The Ruler of the Realm of Life

That morning, the atmosphere in the Green Sky Sect felt more tense than usual.

Whispers about the beast rampage in Green Leaf Village and the strange findings in the Whispering Forest had spread among the disciples, creating a vague wave of concern.

However, in the Main Pavilion, the tension was real and palpable, weighing down every corner of the room with a serious aura.

Inside the Main Pavilion, normally used for important ceremonies and grand gatherings, the highest leaders of the Green Sky Sect were now assembled.

In the seat of honor, made of ancient sandalwood, sat Sect Master Yun Feng, a middle-aged man with a calm yet authoritative aura, whose cultivation had reached Nascent Soul Stage, Level 2 (Initial). His eyes were sharp and full of experience, radiating time-tested wisdom.

Around a large round table made of white jade, sat Elder Liu with his long white beard, who was at Golden Core Stage, Level 7 (Peak);

Elder of Herbal Guardians (Elder Li), whose face was filled with wrinkles from frequent interaction with nature, was at Golden Core Stage, Level 5 (Middle);

Elder of Discipline (Elder Wang), whose gaze was as sharp as a sword, a cultivator at Golden Core Stage, Level 6 (High);

and Elder of Formations (Elder Zhang), who always seemed to be deep in thought, was at Golden Core Stage, Level 4 (Middle).

Their powerful Qi auras filled the room, creating a palpable pressure, yet also a deep sense of security.

SFX: (Sound of cold wind, whoosh, entering through the pavilion windows, carrying the distant scent of the forest, followed by a suffocating silence in the room, only punctuated by regular breaths)

"Alright, Elder Liu," Sect Master Yun Feng's voice was calm and clear, breaking the heavy silence. "You called this emergency meeting. Explain the situation in detail."

Elder Liu's Perspective:

Finally. It's time to reveal this disturbing truth. Hopefully, they can see how serious this is and devise an appropriate strategy.

Elder Liu nodded, his expression serious and to the point. "Sect Master, Elders. As you know, yesterday there was an incident of spiritual beast rampage in Green Leaf Village.

However, this was not a normal rampage caused by hunger or territorial disturbance. Special Disciple Chen Xuwu, who was sent with Lin Qianyu, found that the beasts were possessed by a very dense dark energy, triggering destructive madness."

Elder Li's Perspective:

Dense dark energy? This is indeed strange. My herbal fields there were also destroyed. This must be the work of a human, not pure beasts.

Elder Li, known for his knowledge of herbs and spiritual beasts, frowned deeply. "Dense dark energy? That is very rare in our territory, even in the deepest forest. Has an evil cultivator recently crossed our borders, or even settled nearby?"

"That's what we investigated further," Elder Liu replied, his gaze shifting to Chen Xuwu. "Chen Xuwu, with his unique and sharp senses for nature's Qi, then found traces of far more concerning energy in the Whispering Forest.

Not dark energy directly possessing, but energy that subtly manipulates and disturbs nature's balance. Plants were forced to grow unnaturally then withered, and small creatures became agitated without clear cause, as if someone was playing with their minds."

Elder Wang's Perspective:

Manipulation? This is outrageous. Someone dares to openly challenge the authority of the Green Sky Sect. This must be dealt with severely!

Elder Wang, known for being strict and disciplinary, slammed his fist on the table, his voice trembling with anger.

SFX: (Sound of a fist hitting the table, THUD!, echoing in the room)

"Manipulation? This is a blatant insult! Someone dares to play with nature in the territory of the Green Sky Sect! This cannot be forgiven! We must send troops to track them down and punish them!"

Elder Zhang's Perspective:

Dao of Reversal... I suspected as much. The traces described by Elder Liu and Chen Xuwu are very similar to ancient records. This is more than just an ordinary evil cultivator. This is a much more complex threat.

Elder Zhang, the Elder of Formations, who was usually calm and focused on formations, now looked serious.

"Energy that subtly manipulates nature... that is the hallmark of the 'Dao of Reversal'. An ancient Dao that should have been extinct thousands of years ago, considered a dark legend.

If true, this is a much greater and more cunning threat than we expected. This power not only destroys, but also twists the very essence of life itself."

Sect Master Yun Feng's Perspective:

Dao of Reversal? This is bad news. A threat that cannot be underestimated. This will test the foundation of our sect and the wisdom of the elders.

Sect Master Yun Feng closed his eyes for a moment, processing the information he had just heard, his brow deeply furrowed. "Dao of Reversal... that is a terrifying legend, a cautionary tale.

A Dao that allows its user to twist the laws of nature, manipulate life and death, but at a horrifying price to their own souls, transforming them into cold, emotionless entities."

