Chapter 31: Betrayal at the Core.
Part 1
Li Wei stood on the inner court arena, still weak from the labyrinth battle. The spiritual crystal, secured by Lin Xue, had been handed to the elder judge, and the crowd of disciples buzzed with awe at their victory. Lin Xue, clutching her bandaged arm, gazed at Li Wei with concern, her eyes demanding answers about the shadows summoned by the Heavenly Shard. Chen Yu, beaming with joy, chattered about their success, oblivious to the dark glares from Wei Long and Lin Hao standing aside. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed faintly, a reminder of the victory's cost—shadows that nearly doomed them and a betrayal yet to come. The System displayed: Energy: 5% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 0%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 90%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 90%.
Elder Liu, observing from a dais, descended to the arena, his Spiritual Realm, peak-stage aura silencing the crowd. His gaze fixed on Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Chen Yu. "Li Wei, Lin Xue, Chen Yu," he said, voice like thunder. "You've proven your strength, securing the crystal. The inner court is proud. But rumors of shadows in the labyrinth trouble us. Explain."
Wei Long stepped forward, his robe torn, face twisted with rage. "Elder Liu, this is Li Wei's doing! His artifact summoned the shadows, endangering us all! He should be expelled!"
Lin Hao, beside him, added, voice cold, "Li Wei hides a key to the ruins. The shadows are his fault. We, Heavenly Wings, demand a search."
Lin Xue tensed, her hand resting on her sword, while Chen Yu swallowed, stepping closer to Li Wei. The System highlighted: Chance of search: 50%. Recommendation: Distract Liu, accuse Lin Hao and Wei Long. Li Wei felt cold sweat on his back. A search would reveal the Heavenly Shard, and even the labyrinth victory wouldn't save him. He stepped forward, voice firm, "Elder Liu, the shadows were maze guardians, triggered by its runes, not me. Wei Long and Lin Hao tried to steal the crystal, attacking us. Their accusations cover their betrayal. Ask the judge—he saw them unite against us."
Lin Xue nodded, adding, "Lin Hao and his Heavenly Wings abandoned us when shadows attacked. Wei Long's lightning fueled the chaos. We secured the crystal despite their schemes."
The judge, standing nearby, coughed, confirming, "I saw Wei Long and Lin Hao fight each other, but their actions hindered all. Li Wei and Lin Xue acted for the sect."
Liu pondered, fingers gripping a jade token. Elder Zhang, a Jin Clan ally, interjected, voice icy, "Elder Liu, the shadows aren't random. Li Wei hides an artifact tied to the ruins. If he's innocent, let him face interrogation."
Li Wei felt the noose tighten. Lin Xue whispered, barely audible, "Li Wei, if Liu orders interrogation, we're in trouble. Do something."
The System highlighted: Chance of interrogation: 55%. Recommendation: Offer an alternative, build Liu's trust. Li Wei took a deep breath, voice resolute, "Elder Liu, I'm ready to prove my loyalty. Instead of interrogation, let me explore the ruins under your oversight. If the shadows' answers lie there, I'll bring them to the sect. Wei Long and Lin Hao should answer for their labyrinth actions."
The crowd whispered, and Liu's eyes narrowed, assessing Li Wei. Lin Hao growled, his aura flaring, but Liu raised a hand, demanding silence. "Li Wei, your boldness impresses," Liu said. "I grant you a chance. You and Lin Xue will go to the ruins with Master Huang. But if the shadows are your fault, you'll answer. Lin Hao, Wei Long, your actions will be investigated."
The System updated: Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 95%. New task: Explore "Temple's Heart." Reward: +200 reputation points. Li Wei exhaled, but Lin Hao, leaving, shot him a venomous glance, and Wei Long whispered to Zhang. Lin Xue, beside him, whispered, "You bought time, but the ruins are a trap. Your artifact will summon shadows, and Hao and the Jin Clan will watch. What's next?"
Li Wei gripped the shard, knowing the ruins were his chance to unravel the "Temple's Heart" mystery but also a pit where shadows and enemies awaited. The tournament was won, but the real battle was just beginning.
Part 2
Li Wei left the inner court arena, feeling the stares of disciples and elders burn into his back. The labyrinth victory cemented his name, but Elder Liu's words about the ruins and shadows hung like a sword of Damocles. Lin Xue walked beside him, face tense, her bandaged arm a reminder of their success's cost. Chen Yu, glowing with joy, babbled about how they "crushed Wei Long," but his voice faded as he noticed Lin Xue's grim look. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe trembled faintly, as if sensing the ruins would be his greatest trial. The System showed: Energy: 10% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 0%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 95%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 0%.
