The sect master led Luo Chen to a hidden chamber deep beneath the tower. It was a magical space that seemed far larger inside than outside, protected by layers of formation arrays of extraordinary sophistication.
"This chamber was created specifically for this situation," Tian Qing explained. "It is sealed from outside observation. Even cultivators of the celestial realm will not be able to perceive what happens within these walls."
As they entered, Luo Chen realized that the chamber was not empty. There were other people waiting inside—a total of five cultivators besides Tian Qing, all of whom wore robes and carried themselves with the bearing of powerful cultivators.
"These are others like you," Tian Qing explained. "Cultivators who possess rare affinities or unusual power structures. I have been collecting information about promising candidates for some years now. When I detected the first signs of your unusual cultivation, I began making arrangements to prepare for this moment."
One of the cultivators, a woman with eyes like molten gold, stepped forward. "I am Ling Hua, inner disciple of the Celestial Fire Sect. The one who just arrived here—I sensed them when they approached the sect perimeter. They are a celestial envoy, most likely dispatched to assess you and your cultivation."
"How much time do we have?" Luo Chen asked.
"Perhaps until dawn. Celestial envoys prefer to operate under the cover of darkness, and their power is greatest when the celestial alignment is favorable. Once the sun rises, their power will diminish somewhat, and the sect master may be able to maintain the protection barriers without being overwhelmed."
"Can I defeat them?" Luo Chen asked bluntly.
Ling Hua and the others exchanged glances. Finally, one of them—a young man with a strange marking on his face like a star—spoke.
"No. Not alone. A celestial envoy typically possesses power equivalent to the seventh or eighth realm in our classification system. You are currently in the fourth realm. The disparity is too great."
"Then what are we doing here?" Luo Chen demanded, feeling frustrated by the situation.
"We are preparing you for what comes next," Tian Qing said calmly. "The celestial powers do not always move against threats immediately. Sometimes they observe, gathering information before deciding on a course of action. This envoy has come to assess you. What they report back will likely determine whether you will be marked for elimination or allowed to continue developing your power."
"And if they decide to mark me for elimination?"
"Then you will need to flee this sect and find refuge elsewhere. There are places in this world where the celestial powers have little influence, where you might survive long enough to achieve greater strength."