## Chapter Twenty-Six: The Unseen Strings
The Grand Inner Court Hall buzzed with the subdued murmurs of disciples and Elders. It was the monthly Inner Disciple Assembly, a time for reports, announcements, and sometimes, public assessments of progress. Yan Zhen, **who was 16 years old**, stood among the probationary disciples, a constant knot of anxiety in his gut. His attempts at refinement felt like pushing against solid rock, and the cold disdain from Ling Xia, coupled with Lin Feng's increasing unavailability, chipped away at his once-unyielding spirit. He longed for the days of simple, straightforward combat, where brute force was enough.
Lin Feng, also 16 years old and radiating an aura of calm competence, initially began to move towards where Yan Zhen stood, a faint, 'concerned' frown on his face, as if he intended to offer quiet support. But before he could reach the probationary section, Ling Xia, from her prominent position within the **senior Inner Disciple standing areas**, subtly intercepted him. Her place among the sect's elite, known only to the Elders and deduced by Lin Feng as a reflection of her true, hidden status, conveyed immense influence without revealing her identity as the Sect Leader's daughter.
Ling Xia caught Lin Feng's eye, a subtle, almost imperceptible gesture, and then angled her body, effectively blocking his path to Yan Zhen. With a serene smile, she gestured towards her own section. "Disciple Lin Feng," she said, her voice soft but firm enough to be heard by those nearby, "your insights are often sought by the Elders during these proceedings. Perhaps you should stand here, closer to the discussions."
Lin Feng offered a slight, deferential bow to Ling Xia, a fleeting glance of 'regret' towards Yan Zhen, and then smoothly accompanied her to the senior section. His internal smile was cold and absolute. *Perfect.* Her possessiveness was growing exactly as he wished, serving to further isolate Yan Zhen while simultaneously elevating Lin Feng's own standing. He now stood beside Ling Xia, radiating an aura of calm competence, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the assembly with a subtle, almost imperceptible air of command. Her eyes met Lin Feng's briefly, a flicker of warmth in her jade depths, before she returned her attention to the proceedings.
During the assembly, Elder Rui, a stern figure known for his strict adherence to discipline, began delivering a report on Inner Disciple conduct and progress. His eyes lingered on Yan Zhen. "Disciple Yan Zhen," he announced, his voice carrying through the hall, "your progress in qi refinement remains... concerning. Your foundational qi continues to show significant volatility, and your temper has been noted to cause minor disruptions in communal training. While your raw power is acknowledged, the Inner Court demands absolute control. Your probation period remains in effect, and unless significant improvement is shown, your status may be re-evaluated."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall. Yan Zhen's face flushed hot with shame and frustration. He clenched his fists, fighting the surge of anger that threatened to consume him. This was exactly what Lin Feng had warned him about, exactly what he was trying to prevent. It was as if his own qi was actively betraying him.
From his position in the senior ranks, Lin Feng observed Yan Zhen's struggle. He noted the subtle tremble in Yan Zhen's hands, the clenching of his jaw. It was perfect. He stepped forward, a picture of respectful concern. "Elder Rui," Lin Feng's voice was clear and calm, drawing all attention to him. "If I may speak on Disciple Yan Zhen's behalf? While his qi volatility is indeed a challenge, it stems, I believe, from the unique nature of the qi he absorbed from the Grand Elder's garden. It is a powerful, yet extraordinarily wild, energy. Yan Zhen is dedicating himself tirelessly to taming it. Perhaps, Elder, rather than focusing solely on current output, we could consider his unwavering effort and the extraordinary difficulty of his path?"
Elder Rui's gaze softened slightly. "You continue to vouch for him, Disciple Lin Feng. Your dedication is noted. However, the standards remain."
"Indeed, Elder," Lin Feng replied, nodding respectfully. "And I continue to believe that under close, personal guidance, Yan Zhen's immense power can be fully integrated for the sect's benefit. I have been personally overseeing his refinement, and while progress is slow, his dedication is absolute. With continued rigorous, yet carefully tailored, training, I am confident he can eventually meet the Inner Court's standards." His words not only vouched for Yan Zhen but also implicitly highlighted his own ceaseless efforts and leadership.
