After the first round of the tournament, the tension in the air shifted. Word of Li Xuan's victory against Wang Yue spread quickly, surprising many who had never given the young disciple a second glance. The crowd whispered, speculating about his true strength and background. Some said he had concealed his abilities all this time, while others suspected him of obtaining a powerful artifact. Either way, Li Xuan had drawn attention—more attention than he had anticipated.
Li Xuan, however, paid little mind to the rumors swirling around him. As he walked back to his quarters, his thoughts were focused on the next battle. He had proven himself capable of defending against a brute like Wang Yue, but he knew that more skilled fighters awaited in the rounds to come. Now that he had shown a glimpse of his capabilities, others would be watching him closely, trying to unravel the mystery surrounding his sudden rise in strength.
In the quiet of his room, Li Xuan sat cross-legged, centering himself in meditation. His mind reached out to the Eternal Codex, the ancient artifact that had been guiding his cultivation and offering him the tools he needed to survive. In the vast expanse of his consciousness, he could sense the Codex hum with energy, its presence a constant reminder of the power it held.
"You've done well," a voice echoed in his mind, the voice of the Codex itself, ancient and calm. "But the road ahead is fraught with danger. You must be cautious."
Li Xuan nodded inwardly. "I understand. My progress in the Ninefold Ascension Technique has been steady, but there is still much to learn. The technique is dangerous, and if I push myself too hard, it could consume me."
The Codex seemed to pulse in agreement. "Indeed. But remember, you are not alone. I am here to guide you, but you must also learn to trust your instincts. The forces gathering around you are not just from within the sect. There are those from beyond who are watching, waiting to strike. You must be prepared for all that is to come."
The ominous warning lingered in Li Xuan's mind as he slowly opened his eyes. He knew the Codex was right. There was something strange about the tournament this year, something that felt off. And if the Codex was correct, then the danger didn't just lie in the other competitors—it extended beyond the walls of the Azure Sky Sect.
Later that day, Li Xuan met with Zhang Wei again. They had agreed to meet in a secluded part of the sect's grounds to train and discuss strategy. Zhang Wei, ever the opportunist, had noticed Li Xuan's growing power and was clearly interested in aligning with him for mutual benefit.
"You handled Wang Yue well," Zhang Wei said as they began sparring. "But you'll have a tougher time in the next rounds. The other disciples are already on guard, and some of them are even stronger than Wang Yue."
Li Xuan nodded, easily dodging a punch from Zhang Wei. "I'm aware. That's why I'm keeping my true abilities hidden for as long as possible."
Zhang Wei grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Smart. But eventually, you'll need to show them what you're really capable of. I've heard rumors that Jiang Lei and Lin Mei, two of the top inner disciples, are participating this year. They've been cultivating in seclusion for months and will be tough to beat."
Jiang Lei and Lin Mei were names Li Xuan had heard before. Both were highly regarded in the sect for their talent and strength, and they had already reached the Core Formation stage of cultivation. If they were participating, the tournament was about to get much more dangerous.
"Let them come," Li Xuan said calmly, his movements swift and precise as he countered Zhang Wei's next attack. "I've fought worse."
Zhang Wei raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "You're full of surprises, Li Xuan. But don't get too comfortable. There's more at stake here than just the tournament."
Li Xuan glanced at him, curious. "What do you mean?"
Zhang Wei hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice. "There's been talk… rumors that some of the sect's enemies are planning something. I don't know the details, but the elders have been on edge lately. I wouldn't be surprised if something happens during the tournament."
Li Xuan's eyes narrowed. Enemies of the sect? He had known that the Azure Sky Sect had its rivals, but the idea that they would plan an attack during such a public event seemed reckless.
Still, the Codex's warning echoed in his mind. "There are those from beyond who are watching, waiting to strike."
"I'll keep that in mind," Li Xuan said quietly.
The two continued their sparring for a while longer before Zhang Wei finally called it a day. As they parted ways, Li Xuan couldn't shake the feeling that something dark was looming on the horizon.
That night, the sky above the Azure Sky Sect was unusually clear, the stars twinkling like distant jewels against the inky darkness. But as Li Xuan stood at the edge of his room, looking out at the vast expanse of the sect grounds, he felt anything but at peace.
The tournament had only just begun, but the stakes were already higher than he had anticipated. The other competitors were strong, but the real threat lay in the shadows—forces that were watching him, watching the sect. And if the Codex's warnings were to be believed, those forces wouldn't remain hidden for long.
Li Xuan clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of Qi within him. He had come too far to let fear or doubt cloud his mind. He would continue to grow stronger, continue to unlock the secrets of the Ninefold Ascension Technique, and continue to rise, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
As the wind whispered through the trees, Li Xuan made a silent vow to himself. "No matter who stands in my way—whether it's Jiang Lei, Lin Mei, or even the enemies of the sect—I will not fall."
The next round of the tournament awaited, and with it, new tests of strength and resolve. But Li Xuan was ready. The shadows that loomed in the distance might be dark and dangerous, but he had a secret weapon—the Eternal Codex, and the determination to wield its power to the fullest.
And so, as the stars continued to shine overhead, Li Xuan prepared himself for the battles to come, knowing that the true war was only just beginning.