The sun bled orange and purple across the sky, casting long shadows over the Li Clan's ancestral grounds. A palpable tension hung in the cooling air.
Below the towering peak where Li Tian cultivated in seclusion, a significant gathering of the clan's core members had assembled. Their eyes were fixed on the silent stone chamber high above.
Ancestors Li Fang and Li Xian remained hovering near the entrance, their ancient faces etched with a subtle anxiety they rarely displayed. Silent, shared glances passed between them.
Li Tian was not just any cultivator; he was an Ascension realm powerhouse of their clan. Such beings held the potential to forge their own dominant forces in the vast cultivation world.
The news – or rather, the sound – suggesting he had struggled violently during his closed-door cultivation had shaken these pillars of the clan.
The concern was amplified by Li Tian's legendary status. A human genius, only one thousand eight hundred years old, who had already reached the Ascension realm a full millennium ago. Such talent was monstrous, a prodigy seen perhaps once in a million eras.
For him to falter? It was almost unthinkable.
Suddenly, two powerful auras approached rapidly. Figures materialized beside the first two Ancestors.
"Ancestor Li Fang, Ancestor Li Xian," two voices spoke almost simultaneously, laced with genuine concern. "Is Ancestor Li Tian's injury severe? Is he alright?"
It was Ancestor Li Yu and Ancestor Li Yanling, having traveled a considerable distance after being alerted to the situation.
Ancestor Li Yanling, who had reached the early Ascension realm two centuries prior, possessed a calm, diplomatic aura that had smoothed over countless inter-clan disputes. Her presence usually brought reassurance, but today, her brow was furrowed.
Ancestor Li Yu, a legendary warrior at the middle stage of the Ascension realm, radiated a fierce intensity. His gaze, usually fixed on defending the clan's borders where he resided, was now locked on Li Tian's chamber with unconcealed worry. His reputation for valor was known throughout the region.
The clan patriarch, Li Heng, himself a formidable late-stage Divine Transformation realm expert, had informed them. He had overheard the initial worried exchange between Li Fang and Li Xian and quickly spread the word amongst the highest echelons.
Ancestor Li Fang turned slightly, his expression cautious. "We cannot say for certain. Li Tian has yet to emerge from his seclusion chamber. We must wait and observe."
Behind these four powerful Ancestors, the other core members stood respectfully, their collective presence formidable.
Prominent among them was the Great Clan Elder, Li Ming. A renowned warrior who had reached the middle stage of the Divine Transformation realm, his stern gaze was fixed upwards, his formidable combat aura held tightly in check.
Beside him stood the Clan Patriarch, Li Heng. As a master elemental cultivator, his control over spells was crucial to the clan's defenses. Today, his usual authoritative calm was marred by visible concern.
Nearby were Elder Li Sheng and Elder Li Mirong, their expressions grave. Their wisdom and experience were invaluable to the clan council, and their silence now spoke volumes.
Floating slightly apart, yet undeniably part of this core group, were Lin Hua and Chen Lian. Li Tian's wives.
Lin Hua possessed a quiet strength and elegance, her hands clasped loosely before her, though her knuckles were perhaps paler than usual.
Chen Lian, hailing from the Heavenly Tiger Clan, had a more martial bearing, her energy vibrant yet contained. She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Lin Hua, a silent look of shared apprehension passing between them. Their presence added a unique, poignant dynamic to the assembly.
Further back, amongst the younger generation – the future pillars of the clan – worried murmurs spread.
Li Cheng, the Patriarch's heir and a promising disciple known for his determination, stepped forward respectfully. "Ancestors," he voiced the question on everyone's mind, "how grave could the injuries be? Will Ancestor Li Tian recover?"
Li Mei, a talented cultivator often seen with Li Cheng, added her plea, her voice softer but no less anxious. "We sensed the disturbance even from the outer territories. Please, Ancestors, can you enlighten us? Is there hope?"
Senior Guardian Li Xiaojun, whose archery skills were legendary for their precision, nodded solemnly. "The spiritual energy fluctuations were chaotic. The situation feels… serious." His hand rested near the quiver on his back.
Disciple Li Ming, a rising star in spiritual arts, spoke with youthful fervor, "Whatever has happened, we stand united. The Li Clan will face any challenge together in support of Ancestor Li Tian!"
This diverse gathering – elders and youth, warriors and diplomats, strategists and guardians – represented the unified strength of the Li Clan. They waited, a collective held breath, for news.
Ancestor Li Xian finally turned to address the larger group, his gaze sweeping over them. His voice carried the weight of ages. "Firstly," he said, his eyes briefly resting on the eager younger faces, "understand the power we speak of. There is no one here capable of harming an Ascension realm cultivator like Ancestor Tian. If such an enemy were present, none of you younger ones would survive a single blow. Do not contemplate reckless action."
He paused, letting the warning sink in before continuing, his tone growing heavy.
"Ancestor Li Tian," he stated, his voice resonating with quiet gravity, "has most likely encountered severe difficulties during his tribulation."
"He was attempting to break through to the Half-Step Immortal realm."
A collective intake of breath rippled through the crowd. The Half-Step Immortal realm!
"The injuries we suspect he has sustained," Li Xian concluded, "are the consequence of backlash from failing that tribulation. And for such wounds… there is unfortunately very little any of us can do."
A profound hush fell over the gathered clan members. The weight of Li Xian's words pressed down, heavier than the mountain air. Failed the tribulation? The genius Li Tian?
Concerned glances darted between the younger cultivators. Hope seemed to dim in their eyes.
Lin Hua's composed mask finally cracked, a visible flicker of deep worry crossing her elegant features. She unconsciously took a half-step closer to Chen Lian.
Chen Lian's eyes, usually bright with martial spirit, betrayed a sharp unease. Her hand rested instinctively on the hilt of the sword she carried.
Great Clan Elder Li Ming's stern face tightened, his lips thinning into a grim line.
Patriarch Li Heng's typically stoic demeanor softened further, his gaze fixed on the silent chamber above, concern etched deep in the lines around his eyes.
Elder Li Sheng, the epitome of wisdom, nodded gravely, acknowledging the harsh reality of cultivation tribulations.
Li Xiaojun, the Senior Guardian, tightened his grip on his bow, the action less about an external threat and more a reflection of the internal tension, a silent vow to protect the clan amidst this uncertainty.
Among the younger generation, Li Cheng clenched his fists at his sides, frustration warring with helplessness.
Li Mei exchanged another worried glance with him, her expression mirroring his concern.
Disciple Li Ming bit his lower lip, his earlier fervor replaced by a somber determination.
A shared solemnity descended upon the group. The revelation bound them together in a collective awareness of the potential crisis. The Li Clan, a complex tapestry woven from generations of talent and dedication, stood united once more in the face of adversity, their hearts focused on the figure within the stone chamber, awaiting his fate.