Chapter 27: First Trials.
Part 1
Li Wei stood at the edge of the inner court's training arena, where morning sunlight illuminated the sand, scarred with strike marks. A buzzing crowd of disciples anticipated the spar between Cao Feng, a Jin Clan lackey, and an ally of Lin Hao's Heavenly Wings faction. Lin Xue, beside him, arms crossed, her sword at her belt, fixed her gaze on the arena. Chen Yu, nervously fidgeting with his sleeve, whispered rumors about betting on the fight. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed, amplifying his unease after last night's cultivation in the abandoned warehouse. The System displayed: Energy: 20% after elixir. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 29%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 45%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 30%.
Lin Hao stood across the arena, his golden-trimmed robe standing out among the disciples. He caught Li Wei's eye and nodded, his cold smile promising a display of power. Li Wei felt the weight of his offer—an alliance against the Jin Clan for ruins information—grow heavier. The System highlighted: Chance of a beneficial alliance with Lin Hao: 60%. Recommendation: Assess Heavenly Wings' strength but keep your distance.
Lin Xue whispered, eyes on the arena, "If Lin Hao's ally beats Cao Feng, it shows Heavenly Wings can stand against the Jin Clan. But I don't trust Lin Hao. He wants your artifact, Li Wei, just like Wei Long. Be ready for a catch."
Li Wei nodded, his thoughts swirling around the Heavenly Shard and the "Temple's Heart." Last night's cultivation pushed Blade of Heavenly Flow to 45%, but the altar's shadows and the Jin Clan's mercenaries reminded him the tournament was not just a fight but a survival game. Chen Yu, leaning closer, added, "Brother, they say Cao Feng trains with Wei Long. If he loses, Wei Long will be furious. It's our chance, but also a risk."
A gong sounded, silencing the crowd. Cao Feng stepped onto the arena, his spear glowing with spiritual energy, his Mortal Realm, Stage 6 aura sharp as a blade. Opposite him appeared Lin Hao's ally—a young woman named Su Mei, her silver-embroidered robe swaying, her Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura stirring sand into swirls. Her weapons, twin daggers, gleamed like stars.
The referee, a senior disciple with a Spiritual Realm aura, raised a hand. "Spar without lethal strikes. Begin!"
Cao Feng charged, his spear spinning, unleashing an energy wave. Su Mei dodged, her daggers flashing, leaving glowing arcs. Their auras clashed, sand erupting, drawing gasps from the crowd. Li Wei watched, analyzing: Cao Feng was strong but straightforward; Su Mei used speed and precision, ideal for the tournament's maze. The System highlighted: Chance of Su Mei's victory: 65%.
Lin Xue whispered, "Su Mei's good, but Cao Feng won't yield easily. If she wins, Lin Hao will expect your answer. What'll you tell him?"
Li Wei stayed silent, his gaze locked on the fight. Su Mei dodged Cao Feng's spear and struck with a dagger, wounding his shoulder. Cao Feng roared, his aura flaring, his spear grazing Su Mei's robe. Li Wei knew this fight wasn't just a test of Heavenly Wings but a hint of what awaited him in the tournament. Lin Hao watched him, and Li Wei felt his decision—alliance or solitude—would shape not only the tournament but the fate of the Heavenly Shard.
Part 2
Li Wei watched the arena, where the fight between Su Mei and Cao Feng intensified. Sand swirled under their clashing auras, and the inner court disciple crowd buzzed, cheering or whispering bets. Su Mei, with her daggers and Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura, moved like a shadow, dodging Cao Feng's furious spear thrusts. Despite his shoulder wound, Cao Feng attacked relentlessly, his Mortal Realm, Stage 6 aura flaring like a storm. Lin Xue, beside him, gripped her sword's hilt, eyes on the fight, but whispered to Li Wei, "Su Mei's winning, but Cao Feng won't give up. If Lin Hao proves his strength, will you join him? Or still think we can handle this alone?"
Li Wei didn't answer, his thoughts tangled with the Heavenly Shard, its warmth under his robe intensifying, as if reacting to the battle. Lin Hao, across the arena, stared at Li Wei, his cold smile signaling expectation. Chen Yu, fidgeting with his sleeve, muttered, "Brother, if Su Mei wins, Wei Long will be livid. It's our chance to weaken the Jin Clan, but Lin Hao… he scares me."
