Chapter 23: The Gates of the Inner Court
Part 1
Li Wei stood before the massive gates of the sect's inner court, their bronze panels etched with ancient runes that emitted a faint spiritual glow. Morning mist cloaked the courtyard, and the aura of the guards at the entrance pressed on his shoulders. The Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsed, as if sensing a new phase of his journey. Lin Xue and Chen Yu stood beside him, their faces tense—Lin Xue gripped her sword's hilt, while Chen Yu fidgeted with his sleeve, glancing around. The System displayed: Energy: 15% after the infirmary. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 25%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 50%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 70% progress.
Master Huang, his staff tapping the stones, emerged from the gates, his beard swaying with his steps. Behind him followed Elder Liu, whose Spiritual Realm aura made even the guards straighten. Li Wei bowed, feeling the scrutinizing gazes of Huang and Liu.
"Li Wei," Liu began, his voice deep and commanding, "your contributions to the sect—Lunar Nectar and the spiritual stone—have impressed. Huang recommended you for the inner court, and I'm giving you a chance. But know this: you're here on probation. One misstep, and you'll return to the outer court… or worse."
Li Wei nodded, his heart racing. The inner court was his goal, but Liu's words underscored his precarious position. The System highlighted: Chance of success in the inner court: 60%. Recommendation: Avoid conflicts with senior disciples.
Huang cleared his throat, his eyes glinting. "You'll start with access to the technique library and elixirs," he said. "But the inner court isn't for the weak. Wang Zi's back, and the Jin Clan's watching you. Prove you belong, Li Wei."
Lin Xue nudged him lightly, whispering, "Don't relax. Wei Long's already inside, and he's not alone."
The guards opened the gates, and Li Wei stepped into the inner court, feeling the aura thicken. The courtyard was vast: pavilions with tiled roofs, training arenas where Mortal and Spiritual Realm auras flickered, and gardens of spiritual herbs. Disciples in silk robes cast glances at Li Wei—some curious, others disdainful. A tall disciple with silver trim on his robe stepped forward, his Mortal Realm, Stage 6 aura heavy.
"A newbie from the outer court?" he said, his voice laced with mockery. "Heard you beat Wang Zi. Let's see how long you last here."
Chen Yu swallowed hard, and Lin Xue tightened her grip on her sword, but Li Wei raised a hand, stopping them. The System highlighted: Chance of provocation: 50%. Recommendation: Avoid combat, focus on the library. He met the disciple's gaze, striving for calm: "I'm here to learn, not fight. If you want to test me, come to the arena."
The disciple snorted but stepped back, and the crowd whispered. Li Wei moved toward the library, feeling the shadow of Wang Zi and the Jin Clan looming. The inner court was his chance, but also an arena where every step could be his last. He knew he had to find a new technique and prepare for the tournament Huang had mentioned in passing. The first battle had begun—a battle for a place among the wolves of the inner court.
Part 2
Li Wei walked along the paved paths of the inner court, heading toward the technique library, its spires rising above gardens of spiritual herbs. Lin Xue and Chen Yu followed, their steps cautious, as if expecting an attack. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe warmed, reacting to the court's dense spiritual energy. The auras of disciples training in the arenas sent invisible ripples, and Li Wei felt like an outsider among them. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 25%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 55%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 80% progress.
Lin Xue, drawing level with Li Wei, spoke quietly to avoid attention: "The library's your best start. It has techniques unavailable in the outer court, plus elixirs for cultivation. But be careful—senior disciples, like that jerk, don't like newbies. And Wei Long… he's already spreading rumors about your 'artifact.'"
Li Wei nodded, her words heightening his unease. Wei Long and the Jin Clan were an inescapable shadow. Chen Yu, nervously glancing around, added, "Brother, I heard there's a tournament in a month. The winner gets spiritual stones and personal mentorship from an elder. If you want to secure your place, that's your shot. But Wang Zi's competing too."
Li Wei clenched his jaw. Wang Zi, reinstated by the Jin Clan, was a thorn he couldn't remove. The tournament sounded like an opportunity but also a trap where his enemies could strike. The System highlighted: Chance of tournament participation: 90%. Recommendation: Find a technique to enhance attacks.
The technique library was a grand pavilion with carved columns inscribed with runes. The guard at the entrance, an old man with a Spiritual Realm aura, eyed Li Wei but let him pass after checking his probationary token. Inside, the air smelled of old scrolls and spiritual herbs, with shelves stretching to the ceiling, laden with jade tablets and scrolls. A few disciples studied at tables, their auras creating a faint hum.
Li Wei headed to the combat techniques section, feeling the Heavenly Shard vibrate, as if resonating with the scrolls' energy. He sought something to complement Vortex of Heavenly Light and Stellar Wind Flow, boosting his tournament chances. The System highlighted: Recommendation: Seek a moderately complex technique compatible with your level.
