Chapter 22: The Path Forward.
Part 1
Li Wei pressed against the damp cave wall behind the waterfall, clutching the Heavenly Shard, its faint energy flowing through his palm. The waterfall's roar muffled the footsteps outside, but the voices of Huang Jia and a second, more commanding figure grew clearer. Lin Xue stood at the entrance, her sword ready, her eyes tracking shadows beyond the cascading water. The cave, once a promised sanctuary, now felt like a trap. The System displayed: Energy: 22%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 20%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 35%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 35% progress.
Huang Jia, his voice dripping with malice, muttered, "He's around here somewhere, Lord Wei. I saw him and Lin Xue heading to the waterfall."
The second voice, cold and confident, replied, "If Li Wei's here, he won't escape. The Jin Clan wants to know what he took from the ruins. Find him, Huang Jia, or you'll regret it."
Li Wei gritted his teeth, recognizing Wei Long's voice. The Spiritual Realm aura seeping through the waterfall's noise made the air tremble. Lin Xue whispered, barely audible, "It's Wei Long. If he enters, we're done. The cave's narrow—no escape."
The System highlighted: Chance of combat: 70%. Chance of survival: 20%. Recommendation: Use "Stellar Wind Flow" for a surprise attack. Li Wei gripped the scroll under his robe, knowing the new technique, barely mastered at 10%, was his only shot at catching Wei Long off guard. He glanced at Lin Xue, whispering, "If they come in, I strike first. You cover me. If I fall, take the shard… my find, and run to Liu."
Lin Xue frowned, her gaze suspicious, but she nodded. "Don't be stupid, Li Wei. We leave together."
Li Wei began breathing to the rhythm of Stellar Wind Flow, channeling the Heavenly Shard's energy into his hands. Star-like threads of energy swirled around his fingers, ready to strike. The System updated: "Stellar Wind Flow" technique: 15%. Energy: 20%.
Footsteps stopped at the entrance, and Huang Jia's shadow flickered beyond the waterfall. His voice grew louder: "I see tracks! They're here, Lord Wei!"
Wei Long replied, his tone icy, "Enter. If they're hiding, I'll deal with them."
Lin Xue gripped her sword, bracing for a fight, as Li Wei felt Wei Long's aura intensify, pressing down on the cave. A direct fight with a Spiritual Realm cultivator was suicide, but the narrow passage offered a chance for surprise. He whispered to Lin Xue, "When Huang Jia enters, I attack. Hit Wei Long if he moves."
She nodded, and Li Wei focused, channeling energy into Stellar Wind Flow. Huang Jia squeezed through the waterfall, his club glowing with faint energy. Li Wei lunged, unleashing star-like threads that lashed Huang Jia's chest. He howled, collapsing, but Wei Long, behind him, raised his sword, his aura flaring like a storm. The System blared: Chance of survival: 15%. Li Wei realized the fight had begun, and the cave was his final stand.
Part 2
Li Wei retreated deeper into the cave, the star-like threads of Stellar Wind Flow still trembling in the air after striking Huang Jia, who writhed on the floor, clutching his chest. Wei Long stepped through the waterfall, his sword glowing with spiritual energy, his Spiritual Realm aura filling the cave, making the walls shudder. Lin Xue lunged, her sword flashing toward Wei Long's shoulder, but he deflected it effortlessly, throwing her against the wall with a single motion. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 20%. "Stellar Wind Flow" technique: 20%. Chance of survival: 15%.
"Li Wei," Wei Long said, his voice cold as ice. "Hand over the artifact, and I'll let you live. The Jin Clan doesn't like wasting time."
Li Wei gripped the Heavenly Shard, its warmth offering a sliver of hope. Lin Xue, staggering to her feet, held her sword ready, blood trickling from her mouth. Huang Jia, still on the floor, muttered curses but didn't rise. The System highlighted: Recommendation: Use the cave's narrowness for maneuvering, combine "Vortex of Heavenly Light" and "Stellar Wind Flow."
"I don't have an artifact," Li Wei replied, backing toward the cave's far end. "You're attacking without proof, Wei Long. Elder Liu will know."
Wei Long smirked, raising his sword. "Liu's far away, and you're here. Last chance."
He charged, his sword slicing toward Li Wei's chest. Li Wei activated Wind Step, dodging in the narrow passage, and energy dropped to 15%. He unleashed Stellar Wind Flow, star-like threads lashing Wei Long, but he blocked them with his sword, their glow reflecting off the walls. Lin Xue attacked from the side, her sword grazing Wei Long's arm, drawing a shallow cut, but he brushed her off, throwing her into the rocks.
Li Wei, realizing time was short, gripped the Heavenly Shard and summoned Vortex of Heavenly Light. The swirling wave, amplified by the shard, surged through the cave, forcing Wei Long to retreat. Energy fell to 12%, but the strike bought a moment. The System updated: "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 85%.
