Chapter 21: The Final Sparring.
Part 1
Li Wei sat in the sect's infirmary, his bandaged shoulder throbbing, his body aching from wounds sustained in the ruins and the sparring with Wang Zi. The Heavenly Shard, hidden under a fresh robe, pulsed faintly, a reminder of the secret that nearly unraveled at the trial. Lin Xue, her own wounds treated, sat beside him, her face pale but her eyes burning with resolve. Chen Yu, unscathed by some miracle, chattered by the door, recounting rumors about the sparring. The System displayed: Energy: 20% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 15%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 0% progress. His victory over Wang Zi earned him recognition, but Li Wei knew his enemies—Wang Zi, Wei Long, and the Jin Clan—wouldn't relent.
Lin Xue broke the silence, her voice quiet but firm: "You did it, Li Wei. Liu acknowledged you, Huang's on your side. But Wang Zi's only temporarily suspended, and Wei Long's back in the inner court. The Jin Clan won't forgive the humiliation. What's your plan?"
Li Wei met her gaze, her words hitting home. The Heavenly Shard was his strength but also his weakness—if the Jin Clan or elders learned of it, he'd face exile or death. The System highlighted: Chance of threat from Jin Clan: 50%. Recommendation: Strengthen ties with Huang and Lin Xue.
"I need to get stronger first," he replied, clenching his fist. "My breakthrough to Stage 3 is just the start. If the sect grants me inner court resources, I can fully master Vortex of Heavenly Light. But I need your help, Lin Xue. You know the inner court better than I do."
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes, her jade pendant swaying. "Help? I've already risked enough for you. If you want my trust, tell me what you're hiding. I'm not a fool, Li Wei. Your breakthrough, your strength—it's not just luck."
Li Wei tensed, feeling the Heavenly Shard warm. He couldn't reveal the truth, but losing Lin Xue would be a mistake. He opted for a half-truth. "I found an energy source in the ruins," he said, lowering his voice. "It helps me cultivate faster. But it's not an artifact you can take. It's… part of me now."
Lin Xue studied him for long seconds, then nodded. "Fine. I'll believe you for now. But if you're lying, I'll find out. I'll talk to Huang to recommend you for the inner court. Be ready, though—the inner court has its own rules, and Wei Long will be waiting."
Chen Yu, eavesdropping, chimed in: "Brother, the inner court's serious! Elixirs, techniques, but enemies tougher than Wang Zi. I heard the Jin Clan's already whispering about you."
Li Wei nodded, knowing the inner court was a new frontier. The System flashed: New task: Gain access to the inner court. Reward: +50 reputation points. Huang and Liu were his keys to advancement, but the Jin Clan's shadow and Lin Xue's curiosity made every step perilous. Ignoring the pain, Li Wei stood and headed for Huang's alchemy shop. The first step to the inner court began now.
Part 2
Li Wei walked across the sect's courtyard to Master Huang's alchemy shop, his steps steady despite the pain in his bandaged shoulder. The Heavenly Shard under his robe faintly warmed his skin, a reminder of his secret strength and vulnerability. Lin Xue stayed in the infirmary, promising to speak with Huang later, while Chen Yu ran off to gather rumors about the inner court. The morning sun lit the sect, but the shadow of the Jin Clan and Wang Zi loomed like a storm cloud. The System showed: Energy: 20%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 15%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 10% progress. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 5% progress.
The courtyard buzzed: disciples carried herbs, trained, or whispered about the recent trial. Li Wei felt their glances—some with respect, others with envy. His victory over Wang Zi made him a figure of talk, but it also drew those seeking his weaknesses. The System highlighted: Chance of being followed: 30%. Recommendation: Avoid open areas.
At Huang's shop, Li Wei spotted the familiar staff leaning against the door and smelled herbs wafting from inside. He knocked, and Huang's low, slightly annoyed voice answered, "Come in, but if it's not urgent, I'm busy."
Li Wei entered, closing the door. Huang stood by a cauldron, stirring a potion, his beard swaying with his movements. Seeing Li Wei, he squinted, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Li Wei, hero of the ruins," he said, setting down his spoon. "Your boldness at the trial impressed, but don't get cocky. Wang Zi and the Jin Clan are snakes that strike from the shadows. What do you want?"
Li Wei bowed, feeling Huang's words echo his fears. The System highlighted: Chance of Huang's support: 70%. Recommendation: Offer a mutually beneficial plan.
"Master Huang," Li Wei began, "I'm grateful for your support at the trial. I want to secure my place in the sect and request your recommendation for the inner court. In return, I can assist with alchemy or find new resources, like the Lunar Nectar."
Huang grunted, stroking his beard. "The inner court? Ambitious, but it's not the herb gardens—wolves like Wei Long roam there. Your spiritual stone swayed Liu, but the inner court demands strength and connections. Why should I risk my reputation for you?"