He paused at a scroll labeled Blade of Heavenly Flow. Its description promised a technique that enhanced strikes by fusing spiritual energy with fluid motion, perfect for his style. But as he took the scroll, a shadow moved behind the shelf—the same silver-trimmed disciple who provoked him at the gates. His aura was heavy, his gaze mocking.
"A newbie wants Blade of Heavenly Flow?" he said, approaching. "That's not for outer court weaklings. Put it back, or I'll show you your place."
Lin Xue, nearby, gripped her sword's hilt, but Li Wei gestured to stop her. The System highlighted: Chance of conflict: 60%. Recommendation: Avoid combat but be ready to defend. Li Wei met the disciple's eyes, his voice calm but firm: "I'm here by right. If you want the scroll, take it after me. Or prove yourself on the arena."
Silence fell over the library, other disciples lifting their heads. Li Wei knew this moment would define how the inner court saw him—as prey or peer.
Part 3
Li Wei clutched the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll, facing the inner court disciple whose silver-trimmed robe marked his status. The disciple's Mortal Realm, Stage 6 aura pressed like an invisible weight, his mocking smirk promising trouble. The technique library fell silent, disciples at tables watching, their whispers creating a tense backdrop. Lin Xue, by a shelf, kept her hand on her sword, ready to intervene, but her glance urged Li Wei to be cautious. Chen Yu, frozen near the entrance, looked ready to sink through the floor. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 25%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 60%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 85% progress.
The disciple, whose name Li Wei didn't yet know, stepped closer, his voice dripping with disdain: "Think beating Wang Zi makes you somebody? This is the inner court library, and you're nobody. Put the scroll down, or you'll regret it."
Li Wei felt the Heavenly Shard under his robe warm, as if urging action. He knew a fight in the library would lead to punishment, but backing down meant showing weakness—a death sentence in the inner court. The System highlighted: Chance of combat: 70%. Recommendation: Use diplomacy or challenge to the arena to avoid immediate conflict.
"I took the scroll by the rules," Li Wei said, his voice steady but firm. "If you want it, wait your turn. Or, if you're so confident, meet me in the arena after the tournament. I don't shy from challenges."
The hall buzzed, disciples exchanging looks—some surprised, others mocking. The disciple narrowed his eyes, his aura flaring, but he didn't move. Lin Xue stepped closer, her sword slightly drawn, adding weight to Li Wei's words. Chen Yu, finding courage, squeaked, "Yeah, Brother Li Wei's right! Rules are for everyone!"
A low voice cut through from the library's depths: "Enough, Cao Feng."
The old guard, his Spiritual Realm aura making the air tremble, emerged from the shelves. His eyes, sharp as blades, fixed on the disciple, whom Li Wei now knew as Cao Feng. "The library's no place for quarrels," the guard said. "Li Wei, you're on probation but have rights to the scroll. Cao Feng, if you want to argue, do it in the arena. One more word, and you're both off to Elder Liu."
Cao Feng clenched his teeth but stepped back, shooting Li Wei a glare promising vengeance. Li Wei nodded to the guard, hiding his relief, and tucked the scroll into his belt. The System updated: Task "Secure your place in the sect": 65% progress.
Lin Xue whispered as they moved to a table, "Cao Feng's one of Wei Long's lackeys. You just made another enemy. I hope that scroll's worth it."
Li Wei sat, unrolling Blade of Heavenly Flow. The technique promised to enhance his attacks but demanded precision and control he lacked. He knew the inner court tournament Chen Yu mentioned was his chance to prove himself, but Cao Feng, Wei Long, and Wang Zi would ensure he never reached the arena. The Heavenly Shard warmed, and Li Wei felt his secret growing heavier. His first day in the inner court had only begun, but the battle for his place was already igniting.
Part 4
Li Wei sat at a table in the technique library, the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll unrolled before him, its runes faintly glowing under spiritual lamps. The Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsed, as if syncing with the scroll's energy, while Lin Xue and Chen Yu stood nearby, warily scanning the hall. Cao Feng had left, but his threat lingered like poison. Disciples at nearby tables cast glances, and the old guard's aura at the entrance reminded them that any violation would have consequences. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 25%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 65%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 90% progress.
Li Wei began reading the scroll, delving into the technique's description. Blade of Heavenly Flow enhanced strikes by channeling spiritual energy into rapid, fluid attacks, like a river sweeping away obstacles. It perfectly complemented Stellar Wind Flow and Vortex of Heavenly Light but required precise control he hadn't mastered. The System highlighted: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 0%. Recommendation: Begin cultivation with the Heavenly Shard for acceleration.
He closed his eyes, channeling the shard's warmth into his hands, and breathed to the technique's rhythm. Energy swirled, forming faint streams like flowing water. The scroll trembled, and Li Wei felt his aura become fluid. The System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 5%. Energy: 13%.
Lin Xue, noticing his focus, whispered, "Don't get too absorbed. Cao Feng's not alone. Wei Long likely knows you're here, and they won't let you study in peace."
