Chapter 26: Alliance or Betrayal.
Part 1
Li Wei sat in the shadow of the library shelves, the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll before him, its runes faintly glowing under jade lamps. The energy from Huang's elixir still coursed through him, fueling his cultivation vortex, but anxiety sparked by Chen Yu's words about the Jin Clan's mercenaries and the "Temple's Heart" broke his focus. The Heavenly Shard under his robe warmed, as if sensing a coming storm, and the absence of Lin Xue and Chen Yu made the library's silence ominous. The System displayed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 28%. Task "Convince Elder Liu of Wang Zi's guilt": 50%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 35%.
Li Wei resumed cultivation, channeling the Heavenly Shard's energy into Blade of Heavenly Flow. Energy streams, like flowing water, swirled around his hands, growing faster and more precise. He felt the technique merging with Vortex of Heavenly Light and Stellar Wind Flow, forming the potential for a powerful combination. The System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 35%.
A faint rustle at the entrance interrupted him. He hid the scroll, straining his ears. The System highlighted: Chance of threat: 40%. Recommendation: Be ready for combat or flight. The library door creaked, and instead of Cao Feng or Wei Long, an unfamiliar disciple in an inner court robe with golden trim entered. His Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura was heavy, his eyes coldly studying Li Wei.
"You're Li Wei?" he asked, his voice even but tinged with menace. "I'm Lin Hao. I hear you're causing trouble for the Jin Clan. I have a proposition."
Li Wei stood, feeling the Heavenly Shard tremble. Lin Hao didn't seem like Wei Long's lackey, but his aura and demeanor spoke of strength and calculation. The System highlighted: Chance of a trap: 50%. Recommendation: Listen but don't trust.
"What proposition?" Li Wei asked, striving for neutrality. "And why do you care about my issues with the Jin Clan?"
Lin Hao smiled, but it lacked warmth. "The inner court is a place of factions. The Jin Clan's strong, but not unrivaled. I represent a group that wants to curb their influence. You've proven you can hurt them—Wang Zi's detained, Wei Long's furious. Join us for the tournament, and we'll shield you from their revenge. In return, you help us… say, with information about the ruins."
Li Wei tensed, Lin Hao's mention of the ruins hitting too close to home. The Heavenly Shard was his secret, and any talk of the temple risked exposing it. He recalled Lin Xue's suspicions, knowing an alliance with Lin Hao could be salvation or a trap. The System highlighted: Chance of a beneficial alliance: 60%. Recommendation: Ask questions, avoid revealing the artifact.
"Who's in your group?" Li Wei asked, crossing his arms. "And what exactly do you want from the ruins? All I know is what Wang Zi mentioned—'Temple's Heart.'"
Lin Hao's eyes narrowed, his aura subtly intensifying. "My allies are senior disciples who dislike the Jin Clan. As for the ruins, we need their resources to strengthen the sect, not the Jin Clan. If you have a key, we can negotiate. Think it over until the tournament. Find me at the training arena."
He turned and left, leaving Li Wei alone. The System updated: Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 40%. New task: Decide whether to join Lin Hao. Reward: +50 reputation points. Li Wei returned to the scroll, but thoughts of Lin Hao, the Jin Clan, and the "Temple's Heart" gnawed at him. Lin Xue and Chen Yu would return soon, but Lin Hao's offer was a new twist in a game where every ally could become an enemy. The tournament was approaching, and Li Wei knew his next move would determine whether he survived or fell.
Part 2
Li Wei sat in the library's shadows, his fingers paused on the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll, his mind churning over Lin Hao's proposal. An alliance against the Jin Clan sounded tempting, but the demand for ruins information struck directly at his secret—the Heavenly Shard. The shelves hummed with spiritual energy, and jade lamps cast a soft glow, but Li Wei felt trapped, every disciple's glance potentially a spy's. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 28%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 40%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 0%.
He tried resuming cultivation, channeling the Heavenly Shard's energy into Blade of Heavenly Flow. Energy streams swirled, their fluidity becoming more natural, but images of the altar's red-eyed shadows and Wang Zi's temple talk disrupted his focus. The System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 40%.
