Chapter 20: Return to the Ruins.
Part 1
Li Wei stood at dawn before the sect's main hall, his body aching from wounds, dried blood crusting his torn robe. The Heavenly Shard, hidden under his clothes, pulsed faintly, reminding him of his secret, but the spiritual stone was now with Elder Liu. Lin Xue, bandaged but still pale, stood beside him, her gaze wary. Chen Yu, miraculously unscathed, nervously tugged at his sleeve, glancing at the crowd of disciples gathered around the hall. The System displayed: Energy: 15% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 10%. Task "Endure the elder's judgment": 0% progress. Elder Liu's judgment was the final barrier to recognition or exile.
Wang Zi and Wei Long stood apart, their robes clean but their faces tense. Wang Zi shot Li Wei venomous glares, while Wei Long maintained cold composure, his Spiritual Realm aura faintly shimmering. Master Huang, among the elders, stroked his beard, his eyes studying Li Wei with curiosity. Li Wei felt the trial's pressure constrict his chest—one wrong word, and all his efforts would burn away.
The hall's doors swung open, and Elder Liu stepped onto the platform, his aura silencing the crowd. He held the spiritual stone, its glow drawing every eye. Liu raised a hand, his voice booming: "Today, we judge Li Wei, Wang Zi, and Wei Long for the events in the ruins. Li Wei, you brought the spiritual stone, but accusations of theft and rebellion remain. Wang Zi, Wei Long, you attacked disciples without proof. Speak, and let truth decide your fate."
Li Wei stepped forward, feeling hundreds of eyes. The System highlighted: Chance of success at trial: 70%. Recommendation: Emphasize your contribution to the sect, avoid artifact details. He bowed, beginning: "Elder Liu, I sought resources for the sect, as Master Huang tasked. I found Lunar Nectar and the spiritual stone, risking my life. Wang Zi and Wei Long attacked me, trying to steal the stone. Lin Xue and Chen Yu can confirm I defended the find."
Lin Xue nodded, her voice weak but firm: "Li Wei speaks the truth. Wang Zi and Wei Long attacked us without cause."
Chen Yu, stammering, added, "I… I saw them chase Li Wei. He only wanted to bring the stone to you, Elder!"
Wang Zi stepped forward, his voice thick with anger: "Li Wei is a thief! He took an artifact from the ruins and provoked us! The spiritual stone is just a cover. I demand a search of his belongings!"
Wei Long supported, his tone cold: "The Jin Clan knows the ruins' value. Li Wei hides something that threatens the sect. We acted in its interest."
Liu narrowed his eyes, glancing at Huang, who nodded, confirming Li Wei's Lunar Nectar contribution. Li Wei clenched his fists, feeling the Heavenly Shard warm. If Liu ordered a search, his secret would unravel. He had to convince the elder now, or Wang Zi would seize his chance. The trial was just beginning, and Li Wei knew every word was a fight for his life.
Part 2
Li Wei felt the tension in the sect's main hall thicken, like the air before a storm. Elder Liu's sharp, piercing gaze shifted between him, Wang Zi, and Wei Long, the spiritual stone in his hand glowing, drawing covetous looks from disciples. Lin Xue stood beside him, her breathing heavy but resolute, ready to back Li Wei. Chen Yu fidgeted, avoiding Wang Zi's gaze, whose barely contained fury simmered. Master Huang, seated among the elders, remained silent, but his eyes never left Li Wei. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 10%. Task "Endure the elder's judgment": 20% progress.
Elder Liu raised a hand, his voice cutting through the crowd's murmurs: "Wang Zi's accusations are grave. Li Wei, do you deny possessing an artifact? If you're hiding something, a search will reveal the truth."
Li Wei felt a chill run down his spine. The Heavenly Shard under his robe grew hotter, as if warning of danger. If Liu found it, all his efforts—the flowers, the stone, the breakthrough—would be for nothing. The System highlighted: Chance of success at trial: 65%. Recommendation: Shift focus to your contribution and Wang Zi's guilt.
"Elder Liu," Li Wei said, striving for calm, "I stole nothing that belongs to the sect. I found the spiritual stone and Lunar Nectar, risking my life to strengthen our sect. Wang Zi and Wei Long attacked me and Lin Xue, breaking rules. Their accusations are a ploy to justify their assault. Ask Master Huang—he knows my contribution."
Huang, as if awaiting a cue, stood, his beard swaying. "Li Wei brought Lunar Nectar, a rare ingredient," he said, his voice steady but weighty. "He fulfilled my task despite threats. I've seen no proof of a stolen artifact, but Wang Zi and Wei Long's attack is evidenced by Li Wei and Lin Xue's wounds."
The hall buzzed, disciples whispering. Wang Zi clenched his fists, his face reddening. "Huang lies!" he roared. "Li Wei hides an artifact that boosted his cultivation! How else did he break through so fast?"