The System showed: Energy: 20%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 29%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 45%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 30%. Chance of Su Mei's victory: 70%.
On the arena, Su Mei lunged, her daggers spinning in a vortex, unleashing a spiritual stream that knocked Cao Feng's spear aside. She struck again, aiming for his leg, and Cao Feng stumbled but countered, his spear grazing her shoulder. Blood sprayed, but Su Mei didn't retreat, her aura flaring brighter. She surged forward, pinning a dagger to Cao Feng's throat. The referee raised a hand, declaring, "Victory to Su Mei!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Cao Feng, panting, dropped his spear, his face twisted with rage. Lin Hao nodded to Su Mei, then turned to Li Wei, his gaze more eloquent than words. The System highlighted: Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 40%. Recommendation: Meet Lin Hao but don't commit without guarantees.
Lin Xue whispered, "Heavenly Wings is strong, but that doesn't mean they're on our side. Lin Hao wants your artifact, same as the Jin Clan. What'll you say to him?"
Li Wei, feeling the pressure, replied, "I'll talk to him but make no promises. We need more on his faction and their plans. Chen Yu, can you dig into who else is in Heavenly Wings?"
Chen Yu nodded, his eyes lighting with enthusiasm. "I'll try, Brother! I know a guy in the barracks who might know."
Lin Hao approached, his steps confident, his aura subtly pressing, a reminder of his power. "Li Wei, Lin Xue," he said, voice calm but commanding. "You've seen what Heavenly Wings can do. Cao Feng's just a Jin Clan pawn, and Wei Long's next. My offer stands: join us in the tournament's maze, share what you know about the ruins. Decide now, or we'll find another."
Li Wei felt the Heavenly Shard warm, as if warning him. Lin Xue lightly squeezed his arm, signaling distrust. The System highlighted: Chance of a trap: 50%. Recommendation: Offer temporary collaboration, learn more about Heavenly Wings. Li Wei met Lin Hao's eyes, voice firm: "Lin Hao, I'm open to discussing an alliance, but I need to know your key fighters and how you'll stop Wei Long. Give me a day to think, and I'll answer."
Lin Hao's eyes narrowed but he nodded. "One day, Li Wei. Tomorrow evening at the herb pavilion. Don't be late."
He left, and Li Wei exhaled, realizing he'd bought time but not safety. Lin Xue whispered, "You're playing with fire. Refuse, and Lin Hao becomes an enemy. Agree, and he'll demand your artifact. What's next?"
Li Wei knew he had to strengthen Blade of Heavenly Flow and protect the Heavenly Shard, but the Jin Clan's shadow and the altar's red-eyed specters warned that the tournament was just the start of his trials.
Part 3
Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Chen Yu left the training arena, their footsteps echoing on the inner court's paved paths. Su Mei's victory over Cao Feng proved Heavenly Wings' strength, but Lin Hao's offer hung over Li Wei like a sword. The Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsed, reminding him of the secret both Lin Hao and the Jin Clan sought. The evening air was cool, but the tension from surveillance and threats made it stifling. The System showed: Energy: 20%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 29%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 45%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 40%.
Lin Xue, walking beside him, spoke, voice low but sharp: "Li Wei, you gave Lin Hao a day, but he won't wait forever. Refuse, and Heavenly Wings could become as bad as the Jin Clan. Agree, and your artifact's at risk. Got a plan, or are you just stalling?"
Li Wei glanced at her, feeling her distrust grow. Chen Yu, nervously scanning around, added, "Brother, I started digging on Heavenly Wings, but… I saw Cao Feng at the barracks. He was talking to someone in a dark robe, like the one tailing us yesterday. It's not good."
The System highlighted: Chance of ambush: 55%. Recommendation: Avoid open areas, continue cultivation. Li Wei clenched his fists, realizing the Jin Clan and their mercenaries were active. He decided to solidify his alliance with Lin Xue to buy time for tournament preparation.
"Lin Xue," he said, voice low, "I want to train with you for the maze. If we perfect our technique combo, we won't need Lin Hao. Chen Yu, dig into Heavenly Wings but be careful. If Cao Feng or mercenaries are watching, don't take risks."