Lin Xue shouted, rising, "Li Wei, keep him busy! I'll try again!"
She lunged at Wei Long, but he anticipated, striking her chest with his sword's hilt, and she collapsed, gasping. In desperation, Li Wei channeled the shard's energy into a combined technique. He unleashed Stellar Wind Flow, followed by Vortex of Heavenly Light, creating a vortex laced with star-like threads that swirled around Wei Long. The threads tore into his robe, and the vortex threw him against the wall, but he stood firm, his aura flaring brighter.
Li Wei's energy dropped to 8%, and he felt his strength wane. Huang Jia, finally rising, charged with his club, but Li Wei dodged, elbowing his face. Huang Jia fell again, but Wei Long advanced, his sword poised for a lethal strike. The System blared: Critical moment: Chance of survival: 10%. Recommendation: Use the shard for a breakthrough. Li Wei knew he had to risk everything or lose it all. He gripped the shard, bracing for a final push, but noise outside—footsteps and voices—offered faint hope. Help? Or more enemies?
Part 3
Li Wei clutched the Heavenly Shard, his energy nearly spent, the cave behind the waterfall now a battlefield. Wei Long advanced, his sword glowing with spiritual power, his Spiritual Realm aura pressing like a storm. Lin Xue lay against the wall, her breathing faint, blood dripping from her mouth. Huang Jia, dazed from Li Wei's blow, groaned in the corner, a lingering threat. The sound of footsteps and voices outside grew louder, but Li Wei didn't know if it meant salvation or a new trap. The System showed: Energy: 8%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 22%. Chance of survival: 10%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 40%.
Wei Long raised his sword, his eyes narrowing. "Your luck's run out, Li Wei," he said, his voice cold as steel. "The Jin Clan will have your artifact, dead or alive."
Li Wei backed up, his back hitting the cave's cold wall. The Heavenly Shard pulsed, but its power barely sufficed for a weak Vortex of Heavenly Light. Lin Xue, barely lifting her head, rasped, "Li Wei… run… to the waterfall…"
But Li Wei knew escaping through the narrow passage under Wei Long's gaze was suicide. The System highlighted: Recommendation: Use combined techniques and the shard for a final strike. He gripped the shard, channeling its energy into his body, and breathed to the rhythm of Stellar Wind Flow. Star-like threads swirled around his hands, faintly glowing, and he added Vortex of Heavenly Light, creating a vortex laced with threads of light.
Wei Long charged, his sword aiming for Li Wei's chest. Li Wei unleashed the combined attack, the starry vortex striking Wei Long, deflecting his sword. The blow grazed Wei Long's arm, drawing blood, but his aura softened the damage. Li Wei's energy dropped to 5%, and his legs buckled.
At that moment, the noise outside turned to shouts, and Master Huang burst through the waterfall, his staff glowing with spiritual energy. Two patrolling disciples with lanterns followed. Huang's Spiritual Realm aura surged, forcing Wei Long to retreat.
"What's going on here?!" Huang roared, his gaze darting from Li Wei to Wei Long. "Wei Long, breaking rules again?"
Wei Long lowered his sword, his face impassive. "Master Huang, Li Wei hides an artifact. I acted for the Jin Clan and sect's interests."
Li Wei, gasping, stepped forward, supporting Lin Xue as she struggled to stand. The System highlighted: Chance of convincing Huang: 60%. Recommendation: Emphasize Wei Long's attack.
"Master Huang," Li Wei said, his voice hoarse, "Wei Long and Huang Jia attacked us without cause. I was cultivating here to prepare for the inner court, as you asked. Lin Xue defended me."
Huang frowned, his gaze shifting to Lin Xue, then to the groaning Huang Jia. He turned to Wei Long. "The Jin Clan isn't above the sect. You'll answer to Liu. Li Wei, Lin Xue, follow me. This isn't over."
Li Wei helped Lin Xue out of the cave, feeling her suspicions of him grow. The System updated: Task "Gain access to the inner court": 50% progress. Huang saved them, but Wei Long and the Jin Clan wouldn't back down, and the Heavenly Shard remained his greatest secret and threat. Li Wei knew the inner court was closer, but its price might be more than he could pay.
Part 4
Li Wei and Lin Xue followed Master Huang through the forest back to the sect, their footsteps drowned by the waterfall's roar. Huang led, his staff tapping the path, his Spiritual Realm aura warding off nocturnal beasts. Lin Xue, leaning on Li Wei, limped, her wounds reopened, but she stayed silent, her gaze full of questions. The patrolling disciples dragged Huang Jia, who muttered curses, while Wei Long trailed behind, his cold silence heavier than words. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe warmed, as if sensing a new twist. The System showed: Energy: 5%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 22%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 45%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 50% progress.
Huang, without turning, spoke, his voice stern: "Li Wei, you're either a magnet for trouble or too valuable to be killed. Wei Long doesn't attack without reason. What are you hiding?"
