The first light of dawn crept through the dense canopy of the Endless Forest, casting a dappled glow across the clearing where Li Wei and his team had taken shelter. The air was heavy with the earthy scent of morning dew, and a hush had settled over the forest, as if nature itself was catching its breath after a long night. Li Wei observed his team as they stirred awake, the events of the night before fresh in their minds.
His gaze swept over each of them. Mei Chen stretched, rubbing sleep from her eyes, while Jin Rui grumbled under his breath, rolling his shoulders to ease out the stiffness. Zhou Wei was already sharpening his blade, his focus intense, and Li Jun looked a little more alert, as if he were finally coming to terms with the depth of the challenges in the Rite of Ascendancy.
"We have a plan to execute," Li Wei said, his tone calm yet commanding. "Today, we'll be targeting lower-grade beasts again, but we'll take it a step further. We'll focus on efficiency—quick takedowns, precise movements, minimal energy expenditure. Let's aim to rack up as many Grade 1 cores as possible without risking injuries."
The rest of the team exchanged glances, some nodding thoughtfully, others with an eager gleam in their eyes. Li Wei noticed that even Li Jun, who had been somewhat skeptical before, seemed to take his words to heart. It was progress—progress he knew would be essential if they were to face tougher trials in the forest.
"Why aren't we going deeper, though?" Jin Rui finally asked, breaking the silence. "Surely there are higher-grade beasts in the deeper areas. We'd score more points that way."
Li Wei met Jin Rui's gaze. "True, but those higher-grade cores come with higher risks, and it would also mean a drain on our energy. We're here for the long game, and collecting more Grade 1 cores will keep us in this competition longer. With enough low-grade cores, we can still achieve a significant score without risking it all too early."
Jin Rui gave a reluctant nod, though Li Wei could see the spark of understanding in his eyes. Jin Rui was ambitious, but he was also learning to respect Li Wei's foresight. Li Wei was careful to let the team see just enough of his wisdom without revealing the vast well of knowledge his past lives had given him. Earning their respect through action and results was crucial, and he intended to keep that momentum.
As they set off, the forest seemed to awaken with them. They trekked through dense brush, wading through foliage that brushed against their clothes, and moved with quiet precision, honing the sense of unity that had grown between them. Li Wei led from the front, his steps light and calculated, his senses alert for any disturbances. He knew they were close to an area frequented by smaller beasts and anticipated opportunities to put his plan into action.
A rustling ahead alerted him, and he motioned for the team to halt. "Keep low," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "There's something up ahead."
They crouched down, scanning the area with hawk-like focus. Moments later, a trio of Shadowfang Wolves emerged from the underbrush, their dark fur blending almost seamlessly with the shadows around them. Though only Grade 1 beasts, the wolves moved with a feral grace and intelligence that set them apart from the usual prey.
"Perfect," Li Wei thought, his gaze narrowing. "These wolves travel in packs but are weaker when isolated. A good opportunity to see how well my team works together."
He turned to his team. "Zhou Wei, I want you to take the lead. Distract them with a few quick strikes, but don't commit fully. Jin Rui, when the wolves start focusing on Zhou, flank them with your staff. Mei Chen, stay back, support with your sword from a distance. Li Jun, you'll guard our backs in case more approach."
His team nodded, absorbing his commands with fierce determination. They moved into position, bodies taut with anticipation.
As Zhou Wei stepped forward, the wolves' ears perked up, and they spread out, attempting to surround him. Zhou's blade flashed in the morning light as he struck, his attacks calculated and swift, each movement designed to taunt rather than injure. The wolves growled and snapped, lunging forward, but Zhou managed to stay just out of reach.
"Now, Jin Rui!" Li Wei called, watching closely.
Jin Rui lunged from the side, his staff a blur as he swung it in wide arcs, landing solid blows on the nearest wolf's side. The beast yelped, stumbling to the ground, only to scramble back up with a vicious snarl. The other two wolves turned, momentarily distracted, and Mei Chen seized the opportunity, slashing at them from behind with quick, agile movements. Her strikes were careful but effective, grazing their flanks and drawing their attention without fully engaging them.
Li Wei observed the fight unfold, a sense of satisfaction building within him. His team was working in sync, adapting to each other's movements, and following his instructions with precision. For a fleeting moment, he considered stepping in, unleashing a fraction of his true strength to make the battle even easier. But he quickly dismissed the thought. They needed to learn, and each small battle like this was a stepping stone toward making them a formidable force.
Finally, with one last coordinated effort, the team cornered the remaining wolf against a tree. Zhou's blade flashed as he delivered the final strike, the wolf collapsing in a heap as the forest around them fell silent.
The team stood back, breathing heavily but victorious. Li Wei watched as they each let out a sigh of relief, pride evident in their eyes. They were growing, not just as individuals but as a unit. And, more importantly, they were beginning to trust his guidance without question.
"Good work," Li Wei said, giving them a rare smile of approval. "Efficient, coordinated, and no injuries. This is how we'll continue—steadily gathering cores without wasting our energy. We'll be stronger as a team and ready for anything."
They each took a moment to collect the wolf cores, their hands lingering on the small, glowing orbs that pulsed with a faint energy. Each core was a symbol of their progress, a tangible reminder of the skills they were building under his guidance. The thought brought a slight smile to Li Wei's face as he pocketed the cores, his mind already spinning with ideas for their next move.
As they resumed their march through the forest, Li Jun sidled up to him, his expression thoughtful. "Li Wei," he began hesitantly, "it's clear you know more about these beasts than you let on. I don't know how you acquired such knowledge, but… I'm grateful."
Li Wei met his gaze, maintaining a composed expression. "Survival is about understanding your environment. I've read countless scrolls, learned from our clan. It's a matter of applying that knowledge wisely."
Li Jun nodded, his respect evident in his gaze. "Well, it's working. I didn't think a Li could lead with more than just brute force."
Li Wei chuckled softly. "There's more to power than meets the eye, Li Jun. The right knowledge at the right moment can make all the difference. Trust is built over time—and I'm committed to proving myself to all of you."
They pushed onward, encountering more beasts as the day wore on. With each battle, their teamwork improved, their attacks becoming sharper and more coordinated. Li Wei ensured they never ventured too deep, maintaining their rhythm and gathering cores with a steady pace. The Grade 1 cores began to accumulate, their backpacks filling with the spoils of their battles.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Li Wei called for a halt. They settled into a small, sheltered clearing, and Li Wei felt a ripple of satisfaction as he looked at his team—tired, but uninjured and growing stronger with each encounter.
"Tonight, we rest," he announced. "We've made excellent progress today, and tomorrow, we'll do it again. Let's use this time to recuperate and plan our next steps."
His teammates nodded, their eyes alight with a newfound confidence. As they settled down, Li Wei kept a silent vigil, his mind turning over the day's events and the progress they had made. He knew the dangers that lay ahead, the powerful beasts lurking deeper in the forest. But for now, his team was growing stronger, and his strategy was working.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges. But tonight, Li Wei allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction, knowing they were one step closer to victory in the Rite of Ascendancy.