Chapter 29: Shadows of the Maze.
Part 1
Li Wei froze in the abandoned warehouse, his hand clutching the Heavenly Shard, its heat nearly scalding after the shadow's appearance in the corner. Lin Xue, sword at the ready, scanned the dark corners where dust and rusty cauldrons created an eerie silence. The shadow's flicker had vanished, but its red eyes, glimpsed for a moment, left a chill in Li Wei's chest. Morning light filtering through roof cracks did little to dispel the tension. The System displayed: Energy: 12%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 65%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 40%. Chance of shadow emergence: 30%.
Lin Xue turned to him, voice sharp, "Li Wei, that was a shadow, like in the forest. Your artifact's summoning them, and you know more than you're saying. If they attack during the tournament, we're dead. Explain, now."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, her distrust reaching a breaking point. The Heavenly Shard was his secret, but the shadows tied to it were a threat he couldn't ignore. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 60%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, propose joint investigation. He took a deep breath, voice low but firm, "Lin Xue, the artifact is a key I found in the ruins. It activates mechanisms, like the forest altar, but I don't know why it summons shadows. If we figure it out together, I'll share the power we find. But now, we need to prepare for the tournament and deal with Lin Hao. Help me, and I won't let you down."
Lin Xue stared, eyes narrowing, but she lowered her sword. "Fine, Li Wei. I'll give you a chance, but if shadows appear again, I'll report to Liu. Let's check the warehouse and keep training. Tonight's meeting with Lin Hao—we need to be ready."
Li Wei nodded, feeling their fragile alliance hanging by a thread. They searched the warehouse, but the shadow didn't return, only dust swirling in the light. The System highlighted: Chance of safety: 80%. Recommendation: Resume training but avoid activating the shard. Li Wei pulled out the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll and began practicing with Lin Xue, combining her strikes with his water-like streams. Their movements grew synchronized, and the System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 70%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 70%.
Training lasted an hour, but Li Wei's thoughts swirled around Lin Hao's offer. Heavenly Wings could shield them from Wei Long in the maze, but their interest in the ruins threatened the Heavenly Shard. He recalled Chen Yu's words about Jiang Wei, the Spiritual Realm senior disciple behind Lin Hao, and realized Heavenly Wings were as dangerous as the Jin Clan.
As they finished, Lin Xue wiped sweat from her brow and said, "We're ready for the maze, but traps and beasts are one thing—Wei Long and Lin Hao are another. If we refuse Lin Hao's alliance, he might turn other disciples against us. If we agree, he'll demand your artifact. Your move, Li Wei."
The System highlighted: Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 50%. Recommendation: Prepare a plan for the meeting, offer limited cooperation. Li Wei nodded, voice calm, "We'll meet Lin Hao tonight but propose an alliance only for the maze, no ruins talk. If he refuses, we manage alone. Chen Yu should bring news soon—he might know more about Heavenly Wings."
Lin Xue agreed, but her gaze was heavy. "Tonight will decide a lot. But, Li Wei, the shadows are your responsibility. If they appear, I won't risk myself for your secret."
They left the warehouse, heading to the herb pavilion where Lin Hao awaited an answer. Li Wei knew the tournament was his chance to secure his place in the inner court, but the shadows, Jin Clan, and Lin Hao made every step a gamble. The Heavenly Shard was his strength but also an anchor, and he felt its secret was about to break into the open.
Part 2
Li Wei and Lin Xue walked the inner court's paths to the herb pavilion, where Lin Hao had set the meeting. The evening air carried the scent of spiritual plants, and lanterns cast a soft glow, but the shadow of last night's fight and the warehouse's fleeting shadow kept Li Wei on edge. The Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsed faintly, a reminder of his vulnerability, while the Blade of Heavenly Flow and Stellar Wind Flow scrolls in his belt were his only comfort. The System showed: Energy: 15% after training. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 70%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 50%.
Lin Xue, walking beside him, kept a hand on her sword's hilt, her gaze scanning shadows between trees. Her voice was low but sharp, "Li Wei, Lin Hao won't accept half-measures. If we offer an alliance without ruins information, he'll either refuse or try to force the truth. Are you ready for that? And what if the shadows appear again?"
