Chapter 28: The Temple's Heart.
Part 1
Li Wei dodged a strike from the second mercenary, whose Mortal Realm, Stage 6 aura stirred a dust vortex in the abandoned warehouse. The first mercenary, clashing with Lin Xue, roared, his fists, empowered by spiritual energy, denting cauldrons. Lin Xue, despite her arm wound, held her ground, her sword flashing to parry attacks. Chen Yu, hidden behind a cauldron, trembled but watched the fight, seeking a chance to help. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe burned, fueling his waning strength, but his energy dwindled. The System displayed: Energy: 12%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 55%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 40%. Chance of survival: 35%.
Li Wei unleashed Stellar Wind Flow, star-like threads lashing the second mercenary's legs, making him stumble. He followed with Blade of Heavenly Flow, directing water-like streams at the enemy's chest. The blow sent the mercenary crashing into a wall, but Li Wei's energy dropped to 10%, and the System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 60%.
Lin Xue shouted, her voice hoarse, "Li Wei, I've got the first! Finish yours!"
But the first mercenary, sensing Li Wei's weakness, knocked Lin Xue back with a fist and charged him. Li Wei dodged using Wind Step, but energy fell to 8%, and his legs buckled. The System highlighted: Critical moment: Chance of survival: 30%. Recommendation: Use the shard for a breakthrough.
At that moment, Chen Yu, summoning courage, leaped from cover and hurled a rusty cauldron lid at the first mercenary's back. The weak strike distracted the enemy, giving Lin Xue an opening. She drove her sword into his thigh, and he collapsed, screaming in pain. The second mercenary, recovering, lunged at Li Wei, but Li Wei, gripping the Heavenly Shard, unleashed a combo of Vortex of Heavenly Light and Blade of Heavenly Flow. The vortex and water streams lashed, hurling the mercenary to the door, where he slumped unconscious.
Li Wei's energy plummeted to 5%, and he fell to his knees, gasping. Lin Xue, staggering, bound the first mercenary with rope, her face pale from blood loss. Chen Yu ran up, voice trembling, "Brother, you're alive! What now? They might bring backup!"
Lin Xue, wiping blood from her arm, nodded. "We can't stay. We go to Huang or Liu. These mercenaries prove the Jin Clan's after you, Li Wei. But your artifact… it glowed brighter than it should."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, her suspicions sharpening. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 45%. Recommendation: Head to Huang, reveal minimal details. He stood, ignoring pain, and said, "To Huang. He'll help with wounds and knows how to reach Liu. Lin Xue, I'll explain the artifact, but not here. We need to move."
They hoisted the mercenaries, binding the second, and headed to Huang's alchemy shop, leaving the warehouse behind. Night cloaked the inner court, but rustles in the shadows warned the Jin Clan wouldn't relent. The System updated: Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 60%. New task: Deliver mercenaries to Huang and secure his support. Reward: +50 reputation points.
Li Wei knew the warehouse fight was a harbinger—the tournament, Lin Hao, and the "Temple's Heart" loomed ahead. The Heavenly Shard was his strength but also a magnet for enemies, and each step brought him closer to a choice: trust Lin Xue and Huang or guard his secret, risking everything. Huang was their next hope, but Li Wei sensed even his support might come at a cost.
Part 2
Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Chen Yu dragged the bound mercenaries through the inner court's dark paths, heading to Huang's alchemy shop. The night was quiet, but rustles in the spiritual herb gardens and distant patrol footsteps kept them on edge. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed faintly, its warmth a sole comfort after the warehouse fight. Lin Xue, her arm wound bleeding, walked silently, but her glances at Li Wei demanded answers. Chen Yu, carrying the mercenaries' ropes, whispered, voice shaky, "Brother, if Huang doesn't believe us, what then? These guys are Jin Clan mercenaries, but the clan could twist it all!"
The System showed: Energy: 5%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Deliver mercenaries to Huang and secure his support": 10%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 60%. Chance of Huang's trust: 75%.
Li Wei, ignoring exhaustion, replied, "Huang's on our side, but we must convince him the Jin Clan's breaking sect rules. Lin Xue, if he asks about my artifact, back me up. I'll tell you more when we're safe."
