Chapter 19: The Elder's Judgment.
Part 1
Li Wei stood at the forest's edge, clutching the spiritual stone and Heavenly Shard, their faint energies flowing through his exhausted body. The fire in the ruins behind lit the night, casting shadows of Wang Zi and Wei Long, who approached with murderous resolve. Lin Xue, panting, leaned on her sword, her wounds bleeding but her gaze defiant. Chen Yu, pale and trembling, hid behind a tree but hadn't fled. The System displayed: Energy: 5%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 2, 30%. Task "Prove your worth to the sect within three days": 95% progress. The final day before Elder Liu's deadline had arrived, and Li Wei knew this fight would decide everything.
Wang Zi stepped forward, his golden Iron Fist fists glowing in the firelight. "It's over, Li Wei," he growled. "Hand over the stone and artifact, or I'll crush you all."
Wei Long, limping but undiminished, raised his sword, his Spiritual Realm aura thickening the air. Lin Xue straightened, her voice weak but firm: "Wang Zi, you disgrace the sect. If we die, Liu will know who's to blame."
Li Wei felt the spiritual stone in his hand warm, its energy offering a chance for a breakthrough, but cultivating mid-battle was madness. The System highlighted: Chance of breakthrough to Mortal Realm, Stage 3: 25%. Recommendation: Use the stone to enhance "Vortex of Heavenly Light." He glanced at Lin Xue and Chen Yu, knowing their lives hinged on his choice.
"Lin Xue," he whispered, "if I start, take Chen Yu and run to Liu. The stone must reach him."
She frowned but nodded, gripping her sword. Li Wei clutched the spiritual stone, channeling its power into the Heavenly Shard. Energy surged, restoring to 10%, and he summoned Vortex of Heavenly Light, preparing for a desperate attack. Wang Zi charged, his fist aiming for Li Wei, but the swirling wave struck, forcing him back.
Wei Long attacked from the side, his sword slicing toward Li Wei's shoulder. Lin Xue intercepted, but Wei Long's strength threw her against a tree. Chen Yu, in a panic, threw a rock at Wei Long, but it went unnoticed. Li Wei, feeling his energy drop to 7%, unleashed another Vortex wave at Wei Long, slowing him.
"Chen Yu, run!" Li Wei shouted, seeing the fight turn into a slaughter. Chen Yu bolted into the forest, but Wang Zi, recovering, lunged at Li Wei, his fist cratering the ground where he'd stood. Li Wei dodged with Wind Step, but energy fell to 4%.
The System flashed: Critical moment: Breakthrough possible with spiritual stone. Li Wei, gasping, gripped the stone, breathing to the rhythm of Vortex of Heavenly Light. The vortex in his chest spun, and the Stage 2 barrier cracked. Wang Zi and Wei Long closed in, and Lin Xue, staggering, tried to rise. Li Wei knew: breakthrough or death—no other path remained.
Part 2
Li Wei gripped the spiritual stone, its warmth flowing into him, fueling the Vortex of Heavenly Light's vortex. The ruins behind blazed, smoke veiling the stars, and Wang Zi and Wei Long advanced, their auras crushing the air. Lin Xue, swaying, rose, her sword trembling but blocking Wei Long to protect Li Wei. Chen Yu had vanished into the forest, and Li Wei hoped he'd reach Elder Liu. The System showed: Energy: 4%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 2, 35%. Chance of breakthrough to Stage 3: 30%.
Wang Zi charged Li Wei, his gold-wreathed fist aiming for his chest. Li Wei, using his last energy, unleashed Vortex of Heavenly Light, amplified by the spiritual stone. The swirling wave struck Wang Zi, throwing him against a burning column, but energy dropped to 2%. Wei Long, deflecting Lin Xue's attack, stepped toward Li Wei, his sword flashing toward the hand holding the stone.
"Hand it over," Wei Long said, his voice icy. "The Jin Clan doesn't forgive thieves."
Li Wei dodged, but the sword sliced his shoulder, blood gushing, and he fell to his knees. Lin Xue shouted, lunging at Wei Long, but he knocked her down with a single blow. The System blared: Chance of survival: 5%. Recommendation: Complete the breakthrough or surrender the stone.
Li Wei gritted his teeth, refusing to yield. He clutched the spiritual stone and Heavenly Shard, channeling their energy into the vortex. The Stage 2 barrier cracked, and his body strained to its limit. Wang Zi, recovering, charged, his fist poised to crush. In desperation, Li Wei poured everything into the vortex, and the barrier shattered. The System exploded: Breakthrough achieved! Mortal Realm, Stage 3. Energy restored to 20%.
A wave of energy erupted from Li Wei, throwing Wang Zi and Wei Long back. The Vortex of Heavenly Light swirled around him, stronger than ever, shaking the ruins. Lin Xue, lying in the grass, stirred faintly, and Wang Zi, rising, looked stunned.
"Impossible," he muttered. "You… broke through?"
