Chapter 32: The Elders' Judgment
Part 1
Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Huang returned to the sect at dawn, their clothes dusted with dirt and blood, the temple's core—a glowing fragment the size of a fist—hidden under Li Wei's robe beside the Heavenly Shard. The inner court buzzed with rumors of shadows and the collapsed temple, and disciples' gazes, from curious to hostile, followed them to Elder Liu's pavilion. Lin Xue, gripping her sword, was silent, but her eyes demanded answers from Li Wei about the shadows and core. Huang, leaning on his staff, looked weary, but his Spiritual Realm aura remained unyielding. The Heavenly Shard and core faintly resonated, amplifying Li Wei's vortex but also reminding him of the shadows that nearly doomed them. The System displayed: Energy: 20% after elixir. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 10%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 75%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 99%.
Chen Yu met them at the pavilion, face pale, voice trembling, "Brother, you're alive! But the Jin Clan's furious—their mercenaries returned empty-handed! Elder Zhang demands your expulsion, and Wei Long's spreading rumors you summoned the shadows!"
Lin Xue frowned, voice cold, "Li Wei, Zhang and the Jin Clan are using the shadows against you. If Liu believes them, the core won't save you. Are you ready to explain?"
Li Wei nodded, pressure tightening his chest. The System highlighted: Chance of expulsion: 50%. Recommendation: Hand over the core to Liu, accuse the Jin Clan. He whispered to Lin Xue, "I'll give the core to Liu to prove loyalty. Back me up, and I'll tell you everything about the shadows after the trial."
Lin Xue met his gaze, her look softening, but she only nodded. "Fine. But this is your last chance, Li Wei."
They entered the pavilion, where Elder Liu sat on a dais, his Spiritual Realm, peak-stage aura oppressive as a storm. Beside him stood Elder Zhang, eyes cold, and Wei Long, shoulder bandaged, glaring at Li Wei with hatred. Disciples gathered in the hall whispered, and Li Wei noted Lin Hao's absence, his fate under the temple's rubble a mystery.
Liu raised a hand, demanding silence, his voice thundering, "Li Wei, Lin Xue, Huang, you've returned from the ruins, but rumors of shadows and a destroyed temple disturb us. The Jin Clan accuses Li Wei of stealing an artifact and causing a threat. Speak, and let truth be your shield."
Zhang stepped forward, voice venomous, "Li Wei stole a temple key, summoning shadows that nearly killed our mercenaries. He must be expelled, his artifact confiscated!"
Wei Long added, aura flaring, "He betrayed the sect in the labyrinth and ruins! The shadows are his weapon!"
Li Wei felt the temple's core warm under his robe. Lin Xue squeezed his arm, reminding him of the plan. The System highlighted: Chance of success: 65%. Recommendation: Reveal the core, accuse the Jin Clan. Li Wei stepped forward, voice firm, "Elder Liu, I'm no traitor. In the ruins, we found the temple's core, a source of spiritual power, and I brought it to the sect." He drew the core, its radiance lighting the hall, sparking whispers. "The Jin Clan hired mercenaries to steal it, breaking sect rules. The shadows are temple guardians, triggered by the altar, not me. Ask Huang—he saw the Jin Clan attack us."
Huang coughed, his staff tapping the floor. "Li Wei speaks true. Jin Clan mercenaries attacked, and shadows appeared when the altar opened. Li Wei risked his life to secure the core for the sect."
Lin Xue nodded, voice sharp, "Wei Long and the Jin Clan want the core for themselves. Their mercenaries in the ruins prove their greed."
Liu eyed the core, eyes narrowing. Zhang growled, but Liu raised a hand. "Li Wei, your core is a gift to the sect, but the shadows raise questions. I'll accept the core and investigate the Jin Clan. But you'll remain under supervision. Huang, guard the core. Wei Long, Zhang, await my ruling."
The System updated: Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 80%. Reputation: +100. Li Wei exhaled, but Zhang, leaving, whispered to Wei Long, making Li Wei tense. Lin Xue whispered, "You won, but the Jin Clan won't stop. And the shadows… they'll return if you use the shard again. What's next?"
Li Wei knew the core strengthened his position, but the shadows, Jin Clan, and Liu's suspicions made the ruins only the beginning. He had to master the shard before enemies struck again.
Part 2
Li Wei left Elder Liu's pavilion, tension in his chest easing, but Zhang's venomous glare and Liu's suspicions reminded him the victory was fleeting. Lin Xue, walking beside him, was silent, her sword swaying at her belt, eyes demanding a talk about the Heavenly Shard and shadows. Huang, gripping his staff, carried the temple's core, entrusted by Liu, his face grim as if sensing a storm. Chen Yu, bouncing with excitement, chattered about how they "silenced Wei Long," but quieted, noticing their somber expressions. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed faintly, its energy boosting his vortex but warning of shadows that could return. The System showed: Energy: 20%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 10%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 80%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 99%.