Lin Xue frowned, voice cold, "You say that too often, Li Wei. If your artifact causes this much trouble, I won't cover for you forever. But I'll help with Huang. For now."
They reached the shop, where lantern light seeped through shutter cracks. Li Wei knocked, and Huang's irritated voice answered, "Who's there? If it's not urgent, get lost!"
"Master Huang, it's Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Chen Yu," Li Wei said, voice low. "We have Jin Clan mercenaries. They attacked us. We need your help."
The door opened, and Huang, with disheveled beard and staff in hand, scanned them. Seeing the bound mercenaries, he scowled, his Spiritual Realm aura flaring, making Chen Yu step back. "Inside, quick," Huang snapped. "And explain why I'm dragged into your mess again."
They hauled the mercenaries into the shop, where herbs and a simmering elixir scented the air. Huang locked the door, eyes narrowing as he inspected the mercenaries, one stirring, muttering curses. Li Wei spoke first, "Master Huang, these mercenaries attacked us in the abandoned warehouse. They mentioned the Jin Clan and a 'key' from the ruins. We defended ourselves, but this proves the Jin Clan's hunting me. We need to take them to Elder Liu."
Lin Xue added, voice firm, "They knew where to find us. The Jin Clan's using mercenaries to skirt sect rules. If Liu knows, it'll weaken them."
Huang stroked his beard, gaze shifting to Li Wei. "Li Wei, you're a torch in the dark—drawing enemies. These mercenaries are evidence, but the Jin Clan will claim you provoked them. And…" he lowered his voice, "I saw your vortex glow brighter than it should. What are you hiding?"
Li Wei's heart pounded. Lin Xue shot him a look, demanding answers, and Chen Yu swallowed, waiting. The System highlighted: Chance of Huang's trust: 70%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, offer help. Li Wei took a deep breath, voice cautious, "Master Huang, I have an artifact from the ruins that boosts cultivation. I don't know its full power, but the Jin Clan thinks it's a key to the temple. I'm not betraying the sect. Help us with Liu, and I'll bring more resources for your alchemy."
Huang's eyes narrowed but he nodded. "Fine. I'll take you to Liu in the morning. For now, leave the mercenaries here. Lin Xue, Chen Yu, to the infirmary. Li Wei, stay—we'll talk."
Lin Xue and Chen Yu left, but Lin Xue's glance promised their talk about the Heavenly Shard wasn't over. Li Wei stayed with Huang, feeling pressure mount. The System updated: Task "Deliver mercenaries to Huang and secure his support": 50%. The tournament was near, but the Jin Clan, Lin Hao, and the temple's shadows tightened the noose, and Li Wei knew his talk with Huang would determine if he could endure.
Part 3
Li Wei stood in Huang's alchemy shop, surrounded by the scent of herbs and the faint hiss of a cauldron. The bound mercenaries lay in a corner, their groans silenced by a potion Huang forced down their throats. Lantern light cast shadows on Huang's face, his sharp, piercing eyes studying Li Wei. The Heavenly Shard under his robe trembled, as if sensing its secret teetered on exposure. Lin Xue and Chen Yu had gone to the infirmary, but their absence only heightened the pressure—Li Wei faced Huang alone, whose Spiritual Realm aura pressed like an invisible force. The System showed: Energy: 5%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Deliver mercenaries to Huang and secure his support": 50%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 60%.
Huang, stroking his beard, spoke, voice low and heavy, "Li Wei, your artifact's no trinket. You admitted it's from the ruins, and I'm no fool—it's tied to the temple the Jin Clan's obsessed with. If Liu or other elders learn, you'll face interrogation, maybe exile. Why should I risk covering for you?"
Li Wei felt his throat tighten. Huang was his main ally, but his words struck a weak spot. The System highlighted: Chance of Huang's trust: 65%. Recommendation: Offer a mutually beneficial deal, avoid shard details. Li Wei stepped forward, voice firm despite exhaustion, "Master Huang, the artifact aids my cultivation, but I don't know its full power. I'm not betraying the sect—everything I've found, like Lunar Nectar and the spiritual stone, I gave to you and Liu. Help me with the mercenaries and tournament, and I'll find more resources for your alchemy. The Jin Clan's our common enemy. Their mercenaries prove they're breaking rules."
