Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 63: Confrontation with Power

Li Tian made his way to the council room with calm determination, his mind still racing with thoughts of the Ancient Seal. He could feel the tension in the air as he walked through the corridors of the estate. It was as though the very walls were whispering secrets, hiding truths he had yet to uncover.

As he entered the large chamber, the sight of his father, Li Feng, seated at the head of the table greeted him. The elders, stern-faced and imposing, flanked either side of the room. Their gazes turned toward him, heavy with unspoken judgments.

"Li Tian, it's good you've come," Li Feng spoke, his voice steady but with an undertone of something more. "We have much to discuss."

Li Tian's eyes flickered across the faces of the elders, noticing their guarded expressions. He had been summoned here for a reason, but what they intended to discuss was still unclear. The system's new task rang in his mind: Investigate the Ancient Seal.

"What exactly do we need to discuss, Father?" Li Tian asked, his tone controlled, masking the growing intensity in his chest.

Li Feng's gaze met his son's, his eyes sharp but hiding something beneath. "Your progress has been impressive lately, and the family has taken notice. However, there are matters beyond your current understanding, matters that involve the future of the Li family itself."

The elders nodded in agreement, their eyes cold and calculating. Li Tian sensed that this was more than just a conversation about his growth. It was a test—a challenge.

"I'm aware that there are secrets being kept from me," Li Tian said, his voice unwavering. "The Ancient Seal. I've heard about it."

A subtle shift passed through the room, the elders exchanging glances. Li Feng's expression tightened, though he did not seem surprised.

"You are more perceptive than I expected," Li Feng admitted, his tone low. "The Ancient Seal is not something we speak of lightly. It holds power far beyond what you can imagine. Power that, if mishandled, could destroy everything we've built."

Li Tian felt a spark of curiosity and resolve. "Then why hide it? If it's so dangerous, why not tell the family? Why not prepare everyone for what might come?"

One of the elders, an older man with a long, graying beard, spoke up. "It's not a matter for everyone. The Ancient Seal's power is not something that can be shared freely. It must be controlled, harnessed only by those who can wield it."

Li Tian felt the weight of their words pressing down on him. The secrecy, the whispers—it was all about control. They didn't trust him, despite his strength, despite his progress.

"I am part of this family," Li Tian replied, his voice rising slightly. "I have a right to know the full extent of what we face."

Li Feng leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Do you truly believe you are ready to handle the burden of such knowledge? The Ancient Seal is not just a weapon; it is a curse. One that could consume you if you're not prepared."

Li Tian's jaw clenched. "I've faced worse, Father. I've fought against things that would destroy weaker men. If this seal is so dangerous, then keeping it a secret will only put us all in greater danger. I'm not asking—I'm telling you. I want the truth."

The elders murmured among themselves, their expressions growing more concerned. Li Feng studied his son carefully, as though weighing the risks of revealing the truth.

After a long moment of silence, Li Feng nodded slowly. "Very well. You've proven yourself time and time again, Li Tian. Perhaps it is time you learned the truth."

Li Feng rose from his seat, gesturing for the elders to follow. "Come with me."

Li Tian followed his father and the elders down a series of dimly lit corridors deep beneath the estate. The air grew cooler as they descended into the lower levels, and the sense of ancient power grew stronger with every step.

Finally, they reached a large iron door, heavily engraved with runes that pulsed with faint energy. Li Feng placed his hand on the door, and with a deep groan, it slowly creaked open.

Inside was a vast chamber, the walls lined with ancient symbols and talismans. At the center of the room stood a pedestal, and upon it rested a stone tablet covered in intricate carvings.

"The Ancient Seal," Li Feng said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "This tablet contains the power that has been passed down through our family for generations. It is said to be a fragment of an ancient relic, one that once controlled the very flow of life and death."

Li Tian stepped closer to the pedestal, feeling the immense energy radiating from the tablet. It was both alluring and terrifying.

"Why show me this now?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

"Because you've reached a point where you must decide," Li Feng replied, his tone heavy with meaning. "This power is not something you can wield lightly. The seal is tied to our bloodline, but it also carries a heavy price. To use it is to invite chaos, to risk losing yourself to its influence."

The words hung in the air like a warning. Li Tian understood the gravity of what was being offered to him. The power of the Ancient Seal could elevate him beyond anything he had ever imagined—but it could also destroy him.

"What do I need to do?" Li Tian asked, his mind already racing with possibilities.

"You will need to undergo a trial," Li Feng explained. "A test of your willpower, your strength, and your control. Only those who survive the trial can wield the power of the Ancient Seal. Fail, and the seal will consume you."

[New Quest: Complete the Trial of the Ancient Seal.]

[Reward: Forbidden Martial Art - Void Reaver Blade.]

Li Tian's fists clenched at his sides. This was it. The next step in his journey. The trial would be dangerous, but the reward... the Void Reaver Blade was unlike any technique he had encountered before. Its power could be the key to everything.

"I'm ready," Li Tian said, his voice filled with determination.