Li Wei nodded, her words amplifying the pressure. The altar's shadows, tied to the Heavenly Shard, were a mystery he couldn't solve, but their appearance at the wrong moment could ruin everything. The System highlighted: Chance of shadow emergence: 25%. Recommendation: Keep the shard under control, avoid cultivation at the meeting. He replied, voice calm, "We'll offer Lin Hao help in the maze, nothing about the ruins. If he refuses, we manage alone. If he agrees, watch his people—I don't trust Heavenly Wings. And… Lin Xue, if shadows appear, I'll try to stop them with the artifact. Trust me."
Lin Xue snorted, but her gaze softened. "I trust you as long as you keep your word. But if Hao or the Jin Clan strike, we need a strategy, not hope."
They reached the herb pavilion, where Lin Hao waited by a carved pillar. His golden-trimmed robe swayed in the breeze, his Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura forming an invisible barrier. Beside him stood Su Mei, who had defeated Cao Feng, her daggers hidden but eyes tracking Li Wei like a hawk. Lin Hao smiled, but it was sharp as a blade.
"Li Wei, Lin Xue," he said, voice even but commanding. "Time's up. Su Mei showed you our strength. Ready to join Heavenly Wings? We need your help in the maze and… information about the ruins. What's your answer?"
Li Wei felt the Heavenly Shard warm, as if warning him. Lin Xue lightly squeezed his arm, reminding him of the plan. The System highlighted: Chance of a trap: 55%. Recommendation: Offer limited cooperation, watch Su Mei. Li Wei stepped forward, voice firm, "Lin Hao, we're ready to work with you in the tournament's maze. I'll help against Wei Long, and Lin Xue will bolster our defense. But about the ruins, I only know rumors from Wang Zi—'Temple's Heart.' If you want an alliance, guarantee your people won't stab us in the back."
Su Mei scoffed, voice cold, "The newbie demands a lot. Lin Hao, he's hiding more than he says. Why trust him?"
Lin Hao raised a hand, silencing her, but his eyes narrowed. "Li Wei, your offer's weak. Heavenly Wings doesn't work for free. We know you have a key to the ruins—the Jin Clan wouldn't hire mercenaries without cause. Give us something, or we find another ally."
Lin Xue stepped closer, her sword slightly drawn. "Lin Hao, if you're so confident in your strength, why need Li Wei? Name your fighters and plan against Wei Long, or this talk is over."
Silence hung, and Li Wei felt Lin Hao's aura intensify. The Heavenly Shard trembled, and he noticed a faint flicker in the pavilion's shadows—red eyes, flashing and vanishing. The System blared: Chance of shadow emergence: 35%. Recommendation: Conclude the meeting, avoid combat. Li Wei knew he had to either convince Lin Hao or walk away, but the shadows and Jin Clan warned that time for games was running out.
Part 3
Li Wei stood before Lin Hao in the herb pavilion, tension thickening like a storm's approach. Lin Hao's Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura pressed, and Su Mei's gaze, beside him, was as sharp as her daggers. Lin Xue, hand on her sword's hilt, was ready to intervene, but her eyes urged Li Wei not to falter. The Heavenly Shard under his robe burned, and the red-eyed shadow's flicker heightened his unease. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 70%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 50%. Chance of shadow emergence: 35%.
Lin Hao crossed his arms, voice cold, "Li Wei, you're dodging. We know your artifact is the key to the 'Temple's Heart.' The Jin Clan's on your trail, and without Heavenly Wings, you won't survive the maze. Last chance: share ruins information, or we walk."
Li Wei felt Lin Xue tense, her aura faintly flaring, ready for a fight. He knew revealing the Heavenly Shard's truth would hand it to Lin Hao, but refusal could make Heavenly Wings enemies. The System highlighted: Chance of conflict: 60%. Recommendation: Offer a compromise, avoid combat. Li Wei took a deep breath, voice firm, "Lin Hao, I don't know how the artifact works, but I'm ready to help in the maze. Lin Xue and I refined a technique combo—we'll break Wei Long's defense. If you want the ruins, I'll assist after the tournament, but only if your people prove loyal. Name your fighters and plan, or we're done."
Su Mei snorted, a dagger flashing in her hand. "He's playing us, Lin Hao. Let's teach him a lesson, like Cao Feng."
