Published at 24th of September 2024 8:21 am

Chapter 15: Seeds of Conflict

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The town basked in a short-lived calm after the Demon Lord’s defeat. Life resumed its routine, but the storm’s memory lingered in the air like an unhealed wound. The townspeople whispered about Wei Long's power, their gratitude tinged with unease. He had saved them, but they couldn't help but wonder about the ancient force he had unleashed. Even he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease growing within him.

Days passed, and Wei Long spent most of his time in meditation, trying to stabilize the raw, ancient energy still coursing through him. He had drawn power from the earth, but it wasn’t something that could be harnessed lightly. Every time he tapped into it, he felt as though he was disturbing forces far older and more dangerous than he could comprehend.

Sitting cross-legged in his small training chamber, Wei Long felt the familiar pull of the spiritual energy within the earth. It was vast, like an endless ocean, but unpredictable. He focused, drawing just a thin thread of power to circulate through his body, reinforcing his cultivation.

He breathed deeply, the energy flowing through his meridians, but just as he was about to settle into his usual rhythm, the ancient energy stirred violently. A sharp pulse coursed through his body, almost overwhelming his senses. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he saw flashes—images of distant mountains, ancient ruins, and a darkness so deep it seemed to swallow everything.

With a jolt, Wei Long broke out of the trance, his breath ragged. His body was drenched in sweat, and his heart pounded in his chest. He knew he was playing with something far beyond his understanding. If he wasn’t careful, this power could consume him.

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Elsewhere, tensions were brewing. The Jade Serpent Sect had established itself firmly within the town. Their elder, now more cautious after witnessing Wei Long’s strength, had adjusted his approach. Rather than pressing for control directly, the sect was slowly embedding itself in the town’s fabric—offering protection, training, and resources that the townspeople couldn’t easily refuse.

In the markets, sect disciples openly bartered with merchants, exchanging rare herbs and materials from faraway regions for food and supplies. The sect’s presence had brought prosperity, but it was a double-edged sword. Some of the town’s leaders began to see the benefits of cooperation with the sect, while others—especially those close to Wei Long—were wary.

Wei Long, meanwhile, found himself in the middle of this growing conflict. He had no desire for power or influence, but people had begun to look to him as a leader, someone who could stand up to the sect’s subtle encroachment. This wasn’t a position he sought, but it was one he couldn’t easily escape.

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One evening, Wei Long met with Li Cheng, one of the town’s respected elders and an old family friend. They sat together in a small room, the soft glow of candlelight flickering between them.

Li Cheng sighed heavily. “The Jade Serpent Sect is becoming more entrenched by the day. Some of the townspeople are starting to believe we need them, that without their protection, we won’t survive the next wave of demonic beasts.”

Wei Long nodded. “They’re offering resources and training, things that can help the town grow. But I know their endgame. It’s about control.”

Li Cheng looked troubled. “Some of the council members are leaning toward full alliance with the sect. They think it’s the only way we’ll stand a chance against future threats.”

“And what do you think?” Wei Long asked.

The old man’s gaze was steady. “I think you’re right to be cautious. The sect isn’t offering help out of kindness. They want this town as a foothold in the region, and they’ll take it piece by piece if we’re not careful.”

Wei Long remained silent for a moment, thinking. “We can’t let them take over. But I also can’t deny that we need strength. The Demon Lord wasn’t the end of our problems. There’s something bigger out there—something worse.”

Li Cheng’s brow furrowed. “You think there’s more?”

Wei Long nodded, his voice low. “I felt it when I tapped into the earth’s energy. This land is ancient, and there are forces sleeping beneath it. The Demon Lord was just a piece of something much larger.”

The elder leaned forward. “Then we need to prepare. But how? The Jade Serpent Sect isn’t just going to leave. If we reject their alliance outright, they’ll turn on us.”

Wei Long considered his words carefully. “We need to strengthen ourselves. The town must learn to stand on its own. We can’t rely on the sect’s charity, but we also can’t openly confront them—not yet.”

Li Cheng nodded slowly, understanding. “Then what do you suggest?”

Wei Long took a deep breath. “We need to cultivate more than just spiritual power. The town must learn to thrive without outside help. We’ll start with farming, business, and self-reliance. If we can build our own foundation of strength, the sect will have less leverage.”

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Over the next few weeks, Wei Long’s plan began to take shape. He started by visiting the town’s farmers, offering to help cultivate their crops using the spiritual energy of the earth. With his guidance, the farmers began to produce higher yields, their crops infused with spiritual energy that made them stronger, more resilient.

At the same time, Wei Long encouraged the townspeople to learn new trades and develop skills that would make the town more self-sufficient. Blacksmiths, herbalists, and merchants began to flourish under his guidance, creating a network of trade and production that the town hadn’t seen before.

It wasn’t long before people started to notice the changes. The town was growing stronger—not through the sect’s influence, but through its own efforts. The Jade Serpent Sect, though still a looming presence, found its grip slipping ever so slightly. The townspeople were no longer as reliant on their resources.

But the sect wasn’t blind to these changes. The elder had noticed the subtle shift in the town’s dynamics, and though he hadn’t confronted Wei Long directly, his disciples were watching more closely now. The elder knew that Wei Long’s influence was growing, and he wouldn’t allow it to continue unchecked.

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One evening, as Wei Long walked through the quiet streets of the town, he felt a presence. His senses were sharper than ever since his battle with the Demon Lord, and this presence was familiar. He turned a corner and found himself face to face with one of the Jade Serpent Sect’s senior disciples—a tall, imposing man named Qian Zhao.

“Wei Long,” Qian Zhao said, his voice calm but carrying an edge. “The sect has been watching your progress. Impressive, I must admit.”

Wei Long’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”

Qian Zhao smiled thinly. “I’m here with a message. The elder wishes to speak with you. He believes it’s time for a more… formal discussion about the future of this town.”

Wei Long crossed his arms. “I’m not interested in the sect’s control.”

Qian Zhao’s smile didn’t falter. “Control? No, no. The elder simply wants to ensure the town’s safety. Surely, that’s something we can all agree on.”

Wei Long remained silent for a moment, then nodded. “Fine. I’ll speak with him.”

As Qian Zhao turned to leave, he glanced back at Wei Long. “Be careful, Wei Long. Power is a dangerous thing. It has a way of consuming those who think they can control it.”

Wei Long watched him go, the words lingering in the air like a warning. He knew the sect wouldn’t stop until they had what they wanted. And he knew the real battle was just beginning.

The seeds of conflict had been planted. And soon, they would bear fruit.

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