Wei Long, however, remained composed. He raised his sword, his Spiritual Realm aura flaring, and Li Wei knew the breakthrough only leveled the odds, not matched them. He gripped the spiritual stone, preparing another Vortex, but the System highlighted: Chance of victory: 20%. Recommendation: Lure enemies to the altar.
Li Wei backed toward the altar, hoping its mechanisms would give an edge. Wang Zi and Wei Long advanced, their eyes burning with greed. Lin Xue, barely standing, shouted, "Li Wei, hold on! Help is coming!"
Li Wei didn't know if she was bluffing, but there was no time to think. He channeled energy into the altar, and the runes flared again, promising either salvation or doom. The breakthrough gave him strength, but the fight was just beginning, and Li Wei knew every strike was now a battle for his future.
Part 3
Li Wei retreated to the altar, clutching the spiritual stone and Heavenly Shard, their energies sustaining him after his breakthrough to Mortal Realm, Stage 3. The fire in the ruins was dying, leaving smoke and ash, but Wang Zi and Wei Long's auras, closing in from both sides, were heavier than any flame. Lin Xue, swaying, held her sword, her wounds bleeding but her resolve unbroken. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 0%. Task "Prove your worth to the sect within three days": 97% progress. One step separated Li Wei from completion, but that step could be his last.
Wang Zi, his face twisted with rage, charged, his Iron Fist fists glowing gold. "Think a breakthrough will save you?" he roared. "I'll crush you, Li Wei!"
Wei Long, more restrained but no less deadly, moved from the side, his sword cutting off escape routes. Li Wei channeled the Heavenly Shard's energy into the altar, and the runes flared brighter, their hum shaking the ground. The System highlighted: Chance of altar activation: 60%. Possible effect: Trap or amplification. He hoped for a trap to stop his enemies, but there was no time to hesitate.
Li Wei unleashed Vortex of Heavenly Light, amplified by the spiritual stone. The swirling wave struck Wang Zi, forcing him to shield himself, but Wei Long pushed through, his sword flashing toward Li Wei's chest. Lin Xue intercepted, her sword clashing with his, but Wei Long's strength threw her against a column. Li Wei shouted, "Lin Xue, hold on!"
Energy dropped to 15%, but the altar's hum grew louder, and a crack in its center began to widen, releasing a wave of spiritual energy. Wang Zi, noticing, paled. "That's not yours!" he bellowed, charging the altar.
Li Wei, knowing delay was fatal, poured the spiritual stone's remaining energy into the runes. The altar erupted in light, and the stone slabs under Wang Zi's feet cracked, sprouting spikes that pierced his leg. He howled, collapsing, but Wei Long dodged, lunging at Li Wei, his sword poised for a killing blow.
The System blared: Chance of survival: 15%. Recommendation: Use the altar for amplification. Li Wei, gasping, channeled the Heavenly Shard's energy into himself, syncing with the altar. The vortex in his chest spun faster, and strength surged: Energy: 20%. "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 70%.
He unleashed a new wave, throwing Wei Long into burning debris. Lin Xue, staggering, rose, her sword ready. Wang Zi, limping, freed his leg from the spikes, his eyes blazing with hatred. Li Wei realized the altar had given him a chance, but the fight wasn't over. Noise from the forest—footsteps and voices—grew louder. The System highlighted: Chance of patrol arrival: 50%.
"Li Wei, hold on!" Lin Xue shouted. "It's Elder Liu!"
Li Wei gripped the spiritual stone, knowing help was near, but Wang Zi and Wei Long wouldn't yield while he lived. He had to either finish them or hold out until Liu arrived—both options seemed nearly impossible.
Part 4
Li Wei stood by the altar, its runes still flickering, emitting faint waves of spiritual energy. The spiritual stone in his hand glowed, sustaining his body, while the Heavenly Shard amplified the Vortex of Heavenly Light's vortex. The fire in the ruins was fading, but smoke and heat made each breath agonizing. Wang Zi, limping from the altar's spikes, advanced, his golden fists trembling with rage. Wei Long, thrown back by the last attack, rose, his soot-covered sword steady, his Spiritual Realm aura unwavering. Lin Xue, bleeding, clung to her feet, her sword the last barrier between Li Wei and his enemies. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 5%. Task "Prove your worth to the sect within three days": 98% progress.
The noise in the forest—footsteps and voices—grew louder, and Li Wei caught Elder Liu's commanding tone. Hope flared, but Wang Zi, noticing, roared, "You won't live to see them, Li Wei!"
He charged, ignoring his wound, his fist flying at Li Wei. Li Wei unleashed Vortex of Heavenly Light, the swirling wave clashing with Iron Fist, the shockwave throwing both back. Energy dropped to 15%, and Li Wei felt his wounded shoulder go numb with pain. Lin Xue lunged at Wei Long, her sword flashing, but he deflected effortlessly, striking her chest with his hilt. She collapsed, gasping.
