Now edging closer to the mountain's peak, the path contrasts the sheltered valleys below. Here, the environment is harsher and more exposed to the whims of nature. The vegetation is even sparser, limited to low-lying shrubs and hardy plants adapted to the extreme conditions.
"This route is less trodden, more arduous," he notes. Yet, he presses on, driven by the urgency of his task.
Finally, Li Wei approaches the south slope as the path levels out. This side of the mountain, facing away from the sun for most of the day, is markedly different. It's a landscape shaped by the elements, where the caves serving as dwellings for the sect's members appear as mere indentations in the mountain's face.
Li Wei stands on the slope, his gaze sweeping over the landscape. The mountain's face, rugged and steep, is dotted with numerous caves, each serving as a solitary abode for the sect's cultivators. The slope is a maze of paths and stairways, winding and forking in various directions, leading to these secluded retreats.
He begins his ascent, his feet finding purchase on the uneven terrain. The path is narrow, etched into the mountain, a testament to the countless footsteps of those who have trod here before. As he climbs, the caves come into view, each marked by numbers chiselled into the stone beside their entrances. These numbers serve as identifiers, guiding the sect members to their dwellings.
Passing cave 492, Li Wei notes its higher position on the slope, nestled under an overhang that shields it from direct sunlight. The boldly engraved number confirms that he is in the correct area but not yet at his destination.
He continues, following the path as it snakes upward. The numbers on the caves begin to diminish as he progresses, indicating he is moving in the right direction. The air grows cooler with elevation, and the sounds of the sect below fade into a distant murmur.
He passes caves numbered in the 300s, each unique in its own way. Cave 300 sits at a junction where the path forks, leading to different slope sections. Cave 310 is partially concealed by a curtain of vines, its entrance like the mouth of some ancient beast. Cave 320 stands out with a meticulously tended garden of mountain herbs.
Finally, he arrives at Cave 327. The number is etched clearly into the stone beside the entrance, the numerals stark against the weathered rock. The cave itself appears unremarkable, much like the others he has passed. Its entrance is wide, leading into darkness, the interior hidden from view.
Li Wei pauses, taking a moment to observe the area. No distinct markings or decorations adorn the cave's exterior, and no personal touches speak of its occupant. It is a place of function, not of comfort.
He glances around, ensuring that no one is observing him. The slope is quiet; most inhabitants are likely engaged in morning practices or duties.
Li Wei's mind races with thoughts. "Fuck, I don't want to go in," he thinks to himself. The possibility of the cave being protected by an intrusion talisman or other defensive measures is high. "He could have any number of tricks up his sleeve."
He shifts slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position while keeping his eyes fixed on the cave entrance. "I'll get him when he comes out," he decides. "The fucker has to leave at some point."
Finding a dense shrub nearby, Li Wei settles down to wait. The shrub, with its thick foliage, provides ample cover. He crouches low, making himself as small and inconspicuous as possible.
Time passes slowly, the minutes stretching into hours. The sun climbs higher, casting its warmth over the mountain, but the spot where Li Wei hides remains cool and shaded. He remains vigilant, every sense attuned to the slightest sound or movement.
His legs cramp from the prolonged stillness, but he resists the urge to move. Patience is crucial, and he cannot relinquish his position.
The cave entrance remains undisturbed, with no sign of anyone coming or going. Li Wei's resolve, however, does not waver. He knows that waiting is part of the game of predator and prey, where patience often determines the victor.
The shrub's leaves rustle softly in the breeze, a natural sound that masks his presence. Li Wei's eyes never stray from the cave, his focus unwavering. He is a hunter lying in wait, ready to strike.
As the day wears on, his thoughts occasionally drift to the potential risks of his mission. Yet, these thoughts are quickly pushed aside by his determination and the knowledge that this action is necessary in his path of cultivation and revenge.
"Fuck, there goes my plan of catching him off-guard in the morning."
