Three weeks had passed since the first confrontation with Chen Feng's lackeys, and in that time, Li Wei's life had changed dramatically. The once constant threat of attacks had diminished as he quietly consolidated his strength. No one dared approach him in his secluded courtyard, and rumors about his growing power swirled in the sect. The whispers were no longer mocking but filled with unease.
Mei Lin had become a regular visitor during this period of quiet development. Her presence brought a semblance of normalcy to Li Wei's increasingly dark path, even though she remained unaware of the full extent of the necromantic arts he was practicing. Her kindness and loyalty were unwavering, and she continued to bring him rare herbs and scrolls, offering her support whenever she could. Li Wei appreciated her company, even if he kept her at a distance from his darker dealings.
Meanwhile, the sect had its own upheavals. Chen Feng, the driving force behind Li Wei's previous torment, had broken through to Foundation Establishment Realm. His breakthrough was a major event, and Chen Feng had moved to the inner sect to consolidate his cultivation. This left him no time to focus on Li Wei, temporarily relieving the pressure that had loomed over him for so long. Chen Feng's absence allowed Li Wei and Azrael to operate freely, their dark practices going unnoticed by the rest of the sect.
Yet Azrael was not idle. He knew well that the lull in conflict would not last forever. With each day that passed, Li Wei's power grew. Under Azrael's guidance, Li Wei had broken through to Qi Refinement Stage 8, his cultivation surging at an unnatural pace. The Undead Pavilion, as they had begun calling it, had expanded in secret.
The undead forces were growing stronger, with Shadow One—Li Wei's Qi Refinement Stage 7 minion—now leading the squad of reanimated disciples. Over time, Shadow One had taken a more active role, quietly handling matters that would attract too much attention if Li Wei acted directly. Most recently, Shadow One had been sent to deal with one of Chen Feng's closest followers, Liu Ruyan. It was a simple task, handled without fanfare—she had been eliminated swiftly, and her body now stood as part of Shadow One's squad, a Qi Refinement Stage 7 minion under his control.
Meng Zhi, meanwhile, had been given a different role. He now stood guard outside Li Wei's courtyard, ever vigilant, serving as a silent protector. His intelligence restored, Meng Zhi knew his eternal punishment was servitude, and he accepted it without complaint. His presence deterred any unwanted visitors, a constant reminder of the dark power growing within Li Wei's domain.
Inside the courtyard, as Shadow One returned from his latest mission, Li Wei could feel the power swirling around him. The undead army was becoming a force to be reckoned with, each minion bound by necromantic art and unwavering loyalty. But Azrael had more in mind.
"We have made progress," Azrael's voice echoed within Li Wei's mind. "But now, thou must refine what we have built. There is more to be gained from this power—both in cultivation and control."
Li Wei glanced at Shadow One, who stood silently before him. "You've done well," he said, his voice steady. "The squad is growing stronger."
Shadow One bowed his head. "Thank you, Master. I will continue to serve as you command."
Azrael's presence surged with a calculated calm. "But there is still more we can do. Thy cultivation has surged, but there are limits to how far mere quantity of minions will carry thee. It is time to push for a deeper control, for more refined power. The undead are tools, yes, but tools must be sharpened."
Li Wei nodded, understanding the implication. "What do you suggest?"
"Shadow One has proven himself capable, both in intelligence and cultivation. But he can be further enhanced. There are more powerful methods—techniques we can implement to bind their souls even tighter, to draw out their potential further. If used carefully, thou can create a true weapon, not just a mindless servant."
Li Wei's gaze sharpened. "You mean to strengthen the intelligent undead even further?"
"Indeed," Azrael replied. "But it requires precision, and the risk of losing power is greater. When a soul is bound to the point of full submission, it may resist further manipulation. However, we can attempt to bind deeper—restructuring Shadow One's essence and pushing his cultivation further. It is time to test how far these souls can be pushed."
Li Wei considered this for a moment. "You think he can grow beyond where he is now?"
Azrael's voice was firm. "He has already shown the ability to cultivate and grow stronger. With our guidance, there is no reason he cannot ascend further. But it must be done carefully. We will focus on Shadow One first. If it succeeds, he will become a far more powerful commander for the pavilion."
Without hesitation, Li Wei turned to Shadow One. "Prepare yourself. We will push your cultivation to new heights."
Shadow One's expression remained stoic, though there was a flicker of acknowledgment in his gaze. "I am ready, Master."
Azrael's presence intensified as he began weaving a complex array of necromantic techniques, using Li Wei's power to guide the process. The tendrils of qi latched onto Shadow One's soul, coiling around it and tightening the binds of the necromantic control. At the same time, they subtly encouraged his cultivation, allowing the qi to flow more freely through his body.
For the next several hours, Azrael worked in silence, their focus entirely on the process. Shadow One remained still, his body occasionally shuddering as the energy surged within him. But his cultivation began to rise, slowly but surely. The strain on his soul was palpable, but Shadow One endured, his loyalty unwavering.
