第26章 第26章

**Chapter 26: The Betrayal**

White Xiaopu's eyes snapped open, his mind still reeling from the shocking revelation. He had finally uncovered the truth - the mysterious elixir he had been working on was not his own creation, but a stolen formula from the ancient tome hidden in the vault of secrets.

A cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he realized the gravity of his mistake. He had been so blinded by his ambition that he had never stopped to consider the consequences of his actions. And now, he was faced with the possibility of being exposed, and potentially punished, for his deceit.

As he sat there, frozen in despair, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Lü Xiaofeng, the senior disciple of the Fallen Leaves Sect, who had been secretly watching White Xiaopu's progress from the start.

"So, you've finally figured it out," Lü Xiaofeng said, his voice dripping with malice. "I must admit, I underestimated you. You're more cunning than I thought."

White Xiaopu's heart sank as he realized the extent of Lü Xiaofeng's involvement. He had been played all along, and now he was at the mercy of his rival.

"You...you're the one who stole the formula," White Xiaopu accused, his voice trembling with rage.

Lü Xiaofeng chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, no, I didn't steal it. I just...acquired it. And now, I'm willing to share it with you, under one condition."

"What condition?" White Xiaopu asked, his mind racing with possibilities.

"You must swear allegiance to the Fallen Leaves Sect," Lü Xiaofeng replied, his voice cold and calculating. "Join me, and together we can conquer the Todao City. We can rule the entire realm."

White Xiaopu's heart skipped a beat as he considered the offer. He knew that accepting would mean betraying his mentor, Qian Xiaotian, and everything he had ever believed in. But he also knew that refusing would mean certain death.

"What do you think, White Xiaopu?" Lü Xiaofeng asked, his eyes glinting with anticipation.

White Xiaopu took a deep breath, his mind racing with the weight of his decision. And then, with a resolute determination, he spoke the words that would change his fate forever...

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(To be continued ...)