing to report activities that potentially threaten sect security."
His voice was formal, judicial. Not the warm tone of Lin Feng's mentor, but the absolute authority of the sect's highest leader.
"Elder Shadow, as the investigating elder, present your evidence."
Elder Shadow stood smoothly, producing a jade tablet that projected information into the air—visible to everyone present.
"Honorable Patriarch, fellow elders, disciples of the sect. Today I present evidence of a conspiracy that threatens our sect's very foundation." His voice carried through the chamber. "Elder Shen has, for weeks now, provided illegal assistance to Outer Disciple Lin Feng—a young man whose rapid advancement and suspicious techniques have raised numerous questions."
He gestured, and the projection showed images—records of Elder Shen giving Lin Feng his personal jade token, documents of private herb garden access, even spiritual recordings of their conversations.
"Elder Shen gave Lin Feng unrestricted access to his personal resources, including rare herbs normally restricted to inner disciples and above. He did this knowing that Lin Feng's cultivation advancement was impossible through normal means, yet he never reported it to proper authorities."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. This was damning—an elder helping a disciple circumvent sect hierarchy.
"Furthermore," Elder Shadow continued, "analysis of Lin Feng's spiritual signature shows traces of void energy. Void cultivation is not forbidden per se, but it is closely monitored due to its historical association with certain... unfortunate figures."
Here it comes. He's building toward mentioning the Void Emperor.
"I propose that Elder Shen knew Lin Feng was practicing void cultivation—possibly even forbidden void techniques—and concealed this information. This makes him complicit in whatever Lin Feng is truly hiding."
Elder Shadow's gaze swept the chamber, landing deliberately on Lin Feng in the crowd.
"I call Outer Disciple Lin Feng to testify. Let him explain exactly what Elder Shen helped him with, and what he's been hiding from this sect."
The chamber erupted in whispers. This was the real target—Elder Shen was just the lever to force Lin Feng into the open.
Patriarch Cloud's expression remained neutral, but Lin Feng saw his eyes narrow fractionally. The ancient cultivator had warned him this day would come. Now it had arrived earlier than expected.
"Outer Disciple Lin Feng," Patriarch Cloud said formally. "Step forward and testify."
Lin Feng walked down to the chamber floor, feeling hundreds of eyes tracking his movement. He stopped beside Elder Shen, deliberately positioning himself as ally rather than defendant.
"I am here, Patriarch."
"Elder Shadow has made serious accusations that involve you directly. What is your response?"
Lin Feng took a breath, organizing his thoughts. Careful truth. Enough to defend Elder Shen without revealing everything.
"Elder Shen is innocent of wrongdoing. He provided me with resources—his personal jade token and access to his herb gardens—because he saw potential in me when others did not. This is not illegal. Elders have discretion to mentor promising disciples."
"But the jade token gave you access beyond your rank," Elder Shadow interjected. "That violates proper sect hierarchy."
"It gave me access to study materials and cultivation resources. I used them to improve myself, not for any forbidden purpose." Lin Feng's voice was steady. "Elder Shen believed in me when I was still a servant. His support helped me pass the outer disciple examination. Where is the crime in that?"
"The crime," Elder Shadow said coldly, "is in concealing the true nature of your cultivation. You practice void techniques, yes?"
"I do. The inheritance I found in the forbidden mountains included void cultivation methods."
"And Elder Shen knew this?"
"He suspected I had unusual techniques. He never asked me to conceal them—I made that choice independently."
"Why?" Elder Shadow pressed. "Why hide void cultivation unless it's forbidden?"
"Because I was afraid." Lin Feng let genuine emotion color his voice. "I was a servant for fourteen years. Everyone dismissed me as worthless. When I finally found power, I was terrified that revealing it too quickly would lead to rejection or accusations. So I was cautious—perhaps too cautious. But that was my decision, not Elder Shen's."
The crowd murmured—some sympathetically, others skeptically.
Elder Shadow's expression showed frustration. This wasn't going as planned. Lin Feng was taking full responsibility, preventing the blame from touching Elder Shen.
"Let me be more direct," Elder Shadow said. "The inheritance you found—was it from a cultivator known as the Void Emperor?"
The chamber went absolutely silent.
Lin Feng felt the weight of that question. Answering yes would confirm Elder Shadow's suspicions and paint an enormous target. Answering no would be a lie the elder might be able to prove.