Huang snorted, his staff tapping the floor. "Clever, Li Wei. You know how to play. Fine, I'll take the mercenaries to Liu in the morning and back your story. In return, you'll work with me regularly—elixirs, herbs, ruins if needed. And…" his eyes narrowed, "if your artifact brings trouble, I won't save you. Understood?"
Li Wei nodded, feeling the deal with Huang become a new chain. The System updated: Task "Deliver mercenaries to Huang and secure his support": 70%. He knew Huang didn't fully trust him, but his support was key to the tournament and protection from the Jin Clan.
"Thank you, Master Huang," Li Wei said. "I'll start work tomorrow. What should I do until morning?"
Huang pointed to a cauldron in the corner. "Sleep here. The mercenaries are under my watch, and you're too drained to roam the court. And, Li Wei," his voice dropped, "Lin Xue suspects you. If she learns about your artifact, she might choose the sect over you. Be careful."
Li Wei nodded, Huang's words confirming his fear. Lin Xue was an ally, but her curiosity and sect loyalty made her unpredictable. He lay on a straw mat by the wall, but sleep wouldn't come. The Heavenly Shard warmed, and images of the altar's shadows, red eyes, and the "Temple's Heart" swirled in his mind. The System highlighted: Chance of shadow emergence: 20%. Recommendation: Restore energy, avoid cultivation until morning.
Li Wei closed his eyes, but thoughts of Lin Hao, the Jin Clan, and the tournament kept him awake. Morning would bring a meeting with Liu and possibly another trial, but the mercenaries were his trump card. He had to use them to weaken the Jin Clan and prepare for the maze, where Wei Long and Lin Hao awaited. The Heavenly Shard was his strength but also a target, and Li Wei knew each step brought him closer to a moment when his secret would either save or destroy him.
Part 4
Li Wei awoke at dawn in Huang's alchemy shop, his body aching from yesterday's fight, the Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsing faintly, a reminder of his fragile position. The scent of herbs and smoldering coals filled the air, and Huang was already at a cauldron, stirring a new potion. The bound mercenaries in the corner were silent, their faces pale under Huang's potion's effect. Morning light seeped through shutter cracks, but the shadow of the Jin Clan and the impending meeting with Elder Liu weighed on Li Wei. The System showed: Energy: 15% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Deliver mercenaries to Huang and secure his support": 70%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 60%.
Huang, not looking up from the cauldron, called over his shoulder, "Li Wei, up. Liu expects us in an hour. I sent word to Lin Xue and Chen Yu—they'll meet us at the pavilion. These mercenaries are your ticket against the Jin Clan, but be ready: the Jin Clan's already scheming to turn this against you."
Li Wei stood, stretching sore muscles. He checked the Blade of Heavenly Flow and Stellar Wind Flow scrolls in his belt, their weight lending confidence. The System highlighted: Chance of success with Liu: 70%. Recommendation: Emphasize the Jin Clan's guilt, avoid mentioning the shard. He nodded to Huang, voice hoarse but firm, "Master Huang, thank you for your support. If Liu believes us, it'll weaken the Jin Clan. What should I know before the meeting?"
Huang set down his spoon, eyes narrowing. "Liu's fair, but the Jin Clan sways other elders. They might demand a search or interrogation. Keep your artifact hidden, and don't give Lin Xue a reason to speak—she's on edge. And, Li Wei," he lowered his voice, "if those forest shadows people whisper about are tied to you, they might reappear. The tournament will be more dangerous than you think."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, Huang's words about the altar's shadows striking his fear. The Heavenly Shard was his key to power but also a lure for something sinister. He helped Huang lift the mercenaries, their auras suppressed by the potion, and they headed to Liu's pavilion. The morning court bustled with disciples rushing to training, but glances at Li Wei were laden with curiosity and suspicion.
At the pavilion, Lin Xue and Chen Yu waited. Lin Xue, her arm bandaged, looked weary, but her eyes were sharp, demanding answers from Li Wei. Chen Yu, fidgeting with his sleeve, whispered, "Brother, I heard Wei Long's here. He was talking to Elder Zhang, a Jin Clan ally. They're planning something."
