The Li clan estate was bathed in the pale light of dawn, casting long shadows across the ground. The atmosphere had shifted noticeably since the announcement of the mini-tournament, and the once serene training grounds were now a whirlwind of activity. Disciples, eager to prove themselves, trained day and night, pushing their bodies and minds to the limit.
Li Wei, however, was not among them.
Instead, he sat in a secluded courtyard at the edge of the Li estate, beneath a towering cherry blossom tree that gently swayed in the morning breeze. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was slow and rhythmic. The air around him shimmered faintly as Qi flowed into his body, gathering at his dantian in a steady stream.
Inside his dantian, the Qi spiraled tightly, condensing into a denser form with each breath. His mind was focused, calm, and utterly still as he guided the energy with precision. He was on the verge of breaking through to **Qi Gathering Stage 3**, and the sensation was unmistakable.
But even as he cultivated, his thoughts weren't entirely on his own progress. **The mini-tournament** was fast approaching, and although Li Wei knew his strength alone would guarantee a place on the team, his focus was on his teammates.
His team wasn't made up of random disciples; each member had their own potential, waiting to be unlocked. **Li Jun**, the youngest and most inexperienced, had shown promise in their duel against Jin Rui, but still needed to learn more. **Zhou Wei**, the second member, was a sharp and intelligent disciple with a talent for strategy, though not as physically strong as the others. And then there was **Mei Chen**, the only female in the group, who was known for her nimbleness and speed in battle, but she lacked the endurance to hold up in prolonged fights.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Li Wei's lips. With the right guidance, they could become a formidable team. He had already begun laying the groundwork for that—testing them, pushing them, and slowly revealing more of his abilities to gain their trust and loyalty. But he knew there was still work to be done.
A sudden shift in the air around him brought Li Wei's attention back to his cultivation. The Qi in his dantian had reached a critical point, and he could feel the barrier between stages thinning. He focused inward, compressing the Qi even further until it reached its limit.
Then, with a soft exhale, the barrier broke.
A surge of power washed over him as the Qi in his dantian expanded and flowed freely through his meridians. His body felt lighter, stronger, and his senses sharpened. The world around him seemed clearer, more vibrant, as if he could feel every subtle shift in the Qi that permeated the air.
Qi Gathering Stage 3
Li Wei opened his eyes, a faint glow of energy dissipating as he did so. He allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before pushing the feeling aside. This was only a small step on a much longer journey, and there was no time to linger.
Standing up, he stretched his limbs, feeling the newfound strength coursing through him. His gaze drifted toward the sky, where the sun was beginning to rise, casting golden rays over the Li estate.
"Perfect timing," he murmured to himself.
Just then, a figure appeared at the entrance of the courtyard—**Li Jun**, his face flushed from an early morning training session. He approached quickly, excitement clear in his eyes as he reached Li Wei.
"Li Wei!" Li Jun called out, a grin spreading across his face. "I think I finally did it!"
Li Wei raised an eyebrow, curious. "Did what?"
Li Jun stopped in front of him, taking a deep breath. "The Qi-transmission technique! I've been practicing ever since you showed it to me, and I think I've finally got the hang of it!"
Li Wei's interest piqued. The Qi-transmission technique was no simple feat, and for someone as inexperienced as Li Jun to grasp it so quickly was impressive. He nodded, a faint smile on his lips.
"Show me."
Li Jun closed his eyes for a moment, focusing. The air around him seemed to ripple slightly as he gathered Qi. A moment later, Li Wei felt a soft brush against his mind, followed by a clear thought, transmitted directly to him through the Qi in the air: *Can you hear me?*
Li Wei smiled, not replying out loud but transmitting his own thought back. *I can. Well done.*
Li Jun's eyes snapped open, and his grin widened. "It worked! I really did it!"
"You did," Li Wei said calmly. "But don't get ahead of yourself. This is only the beginning. You need to refine your control further, especially in combat situations. It's easy to make mistakes when you're under pressure."
Li Jun nodded eagerly. "I know. But I'll keep practicing. I want to be ready for the mini-tournament."
As Li Jun spoke, a faint look of confusion passed over his face. For a moment, he hesitated, his eyes lingering on Li Wei. There was something about Li Wei's calm confidence and the way he seemed to know so much that didn't quite add up.
Li Jun remembered how Li Wei had once been regarded as lazy, uninterested in training. He had spent most of his time lounging around, seemingly unconcerned with cultivation. But now… now Li Wei was one of the strongest among them, and he had knowledge of advanced techniques that even some of the elders found difficult.
It didn't make sense.
Li Jun had begun to suspect that Li Wei had been pretending all those years. But why? Why hide such strength and knowledge? What was Li Wei's true goal?
Li Jun didn't voice his thoughts, but the questions lingered at the back of his mind.