He opened his eyes, his gaze now sharp and full of vigilance. "Are you sure this is related to the Dao of Reversal, Elder Zhang? This is a very serious accusation."

"The Qi traces described by Chen Xuwu align perfectly, Sect Master," Elder Zhang replied with conviction.

"Qi that feels cunning, organized, and capable of disturbing balance without total destruction. This is not ordinary evil Qi that merely destroys brutally. This is the touch of a very intelligent mind, one that understands the smallest details of the Dao of Nature."

Elder Liu's Perspective:

This is an opportunity to show Chen Xuwu's importance. He is our hope. He is the only one who can see these traces.

"And Chen Xuwu," Elder Liu continued, his voice full of conviction. "His ability to sense these traces is key. He can sense patterns that we cannot, the distorted whispers of nature.

He is the only one who can track the mastermind behind all this, find the red thread connecting every incident, even the most subtle ones."

Sect Master Yun Feng's Perspective:

That young man... he is indeed extraordinary. But he is still young. Sending him into the lion's den... This is a big gamble, but we don't have many options.

Sect Master Yun Feng nodded slowly, his gaze shifting to the window, as if seeing the lurking shadow outside.

"I have heard about Chen Xuwu's unique abilities. He is indeed a gift to our sect, an unexpected miracle. But sending him to track a Dao of Reversal mastermind... that is a great risk that could threaten his life. We cannot afford to lose a talent like him."

Elder Wang's Perspective:

There are risks, yes, but doing nothing is more dangerous. We must act quickly and decisively.

"However, what choice do we have?" Elder Wang asked, his voice urgent. "If we don't find this mastermind, he will continue to sow chaos. Who knows what his grand plan is.

Perhaps he is trying to weaken us before a larger attack, or even seeking something vital in our territory."

Elder Li's Perspective:

Our sect's resources are threatened. If he can manipulate nature, he can destroy our herbal fields and spiritual springs from within without us realizing it.

"True," Elder Li added, his expression concerned. "If he can manipulate nature around us, he could slowly drain our spiritual resources, or even trigger natural disasters that we would think are natural, without us realizing his interference. This is a threat to the very foundation of our sect."

The atmosphere in the room grew heavier, filled with an aura of concern and burning determination. The elders exchanged glances, worry etched on their faces. This threat could not be overcome with brute force alone. It required strategy, intelligence, and extraordinary sensitivity.

Sect Master Yun Feng's Perspective:

A decision must be made. We cannot hesitate. The sect's safety is paramount. We must act wisely and swiftly.

"Very well," Sect Master Yun Feng said, his voice firm and final, making his decision. "We cannot stand idly by. Elder Zhang, immediately strengthen all of the sect's protective formations, especially on the eastern and northern borders.

Check every loophole, every weak point, ensure no one can infiltrate. Elder Wang, increase patrols and instruct disciples to report every strange incident, no matter how small, even if it's just an unnaturally withered leaf or an animal behaving strangely."

"And for this mastermind..." Sect Master Yun Feng looked at Elder Liu, his eyes radiating unwavering trust. "Continue to monitor Chen Xuwu. Let him continue this tracking patrol.

He is our most sensitive eyes and ears, the only one who can see hidden traces. But make sure Lin Qianyu is always with him. Lin Qianyu, you must protect him with all your might. Do not let him engage in direct confrontation without our approval.

Chen Xuwu's safety is the top priority."

"Understood, Sect Master!" Lin Qianyu replied firmly, her heart pounding at the trust placed in her.

"And Elder Liu," Sect Master Yun Feng continued, "I want you to also begin investigating personally. Search ancient scrolls or old records about the Dao of Reversal. We need to understand this enemy more deeply, find out their weaknesses or ways to counter them, before they launch a larger attack."

Elder Liu's Perspective:

A heavy mission. But this is an opportunity to protect the sect. I must find the answers and guide Chen Xuwu.

Elder Liu bowed, his face showing renewed determination. "Understood, Sect Master. I will do my best."

The meeting concluded. The elders left the pavilion with serious faces, the heavy burden of responsibility radiating from their auras. An invisible, yet highly intelligent, threat had targeted the Green Sky Sect.

And amidst it all, a young man from another world, with a unique connection to nature, became their main hope.

Chen Xuwu's Perspective

They left the pavilion. Night had fully fallen, and stars began to twinkle in the vast dark sky, forming a beautiful tapestry of light. The air was cold, yet there was a new spirit within Chen Xuwu, mixed with a deep sense of responsibility after hearing everything discussed in the meeting.

SFX: (Melodious sound of night crickets, chirp-chirp, and the cold wind blowing, whoosh)

"This mission feels more serious than I imagined," Lin Qianyu said, walking beside Chen Xuwu, her voice a slight whisper in the night's silence.