At Huang's alchemy shop, Lin Xue stopped, voice cold but laced with worry, "Li Wei, you gave up the core, but Liu suspects you. Zhang and Wei Long won't stop, and the shadows… they're tied to your shard. If you don't tell me how to control them, I won't follow you to the ruins again."
Li Wei felt her words strike his weak spot. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 55%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, propose joint investigation. He met her eyes, voice low, "Lin Xue, the shard's a key to the temple, but I don't know how it summons shadows. The core we found boosted my cultivation, and I believe the ruins hold records explaining the shadows. Come with me to Huang—we'll study the core and shard together."
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes but nodded. "Fine. But if shadows strike, I'll choose the sect. And, Li Wei, Zhang's plotting—I saw him whispering with a mercenary at the gate."
Chen Yu, overhearing, chimed in, "Brother, I saw it too! The mercenary wasn't from the sect, and he mentioned the ruins! The Jin Clan won't give up!"
The System highlighted: Chance of Jin Clan attack: 75%. Recommendation: Study the core with Huang, prepare for ambush. Li Wei nodded, thoughts racing. He said, "Chen Yu, track Zhang and Wei Long. If you learn their plans, run to us. Lin Xue, let's go to Huang."
They entered the shop, where Huang had placed the temple's core on an alchemical table, its glow reflecting off cauldrons. He stroked his beard, voice hoarse, "Li Wei, this core's a treasure, but unstable. It boosts cultivation but may summon shadows, like your shard. Liu wants me to study it, but Zhang and the Jin Clan will hunt it. What do you know about it?"
Li Wei drew the Heavenly Shard, its runes faintly glowing. The System highlighted: Core analysis: 10%. Recommendation: Combine shard and core for breakthrough. He replied, "Master Huang, the shard and core are linked. In a vision, I saw the temple and shadows—core guardians. If we study them, I can control the shadows and strengthen the sect. But the Jin Clan's coming. Give us elixirs and a plan."
Huang snorted but handed over a restoration elixir vial and a protection scroll. "Fine. I'll start core analysis, but you need time. The elixir restores strength, and the scroll creates a shadow barrier. But, Li Wei," his eyes narrowed, "if shadows are part of your shard, you must tell Liu, or Zhang will use them against you."
Lin Xue nodded, adding, "Huang's right. We can't hide forever. Li Wei, if the core grants a breakthrough, use it, but be ready for trial."
Li Wei gripped the shard, feeling its warmth blend with the core's energy. The System updated: Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 85%. He knew the core was his breakthrough chance, but shadows, the Jin Clan, and Lin Xue's suspicions made every step perilous. Suddenly, Chen Yu burst in, panting, "Brother, Zhang sent mercenaries to the ruins! They're seeking another temple entrance!"
The System blared: Chance of attack: 80%. Recommendation: Prepare for ruins, use the core. Li Wei looked at Lin Xue and Huang, realizing time was running out. The ruins called, but enemies were already at the gate.
Part 3
Li Wei stood in Huang's alchemy shop, clutching the restoration elixir vial and protection scroll Huang had given him. The temple's core, glowing on the alchemical table, radiated spiritual energy waves, resonating with the Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe. Lin Xue, arms crossed, eyed Chen Yu, whose words about Jin Clan mercenaries seeking another temple entrance hung like an ominous portent. Huang, stroking his beard, frowned, his Spiritual Realm aura faintly flaring, reflecting worry. The System showed: Energy: 25% after elixir. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 10%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 85%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 99%. Chance of Jin Clan attack: 80%.
Chen Yu, panting, continued, "Brother, I overheard a mercenary at the barracks! Zhang sent them to the ruins to find a 'second key.' They think the temple's still active and want the core!"
Lin Xue turned to Li Wei, voice sharp, "Li Wei, if the Jin Clan finds the temple, they'll use the core against the sect. Your shard's their target. We must beat them, but the shadows… can you stop them?"
Li Wei gripped the shard, feeling its warmth. The System highlighted: Chance of shadow emergence: 60%. Recommendation: Use the core for breakthrough, prepare for ruins. He looked at Huang, voice firm, "Master Huang, the core and shard are our only defense. If I use them for a breakthrough, I can control the shadows. Give us a night to prepare, and we'll go to the ruins to stop the Jin Clan."