Before they could continue their conversation, two more figures approached the courtyard—**Zhou Wei** and **Mei Chen**, the remaining members of their team. Zhou Wei, always composed and calculating, wore a thoughtful expression as he studied the two of them, while Mei Chen's lithe form moved with effortless grace, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Looks like the team's all here," Zhou Wei said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I've been thinking about our strategy for the tournament. If we can combine our strengths, we'll be able to take on even the strongest opponents."
Li Wei nodded. "That's the plan. Each of you has your own strengths, and together, we'll be stronger than any single one of us could be."
Mei Chen crossed her arms, her gaze flicking between Li Wei and Li Jun. "So, what's next? More training?"
"Yes," Li Wei said, his tone firm. "We'll train as a team today, but I also want each of you to work on improving your individual weaknesses. Mei Chen, your speed is unmatched, but you need to work on your endurance. You tire too quickly in prolonged battles."
Mei Chen nodded, her expression serious. "I've noticed that too. I'll work on it."
"Zhou Wei," Li Wei continued, turning to the strategist of the group. "Your mind is your greatest weapon, but you rely too much on avoiding direct combat. In this tournament, there will be times when you'll have no choice but to fight head-on. You need to be ready for that."
Zhou Wei inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Understood. I'll focus on strengthening my physical abilities."
"And Li Jun," Li Wei said, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at the youngest member of the group. "You've made great progress, but you still lack confidence in your own abilities. Trust yourself more. You have the potential to surpass even your own expectations."
Li Jun blinked in surprise, then nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll do my best."
Just then, another figure appeared at the entrance to the courtyard—**Jin Rui**. His expression was serious, though there was a glimmer of determination in his eyes.
"Li Wei, Li Jun, Zhou Wei, Mei Chen," Jin Rui greeted, his voice steady. "I've come to inform you that the training sessions for the mini-tournament are starting today. Elder Li Shun has arranged for us to train together as a team."
Li Wei nodded. "Good. It's time to see how well we work together."
Jin Rui looked at Li Wei for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I've been training hard since our duel, Li Wei. I won't let you down."
Li Wei's expression remained calm, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I know you won't, Jin Rui. But remember, this isn't just about individual strength. We need to work together as a team if we want to win."
Jin Rui nodded, his jaw set in determination. "I understand."
---
The training session was intense.
Elder Li Shun, overseeing the training, had set up a series of grueling exercises designed to push each member of the team to their limits. From sparring matches to Qi control drills, every aspect of their cultivation was tested.
Li Jun struggled at first, still adjusting to the rapid pace, but under Li Wei's guidance, he improved quickly. Mei Chen focused on increasing her endurance, pushing herself beyond her limits in the speed drills. Zhou Wei, though not the strongest physically, used his sharp mind to outmaneuver his opponents during sparring sessions. Jin Rui, as expected, was strong and skilled, though his pride still got the better of him at times.
Li Wei, however, was a step ahead of them all. His movements were precise, his control over Qi flawless. He didn't waste energy on unnecessary actions, and his strikes were always perfectly timed. Even Elder Li Shun, known for his strict standards, couldn't hide the look of approval that crossed his face as he watched Li Wei in action.
As the training session came to a close, the team was exhausted but satisfied. They had made significant progress, but there was still much work to be done before the mini-tournament.
Gathered under the shade of an ancient oak tree, the five teammates settled down to catch their breath. Mei Chen stretched her lithe frame, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. "That was intense," she remarked, a hint of a smile on her lips. "But I can feel myself getting stronger."
Zhou Wei adjusted his wristbands, his analytical eyes scanning the group. "Our coordination is improving," he noted. "But we need to work on our timing. In a real battle, a second's delay could cost us dearly."
Li Jun glanced at Li Wei, who sat calmly with his eyes closed, as if the grueling training had hardly affected him. Questions swirled in Li Jun's mind. How had Li Wei become so knowledgeable and powerful seemingly overnight? For years, Li Wei had been perceived as lazy, unmotivated, and uninterested in cultivation. But now, he displayed skills and wisdom beyond their years.
"Li Wei," Li Jun began hesitantly.
Li Wei opened his eyes, his gaze steady. "Yes?"
"I've been meaning to ask..." Li Jun hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "How did you improve so much in such a short time? It's like you've become a different person."
The others turned their attention to Li Wei, curiosity evident on their faces. Mei Chen nodded in agreement. "You used to skip training sessions, but now you're leading them. And your techniques are... advanced."
Zhou Wei leaned forward, his interest piqued. "It's as if you've been hiding your true abilities all this time."
Li Wei regarded them thoughtfully. He knew this moment would come—their questions were inevitable. Offering a faint smile, he replied, "Sometimes, it takes a significant event to ignite one's true potential. I realized that if I continued on my previous path, I would only hinder myself and those around me."
Jin Rui crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "So, you were pretending to be less capable than you are?"
"Not exactly," Li Wei said calmly. "I was searching for purpose. But recent events have given me clarity."
Li Jun looked unconvinced. "But to advance so quickly... It doesn't add up."
Li Wei met his gaze. "I've always had the foundation. I just needed the right motivation to build upon it."