The library door creaked, and Li Wei tensed, hiding the scroll. Lin Xue and Chen Yu entered, their faces grim. Lin Xue, spotting him, approached swiftly, her voice low but sharp: "Li Wei, Chen Yu's right. The Jin Clan hired mercenaries—I saw them at the outer gates. They're not sect members, but their aura… Spiritual Realm, low stage. And Wei Long met someone in a tavern beyond the court. This isn't just rumors."
Chen Yu, fidgeting with his sleeve, added, "Brother, they talked about the ruins and a 'key.' I didn't catch everything, but Wei Long mentioned you. They know you're hiding something!"
Li Wei clenched his fists, feeling the noose around the Heavenly Shard tighten. Lin Xue sat beside him, her eyes narrowing. "Your artifact's that key, isn't it?" she asked. "The Jin Clan won't stop until they have it. Li Wei, if you don't trust me, we can't work together in the tournament."
The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 30%. Recommendation: Offer collaboration, reveal minimal details. Li Wei knew that without Lin Xue, his odds against Wei Long and the Jin Clan plummeted, but the full truth about the shard was too dangerous. He opted for partial trust.
"Lin Xue," he said, lowering his voice, "the artifact aids my cultivation and might be tied to the ruins. But I don't know how it connects to the temple. If we team up for the tournament, I promise: if I find answers, you'll know first. For now, we need to prepare and watch Wei Long."
Lin Xue studied him for long seconds, then nodded. "Fine. I'm with you, but don't make me regret it. I learned the tournament's maze is the first trial—traps and spiritual beasts. We need to train together to pass."
Chen Yu, brightening, chimed in, "Brother, I can get a map of past mazes! It's not the same, but it'll help us prepare."
Li Wei nodded, a new plan forming. But he recalled Lin Hao's offer. Telling Lin Xue risked her seeing it as betrayal or opportunity. The System highlighted: Chance of a beneficial alliance with Lin Hao: 55%. Recommendation: Discuss with Lin Xue, avoid mentioning ruins. He whispered, "Lin Xue, a disciple, Lin Hao, offered an alliance against the Jin Clan for the tournament. He's strong, Mortal Realm, Stage 7. What do you think?"
Lin Xue frowned, her voice colder: "Lin Hao? He's from a faction rivaling the Jin Clan, but he's no altruist. If he wants your help, there's a catch. We can meet him, but keep your artifact secret."
Li Wei nodded, knowing she was right. The library was safe only for now, and the Jin Clan, Wei Long, and now Lin Hao made the tournament a minefield. He had to strengthen Blade of Heavenly Flow and decide on Lin Hao, but the shadow of the "Temple's Heart" and red-eyed specters reminded him his secret could ruin everything.
Part 3
Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Chen Yu left the library, heading to the inner court's training arena where Lin Hao promised to wait. The evening air was cool, lanterns illuminating paths where disciples honed techniques, their auras creating a hum like distant thunder. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed faintly, a reminder of the secret Lin Hao might suspect. His technique scrolls and elixir vial weighed down his belt, but Li Wei felt exposed before the Jin Clan's threat and their mercenaries. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 28%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 40%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 10%.
Lin Xue, walking beside him, whispered, "Lin Hao won't offer an alliance for nothing. His faction, Heavenly Wings, wants to weaken the Jin Clan, but they're just as ambitious. If you reveal too much, they'll use you like Wei Long. Keep your mouth shut."
Li Wei nodded, her words echoing his fears. Chen Yu, nervously glancing around, added, "Brother, I heard Lin Hao's strong, but his people don't like newbies. If you refuse, they might turn other disciples against you."
The System highlighted: Chance of conflict with Lin Hao: 40%. Recommendation: Hear the offer but don't commit. Li Wei knew an alliance with Lin Hao could shield him from Wei Long, but the cost—ruins information—was too high. His thoughts were cut by arena noise: clashing swords and spiritual energy flashes.
They reached the arena, where Lin Hao stood at the edge, watching two disciples spar. His golden-trimmed robe fluttered, his Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura overwhelming those nearby. Seeing Li Wei, he smiled, but his eyes remained cold. "Li Wei, Lin Xue," he said, voice even. "Glad you came. Chen Yu, you can go—this is a grown-up talk."
