Life Hanging In The Balance

Li Xuan surveyed the cultivators who had just returned from the scene, his eyes narrowing with anticipation. His question hung heavy in the air, awaiting their response.

"Did you killed those two rats?" Li Xuan asked returnees.

"Elder, regarding those two—" the other cultivator began, prepared to divulge the truth about their escape and the leap into the waterfall.

However, his words were abruptly cut off as his senior counterpart interjected, swiftly seizing control of the conversation.

"Yes, Master, we have successfully eliminated both of them," the cultivator declared, intentionally omitting any mention of Lin Tao's and Liu Chen's daring plunge into the unknown depths of the waterfall.

Feng Xiao, the cultivator who had previously observed the scene from the sky while his junior carried out the gruesome task, was a highly esteemed disciple of Li Xuan. His elevated status as a direct disciple held significant weight within the sect.

A flicker of satisfaction danced in Li Xuan's eyes as he nodded in approval.

"Good, good," he commended, his voice tinged with pride.

"As expected of my disciple. I shall confer with the sect master and ensure that you both receive the rewards you deserve."

It was a moment of triumph for Shadow Moon Sect, as the elimination of the entire Celestial Harmony sect of and the successful overthrowing of their rivals drew near.

---------------------

Far beyond the borders of the sect, in a distant and secluded location, Young Master Liu Chen lay unconscious upon the riverbank. His fragile form rested upon a makeshift raft constructed from a solitary piece of wood, wedged precariously between two towering rocks.

By a stroke of luck, the river's flow had been obstructed downstream by diligent villagers, slowing the current enough to spare Liu Chen from being carried away.

Lin Tao, aware of her limited cultivation potential as she was only at the stage of low level foundation building stage, chose not to reveal her meager skills in front of the relentless pursuers.

Had she demonstrated her abilities, the cultivators would have swiftly dispatched them both, without a moment's hesitation.

However, their perception of weakness granted her a fleeting opportunity. Seizing it with determination, she mustered all her innate abilities, risking the very foundation of her cultivation, to create a protective shield for the young master amidst the tumultuous waters.

Shielding him from the relentless torrents, she battled against the unyielding currents until, at last, she discovered a small piece of driftwood upon which she gently placed Liu Chen.

Alas, her valiant efforts to save both herself and the young master proved in vain. Weakened by the onslaught of previous attacks and the depletion of her own foundation, she found herself trapped beneath the unforgiving depths of the water.

With each passing moment, her strength waned, and the darkness beckoned, claiming her as its own.

Exhausted from the day's harrowing events and overwhelmed by the sights of violence that had unfolded before him, Liu Chen succumbed to the weight of mental and physical exhaustion.

As his consciousness faded, he surrendered himself to a deep and restful slumber, oblivious to the world around him.

"Hey, look over there!"

One of the villagers exclaimed, pointing towards the plank which was stuck inside the rock. The group rushed towards it, their faces etched with worry and curiosity.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the tranquil village, the sound of hushed whispers filled the air. The villagers had gathered around a small wooden plank, upon which lay the unconscious form of Liu Chen.

Their eyes widened with concern as they noticed the young boy, pale and motionless.

"He's just a child," a villager remarked, gently nudging the plank closer to the riverbank. "We need to help him."

Carefully, they lifted Liu Chen from the plank and laid him on the soft grass, water streaming from his clothes and hair. It was clear that he had been through a harrowing ordeal, his small body weakened and battered by the unforgiving river.

Liu Chen had witnessed the tragedies that had befallen, from the loss of his parents to the sacrifice of Lin Tao.

They gently wiped away the water from his filled stomach and provided him with warmth and comfort.

Days turned into weeks as Liu Chen remained unconscious, his small chest rising and falling with each breath. The villagers, with their limited knowledge and resources, did their best to tend to him.

The village itself was a humble place, a sanctuary for mortals who lacked the innate talent for cultivation. Mud houses lined the narrow streets, and the roofs were crafted from dried coconut leaves, offering shelter from the elements.

Inside the village chief's modest abode, Liu Chen lay on a simple straw mat, his forehead adorned with a cool, damp cloth to ward off fever.

"Poor kid," the village chief sighed, his voice heavy with sympathy.

He gazed down at Liu Chen's still form, his heart aching for the young boy who had endured so much at such a tender age. The village chief knew that Liu Chen's fate hung in the balance, uncertain of when or if he would awaken from his prolonged slumber.