Lin Xue stopped at the spiritual herb gardens, voice cold but laced with worry, "Li Wei, you convinced Liu, but the ruins are a trap. Your artifact summons shadows, and Lin Hao and Wei Long will be watching. If you don't tell me everything, I can't cover for you. What's the 'Temple's Heart'? And how do we stop the shadows?"
Li Wei clenched his jaw, her distrust reaching its peak. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 60%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, strengthen alliance. He met her eyes, voice low but firm, "Lin Xue, the artifact is a key to a temple in the ruins. I saw it in a vision—a glowing core that boosts cultivation. The shadows are its guardians, reacting to the shard. I don't know how to stop them, but the ruins hold answers. Help me, and I'll share the core's power."
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes, fingers gripping her sword's hilt, but nodded. "Fine. But if shadows doom us, I'll choose the sect over you. We're going with Huang, so prepare. And…" she lowered her voice, "I saw Lin Hao whispering with Zhang. They're planning something."
Chen Yu, overhearing, chimed in, eyes wide, "Brother, Lin Hao's dangerous! I heard he wants to steal your artifact in the ruins. And Wei Long's training with mercenaries—they won't give up!"
The System highlighted: Chance of ruins ambush: 70%. Recommendation: Prepare with Huang, avoid shard activation. Li Wei nodded, realizing the ruins were both a chance and a battlefield. He said, "We go to Huang. He'll provide elixirs and a plan. Chen Yu, track Lin Hao and Wei Long—any news matters."
Chen Yu nodded, darting to the barracks, while Li Wei and Lin Xue headed to Huang's alchemy shop. Inside, the scent of herbs greeted them, and Huang, stirring a cauldron, met them with a scowl. "Li Wei, you're a storm," he grumbled, beard swaying. "Liu tasked me with guiding you to the ruins, but the shadows… they're not from the labyrinth. Your artifact summons them, doesn't it?"
Li Wei nodded, choosing to trust Huang. The System highlighted: Chance of Huang's trust: 80%. Recommendation: Offer cooperation. "Master Huang, the artifact is a key to the ruins' temple. It summons shadows, but I want to learn how to control them. If we find the temple's core, I'll share its power with the sect. Give us elixirs, and we'll protect you in the ruins."
Huang snorted but handed over two vials of stealth and restoration elixirs. "Fine. These will hide you from Jin Clan patrols and restore strength. But, Li Wei," his voice dropped, "the Jin Clan knows about the temple. Their mercenaries will be in the ruins. And Lin Hao… he's not your ally."
Li Wei took the vials, feeling the ring of enemies tighten. The System updated: Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 10%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 92%. He glanced at Lin Xue, whose gaze was resolute but wary. The ruins awaited, but shadows, the Jin Clan, and Lin Hao's betrayal made every step a deadly game. Li Wei knew the temple's core was his chance for a breakthrough, but the cost might be too high.
Part 3
Li Wei clutched Huang's elixir vials, standing in the alchemy shop where the scent of herbs mingled with the cauldron's warmth. Lin Xue, rifling through technique scrolls on her belt, checked her sword, her face focused but eyes betraying worry. Huang, finishing his potion, wiped his hands and looked at Li Wei with stern resolve, his Spiritual Realm aura faintly shimmering, a reminder of his strength. Outside, the inner court quieted as night approached, but the shadow of the Jin Clan, Lin Hao, and the temple's red-eyed guardians loomed. The System showed: Energy: 15% after elixir. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 0%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 10%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 92%. Chance of ruins ambush: 70%.
Huang stroked his beard, voice low, "Li Wei, the ruins aren't just dangerous because of shadows. The Jin Clan hired Spiritual Realm mercenaries, and Lin Hao's likely spying for them. The stealth elixir will bypass patrols, but your artifact… if it summons shadows, even I can't save you. Got a plan?"
Li Wei nodded, feeling the Heavenly Shard under his robe tremble faintly. He knew the temple's core was his shot at a breakthrough, but shadows could doom them all. The System highlighted: Chance of Huang's trust: 85%. Recommendation: Offer a strategy, avoid shard activation. He replied, "Master Huang, we'll enter the ruins at night, using the stealth elixir. I'll activate the shard only at the altar to open the temple. Lin Xue and I will handle shadows, you cover against mercenaries. If Lin Hao shows, we'll lure him into a trap, like in the labyrinth."