"Lin Xue!" Li Wei shouted, rushing to her, but Wei Long intercepted, his sword slicing toward his neck. Li Wei instinctively raised the spiritual stone, its energy flaring to form a barrier that softened the blow. Wei Long's sword recoiled, but Li Wei fell, energy dropping to 12%.
The System highlighted: Chance of survival: 12%. Recommendation: Hold out until Liu arrives. Li Wei gripped the shard, channeling its power into a new vortex. He unleashed a wave, pushing Wei Long back, and crawled to Lin Xue, helping her up. Her eyes were full of pain, but she whispered, "The stone… give it to Liu… don't let them…"
Wang Zi, limping, advanced again, his aura weakened but his fury making him deadlier. Li Wei, staggering, stood, clutching the spiritual stone. He knew he couldn't defeat them alone, but the altar still hummed, its mechanisms offering a final chance. He poured the shard's energy into the runes, and the altar trembled, releasing a wave that made Wang Zi stumble.
At that moment, figures burst from the forest—Elder Liu, his aura overwhelming all, and several patrolling disciples with lanterns. Liu roared, "Cease! What is happening here?!"
Wang Zi froze, his fists lowering, but his gaze burned with hatred. Wei Long stepped back, sheathing his sword, his face impassive. Li Wei, gasping, raised the spiritual stone, his voice hoarse: "Elder Liu… I found this… for the sect."
Liu stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he examined the stone. Lin Xue, leaning on Li Wei, confirmed, "Wang Zi and Wei Long attacked us… Li Wei defended the find."
Li Wei knew this was his last chance to sway Liu. Wang Zi and Wei Long stayed silent, but their glares promised vengeance. The System flashed: Task at risk. Chance of success: 70%. The elder's judgment loomed, and Li Wei had to play his role flawlessly.
Part 5
Li Wei stood before Elder Liu, clutching the spiritual stone, its glow reflecting in the eyes of those gathered. The ruins smoked around them, charred columns and ash a testament to the fierce battle. Lin Xue, leaning on Li Wei, barely stood, her blood dripping to the ground. Wang Zi, limping, clenched his fists, his face a mask of rage, but Elder Liu's aura forced his silence. Wei Long, sword sheathed, maintained cold composure, but his gaze promised trouble. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 5%. Task "Prove your worth to the sect within three days": 99% progress.
Elder Liu stepped toward Li Wei, his Spiritual Realm, peak-stage aura pressing like an invisible vice. He took the spiritual stone, examining it closely. "This… is impressive," he said, his voice low but commanding. "A spiritual stone of this quality is rare, even for the inner court. Li Wei, explain how you found it and why you're fighting here like beasts."
Li Wei took a deep breath, pain in his shoulder and weakness hindering his words. He knew every word had to be precise—Wang Zi and Wei Long awaited his mistake. The System highlighted: Chance of convincing Liu: 75%. Recommendation: Mention Huang and the flowers, avoid artifact details.
"Elder Liu," Li Wei began, striving to sound firm, "I found traces of a temple in the ruins while fulfilling Master Huang's task to seek resources. I brought him Lunar Nectar, and he'll confirm. I extracted this stone from the altar to strengthen the sect. Wang Zi and Wei Long attacked me, trying to steal it. Lin Xue and Chen Yu helped me protect the find."
Lin Xue nodded, her voice faint: "It's true. Wang Zi and Wei Long broke sect rules, attacking us without cause."
Wang Zi stepped forward, his voice trembling with anger: "Lies! Li Wei stole an artifact from the ruins and provoked us! He's a traitor, and Lin Xue is his accomplice!"
Wei Long added, his tone icy: "Elder, Li Wei hides something valuable. We only sought to protect the sect's and Jin Clan's interests."
Liu raised a hand, demanding silence. His gaze shifted from Li Wei to Wang Zi and Wei Long. Li Wei felt sweat trickle down his back—the Heavenly Shard under his robe was his secret, and if Liu suspected, everything would collapse. He played on Huang's trust.
"Master Huang knows my efforts," Li Wei said. "He tasked me with finding resources, and I delivered. This stone proves my loyalty. Wang Zi wants to claim it for himself."
Liu pondered, fingering the jade token at his belt. Finally, he said, "I'll speak with Huang. Li Wei, you've shown results, but the accusations are grave. Wang Zi, Wei Long, you'll answer for your attack. Tomorrow at dawn, I'll deliver my judgment. Li Wei, the stone stays with me."
Li Wei nodded, handing over the stone, but his heart sank—without it, his cultivation prospects dimmed. Wang Zi and Wei Long stayed silent, but their glares vowed revenge. Lin Xue, supported by a patrolling disciple, whispered to Li Wei, "You did it… for now."
The System flashed: Task "Prove your worth to the sect" completed. Reward: +100 reputation points, elder's protection. New task: Endure the elder's judgment. Reward: +50 reputation points. Li Wei knew Liu's judgment would be his final trial, and Wang Zi would do everything to destroy him.