Chen Yu swallowed, but Lin Xue nodded, and he retreated, casting a worried glance. Lin Hao gestured to a bench by the arena, inviting them to sit. "My offer's simple," he began. "The Jin Clan dominates the inner court, but their greed for the ruins makes them vulnerable. We, Heavenly Wings, want to stop them. You, Li Wei, are already their enemy—Wang Zi's detained, Wei Long's raging. Work with us in the tournament: we'll cover you in the maze, you share what you know about the ruins. Deal?"
Li Wei felt the Heavenly Shard warm. Lin Hao knew more than he let on, and his ruins interest was too precise. Lin Xue, beside him, lightly squeezed his arm, urging caution. The System highlighted: Chance of a trap: 50%. Recommendation: Pose counter-conditions. "Lin Hao," Li Wei said, voice firm, "I'm not against an alliance, but I need more than words. Who's in your group, and how will you protect us from Wei Long? As for the ruins, I only heard about the 'Temple's Heart' from Wang Zi. What are you after?"
Lin Hao's eyes narrowed, his smile sharpening. "Smart, Li Wei. My people are senior disciples, names don't matter yet. We know Wei Long's planning a maze ambush. With us, you'll pass it. The ruins… let's say there's an artifact that could shift the sect's power balance. If you have clues, we'll find it together."
Lin Xue cut in, voice cold: "Lin Hao, you ask for trust but give none. If your faction's so strong, why need Li Wei? And what if the Jin Clan's already ahead in the ruins?"
Lin Hao laughed, but it was joyless. "Lin Xue, always sharp-tongued. Li Wei's our thorn in the Jin Clan's side. The ruins… we know they've hired mercenaries, but without a key, they're stuck. Decide fast—the tournament's in three weeks."
Li Wei exchanged a glance with Lin Xue, knowing time to answer was running out. The System updated: Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 20%. An alliance with Heavenly Wings could save him from Wei Long, but the price—the Heavenly Shard—was too steep. He had to either risk it or find another way, but the Jin Clan's shadow and the altar's red-eyed specters warned every choice led to a precipice.
Part 4
Li Wei stared at Lin Hao, whose cold smile and Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura made the air feel heavier. The inner court's training arena buzzed with strikes and spiritual energy flashes, but Lin Hao's words about the ruins and a "key" rang louder than any fight. Lin Xue, beside him, kept a stone face, but her fingers lightly gripped her sword's hilt, betraying tension. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe trembled, as if sensing its secret teetered on exposure. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 28%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 40%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 20%.
Li Wei knew outright refusing Lin Hao could turn Heavenly Wings against him, but agreeing without guarantees would hand the Heavenly Shard to others. He opted to stall, probing Lin Hao's intentions. The System highlighted: Chance of a trap: 55%. Recommendation: Offer temporary collaboration, avoid ruins details.
"Lin Hao," Li Wei began, voice steady, "I appreciate your offer, but I need more than words. If Heavenly Wings can protect us in the tournament's maze, I'm open to working together. But about the ruins, I only know what Wang Zi said—'Temple's Heart.' Show me proof you can stop Wei Long, and I'll consider it."
Lin Hao's eyes narrowed, his aura subtly intensifying, but he nodded. "You're cautious, Li Wei. Fine. Tomorrow at the arena, I'll show you how we handle Jin Clan lackeys. One of them, Cao Feng, challenged my ally to a spar. Come watch. If you're convinced, we'll talk details. But don't dawdle—the Jin Clan's digging in the ruins."
Lin Xue, unable to hold back, interjected, "And if we refuse? What then, Lin Hao? Will your faction hunt us like the Jin Clan?"
Lin Hao laughed, his voice icy. "Lin Xue, we're not the Jin Clan. But without allies, you won't survive the maze. Think what's better: working with us or facing Wei Long alone."
He turned and walked to the arena, where the spar intensified. Li Wei and Lin Xue were left alone, their gazes meeting. Lin Xue spoke first, her whisper tense: "He knows more than he's saying. Heavenly Wings doesn't just want to weaken the Jin Clan—they want what the clan does: your artifact. We can't trust anyone until you tell me everything."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, her words cornering him. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 35%. Recommendation: Strengthen the alliance with tournament training. He nodded, knowing he had to keep Lin Xue without revealing the full truth. "Lin Xue, let's train together for the maze," he said. "If we're ready, we won't need Lin Hao. I'll share more when we're sure the Jin Clan's not watching. Tomorrow, we watch Cao Feng's spar and decide what to do."