Lin Xue nodded, her gaze softening but suspicions lingering. "Fine. Let's train in the abandoned warehouse—it's safe. But, Li Wei, if your artifact summons shadows like in the forest, I need to know how to stop them. Deal?"
Li Wei nodded, though his heart tightened. The altar's shadows were a mystery tied to the Heavenly Shard, and he feared their appearance in the tournament could ruin everything. Chen Yu, energized, ran to the barracks, promising news.
They reached the abandoned warehouse, where dust and rusty cauldrons offered cover. Li Wei pulled out the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll, while Lin Xue readied her sword, preparing to practice joint attacks. The System highlighted: Chance of safety: 85%. Recommendation: Combine "Blade of Heavenly Flow" with Lin Xue's sword. Li Wei breathed to the technique's rhythm, summoning water-like energy streams, directing them toward Lin Xue, who countered with a sword strike, amplifying the flow.
"Good," she said, voice focused. "Your technique boosts my speed. If we sync, we can break defenses like Cao Feng's. But we need more practice."
The System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 50%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 50%. Training went smoothly, but Li Wei noticed the Heavenly Shard heating more than usual. He recalled the altar's shadows and Wang Zi's "Temple's Heart" talk, wondering if his cultivation triggered something dangerous. A rustle outside halted them, and Lin Xue froze, her sword gleaming.
"Someone's at the door," she whispered. "Get ready."
The System blared: Chance of threat: 60%. Recommendation: Prepare for combat, use the warehouse's layout. Li Wei gripped the shard, readying Blade of Heavenly Flow, but the shadow at the door could be anyone—Cao Feng, a mercenary, or even Lin Hao, impatient for an answer. The tournament was near, but danger already knocked.
Part 4
Li Wei pressed against a rusty cauldron in the abandoned warehouse, clutching the Heavenly Shard under his robe, its faint energy flowing through his palm, priming him for battle. Lin Xue, by the door, held her sword ready, her Mortal Realm, Stage 4 aura flickering like a taut string. The rustle outside grew louder—creaking boards, then a hushed whisper too faint to discern. The warehouse's dusty air felt suffocating, and the shadow beyond the door could be Cao Feng, a Jin Clan mercenary, or even Lin Hao's spy. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 29%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 50%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 40%. Chance of threat: 60%.
Lin Xue whispered, eyes on the door, "Li Wei, if it's Cao Feng, we can handle him. But if it's a Spiritual Realm mercenary, run through the back exit. I'll hold them."
Li Wei shook his head, voice low but firm, "We're together. If it's a trap, I'll hit with Blade of Heavenly Flow. You flank."
The System highlighted: Recommendation: Use the warehouse's narrowness for maneuvering, combine techniques. Li Wei channeled the Heavenly Shard's energy into his hands, summoning Blade of Heavenly Flow streams, ready to surge like a river. Lin Xue nodded, her sword slightly drawn.
The warehouse door creaked, and a figure appeared—not Cao Feng or a mercenary, but Chen Yu, his face pale, clothes dusty. He stumbled inside, gasping, raising his hands as he saw Lin Xue's sword. "It's me! Don't strike!" he panted. "I found something… but I was followed!"
Lin Xue lowered her sword, but her gaze remained wary. "Chen Yu, who followed you? What'd you find? Talk fast."
Li Wei stepped closer, relief mixing with dread. The System highlighted: Chance of Chen Yu's truthfulness: 85%. Chance of pursuit: 50%. Chen Yu, still catching his breath, spoke, "I talked to a guy in the barracks… he knows Heavenly Wings. Lin Hao's the leader, but a senior disciple, Jiang Wei, Spiritual Realm, low stage, backs him. They want the ruins as much as the Jin Clan! And… I saw Cao Feng with someone in a dark robe at the gates. They mentioned a 'key' and your name, Brother Li Wei!"
Li Wei clenched his jaw, Chen Yu's words confirming his worst fears. The Heavenly Shard was the key everyone spoke of—Jin Clan, Heavenly Wings, even the altar's shadows. Lin Xue, hearing this, turned to Li Wei, voice cold: "Your artifact's that key, Li Wei. I'm done with half-truths. If Jiang Wei and Lin Hao know, we decide now: ally with them or fight alone."
