Li Wei and Chen Yu threaded through the forest, heading toward the sect's outer courtyard. The Heavenly Shard, hidden beneath Li Wei's robe, grew heavier with each step, as if reminding him of its value and danger. The moonlight faded, giving way to the pre-dawn haze, and the forest grew quieter, but Li Wei stayed on edge. The System displayed: Energy: 15%. Cultivation: Mortal Realm, Stage 1, 30% to breakthrough. New Task: Use the Heavenly Shard to enhance cultivation. Progress: 0%.
Chen Yu led the way, his steps unsteady, his eyes darting nervously. He kept glancing back at Li Wei, as if expecting him to vanish with the artifact. "Brother, are you sure about the Technique Pavilion?" Chen Yu whispered, wiping sweat despite the morning chill. "Even if we sneak in, there's security. After the fire, the elders are probably on high alert."
"I'm sure," Li Wei replied, his voice firm despite inner doubts. The Technique Pavilion was his best shot at finding a technique compatible with the Heavenly Shard, but Chen Yu was right—the sect was likely in chaos after their nocturnal escapades. The System highlighted: Chance of detection by patrols: 40%. Recommendation: Avoid main paths.
They reached the forest's edge, where it bordered the outer courtyard. In the distance, barracks loomed, faint smoke rising above them—a remnant of the fire in the hut. Li Wei spotted movement at the gates: several figures in gray robes, likely patrols, conversing with lanterns in hand. He signaled Chen Yu to stop, crouching behind bushes.
"Patrols," he whispered. "Know a detour to the pavilion?"
Chen Yu nodded, his eyes narrowing with tension. "There's a path through the herb gardens. It's unguarded, but it's muddy, and if we're caught, they'll call us thieves." He paused, adding, "Also, Elder Huang sometimes wanders there. The one from the alchemy shop."
Li Wei recalled the old man with the long beard. Master Huang seemed sharp, and meeting him could be either a stroke of luck or a disaster. But there was no choice. He nodded. "Lead the way. And keep quiet."
They moved along the forest's edge, skirting the courtyard until they reached the herb gardens—rows of herbal beds surrounded by a low fence. The ground was damp, and Li Wei felt his boots sink into the mud. Chen Yu pointed to a path leading to the Technique Pavilion, its tiled roof visible through the trees.
The System suddenly flashed: Anomaly detected: faint spiritual energy nearby. Chance of elder presence: 30%. Li Wei froze, grabbing Chen Yu's shoulder. Ahead, near the beds, a shadow moved—a tall figure in a green robe, with a long beard. Master Huang. He was bent over a plant, muttering to himself.
"Damn," Chen Yu whispered. "What do we do?"
Li Wei gritted his teeth. Bypassing Huang meant losing time, and the pavilion was so close. He recalled how the old man had sized him up in the shop. Maybe Huang wasn't an enemy? The System suggested: Chance of successful negotiation with Huang: 50%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth.
Li Wei decided to take the risk. He stood and stepped forward, leaving Chen Yu in the shadows. "Master Huang," he said loudly but respectfully. "It's Li Wei. I need your help."
The old man turned slowly, his eyes glinting in the dim light. Li Wei's heart pounded. This was either his chance—or his end.
Master Huang straightened, his long beard swaying as he squinted, studying Li Wei. In the pre-dawn haze, the old man looked almost mystical, his green robe faintly shimmering with spiritual energy. Li Wei stood still, feeling the Heavenly Shard under his robe heat up as if reacting to the alchemist's gaze. Chen Yu stayed hidden in the bushes, his breathing barely audible. The System displayed: Chance of successful negotiation: 55%. Recommendation: Avoid mentioning the artifact.
"Li Wei," Huang drawled, his voice low with a hint of mockery. "The disciple who burns huts and flees from patrols. Bold move, coming to me. Speak—what do you want? It better be worth my time."
Li Wei swallowed but kept his composure. He knew Huang could either help or turn him over to the elders, and every word now carried weight. "Master Huang, I didn't mean to cause trouble," he began, bowing slightly in respect. "But Wang Zi and his men are hunting me. I was defending myself. I need access to the Technique Pavilion to grow stronger and prove I'm worthy of the sect."
Huang snorted, stroking his beard. His eyes scanned Li Wei as if probing him. "Worthy?" he echoed. "Defeating Zhang Ho is one thing, but a fire and running away is another. Elder Liu already knows, and he's not pleased. Why should I help a troublemaker?"
Li Wei felt the tension rise. The System updated: Chance of successful negotiation: 50%. Recommendation: Offer a deal. He decided to play on Huang's interest in alchemy. "Because I can be useful," Li Wei said, lowering his voice. "I found… an unusual place in the forest. Rare herbs grow there, ones not found in these gardens. If you help me with the pavilion, I'll show you where they are."
Huang's eyes narrowed, his interest clear. Alchemists prized rare ingredients, and Li Wei hoped his bluff would work—he recalled odd flowers by a stream that might be valuable. Chen Yu, in the shadows, widened his eyes, clearly stunned by Li Wei's audacity.