Lin Hao raised a hand, stopping her, but his eyes narrowed. "Li Wei, you're cunning, but I'll give you a chance. My fighters are Su Mei and two others, Mortal Realm, Stages 6 and 7. The plan's simple: we block Wei Long in the maze, you hit him with your technique. But if you hide anything about the ruins, Heavenly Wings will find you. Agreed?"
Lin Xue whispered to Li Wei, barely audible, "He's pushing, but it's better than a fight. Agree, but watch Su Mei—she's too aggressive."
Li Wei nodded, feeling the Heavenly Shard tremble. He saw another flicker in the shadows—red eyes, closer now, but still invisible to others. The System highlighted: Chance of shadow emergence: 40%. Recommendation: Seal the deal, retreat. He looked at Lin Hao, voice resolute, "Fine, Lin Hao. We're with you in the maze, but no ruins talk until the tournament's over. If your people betray us, we'll respond. Deal?"
Lin Hao smiled, but it was sinister. "Deal. Meet us the day before the tournament at the arena. Don't disappoint, Li Wei."
He turned and left, Su Mei following, casting Li Wei a contemptuous glance. Lin Xue exhaled, sheathing her sword. "You've tied us to wolves, Li Wei. Heavenly Wings will help against Wei Long, but they'll watch your every move. And those shadows…" she pointed to the pavilion's corner, now empty. "They're not random. What's your plan?"
Li Wei gripped the shard, knowing the shadows were his burden. The System updated: Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 75%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 75%. The alliance with Lin Hao was a step forward, but the shadows and Jin Clan warned the maze would test not just strength but his secret. He whispered to Lin Xue, "We'll return to the warehouse, keep training. I'll try to understand how the artifact ties to the shadows. If Chen Yu brings the maze map, we'll be ready."
They headed to the warehouse, but Li Wei felt red eyes watching from the shadows, knowing the tournament would be an arena where his secret would either save or doom him.
Part 4
Li Wei and Lin Xue returned to the abandoned warehouse, where rusty cauldrons and dust offered cover from the inner court's prying eyes. Night cloaked the sect, and faint moonlight through roof cracks cast long shadows, evoking the red-eyed creatures glimpsed at the herb pavilion. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed, its warmth both comforting and alarming. Lin Xue, checking the door, gripped her sword, her gaze resolute but laden with questions. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 75%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 75%. Chance of shadow emergence: 40%.
Lin Xue leaned against a cauldron, voice low but sharp, "Li Wei, the alliance with Lin Hao is a deal with the devil. He wants your artifact, just like the Jin Clan. And the shadows… they appeared when you used it. If that happens in the maze, we won't just fail the tournament—we might not get out. You need to figure out how to control them."
Li Wei nodded, her words striking his weak spot. The Heavenly Shard was his key to power but also a mystery tied to the "Temple's Heart" and altar shadows. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 50%. Recommendation: Study the shard, propose joint investigation. He drew the shard, its faint glow lighting the warehouse, and said, "Lin Xue, I'll try to study the artifact. If it summons shadows, I'll find a way to stop them. Help me watch the warehouse—if shadows appear, we need to be ready."
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes but nodded, taking position by the door. Li Wei sat on the floor, channeling spiritual energy into the shard. Its surface, etched with ancient runes, flickered, and he felt his consciousness pulled inward, like a vortex. The System highlighted: Analysis of Heavenly Shard: 10%. Chance of shadow activation: 45%. Recommendation: Limit energy, avoid deep immersion.
Images flashed before his eyes—ruins, an altar, a vast temple with a glowing core at its center, surrounded by red-eyed shadows. A low, ancient voice whispered, "The key to the heart opens the path, but shadows follow the light." Li Wei shuddered, his energy dropping to 12%, and he broke the connection, gasping. Lin Xue, noticing his state, rushed over.
"What happened?" she asked, sword gleaming. "Did you see something?"
Li Wei, wiping sweat, replied, "The temple… the 'Temple's Heart.' The shard's a key to it, but the shadows are its guardians. I don't know how to control them, but they react to my cultivation. We need to be cautious in the maze."
Lin Xue frowned, voice colder, "You knew this and stayed silent? Li Wei, if the shadows are guardians, they could attack anyone nearby. I won't risk my life for your secret."