Huang frowned but nodded. "Fine. I'll stabilize the core with an elixir—it'll aid your breakthrough. But, Li Wei, if shadows go wild, Liu will blame you. Lin Xue, are you with him?"
Lin Xue eyed Li Wei, eyes narrowing, but nodded. "I'm in. But, Li Wei, if your breakthrough summons shadows, I won't sacrifice myself. Deal?"
Li Wei nodded, feeling their fragile alliance teetering. Chen Yu, brightening, said, "Brother, I can watch Zhang! If he moves, I'll warn you!"
Huang waved to an alchemical circle. "Li Wei, sit. I'll start the core ritual. Lin Xue, guard the shop—the Jin Clan might strike here."
Li Wei sat in the circle, the core before him, shard in hand. Huang poured elixir on the core, its glow intensifying, flooding the shop with spiritual energy. Li Wei channeled the shard's energy into the core, his vortex spinning, absorbing power. A temple vision flashed—glowing core, shadows whispering, "The key opens, but guardians follow." Energy surged to 30%, and the System updated: Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 50%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 100%.
But a red-eyed shadow flickered at the shop's window, and Lin Xue raised her sword, shouting, "Li Wei, shadows! Your ritual's summoning them!"
Huang growled, his staff flaring, repelling the shadow, but footsteps outside—Jin Clan mercenaries, led by a Mortal Realm, Stage 8 aura—surrounded the shop. The System blared: Chance of attack: 90%. Recommendation: Complete breakthrough, use protection scroll. Li Wei gripped the core, realizing the breakthrough was his only chance, but shadows and mercenaries made the shop an arena where every moment could be his last.
Lin Xue, at the door, shouted, "Li Wei, finish, or we're dead!"
Li Wei poured all energy into his vortex, feeling the core and shard merge, pushing him toward a breakthrough. Shadows outside hissed, and mercenaries struck the door, their spears glowing with spiritual energy. Huang activated the protection scroll, creating a barrier, but Li Wei knew time was slipping away. The ruins and core were close, but enemies were closer.
Part 4
Li Wei sat in the alchemical circle, his vortex humming, absorbing the temple's core and Heavenly Shard's energy, both glowing like stars in the shop's dim light. Red-eyed shadows hissed outside, their claws scratching the barrier created by the protection scroll. Lin Xue, at the door, parried Jin Clan mercenaries' strikes, their spears and swords sparking against the barrier. Huang, gripping his staff, channeled spiritual energy into the circle, his Spiritual Realm aura holding shadows at bay, but sweat dripped from his brow. Chen Yu, hiding behind a cauldron, trembled, but his eyes followed Li Wei, believing in the breakthrough. The System showed: Energy: 30%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 4, 50%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 85%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 100%. Chance of attack: 90%.
Lin Xue, dodging a spear piercing the barrier, shouted, "Li Wei, finish the breakthrough! The barrier won't hold!"
Huang, repelling a shadow with his staff, growled, "Li Wei, the core's nearly spent! If you don't break through, shadows will tear us apart!"
Li Wei gripped the shard, feeling the core's energy flood his vortex, expanding his meridians. A temple vision flashed—glowing core, shadows whispering, "Light leads, guardians obey." His vortex spun faster, and the System blared: Breakthrough: Mortal Realm, Stage 5, 0%. Energy: 35%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 90%. Shadows outside froze, their red eyes fixed on Li Wei, as if acknowledging his power.
But the barrier cracked, and a Mortal Realm, Stage 8 mercenary burst in, his spear glowing with spiritual energy. Lin Xue charged, her sword clashing with the spear, but the mercenary hurled her into a wall. Huang struck with his staff, aura lashing, but a second mercenary broke through, aiming for Li Wei. The System highlighted: Chance of survival: 20%. Recommendation: Use breakthrough, attack.
Li Wei, completing the breakthrough, sprang up, his Mortal Realm, Stage 5 aura blazing like a river of light. He unleashed Blade of Heavenly Flow, water-like streams, enhanced by the core, slicing the mercenary's spear and hurling him into a wall. Energy dropped to 30%, but shadows, obeying the shard, turned on the mercenaries, their claws tearing robes. The System updated: Shadow control: 10%.
Lin Xue, recovering, felled the second mercenary with a sword strike, voice hoarse, "Li Wei, you're controlling them? How?!"
Huang, repelling a shadow, shouted, "He linked the shard to the core! Li Wei, quell the shadows, or they'll turn on us!"
