Chapter 5 – The Forbidden Gamble
The testing grounds buzzed with excitement. Hundreds of young cultivators stood tall, hoping to impress the elders and enter the Jade Willow Sect. The rich, proud sons of noble families smiled, believing the sect would welcome them with open arms.
But Li Zhen was nowhere to be seen.
While others were busy fighting to prove their strength, Li Zhen had already slipped away. His steps were quiet, his eyes calm. He walked straight toward the forbidden grounds—an area sealed for centuries, with signs warning: "Death to trespassers."
He ignored them.
He walked through the ancient forest, turning at corners like he had memorized the place. Not once did he stop to think.
He already knew the path.
When he reached the broken altar hidden beneath the dead trees, he placed his hand on the stone and whispered, "Open."
Buzz...
A faint light flickered. Runes lit up on the ground, and suddenly, the earth shook. A cave entrance opened from beneath the soil, revealing darkness and old stone steps.
Li Zhen entered, his face emotionless.
Inside, the air was cold. Blades shot from the walls, poison mist filled the air, spikes launched from the floor.
But none of them touched him.
He raised his hand and pressed several points on the walls. With each press, a trap shut down. He knew their location—every rune, every trick.
In the deepest part of the cave, a golden sphere floated—pulsing with ancient energy.
The Sacred Core.
It was said to be the root of the sect's power. The true reason the sect still stood after so many wars.
Li Zhen reached out and took it.
RUMBLE!
The entire forbidden area shook. Light burst from the cave and flew into the sky like a signal.
Moments later, elders flew in from all corners. The Sect Leader himself appeared, his eyes cold.
"You dare steal our core?!" he shouted.
Li Zhen stood there, silent.
Before they could attack—
BOOM!
A massive explosion shook the sect's main ground. Screams echoed from the testing area.
One elder gasped, "The noble sons! The young masters—!"
"Return and protect them!" another elder yelled.
Half of the elders turned and flew back in panic.
The Sect Leader stared at Li Zhen, filled with rage. "You planned this...!"
Li Zhen smirked and tossed his coin into the air.
Clink.
He turned and ran deeper into the cave.
"After him!" the elders shouted.
They chased him, but too late—they followed him right into the trap.
Click...
The walls lit up again. The trap system reactivated.
Blades, fire, poison—all began their deadly dance.
Li Zhen calmly stepped onto the final stair.
The Forbidden Stairway.
Once someone stepped onto it, no one could attack them unless they entered too. But those who did would lose most of their cultivation, dropping back to the Foundation Realm.
The elders stopped. No one dared step in.
Li Zhen looked down at them from the stairs. "You built this sect on lies and power. I'll enjoy watching it fall."
He turned and vanished into the shadows below.