Li Wei's heart pounded. Lin Xue shot him a glance, her suspicions ready to spill. The System highlighted: Chance of shard exposure: 40%. Recommendation: Shift focus to Wei Long's actions.
"Master Huang," Li Wei said, striving for confidence, "I'm hiding nothing that threatens the sect. I was cultivating to prove my worth for the inner court, as you asked. Wei Long and Huang Jia attacked without proof, like in the ruins. The Jin Clan wants me gone because I brought the spiritual stone and Lunar Nectar."
Huang grunted, his staff pausing briefly. "Well said. But the Jin Clan doesn't act blindly. If they're hunting you, they have a reason. Lin Xue, do you back his story?"
Lin Xue, hesitating, nodded, but her voice was guarded: "Wei Long struck first. I defended Li Wei. But, Master Huang, I also want to know why the Jin Clan's so obsessed with him."
Li Wei tensed, feeling her words corner him. Wei Long, overhearing, spoke, his voice cold: "Master Huang, Li Wei took something from the ruins tied to the temple. The Jin Clan only seeks to return it to the sect."
Huang stopped, turning to Wei Long, his eyes narrowing. "You echo Wang Zi's claims, but without proof. Elder Liu will decide your fate. Li Wei, Lin Xue, to the infirmary. Tomorrow, I'll speak with Liu about the inner court, but, Li Wei, be ready for questions."
They reached the sect, where lanterns lit the courtyard. Lin Xue pulled away, whispering to Li Wei, "You owe me the truth. Soon."
Li Wei nodded, but his thoughts swirled. Huang was on his side, but Lin Xue's pressure and the Jin Clan's threat grew. The System updated: Task "Gain access to the inner court": 60% progress. He knew a night in the infirmary would let him recover, but morning would bring a new trial—and possibly new dangers. The Heavenly Shard was his strength but also his chain, and Li Wei felt it tightening. He had to solidify his position before the Jin Clan or Lin Xue forced him to reveal everything.
Part 5
Li Wei lay on a hard cot in the sect's infirmary, his shoulder freshly bandaged, his body aching from exhaustion after the cave fight. The Heavenly Shard, hidden under his robe, pulsed faintly, its warmth soothing but a reminder of growing danger. Lin Xue slept on the next cot, her breathing steady, but Li Wei knew her questions about his secret lingered. The infirmary was quiet, only faint lantern light filtering through the window, but patrol footsteps echoed outside. The System showed: Energy: 10% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 25%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 50%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 60% progress.
Master Huang's promise to speak with Elder Liu offered hope, but the Jin Clan's threat and Lin Xue's suspicions kept Li Wei on edge. Wei Long was likely weaving new schemes, and Huang Jia, though injured, could report to Wang Zi. Li Wei knew the inner court was his path to strength and protection, but without new resources or techniques, he'd remain vulnerable. The System highlighted: Chance of Jin Clan interest in the shard: 65%. Recommendation: Master "Stellar Wind Flow" for defense.
He pulled the Stellar Wind Flow scroll from his belt, deciding to use the night for cultivation. The infirmary was safe, and he began breathing to the technique's rhythm, channeling the Heavenly Shard's energy into his hands. Star-like threads swirled, their glow faint but precise. The System updated: "Stellar Wind Flow" technique: 25%. Energy: 8%.
Cultivation progressed slowly, but Li Wei felt the technique becoming natural, complementing Vortex of Heavenly Light. He imagined how their combination could catch Wei Long off guard in a future fight. But a rustle at the door interrupted him. The System highlighted: Chance of threat: 30%.
Li Wei hid the scroll, listening. The infirmary door creaked, and Chen Yu's figure appeared, his face pale, eyes darting. He rushed to Li Wei, whispering, "Brother, trouble! I overheard patrolling disciples talking about Wang Zi. His suspension was lifted early—the Jin Clan pressured the elders. He's back in the sect, and they say he's looking for you!"
Li Wei tensed, feeling the Heavenly Shard warm. Wang Zi, back so soon? The Jin Clan was tightening its grip. Lin Xue, awakened by the whispers, sat up, her voice hoarse, "Wang Zi? How dare they overturn his punishment?"
Chen Yu shrugged, his voice trembling, "Jin Clan, money, connections… Brother Li Wei, you need to be careful. And I saw Huang Jia near the barracks. He's limping but spying."
Li Wei clenched his fists, realizing the noose was tightening. The System flashed: New task: Protect your secret from Wang Zi and the Jin Clan. Reward: +50 reputation points. Morning would bring a meeting with Liu and a possible inner court chance, but Wang Zi and Wei Long wouldn't let him breathe easy. Li Wei looked at Lin Xue and Chen Yu, weighing how much he could trust them. He knew the next day would be pivotal—either he'd secure his place in the sect, or his secret would ruin everything.