The Sect Leader, listening from his elevated seat, nodded slowly. Lin Feng knew the Sect Leader's decision had been influenced by Ling Xia's previous, private concerns, which Lin Feng had now cleverly addressed. Ling Xia, from her position in the senior ranks, watched with quiet satisfaction. Lin Feng was managing the "wild stallion" for the sect's benefit, exactly as she believed he should. She appreciated his logical, solutions-oriented approach, which contrasted sharply with Yan Zhen's perpetual 'problems.'
Yan Zhen, though still reeling from the public reprimand, felt a fresh surge of profound gratitude towards Lin Feng. Lin Feng was the only one who seemed to truly understand his struggle, the only one who defended him when everyone else seemed to condemn. He was his anchor in this storm.
Later that week, Yan Zhen sought out Lin Feng, his brow furrowed with newfound determination. "Lin Feng, thank you," he began, his voice sincere. "You always stand up for me. But... there's something else. My qi feels different, deeper than just wildness from the garden. Sometimes it feels like... it's being used, or pulled, by something inside me, something I can't quite grasp. I don't know the true origin, but it's more than just a lack of control. What can I possibly do? How can I tame it?" He unconsciously fidgeted with the simple iron ring he always wore, a memento from his early days, unaware of the ancient soul stirring within it, subtly draining his energy for its own strengthening.
Lin Feng placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, a look of profound concern on his face. He made sure his expression conveyed deep thought, as if truly pondering a profound and intractable mystery. "Zhen," he said, his voice laced with genuine-sounding regret, "I... I wish I had a clear answer for you. This energy you possess, it truly is unique, perhaps even beyond the understanding of our current texts. I don't know the true origin of this... pulling sensation you feel, but I sense it's a deep-seated issue, not just simple wildness." He sighed, shaking his head. "Honestly, my knowledge, it seems, falls short here. I haven't found a definite solution for something so unique and profound." Lin Feng allowed the silence to stretch, letting the weight of his feigned helplessness settle upon Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen's face fell, despair creeping back into his eyes. "So, there's nothing?" he whispered, his voice hoarse. He slumped, utterly defeated.
Lin Feng placed a hand on Yan Zhen's shoulder, his voice firm with a manufactured resolve. "Don't lose hope, Zhen. You have incredible power, and absolute dedication. Sometimes, the path to mastery is not about finding an immediate solution, but about enduring the struggle. Continue your rigorous cultivation. Perhaps with time, and unyielding effort, you can force this unique energy to bend to your will. It will be a long, arduous journey, I know."
Just then, a messenger arrived with a sealed scroll for Lin Feng. After a quick glance, Lin Feng's expression turned serious. "Zhen," he said, "I must leave you now. Disciple Ling Xia and I are about to embark on a crucial, secluded cultivation period. We will be focused entirely on breaking through to the next realm, aiming to become Core Disciples of the sect together in the coming three years. This requires our absolute concentration." He gave Yan Zhen a regretful look. "During this time, I won't be able to provide the constant guidance I wish I could. You must rely on your own will and discipline."
Before Lin Feng retreated to prepare, Ling Xia, having subtly put her influence to work, ensured Yan Zhen's upcoming three years would be a harsh testament to her power and his perceived failings. Whispers had been spread among certain Elders, and administrative directives quietly issued, ensuring Yan Zhen would receive the most challenging and isolating tasks, with minimal resources or support. His struggles would be magnified, his perceived incompetence reinforced.
As Lin Feng and Ling Xia departed for their secluded cultivation, Yan Zhen was left alone within the sect. He watched them go, a pang of loneliness twisting his gut, yet clinging to the belief that Lin Feng, his only true friend, would still be looking out for him, protecting him from afar. For the next three years, Yan Zhen would face his qi problems and Ling Xia's calculated malice head-on, in bitter isolation, while Lin Feng and Ling Xia ascended together towards core discipleship. The ancient soul within Yan Zhen's ring would continue to drain his qi, further intensifying his misery, before he would eventually gain proper control of his power.
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