Lin Xue nodded, voice cold, "Li Wei, if Liu believes us, the Jin Clan loses influence. But if they mention your artifact, are you ready to explain? I don't want to be caught off guard."
The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 50%. Recommendation: Reinforce her trust before the hall. Li Wei stepped closer, voice low, "Lin Xue, I trust you. The artifact's my secret, but it doesn't threaten the sect. Back me up with Liu, and I'll tell you everything after the tournament. We'll handle this together."
Lin Xue stared, her gaze softening, but she only nodded. "Fine. But this is your last chance."
Huang pushed open the pavilion doors, and they entered, dragging the mercenaries. The hall was grand, with jade pillars and Liu's aura, overwhelming like a storm. Liu sat on a dais, beside him Elder Zhang, eyes cold, and Wei Long, by a wall, glaring at Li Wei with contempt. The System highlighted: Chance of success: 65%. Recommendation: Start with accusations against the Jin Clan. Li Wei took a deep breath, knowing this trial would decide not only the mercenaries' fate but his place in the inner court. The tournament was near, but first, he had to survive the elders' hall.
Part 5
Li Wei stepped out of Elder Liu's pavilion, the morning air of the inner court cooling his flushed face. The victory in the hall was fragile—the Jin Clan mercenaries were detained, and Wei Long's accusations rebuffed, but Liu's suspicions and Elder Zhang's pressure left a bitter taste. Lin Xue walked beside him, her bandaged arm a reminder of their survival's cost, while Chen Yu, fidgeting with his sleeve, glanced around, expecting another ambush. Master Huang, having led the mercenaries to the dungeon, gave Li Wei a warning look. The Heavenly Shard under his robe warmed, as if sensing the storm was just beginning. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Deliver mercenaries to Huang and secure his support": 90%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 60%.
Lin Xue broke the silence, voice cold but tinged with fatigue, "Li Wei, Liu gave us a chance, but Wei Long and Zhang won't back off. They know you're hiding an artifact, and Lin Hao's expecting an answer too. If you don't trust me, I can't cover for you in the tournament's maze. Talk, or I'll act alone."
Li Wei stopped, her words striking his weak spot. The Heavenly Shard was his strength but also a chain tying him to the altar's shadows and the "Temple's Heart." The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 55%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, propose joint preparation. He met her eyes, voice low but firm, "Lin Xue, the artifact's a key from the ruins, boosting my cultivation. I don't know how it connects to the temple or shadows, but it makes me a target. If we pass the maze together, I'll share everything I learn. Let's train today—the warehouse is safe, and we can refine our technique combo."
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes, fingers gripping her sword's hilt, but nodded. "Fine. But if shadows appear, I need to know how to stop them. And, Li Wei, Lin Hao expects an answer by evening. We must decide what to do with him."
Chen Yu, brightening, chimed in, "Brother, I found something about the maze! A friend said it'll have spiritual energy traps and Mortal Realm beasts. If we prepare, we can outmaneuver Wei Long!"
Li Wei nodded, a new plan forming. The System highlighted: Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 65%. Recommendation: Use the warehouse for training, avoid Lin Hao until evening. They headed to the abandoned warehouse, avoiding main paths where disciples might spy for the Jin Clan or Heavenly Wings.
In the warehouse, Li Wei pulled out the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll, and Lin Xue readied her sword. They began training, combining his water-like streams with her swift strikes. The streams amplified her attacks, creating a vortex capable of breaching defenses. The System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 65%.
But during training, the Heavenly Shard heated intensely, and Li Wei noticed a faint flicker in the warehouse's corner—a shadow, like those in the forest, flashed and vanished. Lin Xue, catching his glance, froze. "Li Wei, what was that? Is your artifact summoning them again?"
The System blared: Chance of shadow emergence: 30%. Recommendation: Stop cultivation, check the warehouse. Li Wei gripped the shard, realizing the shadows weren't random but part of his secret. He had to either risk continuing training or check the warehouse, but time until Lin Hao's meeting was running out, and the Jin Clan and Wei Long were closer than he wanted. Li Wei looked at Lin Xue, knowing his next move would shape their alliance and tournament chances.