Lin Xue frowned but agreed. "Fine. But I won't wait forever, Li Wei. If your artifact brings shadows or worse, I'll choose the sect over you."
They moved toward the barracks, but Li Wei noticed a shadow behind a pavilion—not Cao Feng, but someone in a dark robe, their aura concealed. The System highlighted: Chance of surveillance: 60%. Recommendation: Avoid open areas. Li Wei quickened his pace, whispering to Lin Xue, "We're being watched. Don't look back. We need a safe place to cultivate."
Lin Xue nodded, her hand resting on her sword. The tournament was their goal, but the Jin Clan, Lin Hao, and the temple's shadows tightened the noose. Li Wei knew tomorrow's spar would offer answers but could also be a new trap. The Heavenly Shard was his strength but also his chain, and every step in the inner court tested whether he could break it.
Part 5
Li Wei and Lin Xue hurried toward the inner court's barracks, where lanterns cast long shadows, and the noise of training faded with nightfall. The dark-robed figure glimpsed behind the pavilion didn't reappear, but Li Wei felt its presence like a cold breath on his neck. The Heavenly Shard under his robe trembled, amplifying his unease, and the technique scrolls and elixir vial in his belt reminded him of the tournament's looming demands. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 28%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 40%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 20%. Chance of surveillance: 60%.
Lin Xue, without turning, whispered, "It's not Cao Feng. Too stealthy for him. Maybe a Jin Clan mercenary or someone from Heavenly Wings testing us. We need cover, Li Wei. The barracks aren't safe."
Li Wei nodded, his mind racing over Lin Hao's offer and the Jin Clan's threat. Tomorrow's spar with Cao Feng could reveal Heavenly Wings' strength, but the surveillance suggested time was short. The System highlighted: Recommendation: Find temporary shelter, continue cultivation. He recalled an abandoned warehouse at the court's edge Chen Yu mentioned—a place storing old alchemy cauldrons, rarely checked.
"The warehouse behind the arena," Li Wei said, voice low. "It's quiet, and patrols skip it. We can cultivate and discuss Lin Hao."
Lin Xue nodded, her eyes narrowing but offering no objection. They veered off the main path, moving through spiritual herb gardens, their aroma soothing but not easing tension. The warehouse was a low, moss-covered building with a rusty door that creaked as Li Wei opened it. Inside, it smelled of dust and metal, with dim moonlight filtering through roof cracks.
They shut the door, and Li Wei pulled out the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll, determined to use the night for training. Lin Xue stood by the entrance, sword ready. The System highlighted: Chance of safety: 80%. Recommendation: Begin cultivation, discuss plans with Lin Xue. Li Wei drank the last of Huang's elixir, energy surging to 22%, and began breathing to the technique's rhythm. Energy streams swirled, their fluidity growing stronger, and the System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 45%.
Lin Xue, eyes on the door, spoke: "Li Wei, if Lin Hao's right, Wei Long's planning a maze ambush. We need a strategy. I can cover you in combat, but traps and beasts are on you. And… what's your take on Lin Hao? Alliance or no?"
Li Wei, continuing cultivation, replied, "Lin Hao's strong, but his ruins interest is dangerous. If we join, he'll demand my artifact. I want to see Cao Feng's spar tomorrow—if Heavenly Wings shows power, we can negotiate, but no ruins talk. If not, we manage alone."
Lin Xue snorted, her voice softening: "Alone… You trust me, but not fully. I get it. But, Li Wei, those forest shadows aren't random. Your artifact draws them, and if they appear in the tournament, we're both in trouble."
Li Wei froze, her words hitting his fear. The Heavenly Shard was his key to power but also a beacon for shadows and the Jin Clan. The System highlighted: Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 30%. He knew tomorrow's spar would bring answers, but the surveillance and shadows warned his secret was a bomb ready to explode. Li Wei resumed cultivation, but each energy stream was a step toward the tournament, where not only Wei Long but the truth of the "Temple's Heart" awaited.