Underneath the shrub, hidden and watchful, Li Wei waits for his target to appear, ready to act at a moment's notice. With its serene appearance, the mountain's south slope belies the deadly intent of one of its silent visitors.
Li Wei, nestled beneath the dense shrub, settles in for a long vigil. The sun arcs across the sky, its journey marking the passage of time as he waits with unwavering patience. The landscape around him remains still, the quiet of the mountain slope only occasionally broken by the distant call of a bird or the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
As daylight fades, the temperature begins to drop. The sun's warmth is replaced by the cool embrace of the night. Li Wei feels the chill seeping into his bones. He adjusts his position slightly, careful not to disturb the shrub too much, aware that even a small noise could betray his presence.
The night stretches out, long and unyielding. Li Wei remains motionless, his eyes fixed on the cave entrance. The darkness is nearly complete, and the cave is a shadow within shadows. He resists the temptation to move or stretch, knowing that discipline and stillness are his allies in this endeavour.
Li Wei silently retrieves a few bone pills from his robe to combat the cold and hunger. With practised stealth, he consumes them, allowing their essence to infuse his body. The pills provide sustenance and help keep his Qi flowing and his mind alert.
The night inches forward, each hour a test of Li Wei's endurance and resolve. He focuses on his breathing, slow and even meditative practice that helps him maintain his concentration and ward off the discomfort of the cold.
Finally, as the first light of dawn begins to penetrate the darkness. The cave entrance stirs with life. A figure emerges, walking out nonchalantly, unaware of the watchful eyes hidden.
The man stretches his limbs, seemingly at ease. He takes a few steps from the cave, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. His movements are casual, the demeanour of someone who feels very secure in their territory.
Li Wei's muscles tense, ready to spring into action. The long hours of waiting, the cold, and the discomfort have all led to this moment. He waits for a few seconds more, allowing the man to move clear of the cave entrance, ensuring that there will be no immediate refuge for him once the attack begins.
Li Wei watches intently as his target casually steps away from the cave. In a swift, almost reflexive motion, Li Wei readies himself. The quiet of the dawn is about to be shattered.
Li Wei stands poised, his cultivation honed to a fine edge within the confines of his cave. With a flicker of intent, he summons the essence of his Qi, channelling it into the creation of bone projectiles. These deadly shards, born of his own energy and substance, are invisible in their velocity, embodying silent, lethal intent.
Li Wei's actions unfold with lethal efficiency in the time it takes to pluck a grain of rice. He targets the man's head, channelling his Qi with unwavering focus. The first three bone shots are released in rapid succession.
"Hsss… hsss… hsss…"
The projectiles, released from Li Wei's fingertips, zip through the air. The first collides with the back of the man's head.
"Krrssh."
Bone and brain matter eject from the wound, scattering behind him.
Simultaneously, the second and third shots reach their target. They slice through the neck's skin and muscle. Blood vessels sever, unleashing a sudden gush of blood. It arcs outwards, splattering the ground in a stark, expanding pattern.
"Glrrk."
The man's body reacts reflexively. A choked, gurgling noise escapes as his body starts to crumble.
Li Wei doesn't pause; his mind and actions blur activity. Recognising the increased potency of his power at the 8th level, he instinctively adjusts his tactics. He thinks, "More mass, the equilibrium is off," even as he continues his assault.
"Hsss… hsss… hsss… hsss… hsss…"
Li Wei sends five more shots to the man's lower back. They puncture deep, burrowing into flesh.
"Thu-thup-th-thup-th-thup."
The man's torso convulses with each hit, small tremors running through his frame as his life rapidly drains away.
Li Wei makes split-second adjustments to the mass of each projectile, adapting to his newfound strength.
"Hsss… hsss…"
In the same seamless flow of motion, two more projectiles are dispatched to flank the man's sides. Anticipating movements that never come, the projectiles slice through the air.
"Woosh."
"Woosh."