Li Wei felt Huang's pressure mount, but retreat wasn't an option. He recalled the ruins and their secrets. "Because I can find more than nectar," he said, lowering his voice. "The ruins hold traces I haven't explored. If you back me, I'll bring resources to boost your alchemy and the sect."
Huang narrowed his eyes, interest sparking. "The ruins, you say? Dangerous, but tempting. Fine, I'll talk to Liu. But in return, you'll start helping me in the shop with elixirs. And, Li Wei," his voice grew colder, "if you have secrets, guard them tightly. The Jin Clan doesn't sleep."
Li Wei nodded, feeling the deal with Huang bring him closer to the inner court but also entangle him in a new web. The System updated: Task "Gain access to the inner court": 20% progress. He left the shop, sensing a distant gaze. The Jin Clan's shadow was near, and Li Wei knew his next move had to be flawless.
Part 3
Li Wei stepped out of Huang's alchemy shop, the morning air cooling his flushed face. The deal with Huang was a step toward the inner court, but the old man's warnings about the Jin Clan and secrets rang like a bell. The Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsed faintly, a reminder of his vulnerability. The courtyard teemed with disciples, but Li Wei noticed some averting their eyes while others whispered, glancing his way. His victory over Wang Zi made him prominent, but fame was a double-edged blade. The System showed: Energy: 20%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 15%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 20%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 20% progress.
He headed for the training field, hoping to find Lin Xue and learn what she'd uncovered about the inner court. The System highlighted: Chance of meeting Lin Xue: 70%. Chance of being followed: 35%. Li Wei slowed, scanning his surroundings. A figure flitted in the barracks' shadow—too quick to identify, but he recognized the movement. Huang Jia, Wang Zi's spy. Even after the trial, Wang Zi hadn't backed off.
At the field, Li Wei spotted Lin Xue practicing sword strikes. Her movements were fluid despite her recent wounds, her Mortal Realm, Stage 4 aura shimmering around her. Seeing Li Wei, she lowered her sword and approached, wiping sweat. "Huang agreed already?" she asked, her voice cool but curious. "Or are you dodging patrols again?"
"He'll talk to Liu," Li Wei replied, lowering his voice. "But he wants me to help with elixirs. What do you know about the inner court? And Wei Long?"
Lin Xue crossed her arms, her gaze sharpening. "The inner court's a different world. Better techniques, elixirs, but fiercer competition. Wei Long's a leader among new disciples, backed by Jin Clan resources. He won't forgive your humiliation in the ruins. And…" She paused, glancing around. "Rumors say the Jin Clan's searching for something in the ruins. They think you took a key to it."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, feeling the Heavenly Shard warm. The Jin Clan was closer to the truth than he liked. The System highlighted: Chance of Jin Clan interest in the shard: 60%. Recommendation: Avoid the ruins, strengthen defenses.
"What key?" he asked, striving for neutrality.
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes. "Don't play games, Li Wei. You know more than you say. If it's tied to your 'energy source,' keep it locked tight. I'll help with the inner court, but I want the truth in return. Not now, but soon."
Li Wei nodded, knowing her patience was thinning. Then he noticed movement at the field's edge—Huang Jia, watching from the shadows. The System highlighted: Chance of ambush: 40%. Li Wei whispered to Lin Xue, "We're being overheard. Huang Jia. Can you scare him off?"
Lin Xue nodded, her hand resting on her sword. "Stay here. I'll handle it."
She moved toward the shadow, and Li Wei felt the pressure mount. The Jin Clan, Wang Zi, Lin Xue—all circled his secret. The inner court was close, but the path was lined with traps. He knew he had to grow stronger, faster than his enemies expected.
Part 4
Li Wei stayed on the training field, watching Lin Xue vanish into the shadows toward Huang Jia. Her sword glinted in the morning sun, and Li Wei knew she'd drive off Wang Zi's spy, but it would only delay the threat. The Heavenly Shard under his robe warmed, as if reacting to his unease, and the Vortex of Heavenly Light and Stellar Wind Flow scrolls weighed down his belt, urging cultivation. The System showed: Energy: 20%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 15%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 25%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 25% progress.
Disciples continued training, but Li Wei felt their glances—his victory over Wang Zi made him a target for envy and gossip. He moved to the field's edge, where old dummies offered cover from prying eyes, and seized the moment to restore his strength. Sitting on the grass, he pulled out the Vortex of Heavenly Light scroll and began breathing, channeling the Heavenly Shard's warmth into the vortex. Energy slowly rose: Energy: 25%. "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 82%.
Cultivation sharpened his focus, but thoughts of the Jin Clan's interest in the ruins gnawed at him. If they sought the Heavenly Shard or something tied to the altar, his secret was at risk. The System highlighted: Chance of Jin Clan attack: 55%. Recommendation: Gather information on the ruins to stay ahead of enemies.