The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 40%. Recommendation: Offer a plan to keep her. Li Wei knew without Lin Xue, his maze chances dwindled, but the shard's full truth could shatter their alliance. He took a deep breath, voice calm but firm: "Lin Xue, I don't know everything about the key, but I swear: if we pass the maze, I'll share what I find. Let's train and plan against Wei Long. Chen Yu, find that maze map you promised. We'll manage without Lin Hao if we're ready."
Lin Xue stared, eyes narrowing, but nodded. "Fine. This is your last chance, Li Wei. If shadows or the Jin Clan strike, I won't risk myself for your secrets."
Chen Yu exhaled, voice trembling, "I'll get the map, Brother! But… I heard footsteps chasing me here. They're close."
The System blared: Chance of attack: 65%. Recommendation: Fortify the warehouse or flee. Li Wei gripped the shard, readying Blade of Heavenly Flow. The warehouse was their haven but could become a trap. He looked at Lin Xue and Chen Yu, knowing the next moment would decide if they could hold out until the tournament or fall to the Jin Clan's blow.
Part 5
Li Wei stood in the warehouse's dim light, hand clutching the Heavenly Shard, its faint energy fueling his battle readiness. Lin Xue pressed against the wall by the door, her sword gleaming in moonlight filtering through roof cracks. Chen Yu, trembling, hid behind a rusty cauldron, his eyes darting from the door to Li Wei. The footsteps outside Chen Yu warned of grew clearer—slow, deliberate, like a predator on a trail. The warehouse's dusty air was thick with tension, and the Jin Clan's shadow and their mercenaries loomed like a storm. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 29%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 50%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 40%. Chance of attack: 65%.
Lin Xue whispered, barely audible, "Li Wei, if it's a Spiritual Realm mercenary, we're outmatched. The back exit's blocked by cauldrons. Fight or hide?"
Li Wei, feeling the Heavenly Shard warm, replied, "Hide. If it's Cao Feng or a spy, we outsmart them. If Spiritual Realm, we hit and run. Chen Yu, behind the cauldron, stay quiet."
Chen Yu nodded, ducking deeper into shadow. The System highlighted: Recommendation: Use "Blade of Heavenly Flow" for a surprise attack if combat's unavoidable. Li Wei channeled the shard's energy into his hands, summoning faint Blade of Heavenly Flow streams, ready to surge. Lin Xue positioned by the door, her aura suppressed to avoid detection.
The footsteps stopped at the door, and a low, unfamiliar voice, cold as ice, said, "I know you're in there, Li Wei. Come out, or we'll smoke you out."
Li Wei tensed, recognizing an accent—not sect-born, likely a Jin Clan mercenary. Lin Xue gestured at the door, eyes demanding action. The System highlighted: Enemy aura: Mortal Realm, Stage 7. Chance of a second foe: 50%. Recommendation: Lure inside, use the warehouse's narrowness. Li Wei whispered, "Open the door. I'll strike first."
Lin Xue slowly pulled the door, and a figure in a dark robe stepped in, face hidden by a hood, a short sword glowing with spiritual energy in hand. Li Wei lunged, unleashing Blade of Heavenly Flow. Energy streams lashed like a wave, grazing the mercenary's arm, making him stagger and drop his sword. Li Wei's energy fell to 15%, but the System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 55%.
Lin Xue flanked, her sword aiming for the mercenary's shoulder, but he dodged, his aura flaring, and threw a dagger, nicking her arm. Lin Xue hissed but held firm. Chen Yu, panicking, shouted, "Brother, another outside!"
Li Wei spotted a shadow at the door—a second mercenary, aura weaker but still Mortal Realm, Stage 6. The System blared: Chance of survival: 35%. Recommendation: Use cauldrons for cover, draw in the second. Li Wei yelled to Lin Xue, "Fall back to the cauldrons! I'll take the second!"
He charged the door, unleashing Stellar Wind Flow to distract the second mercenary. Star-like threads lashed, forcing him back, but the first mercenary, recovering, rushed Li Wei, his fist glowing with energy. Lin Xue intercepted, her sword clashing with his aura, giving Li Wei a chance. Energy dropped to 12%, and Li Wei realized the warehouse had become an arena where their training turned into a fight for life. The altar's shadows, Jin Clan, and Lin Hao swirled in his mind, but now he had to stand, or the tournament would remain a dream.