Before he could respond, a new voice cut through the tension:
"Why does it matter?"
All eyes turned to the speaker—Yun Qingxue, standing in the sect leadership section, her ice-blue eyes fixed on Elder Shadow.
"Sacred Disciple Yun?" Patriarch Cloud's tone held surprise. "You wish to speak?"
"I do, Patriarch." She descended to the chamber floor with perfect grace. "Elder Shadow asks whether Lin Feng found the Void Emperor's inheritance. But I question why this matters. The Void Emperor died one hundred thousand years ago. His techniques are not forbidden by current sect law. If Lin Feng found ancient cultivation methods, regardless of whose they were, he's done nothing wrong by studying them."
"The Void Emperor's legacy is dangerous," Elder Shadow countered. "His murderers still live, still watch for any sign of his techniques resurfacing. By harboring someone with that inheritance, we endanger the entire sect!"
"Then we protect him!" Yun Qingxue's voice rang out clearly. "We don't punish a talented disciple for being born in the wrong era or finding the wrong inheritance. We protect him while he grows strong enough to face whatever threats his legacy attracts."
The chamber erupted in debate. Some disciples agreed with Yun Qingxue—protecting their own was the sect's duty. Others sided with Elder Shadow—the danger was too great to risk.
Elder Shadow's expression had gone dark. "Sacred Disciple, your defense of this outer disciple is noted. One might wonder why you take such personal interest in his welfare."
The threat was clear—he was questioning her motivations, suggesting impropriety.
"I take interest," Yun Qingxue said coldly, her Ice Goddess mask fully in place, "because I believe in protecting promising disciples rather than destroying them out of fear. That is what our sect should stand for."
"Enough." Patriarch Cloud's voice cut through all discussion like a blade. "This inquiry has strayed from its purpose. Elder Shen stands accused of helping a disciple improperly. Lin Feng admits to receiving that help but claims no forbidden practices. The question is simple: did Elder Shen violate sect law?"
He looked at each Grand Elder in turn. "I call for a vote. Those who believe Elder Shen is guilty of the charges, indicate now."
Elder Shadow raised his hand immediately. Two other elders—ones Lin Feng recognized as politically aligned with the Azure Sky Family—raised theirs as well.
Three votes for guilty.
"Those who believe Elder Shen is innocent?"
Elder Yuan raised her hand. Elder Ming followed. Master Tie Shan raised his massive arm. Elder Feng hesitated, then raised his hand as well.
Four votes for innocent.
"The verdict is innocent," Patriarch Cloud declared. "Elder Shen is cleared of all charges and will be released immediately. The chains, Elder Shadow."
For a moment, Elder Shadow looked like he might refuse. Then, with visible reluctance, he gestured and the formation chains binding Elder Shen dissolved.
The old cultivator stumbled, Lin Feng catching his arm to steady him.
"Thank you, boy," Elder Shen murmured quietly. "I knew you'd come."
"I couldn't abandon you, Elder."
Patriarch Cloud stood, his presence demanding attention. "However, this inquiry has revealed concerning issues that cannot be ignored. Lin Feng, your cultivation methods require examination—not as punishment, but to ensure your safety and the sect's. You will report to me daily for assessment. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Patriarch."
"And regarding your inheritance—whether it came from the Void Emperor or another ancient cultivator is irrelevant. What matters is that you use these techniques wisely and safely. You have my protection as your mentor, but that protection comes with responsibility. Do not abuse it."
"I understand, Patriarch."
"Finally," the ancient cultivator's gaze swept the entire chamber, "let this be clear: Lin Feng is under my personal mentorship and protection. Any who seek to harm him or investigate him without my authorization will answer to me directly. Am I clear, Elder Shadow?"
The investigating elder's jaw clenched. "Perfectly clear, Patriarch."
"Good. This inquiry is concluded. Elder Shen is innocent. Lin Feng will continue his training under my supervision. All other matters are closed." Patriarch Cloud's tone left no room for argument. "Dismissed."
The crowd began dispersing, disciples whispering excitedly about the drama they'd witnessed. Elder Shadow left quickly, his expression stormy. The other elders filed out more slowly, several casting thoughtful glances at Lin Feng.
As the chamber emptied, Yun Qingxue approached. "That was closer than it should have been."
"Thank you for defending me. And Elder Shen."
