The Journey of Sacrifices

Chapter 7: Shadows of the Past

As Lin Chen's secret training with the masked figure continued, every elder of the sect was ignoring the progress of the young disciples. Lin Chen's progress in the sect caught the attention of all the elders, who began to notice the changes in his behavior and the new confidence that transformed him. Lin Chen's abilities in combat, control of the spiritual energy, and even his understanding of cultivation were all advancing at an astonishing rate. However, with this growth came troubles, especially from those who were jealous.

Wei Long, always vigilant, watches Lin Chen closely. The rivalry between the two had not ended, but Wei Long could sense that something had changed in Lin Chen. The young man's movements were sharper, his gaze more focused, and there was a calmness in him that was not there before. Wei Long's instincts told him that Lin Chen was hiding something—something that could potentially threaten his standing in the sect.

One afternoon, as Lin Chen was practicing alone on the training ground, Wei Long approached him with a smirk on his lips.

"You've been a star disciple, Lin Chen," Wei Long said, his tone full of sarcasm. "The elders are all talking about your rapid improvement. Some might even say it's unnatural."

Lin Chen paused his training and turned to Wei Long, keeping his expression normal. "It's all about the hard work", he replied simply, refusing to raise the conversation.

"Is that so?" Wei Long's eyes narrowed. "Or you've found another way to gain power. Something... out of the sect, perhaps?"

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his composure. "I don't know what you're trying to say, Wei Long, but I've only been following the teachings of the sect."

Wei Long chuckled darkly. "You can play innocent, but I know there's more to your sudden rise. And I will find out what it is. Mark my words, Lin Chen—whatever secrets you're hiding, they won't stay hidden for long."

With that, Wei Long turned and went away, leaving Lin Chen standing alone, his mind racing. He had to be careful to keep his meetings with the masked figure a secret, but Wei Long's words were a reminder of the danger that loomed over him. If anyone discovered that he was receiving outside training, especially from an unknown source, it could spell disaster for him within the sect.

As the days passed, Lin Chen became more careful, always alert to the possibility of being watched. He continued his nightly sessions with the masked figure, but a little worry began to take root in his mind. He couldn't forget the feeling that something was about to happen—something that could change everything.

One night, after an especially intense training session, Lin Chen sat with the masked figure by the edge of the clearing.

There's something in your mind," the masked figure observed, their voice calm and steady. "Say."

Lin Chen hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Wei Long suspects that I'm receiving outside help," Lin Chen admitted. "He's been watching me closely, and I'm worried that he'll find out about our meetings."

The figure was silent for a moment before replying. "Your words are valid, but you must not let your fear control your actions. Wei Long is a rival, yes, but he is also a distraction. Your focus should be on your growth, not on his schemes."

"But what if he exposes me?" Lin Chen asked, his voice filled with anxiety. "What if the sect turns against me?"

The masked figure turned to face Lin Chen, his gaze was intense even through the mask. "Lin Chen, you must understand something crucial, power always attracts attention, both positive and negative. As you grow stronger, you will face those who are very bad to you. But you must not let their jealousy or fear sway you from your path. The truth will always reveal itself in time, and when it does, you must be ready to face it."

Lin Chen nodded slowly, absorbing the figure's words. He knew he was right. He couldn't be distracted by Wei Long's suspicions. He had come too far, and there was still much he needed to learn and achieve. But even as he resolved to stay focused, a question lingered in his mind—a question that had been growing stronger with each passing day.

"Who are you?" Lin Chen asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why do you wear that mask? What are you hiding?"

The masked figure thought about the question for a long moment before finally responding. "My identity is of little consequence, Lin Chen. I will tell you this, I wear this mask not to hide from others, but to remind the past of myself—the mistakes I made and the consequences they brought."

Lin Chen's curiosity was at its peak, but he sensed that the figure was not ready to reveal more. Instead, he asked, "What kind of mistakes?"

The figure's voice grew softer, filled with a hint of sadness. "Mistakes born of arrogance, of believing that power was the only thing that mattered. I once walked a path similar to yours, seeking strength in everything. But I lost sight of what truly mattered, and in the end, I paid a heavy price."

Lin Chen was silent, sensing the weight of the figure's words. He could feel the depth of the pain they carried, and it made him realize that there was much more to this mentor than he had initially thought. Whoever he was, he had suffered through something profound—something that had changed him into the masked figure.

"I don't want to make the same mistakes," Lin Chen said quietly. "I want to become stronger, but I also want to understand what it means to use the power."

The masked figure nodded a hint of approval in his tone. "That is a wise goal, Lin Chen. Remember, strength without wisdom is a path of destruction of itself. Continue to grow, continue to learn, and most importantly, continue to find the truth within yourself. Only then you will truly understand what it means to be powerful."

As Lin Chen made his way back to the sect that night, his mind was filled with new questions. He had come so far since the day he first entered the sect, but he knew that his journey was far from over. There were still many challenges ahead, many trials he would have to face, both from inside and from those around him.

But for the first time, Lin Chen felt a sense of clarity. He understood now that his path was not just about gaining power—it was about understanding the responsibility that came with it, about staying true to himself.

And as he lay in his bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, Lin Chen couldn't let the thoughts go from his mind of who was the masked figure. And what was the story behind the shadows of their past?

The answers, he knew, would come in time. For now, all he could do was continue to walk on his path, step by step, facing whatever challenges came his way.