Chapter 16: Huang's Test.
Part 1
Li Wei sat among the reeds by the stream, clutching the Heavenly Shard and the Vortex of Heavenly Light scroll. The water muffled the forest's rustles, but every sound made him flinch—Wang Zi and his inner court ally could return at any moment. Chen Yu kept watch nearby, his nervousness almost tangible. The System displayed: Energy: 12%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 2, 12%. Task "Prove your worth to the sect within three days": 50% progress. One day remained until Elder Liu's deadline, and Li Wei knew his next move had to be flawless.
Cultivating in the reeds had slightly boosted his energy, but mastering Vortex of Heavenly Light fully required a safer place. Lin Xue had promised to meet at the forge that evening with news of Wang Zi's plans, but until then, Li Wei needed to meet Master Huang and convince him of his worth. The purple flowers by the stream, mentioned earlier, were his only leverage. The System highlighted: Chance of success with Huang: 60%. Recommendation: Show your find and demonstrate strength.
Li Wei turned to Chen Yu, who was fidgeting with a blade of grass, glancing around. "Chen Yu," he whispered, "I need to see Huang. Do you know where he is now? Can you cover me if patrols show up?"
Chen Yu nodded, but his face soured. "Brother, Huang's usually in his shop until noon, messing with cauldrons. But after your stunts, there might be patrols. I can distract them, but if it's Wang Zi's men…" He hesitated. "I'm no hero, you know."
"Just do what you can," Li Wei cut him off, hiding the shard and scrolls. He stood, brushing dirt from his robe, and headed toward the herb gardens where Huang's alchemy shop stood. Chen Yu trailed behind, muttering about his bad luck.
The gardens were deserted, with only a few disciples weeding beds in the distance. Li Wei spotted the familiar cauldron sign and quickened his pace, but the System flashed: Anomaly detected: Spiritual energy nearby. Chance of Huang's presence: 80%. Chance of patrol: 20%. He slowed, signaling Chen Yu to scout the perimeter.
Chen Yu returned a minute later, whispering, "Huang's inside, alone. But there's a guy at the entrance who looks like Wang Zi's spy. Huang Jia, the one you mentioned."
Li Wei clenched his fists. Huang Jia complicated things, but retreat wasn't an option. He decided to take the risk, hoping Huang would value his find. He nodded to Chen Yu. "Distract him. Throw a rock, do anything. Give me five minutes with Huang."
Chen Yu sighed but picked up a pebble and slipped into the bushes. Li Wei crept toward the shop, waiting for the signal. A moment later, a crack sounded—Chen Yu had tossed the rock into the shrubs, and Huang Jia, cursing, rushed toward it. Li Wei slipped into the shop, closing the door behind him.
Master Huang stood by a cauldron, stirring a brew, his beard swaying with his movements. He looked up, squinting. "Li Wei," he drawled, his voice a mix of surprise and suspicion. "Bold move showing up. Speak—what have you brought, or I'll call the patrol."
Li Wei took a deep breath, feeling the Heavenly Shard warm. This was his chance, and he couldn't afford to miss it.
Part 2
Li Wei stood before Master Huang, the scent of herbs and simmering potions filling the alchemy shop. The old man's aura, though restrained, pressed down, a reminder that Huang was no mere alchemist but a Spiritual Realm master. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe grew hotter, as if reacting to his tension. The System showed: Energy: 12%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 2, 12%. Chance of success with Huang: 60%. Time was tight, and Li Wei knew Huang Jia could return any moment.
"Master Huang," Li Wei began, bowing respectfully, "I promised you rare herbs. I found purple flowers by a stream beyond the forest. They smell of honey and carry spiritual energy. If you wish, I can show you where they grow."
Huang narrowed his eyes, setting down his spoon and wiping his hands on his robe. His gaze probed Li Wei, searching for deceit. "Purple flowers?" he echoed, stroking his beard. "Sounds like Lunar Nectar, a rarity even for the inner court. If you're not lying, that's… impressive. But why should I trust a fugitive who burns huts and picks fights with Wang Zi?"
Li Wei felt sweat slide down his back. The System highlighted: Recommendation: Demonstrate strength to build trust. He decided to show part of his progress without revealing the shard. "Because I'm not just a fugitive," he said, straightening. "I broke through to Mortal Realm, Stage 2, and partially mastered the technique you gave me. Allow me to demonstrate."
Huang raised an eyebrow but nodded, gesturing to an open space in the shop. "Fine, disciple. Impress me. But if this is a trick, you'll regret it."
