Li Wei followed Lin Xue across the training field, where morning fog still clung to the grass. The Heavenly Shard and two scrolls—Stellar Wind Flow and Vortex of Heavenly Light—weighed down his robe, a constant reminder of the price he'd pay if caught. The distant voices of guards from the Technique Pavilion echoed faintly, but Lin Xue led him confidently, avoiding patrols. The System displayed: Energy: 5%. Task "Escape the pavilion undetected": 95% progress. Chance of aid from Lin Xue: 55%.
Lin Xue moved silently, her steps light and nearly soundless. Li Wei sensed the growing tension between them—she was helping, but her motives remained a mystery. He decided to break the silence to probe her intentions.
"Lin Xue," he said softly, "why are you doing this? You could've turned me in and earned the elders' praise. What do you want from me?"
She stopped, turning to face him. Her dark eyes studied him, as if trying to dissect his very being. "You're not the Li Wei I knew," she replied, her voice even but tinged with curiosity. "That one was a weakling. You… you're either mad or hiding something. I want to know what. Plus," she gave a slight smile, "Wang Zi's getting too arrogant. If you outmaneuver him, it'll be amusing."
Li Wei snorted, but inwardly tensed. She was too close to the truth about his rebirth, making her dangerous. The System highlighted: Chance of betrayal by Lin Xue: 15%. Recommendation: Reveal the minimum to maintain trust. He nodded, choosing caution.
"Let's just say I'm tired of being a target," he said. "These scrolls will help me stand my ground. If you want, I can share some knowledge once I master them."
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes but nodded. "We'll see. For now, keep moving. I know a place where you can hide and…" she glanced at his robe, where the scrolls' outlines were visible, "deal with your secrets."
She led him to an old barn at the edge of the training field, concealed by overgrowth. The barn was abandoned, with a sagging roof, but inside it was dry and quiet. Lin Xue locked the door, checking the windows.
"It's safe here," she said. "But not for long. Elder Liu will soon call an assembly to address the fire and your escape. You've got a couple of hours, Li Wei. Don't waste them."
Li Wei nodded, exhaustion crashing over him. His energy was nearly depleted, but the Heavenly Shard and scrolls offered hope. He pulled out Vortex of Heavenly Light, unrolling it. The System noted: Technique "Vortex of Heavenly Light": Amplifies spiritual energy through a vortex flow. Compatibility with Heavenly Shard: 80%. Chance of mastery: 50%. Requires 30% energy.
"Lin Xue," he said, not looking up, "can you keep watch? I need time to start."
She crossed her arms but nodded. "Don't let me down, Li Wei. I'm risking as much as you are."
He sat on the dusty floor, placing the shard before him, and began breathing to the scroll's rhythm. The artifact's warmth flowed through him, and Li Wei felt his energy slowly recover. Deep down, he knew: Lin Xue, Wang Zi, the elders—they were all watching his next move. And it had to be perfect.
Part 2
Li Wei focused on his breathing, following the Vortex of Heavenly Light scroll's instructions. The Heavenly Shard, resting before him, emitted a faint glow, amplifying the flow of spiritual energy. The barn was silent, save for the occasional creak of boards in the wind. Lin Xue stood by the door, her silhouette still in the window's frame, but Li Wei felt her gaze. The System showed: Energy: 10% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 1, 36%. "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 5%.
The technique required forming a vortex of energy in the body, enhancing attacks and speeding recovery. With the Heavenly Shard, the process was faster, but Li Wei felt his weak cultivation resisting. Each breath was a struggle, like holding a storm in a teacup. The System highlighted: Chance of mastering technique: 55%. Recommendation: Use the shard to stabilize the flow.
He gripped the shard, channeling its warmth to his chest's center, where the vortex was meant to form, per the scroll. The energy swirled, and Li Wei felt slight dizziness, but the flow steadied. The System updated: "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 10%. Cultivation progress: 38%. The breakthrough to Stage 2 was near, spurring him to continue.
Lin Xue suddenly stirred, her voice low but sharp: "Li Wei, someone's coming. Voices, with lanterns. Looks like a patrol."
Li Wei opened his eyes, his heart racing. He tucked the shard and scroll under his robe, standing. His energy was too low for a fight, but sitting and waiting wasn't an option. The System suggested: Chance of detection: 50%. Recommendation: Find cover or use Lin Xue as a mediator.
"Can you distract them?" he whispered, creeping to the window. Through the slits, he saw lantern light and three figures approaching the barn. One voice was familiar—Liu Feng, Wang Zi's right hand.
Lin Xue frowned but nodded. "I'll try. But if they decide to search the barn, you're done. Hide."