Lin Xue returned, her face calm but her eyes betraying irritation. "Huang Jia ran," she said, sitting beside him. "But he'll report to Wang Zi. You can't hide forever, Li Wei. If you want the inner court, you need more than Huang's support. Elder Liu values strength and contribution. Show them something new."
Li Wei nodded, knowing she was right. The spiritual stone and Lunar Nectar impressed Liu, but the inner court demanded a new feat. He thought of Stellar Wind Flow, the second scroll he hadn't mastered. If he could combine it with Vortex of Heavenly Light, it would boost his combat prowess and prove his worth.
"I'll start with a new technique," he said, meeting Lin Xue's gaze. "But I need a safe place to cultivate. The hall's too risky. Any ideas?"
Lin Xue pondered, her fingers tapping her sword's hilt. "There's a cave behind the waterfall, an hour's walk from the sect," she said. "Few know it, and patrols don't go there. It's damp, and beasts might lurk. If you want, I'll show you the way, but only tonight—I'm needed at the hall today."
Li Wei nodded, feeling a plan form. The cave sounded perfect, but the risk of the Jin Clan or Wang Zi's spies lingered. The System updated: Task "Gain access to the inner court": 30% progress. He stood, hiding the scroll, and said, "Tonight at the waterfall. And, Lin Xue… thanks."
She snorted, but her gaze softened. "Don't get used to it. If trouble hits there, you're on your own."
Li Wei smiled, but tension coiled within. The cave, new technique, and inner court were opportunities, but the Jin Clan's shadow and Lin Xue's curiosity made every step a survival game. He knew he had to be ready for any twist.
Part 5
Li Wei waited for sunset at the sect's edge, where a path led to the waterfall. The Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsed faintly, and the Vortex of Heavenly Light and Stellar Wind Flow scrolls were securely tucked in his belt. The sect's courtyard quieted, disciples retreating to barracks, but Li Wei felt unseen eyes watching. The System showed: Energy: 25%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 18%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 30%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 30% progress.
Lin Xue emerged from the shadows, her sword at her belt, her face tense. She nodded, pointing to the path. "Let's go," she said quietly. "But stay sharp. Huang Jia was skulking near the forge, and rumors about the Jin Clan are growing louder. They're planning something."
Li Wei clenched his fists, her words confirming his fears. The Jin Clan, Wang Zi, even Lin Xue's curiosity—each was a thread in the web ensnaring him. The System highlighted: Chance of ambush: 45%. Recommendation: Move quickly, avoid open areas.
They followed the path, the forest thickening, the waterfall's roar growing louder. Lin Xue led confidently, avoiding patrol routes. Li Wei trailed, listening for every rustle. He thought of Stellar Wind Flow—a technique that, per the scroll, enhanced attack speed and precision, perfectly complementing Vortex of Heavenly Light. Mastering it could give him an edge in the inner court.
At the waterfall, Lin Xue pointed to a narrow passage behind the cascading water, hidden by moss. They slipped through, and Li Wei found himself in a damp cave, where dripping water echoed off stone. Faint light filtered through the entrance, illuminating smooth walls. The System highlighted: Chance of safety: 80%. Recommendation: Begin cultivation immediately.
"It's quiet here," Lin Xue said, scanning the cave. "But don't relax. I'll guard the entrance. If something goes wrong, you know what to do."
Li Wei nodded, sitting on cold stone. He pulled out the Stellar Wind Flow scroll and Heavenly Shard, breathing to the described rhythm. The technique required syncing energy with motion, creating streams like stars gliding across the sky. The shard amplified the flow, and Li Wei felt energy swirl in his hands, ready for a strike. The System updated: "Stellar Wind Flow" technique: 10%. Energy: 22%.
Cultivation went smoothly, but half an hour later, Lin Xue whispered, "Li Wei, footsteps. Someone's coming to the waterfall."
He froze, hiding the shard and scroll. The System highlighted: Chance of detection: 50%. Recommendation: Prepare for combat or hide deeper. Li Wei stood, his heart racing. Lin Xue pressed against the wall by the entrance, her sword ready. Footsteps neared, and Li Wei recognized a voice—Huang Jia, muttering about "that damned Li Wei." But another voice followed, deeper, with commanding tones. The System highlighted: Inner disciple aura: Chance of Wei Long—60%.
Li Wei glanced at Lin Xue, whispering, "If it's Wei Long, we're trapped. Is there another exit?"
She shook her head, her eyes narrowing. "No. Fight or wait. Your call."
Li Wei gripped the shard, realizing the cave was either his sanctuary or his tomb. He had to either wait it out or use his new technique to fight back. Time tightened like a noose.