Li Wei stepped to the center, summoning Vortex of Heavenly Light. He focused, channeling energy into a vortex despite his low reserves: Energy: 10%. A swirling wave formed around him, faintly shimmering, and lashed at a wooden dummy in the corner, carving a deep gouge. Huang grunted, his eyes sparking with interest.
"Not bad," he said. "For Mortal Realm, that's decent. But the herbs, Li Wei. Show them, or your technique means nothing."
Li Wei nodded, knowing he had to act fast. He knew where the flowers grew, but the path to the stream was dangerous—Wang Zi and his spies could be watching. The System noted: Chance of ambush en route to the stream: 30%. Recommendation: Bring Huang for protection.
"Master Huang," Li Wei said, "I can lead you to the flowers now. But I need your protection. Wang Zi and his men are tracking me."
Huang frowned but seemed intrigued. "Fine," he said, grabbing a staff from a shelf. "But if this is a trap, Li Wei, you won't escape punishment."
Li Wei exhaled, the pressure easing slightly. But as they left the shop, he spotted a shadow in the gardens—Huang Jia, back and watching from afar. The System blared: Chance of being followed: 70%. Li Wei realized the trip to the stream would test not only Huang's trust but also his race against Wang Zi.
Part 3
Li Wei and Master Huang walked through the gardens toward the forest, where the stream hid the Lunar Nectar flowers. Huang moved confidently, his staff tapping the ground, his Spiritual Realm aura warding off curious disciples. Li Wei stayed close, feeling the Heavenly Shard under his robe heat up, as if sensing danger. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 2, 15%. Task "Prove your worth to the sect within three days": 55% progress. Huang Jia, spotted in the gardens, had likely already alerted Wang Zi, and Li Wei knew time was working against him.
Huang was silent, but his gaze flicked to Li Wei, as if searching for cracks in his story. Li Wei decided to break the quiet to build trust. "Master Huang," he began, choosing his words carefully, "Lunar Nectar can benefit the sect, right? I want to prove I'm useful, not just to you but to Elder Liu."
Huang grunted, not slowing. "If the flowers are real, they'll aid in elixirs. But don't get cocky, Li Wei. You're on thin ice. One wrong step, and neither I nor Liu will save you from Wang Zi or the sect's rules."
Li Wei nodded, Huang's words heavy as stone. The System highlighted: Chance of success with Huang: 65%. Recommendation: Avoid mentioning the ruins. He knew the truth about the Heavenly Shard and the altar in the ruins would make him a target, but the flowers were his ticket to trust.
They entered the forest, where tree shadows cloaked the path. The stream gurgled ahead, and Li Wei caught the sweet scent of Lunar Nectar. But the System flashed: Anomaly detected: Traces of spiritual energy. Chance of ambush: 40%. Li Wei tensed, his hand instinctively resting on the rusty knife under his robe.
"Master Huang," he whispered, slowing, "something's off. I sense… someone."
Huang stopped, his staff still. He closed his eyes, his aura expanding to scan the forest. A moment later, he frowned. "You're right," he said quietly. "Two auras. Mortal Realm, but one's stronger. Looks like your enemies aren't wasting time."
Li Wei gritted his teeth. Wang Zi? Or his spies? He glanced back, spotting movement in the bushes—a shadow flitting too fast. The System highlighted: Chance of combat: 50%. Recommendation: Use Huang as protection but be ready for "Vortex of Heavenly Light."
"Stay behind," Huang said, raising his staff. "If it's an ambush, I'll handle it. But you'd better show me those flowers, Li Wei. Don't disappoint."
Li Wei nodded, his mind racing. If it was Wang Zi or the inner disciple, Huang could manage, but the cost would be steep. He gripped the shard, bracing for the worst, and moved toward the stream, where the purple flowers glowed in the sunlight. But the rustling in the bushes grew louder, and Li Wei knew the ambush was about to strike.
Part 4
Li Wei and Master Huang stood by the stream, where the Lunar Nectar flowers emitted a faint glow, their honeyed scent mingling with the forest's dampness. The rustling in the bushes grew distinct, and Li Wei felt tension grip his chest. The Heavenly Shard under his robe pulsed, as if anticipating a fight. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Chance of combat: 60%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 2, 15%. Huang raised his staff, his Spiritual Realm aura flaring, making the air tremble.
"Show yourself," Huang roared, his voice echoing through the forest. "Or I'll burn this place to ash."
The bushes parted, and two figures emerged from the shadows. Li Wei recognized Huang Jia, his smirk brimming with malice, and the other—a tall figure with silver trim on his robe, his aura heavier than Wang Zi's. An inner disciple. The System highlighted: Wei Long, Mortal Realm, Stage 6. Chance of survival in combat: 15%.