She stepped outside, closing the door, and Li Wei heard her voice, cold and commanding, carry through: "Liu Feng, what are you doing here? Elder Liu ordered you to check the barracks, not wander the fields."
Li Wei dove behind a pile of old logs in the corner, pressing himself to the floor. The System highlighted: Chance of remaining undetected: 60%. He heard Liu Feng mutter a response, but Lin Xue kept pressing, her tone leaving no room for argument. The voices began to fade, and Li Wei exhaled, though the tension didn't ease.
He returned to the scroll, knowing time was short. Lin Xue had bought him a moment, but patrols would return. He resumed breathing, channeling the shard's energy into the vortex. The flow strengthened, and Li Wei felt his body tremble with effort. The System flashed: Cultivation progress: 40%. "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 15%. He was on the edge, each breath bringing him closer to a breakthrough—and to the moment when Wang Zi or the elders would come for him.
Part 3
Li Wei continued breathing to the rhythm of Vortex of Heavenly Light, feeling the energy vortex in his chest grow steadier. The Heavenly Shard pulsed, its warmth banishing fatigue, but each cycle demanded immense focus. The barn was quiet, with only faint creaks reminding him of the outside world. The System showed: Energy: 12%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 1, 42%. "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 20%. The breakthrough was so close he could almost taste it, but he knew a single mistake could set him back.
Lin Xue returned, silently closing the door. Her face was tense, but she nodded. "Liu Feng and his men are gone," she whispered. "But they suspect you're nearby. Elder Liu called an assembly in an hour. If they don't find you by then, a full-scale hunt begins."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, not breaking his breathing. An hour was too little to complete a breakthrough, but enough to make progress. He glanced at Lin Xue, assessing her. She was risking much by helping him, but her curiosity about his "secrets" made their alliance fragile. The System suggested: Chance of betrayal by Lin Xue: 10%. Recommendation: Build trust by offering information.
"Lin Xue," he said, exhaling, "thank you. I won't forget this. Once I finish with the technique, I'll tell you… part of what I found. It's not just the scrolls. But I need to trust you."
She narrowed her eyes, her jade pendant swaying, catching the faint light. "Trust?" she echoed. "You stole from the pavilion, burned a hut, and now you ask for trust? Prove you're more than a fugitive, Li Wei. Master that technique and show you can be useful."
Li Wei nodded, returning to cultivation. Her words stung, but he understood: Lin Xue wasn't a charity. She expected results, and he had to deliver. He gripped the Heavenly Shard, intensifying the vortex. The energy swirled faster, and Li Wei felt the Stage 1 barrier begin to crack. The System updated: Cultivation progress: 45%. "Vortex of Heavenly Light" technique: 25%.
But then, a loud voice boomed outside: "All disciples! Assemble at the main hall! Immediately!"
Li Wei's eyes snapped open, his heart sinking. Lin Xue tensed, her hand resting on the short sword at her belt. "That's Elder Liu," she whispered. "Sooner than I expected. They'll start searching the courtyard. We're out of time."
Li Wei cursed inwardly. The System highlighted: Chance of detection: 70%. Recommendation: Complete cultivation or flee. The breakthrough was so close that stopping felt like a crime, but staying in the barn was a trap. He looked at Lin Xue, deciding whether to trust her fully or take the risk alone.
"Lin Xue," he said, standing, "can you get me to the hall unnoticed? If I turn myself in, Elder Liu might give me a chance to explain."
She frowned but nodded. "That's madness, but I'll try. If you fail, I'm not sinking with you."
Li Wei hid the shard and scrolls, feeling time compress. He knew Elder Liu was his last barrier before punishment, and Wang Zi would be waiting for any misstep. It was time to go all-in.
Part 4
Li Wei and Lin Xue left the barn, moving through the training field toward the sect's main hall. The morning sun pierced the fog, illuminating the courtyard where disciples were already gathering, their voices blending into a hum. Li Wei felt the Heavenly Shard and scrolls tug at his robe, as if reminding him of the stakes. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 1, 45%. Task "Use the Heavenly Shard": 30% progress. Time for a breakthrough was slipping away, and appearing before Elder Liu was his only chance to avoid immediate punishment.
Lin Xue led him along narrow paths, dodging crowds of disciples. Her steps were swift, her gaze alert. She shot Li Wei a brief glance. "You realize Elder Liu won't be lenient?" she whispered. "The fire, the escape, stealing from the pavilion—these aren't just pranks. If you don't have a good reason, he'll expel you. Or worse."
"I know," Li Wei replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "But I have something that'll interest him." He meant the Heavenly Shard but had no intention of revealing it fully. The System suggested: Chance of convincing Elder Liu: 40%. Recommendation: Leverage Master Huang's authority and hint at a valuable find.