Wei Long added, his voice cold as ice: "The Jin Clan demands a check. If Li Wei is clean, let him prove it by opening his robe."
Li Wei's heart sank. Lin Xue shot him a worried glance, but he subtly shook his head, urging her silence. The System highlighted: Chance of search: 40%. Recommendation: Offer an alternative to avoid inspection. He stepped forward, his voice firmer: "Elder Liu, instead of a search, let me prove my worth through action. I'm ready for a trial or sparring to show my strength comes from effort, not theft. Wang Zi should answer for his attack in the ruins."
Liu pondered, his fingers tightening on the spiritual stone. The crowd held its breath, and Wang Zi and Wei Long tensed, awaiting the verdict. Li Wei knew his words were an all-or-nothing gamble, and if Liu chose a search, the Heavenly Shard would be his doom. The trial teetered on the edge, and the elder's next move would seal Li Wei's fate.
Part 3
Li Wei stood at the center of the main hall, feeling the stares of disciples and elders burn into him. Elder Liu's heavy, commanding aura seemed to test his resolve. The spiritual stone in Liu's hand glowed, a reminder of the price Li Wei paid in the ruins. Lin Xue, despite her weakness, stood tall, ready to support him. Chen Yu, behind, nervously tugged his sleeve, while Wang Zi and Wei Long radiated cold menace. Master Huang remained silent, but his attentive gaze lingered on Li Wei. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 10%. Task "Endure the elder's judgment": 40% progress.
Elder Liu looked at Li Wei, then Wang Zi, his face unreadable. "A trial instead of a search?" he echoed, his voice low but sharp. "Li Wei, you're bold. But your contribution is backed by Huang, and Wang Zi and Wei Long's attack is evident." He turned to Wang Zi. "Your accusations lack proof. Give me a reason to trust you over Li Wei."
Wang Zi stepped forward, his fists clenched, but he restrained his anger. "Elder, Li Wei rose from Mortal Realm, Stage 1, to Stage 3 too quickly. It's unnatural without an artifact. I demand a sparring match to prove his deceit. If he wins fairly, I'll accept punishment."
Wei Long added, his voice calm but venomous: "The Jin Clan supports a sparring match. Let Li Wei show his strength isn't stolen."
Li Wei felt the hall's tension spike. Sparring with Wang Zi was risky, but better than a search that would reveal the Heavenly Shard. Lin Xue whispered, barely audible, "Li Wei, you're wounded. Don't agree."
But Li Wei knew refusal would make him suspicious. The System highlighted: Chance of winning sparring with Wang Zi: 55%. Recommendation: Use "Vortex of Heavenly Light" and restore energy before the fight. He met Liu's gaze, his voice firm: "I agree to the sparring, Elder. But let it be a fair fight, without Wei Long or the Jin Clan's interference. If I prove my strength, Wang Zi's accusations must be dismissed, and his attack punished."
The hall buzzed, disciples whispering, and Huang gave a slight smile, as if approving Li Wei's courage. Liu nodded, his gaze stern. "Very well. The sparring will take place here and now. Wang Zi, Li Wei, prepare. The winner proves their truth, the loser answers for their actions. Wei Long, you do not interfere."
Wei Long bowed, but his eyes flashed, promising trouble. Wang Zi smirked, his fists glowing gold. Lin Xue grabbed Li Wei's arm, her voice thick with worry: "You're not in shape. He'll crush you."
Li Wei squeezed her hand, whispering, "I'll manage. Trust me."
He stepped to the hall's center, where disciples parted, forming an arena. The System flashed: Task "Endure the elder's judgment": 60% progress. Li Wei knew the sparring was not just a fight with Wang Zi but a chance to secure his place in the sect. The Heavenly Shard warmed, ready to amplify his Vortex of Heavenly Light. It was time to show what he was worth.
Part 4
Li Wei stood at the center of the main hall's makeshift arena, his wounded shoulder throbbing, blood soaking his robe. Across from him, Wang Zi flexed his fists, his Iron Fist's golden glow casting flickers on the faces of the encircling disciples. Elder Liu's aura, watching from the platform, suppressed all, ensuring a fair fight. Lin Xue, in the crowd, gripped her sword's hilt, her eyes filled with worry. Master Huang and Wei Long watched silently, each for their own reasons. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 10%. Task "Endure the elder's judgment": 70% progress.
Liu raised a hand, his voice booming: "The sparring begins. No lethal weapons. The winner proves their truth. Start!"
Wang Zi charged, his gold-wreathed fist aiming for Li Wei's chest. Li Wei activated Wind Step, dodging at the last moment, and energy dropped to 13%. He unleashed Vortex of Heavenly Light, the swirling wave striking Wang Zi, but Wang Zi pushed through, his Mortal Realm, Stage 5 aura softening the blow. Wang Zi's fist slammed into Li Wei's shoulder, pain searing through him, forcing him to stagger.