The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 55%. Recommendation: Offer a tournament plan, rebuild trust. Li Wei stood, voice resolute, "Lin Xue, I won't use the shard in the maze unless absolutely necessary. Our technique combo is enough against Wei Long. If Chen Yu brings the map, we'll avoid traps. Trust me, and we'll get through."
Before Lin Xue could reply, the warehouse door creaked, and Chen Yu appeared, face pale, clutching crumpled paper. He panted, "Brother, I got a map of last year's maze! And… I saw Wei Long at the arena. He was talking to a mercenary—they know about our alliance with Lin Hao!"
The System blared: Chance of maze ambush: 70%. Recommendation: Study the map, prepare for combat. Li Wei took the map, feeling the noose tighten. Lin Hao, the Jin Clan, shadows, and now Wei Long—all were enemies he had to outwit. He looked at Lin Xue and Chen Yu, knowing the tournament would test not just strength but his ability to keep his secret under control.
Part 5
Li Wei unfolded the crumpled map of last year's maze Chen Yu brought, studying it under dim moonlight streaming through the warehouse's roof cracks. Lin Xue stood beside him, sword lowered, but her eyes tracked the map and Li Wei, awaiting his reaction. Chen Yu, still catching his breath from running, fidgeted with his sleeve, voice trembling, "Brother, the map's not exact, but it shows where traps and beasts were. If the maze is similar, we can avoid the worst. But Wei Long… he knows about Lin Hao. What if he teams up with the Jin Clan against us?"
The System showed: Energy: 12%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 30%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 75%. Task "Decide whether to join Lin Hao": 75%. Chance of maze ambush: 70%.
Li Wei examined the map—crudely drawn corridors marked with crosses for traps and circles for spiritual beast zones. His gaze lingered on the central area labeled "Maze Core," where, per notes, the tournament's main reward lay. The Heavenly Shard under his robe warmed, as if reacting to the map, and Li Wei recalled the temple vision and whisper of the "Heart." He clenched his jaw, realizing the maze might be tied to his artifact.
Lin Xue, noticing his tension, spoke, voice cold, "Li Wei, the map's an edge, but your artifact glowed again when you looked at it. If it's linked to the maze, like the temple, you need to tell me. I don't want to die for your secrets."
The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 60%. Recommendation: Share partial information, focus on a plan. Li Wei folded the map, voice calm but firm, "Lin Xue, the artifact reacts to spiritual energy, like in the ruins. The maze might be similar, but I don't know how. I won't use it to avoid summoning shadows. Let's study the map and refine our maze plan—we'll bypass traps and hit Wei Long if he ambushes."
Lin Xue nodded, but her gaze remained wary. "Fine. But if shadows appear, I'll report to Liu. Lay out our plan."
Li Wei pointed to the map, outlining a strategy, "We'll enter with Lin Hao's group but stick together. Traps here," he tapped crosses, "activate with spiritual energy, so we use minimal techniques. Beasts in these zones," he indicated circles, "are weak to fast attacks. My Blade of Heavenly Flow and your sword will cut through. If Wei Long ambushes, we lure him into a narrow corridor where his Heavenly Lightning Sword loses power."
Chen Yu, brightening, added, "I can scout, Brother! I'll run ahead, warn about traps. I'm fast!"
Lin Xue snorted but approved. "Not bad. But Lin Hao and his Heavenly Wings are also a threat. If they betray, we need to strike first."
The System updated: Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 80%. Li Wei folded the map, the plan lending confidence, but Chen Yu's words about Wei Long and Jin Clan mercenaries reminded him enemies were near. He looked at Lin Xue, aiming to solidify her trust. "Lin Xue, if we pass the maze, I'll show you the artifact and everything I learn about the temple. But now, we need to stand against Wei Long and Lin Hao. Are you with me?"
Lin Xue met his gaze, her eyes softening, but her voice stayed firm, "I'm with you, Li Wei. Don't make me regret it."
A faint rustle sounded outside, and Li Wei froze. The System highlighted: Chance of surveillance: 50%. Recommendation: Check the perimeter, avoid combat. Lin Xue raised her sword, and Chen Yu ducked behind a cauldron. Li Wei gripped the shard, readying Blade of Heavenly Flow, but the shadow at the door could be anyone—a Jin Clan spy, Heavenly Wings, or, worse, the temple's red-eyed guardians. The tournament was two weeks away, but danger was already knocking.