They reached the main hall—a grand structure with a curved roof and carved pillars. Senior disciples stood at the entrance, checking tokens. Lin Xue stopped, nodding toward one of them. "That's Zhang Min, loyal to Liu. I can convince him to let you in, but inside, you're on your own. Ready?"
Li Wei nodded, tension gripping his chest. Lin Xue approached Zhang Min, her voice softening but authoritative. Li Wei couldn't hear the words, but he saw Zhang Min frown, then reluctantly nod. Lin Xue waved Li Wei forward, and he stepped up, striving to appear calm.
Inside, the hall was packed with disciples standing in rows before a raised platform where Elder Liu sat—a stern man with gray hair, his aura dominating the room. Beside him stood Wang Zi, his gaze locked on Li Wei like a predator eyeing prey. The System highlighted: Chance of conflict with Wang Zi: 80%.
Liu raised a hand, and the hall fell silent. "Li Wei," his voice thundered, "you stand accused of arson, escape, and breaking sect rules. Give me a reason I shouldn't expel you now."
Li Wei stepped forward, feeling hundreds of eyes on him. He knew every word had to be precise. Clutching the Heavenly Shard under his robe, he began: "Elder Liu, I didn't seek trouble. Wang Zi and his men attacked me, and I defended myself. The fire was an accident. But I found something that can benefit the sect." He paused, noting Wang Zi tense. "Master Huang knows I was seeking resources for him. Give me a chance to prove my worth."
The hall buzzed with whispers, and Liu narrowed his eyes. Wang Zi stepped forward, his voice cold: "Lies! He's a thief and a traitor. I demand a sparring match to show his place!"
Li Wei clenched his fists. The System blared: Task at risk! Chance of survival in sparring: 25%. He knew sparring with Wang Zi was certain death, but refusing meant losing face. It was time to decide how to turn the game in his favor.
Part 5
Li Wei stood before Elder Liu, the weight of the disciples' stares burning into him. Wang Zi, with his cold smirk, was ready to crush him, and his demand for a sparring match hung like a death sentence. The System screamed: Energy: 8%. Chance of survival in sparring: 25%. Task "Use the Heavenly Shard": 35% progress. The Heavenly Shard under his robe grew warm, as if urging action, but Li Wei knew fighting Wang Zi at his level was suicide.
Elder Liu raised a hand, demanding silence. His eyes, sharp as blades, flicked from Wang Zi to Li Wei. "Sparring?" he echoed, his voice heavy as stone. "Wang Zi, are you sure you want to waste the sect's time on this? Li Wei, if you refuse, it's an admission of guilt. Speak."
Li Wei felt sweat trickle down his back. Refusal meant expulsion or worse, but accepting the fight was certain death. He glanced at Lin Xue in the crowd, her gaze tense but uninvolved. The System highlighted: Chance of negotiation: 45%. Recommendation: Propose an alternative, mentioning Master Huang. Li Wei decided to play that card.
"Elder Liu," he began, striving to sound resolute, "I'm not afraid of sparring, but it won't prove my worth to the sect. Master Huang tasked me with finding resources, and I've fulfilled his request. Give me three days to present the results. If I fail, I'll accept any punishment, including sparring with Wang Zi."
The hall hummed with murmurs as disciples whispered. Wang Zi frowned, his fists clenching, but he didn't interrupt—Liu's authority was absolute. The elder pondered, fingering a jade token at his belt. Lin Xue in the crowd gave a slight nod, as if approving Li Wei's move. The System updated: Chance of successful negotiation: 55%.
"Three days," Liu finally said, his voice cold. "You'll have them, Li Wei. But if you fail to convince Huang or me, the punishment will be severe. Wang Zi, do you agree?"
Wang Zi bowed his head, but his gaze, fixed on Li Wei, was venomous. "Agreed, Elder. But he won't survive those three days."
Liu waved a hand, dismissing the assembly. Disciples began to disperse, and Li Wei felt the tension ease slightly. He'd bought time, but three days were nothing against Wang Zi and the elders' suspicions. Lin Xue approached, her voice low: "Not bad, Li Wei. But Huang's no fool. What will you show him in three days?"
Li Wei looked at her, clutching the shard under his robe. "Something that'll make him believe," he replied evasively. "But I need a place to cultivate. Can you help?"
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes but nodded. "I have access to a small training hall. No one will disturb you there. But I want to know what you're hiding. This is your last chance with me."
Li Wei knew her curiosity was a double-edged sword, but without her help, he'd fail. He nodded, and they headed to the hall, each step bringing him closer to the reckoning. The System flashed: New task: Prove your worth to the sect within three days. Reward: +100 reputation points, elder's protection. Penalty: Expulsion or death. Li Wei clenched his fists. It was time to achieve the impossible.