Li Wei gripped the shard, suppressing its energy, and the shadows dissolved, leaving only mercenaries' cries. The barrier collapsed, but the attack ceased—surviving mercenaries fled, their leader dead. The shop lay in ruins, cauldrons toppled, but the core, now dim, rested on the table. Li Wei, panting, looked at Lin Xue and Huang. "I broke through," he said. "The shard can control shadows, but not fully. We need the ruins—records there will explain everything."
Lin Xue, wiping blood from her sword, nodded, voice cold, "You've made progress, but shadows are a threat. If Liu learns, he'll seize the shard. What's next?"
Huang, breathing heavily, said, "We go to the ruins. The Jin Clan's there, and Zhang knows of the second entrance. Li Wei, your breakthrough's our edge, but if shadows return, the sect won't forgive."
The System highlighted: Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 95%. New task: Find temple records. Reward: +200 reputation points. Li Wei gripped the shard, feeling its newfound power, but footsteps outside—sect patrols, drawn by the fight—warned time was short. The Jin Clan, shadows, and Liu's suspicions were closer than he wanted, and the ruins were his last hope for answers.
Part 5
Li Wei stood amid the wreckage of Huang's alchemy shop, his Mortal Realm, Stage 5 aura still trembling from the breakthrough, the Heavenly Shard under his robe faintly pulsing, holding shadows at bay. Lin Xue, wiping blood from her sword, looked at him with a mix of awe and distrust, her breathing heavy after battling Jin Clan mercenaries. Huang, leaning on his staff, surveyed the shattered cauldrons, face grim but eyes burning with resolve. Chen Yu, emerging from hiding, trembled, but his voice brimmed with enthusiasm, "Brother, you crushed them! But sect patrols are coming—the fight drew attention! What now?"
The System showed: Energy: 30%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 5, 0%. Task "Explore 'Temple's Heart'": 95%. Task "Find temple records": 0%. "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 100%. Chance of Liu's interrogation: 60%.
Lin Xue stepped closer, voice cold, "Li Wei, your breakthrough's impressive, but shadows obey you. If Liu finds out, he'll take the shard. We need the ruins' records, but the Jin Clan's already there. Got a plan, or are we charging blind?"
Li Wei gripped the shard, feeling its newfound power. The System highlighted: Shadow control: 15%. Recommendation: Use stealth elixir, outpace the Jin Clan. He looked at Huang, voice firm, "Master Huang, we go to the ruins now. The stealth elixir will bypass patrols and the Jin Clan. I'll find records to understand the shadows. If Zhang's there, I'll use my breakthrough to stop him."
Huang frowned but handed over a final stealth elixir vial. "Fine. But, Li Wei, shadows aren't the only threat. Zhang works with the Jin Clan, and their Spiritual Realm mercenaries are formidable. My aura will cover you, but if shadows spiral, I'll retreat. Lin Xue, you ready?"
Lin Xue nodded, gaze heavy. "I'm in, but, Li Wei, if shadows or the Jin Clan trap us, I won't be your sacrifice. Chen Yu, stay—watch Liu and Zhang."
Chen Yu swallowed but nodded, eyes resolute. "I'll warn you if anything goes wrong, Brother!"
Huang led them through the shop's back exit, dodging sect patrols whose footsteps echoed at the gate. The stealth elixir cloaked their auras, and they moved to the ruins through the forest, darkness hiding their tracks. Li Wei gripped the temple's core, tucked in his belt, its energy boosting his vortex but warning of shadows. The System highlighted: Task "Find temple records": 10%. Recommendation: Seek the rune altar, avoid shard activation.
The forest gave way to the ruins' crumbling arches, air thick with spiritual energy. Huang pointed to the second entrance—a narrow fissure in a rock face, leading to an underground hall. But a rustle behind stones made Lin Xue raise her sword. Li Wei spotted Jin Clan figures, their Mortal Realm, Stages 7 and 8 auras guarding the entrance. The System blared: Chance of combat: 85%. Recommendation: Use shadows as distraction.
Li Wei whispered to Lin Xue and Huang, "I'll summon a shadow to distract them. We slip into the hall."
He lightly activated the shard, and a red-eyed shadow materialized, lunging at the mercenaries. Their cries shattered the silence, and Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Huang slipped through the fissure. The hall was vast, walls etched with runes, an altar at the center holding stone tablets—temple records. But a Spiritual Realm, low-stage aura flared at the altar, and Zhang's voice, cold and venomous, echoed, "Li Wei, you came for the records? Too late. The Jin Clan will take them—and your shard."
Lin Xue raised her sword, Huang aimed his staff, and Li Wei gripped the shard, realizing a fight with Zhang was inevitable. Shadows stirred, their red eyes glaring at all, and Li Wei knew the records were his only chance to master the shard, but the cost might be too high.