"Herbs, you say?" Huang stepped closer, his aura pressing on Li Wei, making him tense.
"Fine, disciple. I'll give you a chance. But not the pavilion—you won't get in without Liu's permission. I'll take you to the alchemy shop. There are scrolls with basic techniques, compatible with…" He paused, his gaze sharpening. "With your new strength."
Li Wei felt a chill. Did Huang know? Or was he just suspicious? The System noted: Chance Huang senses the Heavenly Shard: 60%. Recommendation: Agree, but stay cautious.
Li Wei nodded, hiding his unease. "Thank you, Master Huang. I won't let you down."
Huang snorted and turned, gesturing for him to follow. Li Wei glanced at Chen Yu, whispering, "Follow me, but stay out of sight." Chen Yu nodded, looking like someone regretting all his life choices. They trailed Huang through the gardens toward the alchemy shop, its cauldron-shaped sign visible ahead. Li Wei knew this step would bring him closer to using the shard, but he also understood: Huang wasn't just an old man—he was a player with motives still unclear. And somewhere out there, Wang Zi was still waiting for his chance.
Li Wei followed Master Huang through the gardens, the mud squelching under his feet. The Heavenly Shard under his robe felt alive, its warmth pulsing in time with his heartbeat. Chen Yu trailed behind, sticking to the shadows, his nervousness almost tangible. The morning fog cloaked the courtyard, hiding them from prying eyes, but Li Wei couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Chance of detection by patrols: 35%. Task "Use the Heavenly Shard to enhance cultivation": 5% progress.
The alchemy shop loomed ahead, its carved cauldron sign swaying lightly in the breeze. Huang walked silently, his steps confident, his aura heavy, reminding Li Wei that the old man was no mere alchemist but a Spiritual Realm master. Inside, Huang lit a lantern, and the room glowed with warm light. Shelves lined with herbs, vials, and scrolls created a sense of chaotic order.
"Close the door," Huang said without turning. Li Wei obeyed, noting Chen Yu hesitating at the threshold. Huang approached a rear shelf, pulling out a wooden box sealed with a rune. He traced his finger over the lock, and it clicked open. Inside lay several scrolls tied with silk ribbons.
"You said you want to grow stronger," Huang began, his voice even but laced with curiosity. "These scrolls hold techniques suited for the Mortal Realm. But I don't give them for free. Tell me the real reason you're in such a hurry. And don't lie—I'll know."
Li Wei tensed. The System highlighted: Chance Huang knows about the artifact: 65%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, but protect the shard. He chose to tread carefully. "Wang Zi wants to destroy me," Li Wei said, meeting Huang's gaze. "He thinks I'm a threat, and I can't just wait for him to crush me. I need a technique to stand against him. And… I found something in the forest that could help. But I need time and knowledge to use it."
Huang's eyes narrowed, his fingers pausing on a scroll. "Something?" he repeated, his aura growing heavier. "You're bold, Li Wei. Most disciples in your position would beg for mercy, but you bargain." He paused, then pulled out a scroll tied with a blue ribbon.
"This is Stellar Wind Flow. A breathing and attack technique that enhances spiritual energy. It suits… unusual sources of power. But it's difficult. Fail to master it, and it's your loss."
Li Wei nodded, his heart racing. The System noted: Scroll "Stellar Wind Flow": Compatible with Heavenly Shard. Chance of mastery: 40%. This was his chance. He reached for the scroll, but Huang held it back.
"First," the old man said, "tell me about those herbs. And don't try to weasel out."
Li Wei cursed inwardly. His bluff about the herbs was risky, but he recalled the purple flowers by the stream, their strange scent. He described them, adding details to sound convincing. Huang listened, stroking his beard, then nodded.
"Fine. If that's true, I'll check. Take the scroll. But remember: I'm watching you, Li Wei. If you're hiding something dangerous, the elders will know."
Li Wei took the scroll, feeling its weight. Chen Yu exhaled in the corner, but Li Wei knew: this deal with Huang was a dance on a knife's edge. Now he had to master the technique and use the shard before Wang Zi or the elders caught up to him.
Li Wei gripped the Stellar Wind Flow scroll, the silk ribbon sliding under his fingers. The alchemy shop was quiet, save for the faint hiss of a cauldron. Master Huang returned to his herbs, but his sharp gaze occasionally flicked to Li Wei, as if waiting for him to slip up. Chen Yu stood by the door, shifting nervously, clearly eager to leave. The System showed: Energy: 20%. Task "Use the Heavenly Shard to enhance cultivation": 10% progress. Chance of Huang's suspicion: 70%.
Li Wei knew lingering in the shop was dangerous—Huang was too close to the truth about the artifact. He bowed, striving to appear respectful. "Thank you, Master Huang," he said. "I'll prove I'm worthy of your trust. May I leave? I want to start studying the scroll."
Huang snorted, not looking up from his cauldron. "Go. But don't forget: Elder Liu expects answers about the fire. And Wang Zi isn't the forgiving type. If you want to survive, think faster than you run."