"I spoke the truth. If our sect can't protect talented disciples, what's our purpose?" Her ice-blue eyes held his. "But Elder Shadow won't stop. This was just his opening move."
"I know." Lin Feng helped Elder Shen toward the exit. "But at least we survived it."
Patriarch Cloud descended from his throne, approaching them. "A word in private, all of you."
He gestured, and a privacy formation sprang up around the five of them—Lin Feng, Yun Qingxue, Elder Shen, Xiao Ling who'd been watching from the crowd, and the Patriarch himself.
"That was well handled, but dangerous," the ancient cultivator said. "Elder Shadow has confirmation now that you possess void cultivation techniques. He'll report this to his contacts—whoever they are. We should assume word will spread beyond the sect within days."
"To the three traitors?" Lin Feng asked.
"Eventually. They have agents everywhere, always watching for signs of the Void Emperor's legacy." Patriarch Cloud's expression was grave. "We've bought time, but not much. You need to advance quickly now—fast enough that when they come, you're not helpless prey."
"How fast?"
"Divine Domain Level 2 within two months. Level 3 within six. That's aggressive by any standard, but with your foundation and the resources I'll provide, it's achievable."
"And when the traitors come?" Yun Qingxue asked quietly.
"Then we hope Lin Feng is strong enough to survive their initial probes, and I am strong enough to discourage direct assault." The Patriarch looked at each of them. "But understand—if a Demi-God comes personally, I cannot guarantee protection. Immortal Emperor Level 3 is formidable, but it's not Demi-God."
The weight of that admission settled over them like a shroud.
"Then I'll advance as fast as safely possible," Lin Feng said. "And prepare for the day when they come."
"Good." Patriarch Cloud deactivated the privacy formation. "Elder Shen, take some rest. You've had a trying day. Yun Qingxue, your defense of Lin Feng was noted—there will be political consequences from the Azure Sky Family. Be prepared for Li Xian to react poorly."
"I can handle Li Xian, Patriarch."
"See that you do. Xiao Ling—" The ancient cultivator turned to the young servant, who looked startled to be addressed. "You've been a good friend to Lin Feng. Continue that friendship, but be aware that proximity to him is dangerous now. If you wish to request transfer to safer duties, I will arrange it."
Xiao Ling straightened her spine. "Thank you, Patriarch, but I'll stay with Lin Feng. Someone needs to make sure he eats properly and doesn't train himself to death."
Despite the tension, Lin Feng smiled. "That's definitely true."
"Then be careful, all of you." Patriarch Cloud's expression softened slightly. "The storm is gathering. What happened today was just the first drops of rain. The real deluge is yet to come."
As they left the Discipline Hall, Lin Feng felt the truth of those words. The fragile peace was shattered. His secrets were partially exposed. And somewhere, in distant corners of the world, ancient enemies would soon learn that the legacy they thought destroyed had survived.
The countdown had truly begun.
But looking at the people around him—Yun Qingxue walking beside him, Elder Shen recovered and smiling despite his ordeal, Xiao Ling chattering about what food she'd prepare to celebrate the victory, even the distant sense of Patriarch Cloud's protective presence—Lin Feng felt something unexpected.
Hope.
He wasn't facing this alone anymore. He had allies. Had people who knew his secrets and chose to stand with him anyway.
The Void Emperor had been betrayed by those he trusted most. Lin Feng was building something different—bonds forged not by oath or political convenience, but by genuine care and shared danger.
Maybe that's the real difference between us, Lin Feng thought, feeling the Void Emperor's memories stir in response. You reached the peak alone. I'm learning to climb together with others.
Is that what makes me different? What will let me succeed where you failed?
Through inherited memories, Lin Feng felt something like approval. The Void Emperor's ghost, if such a thing existed, seemed to smile.
Perhaps, heir. Perhaps that's exactly what you need.
Night was falling as they returned to their respective quarters. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new threats, new complications.
But tonight, Lin Feng had won a victory that mattered more than any duel or examination.
He'd protected those who protected him.
And in doing so, he'd proven—to himself and others—that power without compassion was just tyranny waiting to happen.
The storm was gathering. But Lin Feng would face it not as the isolated Void Emperor had, but surrounded by people who chose to stand with him.
That, more than any cultivation technique, might be his real inheritance.
END OF CHAPTER 14
TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 15: ADVANCING THE VOID