The crowd gasped, and Lin Xue clenched her teeth. Li Wei, gripping the Heavenly Shard under his robe, channeled its power into a new vortex. The System highlighted: "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 75%. Chance of victory: 50%. He unleashed a wave, amplified by the shard, throwing Wang Zi against the wall, scratching his robe. Energy fell to 10%.
"Not bad," Wang Zi growled, rising. "But you're weak, Li Wei!"
He attacked again, his fists hammering, unleashing a flurry of blows. Li Wei dodged with Wind Step, but each burst drained him: Energy: 8%. He knew Wang Zi was stronger and more enduring, and a prolonged fight was unwinnable. He had to take a risk. Recalling the altar's traps in the ruins, he decided to lure Wang Zi into a position with limited maneuverability, where Vortex could land a decisive blow.
Li Wei retreated toward a hall column, feigning weakness. Wang Zi, sensing a chance, charged, his fist aiming for Li Wei's head. At the last second, Li Wei dove aside, and Wang Zi's fist smashed the column, kicking up a dust cloud. Li Wei unleashed Vortex of Heavenly Light, targeting Wang Zi's legs. The vortex tripped him, and Wang Zi fell, but he began rising, his eyes blazing with fury.
Li Wei's energy dropped to 5%, and he felt his shoulder wound reopen, blood streaming down his arm. Lin Xue shouted, "Li Wei, finish him!"
But Wang Zi, swaying, stood, his aura flaring for another attack. The System highlighted: Critical moment: Chance of victory: 45%. Recommendation: Use the environment and shard. Li Wei gripped the shard, knowing the next strike had to be final—or he'd collapse first. Liu watched, his face stone, and Li Wei knew this fight would decide not just the trial but his future in the sect.
Part 5
Li Wei, gasping, clutched the Heavenly Shard, its faint energy flowing through his exhausted body. The main hall buzzed with the disciples' whispers, circling the arena where Wang Zi, swaying, rose, his Iron Fist's golden fists still glowing despite the dust and blood on his robe. Lin Xue in the crowd gripped her sword's hilt, her eyes filled with worry. Elder Liu watched from the platform, his aura suppressing all, while Master Huang and Wei Long observed with differing intents. The System showed: Energy: 5%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 15%. Task "Endure the elder's judgment": 80% progress.
Wang Zi roared, his aura flaring, and he charged Li Wei, his fist aiming for his head. Li Wei, feeling his shoulder wound slow him, activated Wind Step at the last second, dodging. Energy dropped to 3%, and he stumbled but held, retreating to another column. The System highlighted: Chance of victory: 40%. Recommendation: Use the shard for a final strike.
"You're not escaping, Li Wei!" Wang Zi growled, his fists unleashing a barrage that hummed the air. Li Wei, unable to dodge further, gripped the Heavenly Shard, channeling its power into Vortex of Heavenly Light. He recalled the ruins' altar amplifying his technique and decided to bet everything on one strike.
"Time to end this," he gasped, pouring his remaining energy into the vortex. The swirling wave, amplified by the shard, spun around him, gaining power. Wang Zi, blind to the threat, charged, his fist poised to crush. Li Wei unleashed Vortex point-blank, targeting Wang Zi's chest. The wave struck with a deafening roar, hurling Wang Zi across the hall. He crashed into the wall, collapsing with a thud, his aura fading.
The hall fell silent, the quiet deafening. Lin Xue exhaled, and Chen Yu, disbelieving, muttered, "Brother… you did it…"
Li Wei collapsed to his knees, energy at 1%, blood streaming from his wound, vision blurring. The System updated: Task "Endure the elder's judgment": 95% progress. "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 80%. Wang Zi lay still, his chest barely rising, but alive.
Elder Liu stood, his voice echoing: "The sparring is over. Li Wei has proven his strength and truth. Wang Zi, your accusations are disproved, and your attack in the ruins is confirmed. You will be punished. Wei Long, the Jin Clan will answer for your role. Li Wei, your find and breakthrough are impressive. You are acquitted."
The crowd buzzed, and Huang nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval. Wei Long bowed, but his gaze promised retribution. Lin Xue rushed to Li Wei, helping him stand. "You're insane," she whispered, but her smile was genuine.
Li Wei, swaying, looked at Liu, realizing the sparring victory was only the start. The System flashed: Task "Endure the elder's judgment" completed. Reward: +50 reputation points. New task: Secure your place in the sect. Reward: +100 reputation points. The Heavenly Shard warmed, and Li Wei knew his secret remained at risk, with Wang Zi and the Jin Clan unlikely to forget their defeat. But for now, he was alive, and the sect recognized his strength.