"Master Huang," Wei Long said, his voice calm but cold, "we want no trouble. We only need Li Wei. He stole from the ruins and threatens the sect."
Li Wei clenched his fists, the accusation hitting like a hammer. Huang turned to him, his gaze sharp. "Is this true?" he asked, not lowering his staff. "Speak, Li Wei."
"It's a lie," Li Wei snapped, striving to sound confident. "Wang Zi and his men are hunting me because I found something they want. I didn't steal—I was seeking resources for the sect, as you asked."
Huang grunted, his aura unwavering. He looked at Wei Long. "You have no proof. Leave, or I'll report your insolence to Elder Liu."
Wei Long smiled, his hand resting on his sword's hilt. "We'll go, Master. But Li Wei won't." He nodded to Huang Jia, who lunged forward, his club glowing with faint energy.
Li Wei instinctively activated Wind Step, dodging the strike. His energy dropped to 8%, but he darted toward the stream, closer to the flowers. Huang swung his staff, and a wave of energy hurled Huang Jia into the bushes, making him howl. But Wei Long didn't move, his eyes locked on Li Wei.
"Enough," Huang said, his voice like thunder. "Wei Long, stand down, or I'll show why they call me the Blazing Cauldron."
Wei Long froze, but his smile lingered. He bowed and retreated, dragging Huang Jia with him. Li Wei exhaled, knowing it was only a reprieve. Huang turned to him, pointing at the flowers. "Gather them. Fast. And pray they're worth my time."
Li Wei nodded, plucking the purple flowers and tucking them into a pouch. The System updated: Task "Prove your worth to the sect": 60% progress. But he felt Wei Long's gaze from afar, and Wang Zi's shadow loomed closer. The flowers were a victory, but their cost could be too high. He knew the evening meeting with Lin Xue at the forge would be pivotal—either he'd outpace Wang Zi, or lose everything.
Part 5
Li Wei plucked the last Lunar Nectar flowers, their purple petals glowing in his hands, releasing a subtle fragrance. Master Huang stood beside him, his staff lowered, but his aura still pressed, a reminder of his power. The forest had quieted after Wei Long and Huang Jia's retreat, but Li Wei felt their shadows lingering. The System showed: Energy: 8%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 2, 18%. Task "Prove your worth to the sect within three days": 65% progress. One day until Elder Liu's deadline, and Li Wei knew the flowers were only part of the path.
Huang took a flower, holding it to the light. His eyes lit up, and he grunted, clearly impressed. "Lunar Nectar, no doubt," he said, tucking it into his pouch. "A valuable find, Li Wei. Without your… escapades, I'd commend you. But Wang Zi and that inner disciple aren't chasing you for nothing. What are you hiding?"
Li Wei tensed, feeling the Heavenly Shard heat under his robe. Huang was too perceptive, and a lie could ruin everything. The System highlighted: Chance of Huang's suspicion: 75%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, avoid mentioning the artifact.
"I found traces of an old temple in the ruins," Li Wei said, striving for sincerity. "There was spiritual energy that helped my breakthrough. Wang Zi thinks I took something valuable, but I didn't. I want to use the ruins to benefit the sect."
Huang narrowed his eyes, stroking his beard. "Ruins?" he echoed. "A dangerous place, forbidden by the elders. But your find…" He nodded at the flowers. "It speaks in your favor. I'll report to Liu, but you'll need more than flowers to clear your name. What else can you offer?"
Li Wei's heart raced. Huang was offering a chance but demanding the impossible. He thought of Lin Xue and her promise to uncover Wang Zi's plans. If she found something concrete, it could turn Huang against Wang Zi. He decided to buy time.
"Give me until tomorrow," Li Wei said. "I'll find more resources or information to convince Elder Liu. Wang Zi's not the only one searching the ruins. I can beat him to it."
Huang grunted but nodded. "Fine. But if you come empty-handed tomorrow, I won't shield you. Let's head back. Stay close—your enemies aren't sleeping."
They moved toward the sect, and Li Wei noticed shadows stir in the forest—Wei Long or Huang Jia, perhaps still trailing. The System highlighted: Chance of being followed: 70%. He gripped the shard, realizing the evening meeting with Lin Xue at the forge would be a turning point. She'd either bring the key to Wang Zi's plans or force him to risk everything by returning to the ruins. The flowers had swayed Huang, but Li Wei knew the real battle lay ahead, and Wang Zi wouldn't grant him a second chance. The System updated: Task "Prove your worth to the sect": 70% progress. One day, one night—and Li Wei's fate would be decided.