The soft glow of spiritual lanterns cast long, dancing shadows across Elder Lin’s study. Scrolls, ancient and worn, lay open on a polished jade table, their complex runic patterns and faded script speaking of forgotten lore. Arkael, still clad in his humble grey outer disciple robes, sat opposite the Elder, a picture of diligent focus. He’d spent the last few days pouring over texts on obscure Qi anomalies, subtly steering the Elder’s attention away from anything that might resemble Chaos Cultivation.
"Remarkable, Bayu," Elder Lin mused, stroking his long, grey beard. His eyes, usually sharp with suspicion, now held a glint of genuine admiration. "Your ability to synthesize these disparate theories, to connect ancient legends with modern Qi phenomena... it is truly beyond your years. Perh
