In the blink of an eye, Alex found himself the target of Elder Liang's swift and lethal blow.
It was a strike he had never imagined for it to come, unable to mount any form of counterattack, the punch had already connected.
A resounding "BANG" echoed across the surroundings as Elder Liang's fist, as solid as refined iron, landed on his chest, sending him flying like a loose leaf in a storm.
He crashed onto the ground, the tang of iron flooding his mouth.
Through sheer determination, he managed to suppress the surge of blood threatening to overflow from his lips.
Alex was convinced that Elder Liang had deliberately restrained his strength. If not, his heart might have already been pulverized.
He lay sprawled on the ground, clutching his aching chest, the pain from Elder Liang's attack pulsing relentlessly.
Elder Liang looked down at him with a stern gaze, and then his voice, as cold as the icy winds from the North Mountain, murmured, "Depart now." His voice faltered, revealing a battle to contain his emotions.
Could the unyielding elder be suppressing the surge of tears?
The scene left Alex confounded. "Could Elder Liang too be afflicted by lunacy?" he questioned, his mind a whirlpool of confusion.
As he lay there, trapped between the proverbial rock and hard place, he contemplated his next course of action.
Should he retreat or risk his life for another opportunity? Before he could decide, Elder Liang's voice drifted over, "Young one, your tenacity is praiseworthy."
Taken aback, Alex lifted his gaze, only to see Elder Liang just a few paces away.
The elder motioned for him to follow and began to tread toward an isolated corner of the room. Alex hesitated but chose to follow.
After all, if Elder Liang had desired to harm him, he had the perfect chance earlier.
They arrived at a forgotten corner of the room, the only evidence of human presence, a dust-laden box.
It was evident that this sector of the room had been neglected for years.
As Elder Liang neared the box, a rare flicker of emotion crossed his typically stoic face.
He unhinged the box, unveiling a jet-black dagger.
The elder scrutinized Alex for a moment before offering him the weapon, his voice resonating ominously, "Many who've clasped this blade have been met with premature demises. Its previous wielders all succumbed to mysterious and tragic fates." He made to leave, paused, his back still turned to Alex, "If you choose to accept this dagger, steel yourself for death. If you decline, replace it and depart."
After a moment of hesitation, he added, "If you decide to accept it, return later. I have another gift to bestow upon you." With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Alex alone with his thoughts and the foreboding dagger.
*****
In the wake of time, the silhouette of Alex emerged from the sect's armory, a jet-black dagger dancing between his nimble thumbs.
One might question his audacity to disregard Elder Liang's caution, but his motives were clear and simple.
If the blade bore a flaw or harbored an ill force beyond his control, he would return it to Elder Liang.
And, if it proved faultless and reliable, then he had just acquired a formidable weapon, free of any contribution points. An effortless gain, indeed.
His next destination was the sect's Medicine Hall for some healing medicine, a final stop before he would set off to the notorious Voidland, to work on completing the system's mission.
However, as he departed the armory, a figure abruptly intercepted his path.
This uninvited guest donned the blue uniform of an Inner Sect disciple, radiating a certain arrogance innate to such ranks.
The sudden appearance startled Alex, momentarily suspecting the figure merely intended to pass by, an act that would demand his respectful clearance, considering the prideful nature of the Inner Sect disciples.
However, as Alex shifted aside, the figure mirrored his movement, blocking him once again. "You must be Li Wei," he declared, his tone more demanding than inquiring.
Alex responded affirmatively, despite having no recollection of any dealings with Inner Sect disciples from Li Wei's memories, except his recent encounter with Wu Lina and her companions.
As soon as Alex confirmed his identity, the figure gestured with his hand, commanding, "Follow me," his voice resonating with authority, an unspoken decree that left no room for questions.
He set off, with Alex trailing behind, trying to decipher his intentions.
As they tread their path, Alex noticed they were not headed towards the Inner Sect territory, but it seemed more like the direction of the Mission Pavilion.
His suspicions were confirmed when they soon arrived at the towering edifice of the Pavilion.
In front of the Pavilion, a group of four individuals, all clad in blue Inner Sect uniforms, awaited their arrival.
Among them, Alex recognized three familiar faces - Shen Hong, Xiao Se, and Wu Lina.
Their expressions were a mix of anticipation and curiosity as if they had been eagerly waiting for him, Li Wei.
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A/N
Sorry for the short chapters