Lin Xue, overhearing, added, voice firm, "Lin Hao and his Heavenly Wings are traitors. If they interfere, I'll take Su Mei. But, Li Wei, your artifact's our weakness. If shadows spiral out of control, I won't risk myself for it."
Huang nodded, eyes narrowing. "Agreed. We leave in an hour. I know a secret passage to the ruins—it avoids Jin Clan patrols. But, Li Wei," his voice dropped, "if the temple's core is as powerful as you say, the Jin Clan won't stop. Prepare for the worst."
Li Wei gripped the vials, knowing Huang was right. The System highlighted: Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 20%. Recommendation: Study scrolls before the ruins, prepare for shadows. He turned to Lin Xue, voice calm, "Let's practice our technique combo before we go. If shadows attack, we need to be in sync."
They stepped into the shop's courtyard, where Huang gave them space. Li Wei summoned Blade of Heavenly Flow, water-like streams swirling, amplifying Lin Xue's sword strikes. Their movements merged, creating a vortex capable of cleaving a shadow. The System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 95%. But during practice, the shard heated, and a faint flicker of red eyes flashed in the garden's shadows. Li Wei froze, quelling its energy, and the shadow vanished.
Lin Xue, noticing, growled, "Shadows again! Li Wei, if they appear in the ruins, we won't escape. Can you control them?"
Li Wei shook his head, voice hoarse, "Not yet. But the temple's core is the key. If we reach it, I'll find out how."
Huang, watching, coughed. "Time's up. Drink the stealth elixir and follow me."
They downed the elixir, their auras dissolving, invisible to patrols. Huang led them through a secret passage—a narrow tunnel behind the shop, winding to the forest near the ruins. But Li Wei spotted a shadow among the trees—not a temple guardian, but a figure in a Heavenly Wings robe, tracking them. The System blared: Chance of Lin Hao's surveillance: 80%. Recommendation: Avoid combat, hasten to the ruins. Li Wei whispered to Lin Xue, "Hao's watching. We need to beat him to the ruins."
Lin Xue nodded, her sword glinting in the dark. The ruins lay ahead, but shadows, the Jin Clan, and Lin Hao's betrayal made them a deadly trap. Li Wei gripped the shard, knowing the temple's core was his only shot at answers, but the cost might be more than he could pay.
Part 4
Li Wei crept through the dark forest, following Huang's secret passage to the ruins. The stealth elixir cloaked their auras, rendering them invisible to patrols, but Lin Hao's shadow, glimpsed among the trees, reminded him enemies were near. Lin Xue, gripping her sword, walked beside him, her eyes scanning shadows where red eyes might appear. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed, its warmth both calming and ominous, as if sensing a storm in the ruins. The System showed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 0%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 20%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 95%. Chance of Lin Hao's surveillance: 80%.
Huang, leading, whispered, voice hoarse, "The ruins are half a mile away. The altar you mentioned, Li Wei, should be at the center. But if your artifact summons shadows, we won't reach the core. Are you sure you can handle it?"
Li Wei nodded, heart tightening. The System highlighted: Chance of shadow emergence: 50%. Recommendation: Activate the shard only at the altar, use the restoration elixir if needed. He replied, "I'll activate the shard at the altar to open the temple. Lin Xue and I will hold the shadows, you hit the mercenaries. If Lin Hao appears, we'll lure him to the altar—he'll be vulnerable there."
Lin Xue, overhearing, added, "Lin Hao's not alone. If Su Mei or his Wings are with him, we strike first. But, Li Wei, your artifact's our weakness. If shadows go wild, I'll retreat."
Huang snorted, his staff tapping the ground. "Deal. But the Jin Clan's already in the ruins—I sense their mercenaries. Move fast."
They reached the ruins—crumbling stone arches, moss-covered and etched with runes emitting faint spiritual energy. The altar Li Wei described loomed at the center, its surface glowing as in his vision. But shadows stirred, and red eyes flickered, vanishing into the dark. The System blared: Chance of shadow emergence: 60%. Recommendation: Approach the altar, avoid combat.
Li Wei stepped toward the altar, gripping the shard, but a rustle behind stones made him freeze. Lin Xue raised her sword, and Huang aimed his staff, his aura flaring. From the shadows emerged not a shadow but a Jin Clan mercenary, Mortal Realm, Stage 7, spear in hand. His eyes narrowed, spotting them. "Li Wei," he growled. "The Jin Clan knew you'd come. Hand over the key, or die."
Lin Xue charged, her sword clashing with the spear. Li Wei unleashed Blade of Heavenly Flow, water-like streams hurling the mercenary into stones, but energy dropped to 13%, and the System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 97%. Huang struck with his staff, his Spiritual Realm aura crushing the mercenary, but two more emerged, their auras heavy.