Li Wei nodded and headed for the door, signaling Chen Yu to follow. They stepped into the morning fog, the cold air hitting their faces, dispelling the last traces of fatigue. The courtyard was empty, but Li Wei felt time pressing. The scroll and the Heavenly Shard were his trump cards, but without a safe place to cultivate, he couldn't use them.
"Chen Yu," he whispered once they were clear of the shop, "where can we hide for the day? The barracks are out—they'll find us there."
Chen Yu thought, tugging at his robe's hem. "There's an abandoned shed by the forge," he replied. "No one goes there, but it stinks of charcoal. Will that do?"
"It'll do," Li Wei said. They moved toward the forge, sticking to the courtyard's edges to avoid patrols. The System highlighted: Chance of detection: 30%. Recommendation: Avoid main paths. Li Wei clutched the scroll, mentally sketching a plan. Stellar Wind Flow sounded powerful, but mastering it at the Mortal Realm with his meager energy would be tough. The shard could help, but its energy was unstable, as the fight with the lizard had shown.
They reached the shed—a rickety structure cluttered with old tools and coal dust. Inside, it was dark but dry. Li Wei locked the door, checking for gaps where they might be spotted. Chen Yu sat on a crate, wiping mud from his face.
"Brother, you're really going to cultivate here?" he asked, nodding at the scroll. "If Wang Zi or the patrols find us, this shed won't save us."
"Then watch the door," Li Wei snapped, unrolling the scroll. The characters described a breathing technique synchronized with energy flow and an attack that conjured a vortex of spiritual force. The key was amplification through an external source—perfect for the Heavenly Shard. The System noted: Chance of mastering "Stellar Wind Flow": 45%. Requires minimum 50% energy.
Li Wei pulled out the shard, its glow illuminating the shed. Chen Yu gasped, but Li Wei ignored him, starting the breathing rhythm from the scroll. The shard heated, and energy flowed faster than with the tablet. The System updated: Cultivation progress: 32%. "Stellar Wind Flow" technique: 5%.
But then, a noise came from outside—footsteps and voices. Li Wei froze, his heart pounding. Patrols? Or worse—Wang Zi?
Li Wei held his breath, clutching the Heavenly Shard, its glow hastily concealed under his robe. The footsteps outside grew closer, accompanied by muffled voices—sharp, businesslike, unlike the casual chatter of disciples. Chen Yu pressed against a crate, his eyes wide with panic. The System blared: Chance of detection: 50%. Recommendation: Hide or prepare to flee.
Li Wei gestured for Chen Yu to stay silent, straining to listen. "…check every corner," came a low, authoritative voice. "Elder Liu wants him alive, but if he resists, strike." Li Wei recognized the tone—not Wang Zi, but likely one of his senior disciples. The patrols were hunting him, and the fire in the hut had made him a priority target.
Li Wei scanned the shed. The door was the only exit, but behind the crates in the corner was a pile of old sacks—possibly a hiding spot. His energy was at 22%, and Wind Step could give him a burst of speed, but with patrols on his tail, he wouldn't get far. The Stellar Wind Flow scroll lay open, and he knew mastering it now was impossible. He whispered to Chen Yu, "Behind the sacks. Quick."
Chen Yu nodded, and they crawled to the corner, burrowing into the dusty sacks, reeking of charcoal and mold. Li Wei tucked the shard and scroll under his robe, breathing as quietly as possible. The System noted: Chance of remaining undetected: 60%.
The footsteps stopped at the door, and the handle creaked. "It's empty," grumbled a younger voice. "He's not stupid enough to hide by the forge."
"Check," the first voice snapped. The door swung open, and a lantern's light swept through the shed. Li Wei froze, sweat trickling down his temple. The sacks hid them, but any sound could give them away. Chen Yu clamped a hand over his mouth, his eyes full of terror. The lantern illuminated the crates, then the corner where they hid. Li Wei braced for a sprint, gripping a rusty knife.
But the System flashed: Probability manipulation available. He activated it, feeling the air around him grow "lighter." The lantern's beam passed a centimeter from the sacks and moved on.
"Nothing," the younger voice muttered. "Let's check the gardens."
The footsteps retreated, and the door slammed shut. Li Wei exhaled but stayed put until the voices faded. Chen Yu whispered, barely audible, "Brother, that was too close. We're done for."
"Shut up and keep watch," Li Wei hissed, crawling out from the sacks. He pulled out the scroll and shard, deciding there wouldn't be another chance. The System showed: Cultivation progress: 33%. "Stellar Wind Flow" technique: 7%.
He sat, resuming the scroll's breathing rhythm, syncing it with the shard's energy. The artifact's warmth coursed through him, amplifying Azure Stream. The System updated: Cultivation progress: 35%.
But the relief was short-lived. Chen Yu suddenly jumped up, pointing at the door. "Li Wei, light! They're coming back!"
Li Wei gritted his teeth, hiding the shard. Patrols? Or Wang Zi? He knew this shed was no longer a sanctuary. It was time to either fight or flee—and both options looked grim