Finally, as dawn broke over the courtyard, the process was complete. Shadow One's aura had transformed dramatically, his cultivation pushing far beyond where it had been. He had surpassed Qi Refinement Stage 7, skipping the 8th stage completely and now standing at the peak of Stage 9. His qi hummed with newfound intensity, a dark and controlled force that reflected the power of the necromantic arts and the shadow cultivation woven into his essence.
Li Wei stepped back, observing the result of their efforts. Shadow One's once passive and subservient demeanor now seemed enhanced by his cultivation. Though still bound to Li Wei's will, there was a glimmer of autonomy in his eyes—a sharp intelligence that had grown with his strength.
Azrael's voice resonated through Li Wei's mind, filled with cold satisfaction. "A grand success, as I anticipated. This one has proven more resilient than the rest. His soul binds even tighter now, and yet, he grows—both in power and capability. Thou hast the beginnings of a true commander."
Li Wei nodded. "He's stronger than I imagined. At the peak of Qi Refinement, he will be a powerful asset. But will his loyalty hold now that he's gained such strength?"
Azrael's presence loomed over the question, but there was no hesitation in his answer. "The bond is absolute, Li Wei. His intelligence grows, yes, but his soul remains bound irrevocably to thee. He cannot betray us, even if he wished to. His punishment for past insolence is eternal—he shall serve thee without question."
Shadow One knelt before Li Wei, lowering his head in reverence. "Master, I feel the surge of power within me. My loyalty to you has only deepened. Forgive my past offenses—I exist only to serve your will. With this strength, I can carry out any task you demand."
Li Wei studied him for a moment, then offered a slight nod. "Rise. Your past is behind us. From now on, you are my right hand in the Undead Pavilion. You will lead the others, and we will continue to grow in strength. Your power will ensure the Pavilion remains in shadow until the time comes to act."
Shadow One stood, his gaze now resolute, his presence far more commanding than before. It was clear that his mind and strength had both been sharpened by the process, making him more than just a powerful minion—he had become a force unto himself, bound only by the necromantic ties that held him to Li Wei's will.
Azrael's voice stirred once more. "The other minions, though useful, shall remain as they are for now—mere tools of strength. But Shadow One… he shall be thy vanguard when the time comes. His growth signals the beginning of something greater, Li Wei. With the right resources and time, there is no limit to how far we can push the undead."
Li Wei turned his attention to the remaining undead, who stood motionless in the courtyard, silent sentinels waiting for their master's next command. Unlike Shadow One, they remained hollow shells—still effective in battle but lacking the intelligence and growth potential that made Shadow One so dangerous.
"What about the rest?" Li Wei asked. "Should we try to push their cultivation as well?"
Azrael dismissed the notion with a sharp edge to his voice. "Nay. The others serve a different purpose. Their minds are empty; they are perfect tools of brute force. Leave them as they are, for now. Not every soldier needs to grow and we do not have the resources for now. The mindless ones shall bolster thy numbers, while Shadow One and others like him shall serve as leaders when the time comes to strike."
Li Wei felt a sense of clarity settling over him. His role in the Shadow Moon Sect was growing, and with each passing day, his power—and by extension, the power of the Undead Pavilion—became more formidable. Chen Feng's absence, while a temporary reprieve, had allowed Li Wei to build something far more dangerous than any sect politics could anticipate.
"Then it's time to expand our influence," Li Wei said, his voice firm. "Shadow One will continue overseeing squad one's growth. But we need to move carefully. If we attract too much attention now, the elders will not let us be. We are still within the limits, but if we cull too many outer discples, they will be displeased."
Azrael's approval surged through their connection. "Caution is necessary, but do not mistake caution for hesitation. Thou art no longer the weak disciple scorned by the sect. With each passing day, thy power grows, and soon, even the core powers of the sect will have no choice but to recognize the force rising from the shadows. Continue thy cultivation, and soon, even the golden core realm shall be within reach."
Azrael's final words echoed in Li Wei's mind, laced with the promise of what was to come. "We shall move in the shadows for now, Li Wei. But when the time comes to step into the light, none shall stand before us."
Li Wei was about to respond when a distant, reverberating gong echoed throughout the sect. The deep sound pierced the stillness of the early morning, filling the air with a sense of urgency.
Meng Zhi, standing watch at the entrance of the courtyard, turned his head sharply toward the direction of the sound. His hollow, yet loyal voice broke the silence. "Master, that is the signal from the Contribution Hall. An urgent mission has been released."
Li Wei straightened, his attention shifting from the quiet satisfaction of his growing power to the new development within the sect. Urgent missions were rare, and when they were issued, it meant something significant was unfolding—something that could either present a great opportunity or a dangerous challenge.
Azrael's voice was steady as always, but there was a subtle edge to his tone. "This is no ordinary task. We must go. Such missions often lead to more than what the sect reveals on the surface."
Without hesitation, Li Wei turned toward the gate. "Prepare yourself," he ordered Meng Zhi as he moved toward the direction of the Contribution Hall. Shadow One remained silent, watching his master's every move, ready for what would come next.
As Li Wei strode out of the courtyard, the heavy morning mist clung to the air, making the path ahead feel even more ominous. The sense of urgency had spread across the sect, with disciples already moving swiftly toward the Contribution Hall, their faces tense with anticipation.