The altar flared, and the Heavenly Shard in Li Wei's hand glowed, opening a passage to the temple—a dark corridor descending. But red-eyed shadows materialized, their Mortal Realm, Stage 6 auras flooding like poison. Lin Xue shouted, "Li Wei, your shard summoned them! Fight or flee!"
The System highlighted: Chance of survival: 35%. Recommendation: Enter the temple, use shadows against mercenaries. Li Wei, gripping the shard, shouted, "To the temple! Shadows will distract the mercenaries!"
He bolted to the passage, Lin Xue and Huang following, but a rustle behind revealed Lin Hao, his figure flashing at the altar with Su Mei. The System blared: Chance of Lin Hao's betrayal: 95%. Recommendation: Lure him into the temple. Li Wei knew the temple's core was near, but shadows, mercenaries, and Lin Hao made every step deadly. He gripped the shard, bracing for a battle that would shape his fate.
Part 5
Li Wei raced through the temple's dark corridor, his footsteps echoing off stone walls lit by faint rune glows. The Heavenly Shard in his hand burned, having opened the passage but summoning shadows whose red eyes flickered in pursuit. Lin Xue, gripping her sword, ran beside him, her Mortal Realm, Stage 4 aura flaring to fend off shadow claws. Huang, bringing up the rear, swung his staff, his Spiritual Realm aura repelling Jin Clan mercenaries whose cries echoed at the entrance. Lin Hao and Su Mei, glimpsed at the altar, trailed closely, their steps ominously near. The System showed: Energy: 13%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 0%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 20%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 97%. Chance of Lin Hao's betrayal: 95%.
Lin Xue, dodging a shadow's claws, shouted, "Li Wei, your shard's calling them! If the core doesn't stop the shadows, we're done!"
Huang, hurling a shadow back with his staff, growled, "Li Wei, find the core! I'll hold the passage!"
Li Wei nodded, pressure crushing his chest. The System highlighted: Chance of survival: 30%. Recommendation: Reach the core, use the shard to activate it. The corridor opened into a circular chamber, where the "Temple's Heart" glowed—a pulsating core radiating spiritual energy waves. Its light was blinding, but encircling shadows hissed, their red eyes fixed on Li Wei.
Li Wei stepped to the core, raising the shard, which flared, resonating with the "Heart." The core hummed, and the shadows froze, as if obeying, but Lin Hao and Su Mei burst into the chamber. Lin Hao, fists enhanced by his Mortal Realm, Stage 7 aura, smirked, "Li Wei, your artifact's mine! Hand it over, or I'll crush you all!"
Su Mei charged Lin Xue, her daggers spinning, but Lin Xue parried, her sword slashing, drawing blood from Su Mei's arm. Li Wei, at the core, shouted, "Lin Hao, you chose the Jin Clan! The core's not for traitors!"
He channeled the shard's energy into the core, and light surged, amplifying his vortex. Energy spiked to 20%, and the System updated: Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 10%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 50%. But the shadows, breaking free, lunged at Lin Hao, their claws tearing his robe. He roared, repelling them, but Li Wei unleashed Blade of Heavenly Flow, water-like streams hurling Lin Hao into a wall. Energy dropped to 15%, and the System highlighted: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 99%.
Lin Xue, felling Su Mei with a shoulder strike, shouted, "Li Wei, the core's collapsing! Grab it and run!"
Huang, rushing into the chamber, repelled a mercenary, but the temple shook, stones falling. Li Wei seized a fragment of the core—a glowing shard, smaller than the "Heart" but brimming with energy. The shadows, frenzied, attacked everyone, and Li Wei, gripping the shard, directed them at Lin Hao, whose screams were drowned by the collapse. The System blared: Chance of survival: 25%. Recommendation: Flee to the exit.
Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Huang bolted for the passage, dodging falling stones. Jin Clan mercenaries, overwhelmed by shadows, retreated, while Lin Hao remained under rubble, his fate unknown. They escaped the temple as the altar collapsed, sealing the entrance. Li Wei, gasping, clutched the core fragment, feeling its power, but Lin Xue, staring at him, said, "You found the core, but the shadows were your fault. What now, Li Wei?"
The System updated: Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 75%. Li Wei knew the core fragment was his ticket to a breakthrough, but the Jin Clan, shadows, and Lin Xue's suspicions made his victory bitter. They headed to the sect, but the temple's shadow followed, promising new battles.