"Tracking someone who can manipulate nature so subtly... this is dangerous. It feels like hunting a very cunning ghost, one who can change the environment around them."

"Yes," Chen Xuwu agreed, his gaze fixed on the twinkling stars. "But also... interesting. It feels like solving a very complex puzzle.

Before, my puzzles were just about how to balance financial reports to avoid my boss's wrath. Now, it's about the balance of the universe, about protecting life.

Much more meaningful, and far more thrilling. This is a true challenge." He chuckled softly, a light laugh he rarely showed in the past, but which now began to appear more often, a sign that he was starting to find himself in this new world.

Lin Qianyu turned, surprised to hear Chen Xuwu's laugh, but a faint smile soon spread across her lips.

"A puzzle of the universe? You truly are unique, Chen Xuwu. Most people would be terrified, but you see it as an interesting challenge. It seems you've found your calling here."

"Perhaps it's because I'm already used to 'absurd' things in my old world," Chen Xuwu replied, shrugging lightly.

"Besides, facing an intelligent threat is much more challenging than just hitting monsters or hiding from an angry boss. This is a battle of wits and strategy."

"You're right," Lin Qianyu nodded, her eyes radiating deeper admiration. "Elder Liu's strategy is indeed clever. Using you to track traces that no one else can sense... that's a great trust, and I know you deserve it. I will make sure no one bothers you."

"And relying on you to protect me," Chen Xuwu added, turning to Lin Qianyu with a sincere smile. "I wouldn't be able to do it without you, Lin Qianyu. You are my sword and shield, my strength on the battlefield. I'm very grateful you're by my side."

Lin Qianyu's face immediately flushed crimson, her heart pounding, rhythmic with the wind's whisper.

His sword and shield? He... he sees me as that important? He trusts me with his life? She felt both embarrassed and incredibly happy, a pure happiness overflowing in her chest, making her cheeks feel hot.

"Chen Xuwu... you... you're exaggerating. I'm just doing my duty as a sect disciple. That's all."

SFX: (Lin Qianyu's rapidly beating heart, lub-dub... lub-dub..., and the warm feeling of the wind, whoosh)

Chen Xuwu chuckled again. "Duty or not, I appreciate it. You're always there, by my side." He didn't realize how deeply his words affected Lin Qianyu, carving an invisible promise into her heart.

They arrived at the Jade Bamboo Pavilion. "Rest, Chen Xuwu," Lin Qianyu said, her voice slightly softer than usual, her tone full of concern.

"We'll have a long day tomorrow. I'll stand guard nearby if you need anything, or if there's any disturbance. I'll make sure you can rest peacefully."

"You too, Lin Qianyu," Chen Xuwu replied. "Get enough rest. We'll need our energy."

After Lin Qianyu left, Chen Xuwu entered his pavilion. He sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, and activated his Nature System.

SFX: (Sound of the System softly chiming, bling!, followed by a subtle energy hum, hummm)

[System: User Status]

[Name: Chen Xuwu]

[Cultivation Level: Initial Foundation Stage, Level 2 (Basic)]

[Nature Dao Affinity: 100%]

[Skills: Aura of Body Harmony (Lv. 3), Aura of Nature Purification (Lv. 3), Empathic Leaf Knot (Lv. 2), Touch of Life (Lv. 2), Nature Resonance (Lv. 2)]

[Exp: 1700/2000 (Towards Initial Foundation Stage, Level 3)]

[Active Main Mission: Track the Traces of the Dao of Reversal Mastermind (Progress: 10%)]

[Mission Description: A mastermind wielding the Dao of Reversal has sown seeds of chaos in the Green Sky Sect's territory. Find the source and pattern of their manipulation. Reward: ???]

[Warning: This mastermind is extremely intelligent and cunning. Avoid direct confrontation. Prioritize tracking and reporting.]

Chen Xuwu opened his eyes. Dao of Reversal Mastermind. So that's the name. And he's very intelligent, as I sensed. He looked at his mission progress. Only 10%.

This will be a long journey. He thought about the cultivation levels of the elders and the Sect Master. Sect Master Yun Feng at Nascent Soul Stage Level 2... that's so far above me. Elder Liu at Golden Core Stage Level 7. I'm still at Initial Foundation Stage Level 2. The gap is enormous.

But this System... gives me the ability to track traces they can't see. That's my advantage. And I must use it wisely.

His determination hardened. He felt the Qi around him, the pure Qi of nature, and in the distance, faintly, he could still sense the hidden traces of dark energy, like a lurking shadow, waiting for the right moment to strike.

A clever, cunning, and calculating shadow, which had now completely captured his attention.