Chen Yu, fidgeting with his sleeve, added, "Brother, I heard the tournament's more than fights. There are trials, like a maze or traps. If you want to win, you'll need more than one technique."
Li Wei nodded, eyes still closed. The tournament, as Chen Yu described, was his chance to solidify his place but also an arena where Wei Long and Wang Zi could strike. He quickened his breathing, channeling more of the shard's energy, and the streams in his hands brightened. The System flashed: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 10%.
His cultivation was interrupted by a rustle at the entrance. The library doors opened, and Wang Zi entered, his robe pristine but his eyes burning with hatred. Cao Feng followed, grinning like a hyena. The disciples fell silent, and the guard looked up but didn't intervene. Wang Zi stopped at Li Wei's table, his voice dripping with venom: "Li Wei, thought your luck would last forever? The inner court's not your place. Crawl back to the outer court before I make you."
Lin Xue stood, her hand on her sword, but Li Wei gestured to stop her. The System highlighted: Chance of provocation: 80%. Recommendation: Avoid combat, challenge to the tournament. Li Wei met Wang Zi's gaze, his voice cold: "If you want to prove something, meet me at the tournament. Or are you scared to lose again?"
The hall buzzed, and Wang Zi's face reddened. Cao Feng stepped forward, but Wang Zi raised a hand, stopping him. He smiled, but it was sinister. "The tournament? Fine, Li Wei. But you won't live to see it."
He turned and left, Cao Feng trailing. Lin Xue exhaled, whispering, "You provoked him. He won't stop now."
Li Wei gripped the scroll, feeling the Heavenly Shard warm. Wang Zi and the Jin Clan were closer than he thought, and the tournament was both a chance and a trap. He knew he had to master Blade of Heavenly Flow and prepare before his enemies struck.
Part 5
Li Wei watched Wang Zi and Cao Feng leave the technique library, their shadows vanishing beyond the doors, but their threat lingered like the scent of an approaching storm. Lin Xue, lowering her hand from her sword, sat beside him, her gaze filled with worry. Chen Yu, trembling, muttered, "Brother, Wang Zi looked ready to kill you right here. Maybe you should talk to Huang? Or Liu?"
Li Wei shook his head, his fingers tightening on the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll. The Heavenly Shard under his robe warmed his skin, reminding him of his sole advantage. He knew complaining to the elders would only cement his image as weak—a death sentence in the inner court. The System showed: Energy: 13%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 25%. Task "Secure your place in the sect": 70%. Task "Gain access to the inner court": 95% progress.
"Huang and Liu won't step in without proof," Li Wei said, his voice quiet but firm. "Wang Zi wants to break me before the tournament. I need to get stronger faster than he expects."
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes, her jade pendant swaying. "Stronger? You're barely standing after the cave. And, Li Wei," she lowered her voice, "I saw your scroll glow brighter than it should. If that's your 'energy source,' it's drawing attention. Cao Feng and Wei Long aren't blind."
Li Wei tensed, her words striking his vulnerability. Lin Xue was too close to the truth about the Heavenly Shard, and her curiosity was becoming more dangerous. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's suspicions: 75%. Recommendation: Strengthen the alliance but avoid revealing details.
"It's the technique, enhanced by my cultivation," he said, meeting her eyes. "I trust you, Lin Xue, but right now I need your help, not questions. Tell me what you know about the tournament and Wei Long. That's what matters."
Lin Xue frowned but nodded, sensing the timing wasn't right for arguments. "The tournament's in a month," she said. "Three stages: a maze with traps, one-on-one fights, and a final battle for spiritual stones. Wei Long's a favorite—his Sword of Heavenly Lightning is near peak mastery. He'll be in the finals, and if Wang Zi's with him, they'll crush you if you're not ready."
Chen Yu, perking up, added, "Brother, I heard the maze has spiritual beasts! And the rewards aren't just stones but rare technique scrolls. If you win, Liu will definitely grant you a permanent inner court spot!"
Li Wei nodded, his thoughts circling Blade of Heavenly Flow. If he mastered it and combined it with Vortex and Stellar Wind Flow, he'd have a chance against Wei Long. But he needed cultivation, and the library, full of eyes, was too risky. He looked at Lin Xue. "We need a place to train without Cao Feng or Wang Zi. The cave's burned. Any other hideouts?"
Lin Xue pondered, her fingers tapping the table. "There's an old altar in the forest, beyond the inner court. It's abandoned but has strong spiritual energy. Only… there are rumors of strange shadows. If you're willing to risk it, I'll show you the way tomorrow."
Li Wei nodded, a new plan forming. The System updated: Task "Gain access to the inner court": 95% progress. New task: Prepare for the inner court tournament. Reward: +50 reputation points. Wang Zi, Wei Long, and the Jin Clan were close, and Lin Xue was a shaky ally. The forest altar could be his chance, but the shadows she mentioned stirred unease. Li Wei knew his first day in the inner court had only sparked the fire, and the tournament would be his next battle for survival.