Mei Chen smiled softly. "Well, whatever the reason, we're glad to have you leading us."
"Indeed," Zhou Wei agreed. "Your strategies have been invaluable."
Li Jun nodded slowly but couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Li Wei's transformation. He recalled the times they spent together as children—Li Wei had always been bright but never this driven. Was he hiding something?
"Anyway," Li Wei said, standing up. "We should rest and recover. Tomorrow, we'll focus on refining our team tactics."
The group dispersed, each heading to their quarters. Li Jun lingered, watching Li Wei as he walked away. Determined to find answers, he resolved to observe his friend more closely.
---
Later that evening, Li Wei sat in his dimly lit room, the soft glow of a candle casting shadows across the walls. He summoned the **Immortal Ascension System**, and the translucent interface appeared before him.
---
**Immortal Ascension System**
**Host:** Li Wei
**Cultivation Level:** Qi Gathering Stage 3
**Experience Points:** 50/300
**Inventory:**
- **High-Grade Qi Gathering Pill**
- **Heaven's Dance Sword Manual**
- **Refinement Orb**
**New Mission:** Lead your team to victory in the Li Clan's mini-tournament.
**Reward:**
- **500 Experience Points**
- **Mystic Jade Pendant**: Conceals the wearer's true cultivation level and enhances Qi absorption.
---
Li Wei's eyes lingered on the new mission. The **Mystic Jade Pendant** would be a valuable asset, allowing him to hide his true strength—a useful tool for the challenges ahead.
Closing the interface, he leaned back, deep in thought. His teammates were progressing well, but he needed to ensure they were prepared for the unexpected. The mini-tournament wouldn't just test their skills; it would test their unity and resolve.
---
The next morning, Li Wei gathered his team at the secluded training ground. The air was crisp, and the morning sun bathed the area in a golden hue.
"Today, we'll focus on synergy," Li Wei announced. "Understanding each other's movements without the need for words."
Mei Chen nodded. "Like anticipating each other's actions?"
"Exactly," Li Wei replied. "In battle, hesitation can be fatal. We need to operate as a single unit."
Zhou Wei stepped forward. "I've been working on signal patterns we can use. Subtle gestures that won't be obvious to our opponents."
"Good thinking," Li Wei said. "Let's incorporate them into our drills."
As they practiced, Li Wei observed each member closely. Mei Chen's agility and stealth were exceptional; she moved like a shadow, silent and swift. Zhou Wei's strategic mind allowed him to predict opponents' moves, making him a valuable asset in planning their attacks. Jin Rui's raw power and combat skills provided the muscle they needed, though he still struggled with teamwork at times.
Li Jun, however, concerned Li Wei the most. While his dedication was unwavering, his lingering doubts could hinder his performance.
"Li Jun," Li Wei called out during a break. "Walk with me."
They strolled to a quiet spot beneath a flowering tree. Li Wei turned to face his friend. "You've been distracted."
Li Jun sighed. "I just... I can't help but feel there's something you're not telling me."
Li Wei considered his response carefully. "I won't deny that I have my secrets, Li Jun. But trust that everything I'm doing is for the benefit of our team—and for you."
"I do trust you," Li Jun said quickly. "It's just hard not knowing."
Li Wei placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "In time, all will become clear. For now, focus on your training. You're improving rapidly."
Li Jun managed a small smile. "Alright. I'll do my best."
---
Over the next few days, the team's cohesion improved significantly. They moved in harmony, their attacks and defenses flowing seamlessly. Li Wei's guidance was instrumental, his insights pushing them beyond their perceived limits.
On the eve of the mini-tournament, the team gathered for a final meeting.
"We've come a long way," Li Wei began, his gaze steady. "No matter what happens tomorrow, remember that we've grown stronger together."
Mei Chen raised her fist confidently. "We're ready. Let's show them what we're made of."
"Agreed," Jin Rui said with a determined nod. "We won't let all this training go to waste."
Zhou Wei adjusted his glasses, a rare smile on his face. "Our strategies are solid. Victory is within reach."
Li Jun took a deep breath. "Together."
Li Wei smiled. "Together."
---
That night, as the others rested, Li Wei stood alone atop a hill overlooking the clan grounds. The moon cast a silvery glow, and the stars sparkled like scattered jewels.
He closed his eyes, reaching out with his senses. The Qi of the world flowed around him, a constant, ever-present force. Drawing it in, he felt his strength solidify, his connection to the energy deepening.
"Tomorrow marks the beginning," he thought. "A step toward greater challenges."
Opening his eyes, Li Wei gazed into the distance. He was aware that his rapid advancement and sudden display of leadership had raised suspicions, but he was prepared to face them. His past lives had taught him the importance of patience and foresight.
"For now, the path is clear," he whispered to the night sky. "I will lead them to victory and secure the foundation needed for what's to come."
As dawn approached, Li Wei returned to his quarters, ready to face the trials ahead.