The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the Li clan's vast estate. The trial had ended hours ago, but the energy surrounding the participants and elders had yet to settle. Word of Li Wei's exceptional display of skill spread like wildfire, traveling to every corner of the clan grounds. From the lowest servant to the most powerful elder, everyone was talking about the youngest son of the Li clan.
In the training yard, Li Wei's teammates gathered. They had been given a short period to rest, but the upcoming Rite of Ascendancy loomed over them like a dark cloud. The stakes were higher than ever, and while they had won the right to represent the Li clan, the weight of that responsibility was only beginning to sink in.
Zhou Wei stretched his sore muscles, letting out a deep sigh. "I still can't believe we did it. I mean... you did it, Li Wei."
Mei Chen, leaning against the nearby wall, nodded in agreement. "The way you handled that formation… It's clear we wouldn't have made it without you."
Li Wei, who had been quietly sitting at the edge of the courtyard, looked up at his team. His expression was calm as always, but his mind was already running through strategies for the Rite of Ascendancy. "We're a team," he said softly. "All of us played a part in the victory. I may have hijacked the formation, but the rest of you held the constructs off long enough for me to do that. Never forget that."
Zhou Wei chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Still, the constructs were no joke. I thought we were done for more than once."
Jin Rui, who had been unusually quiet since the trial, finally spoke up. "We won, but let's not forget the purpose of this. The Rite of Ascendancy is far more dangerous. We were just sparring with illusions today. In the real event, we'll be facing cultivators from other clans—people who won't hesitate to kill us to gain an advantage."
The mood shifted instantly. Jin Rui's words were a sobering reminder of what awaited them. The Rite of Ascendancy was a kingdom-wide competition where the strongest young talents from all the major clans would clash. It wasn't just a matter of pride or prestige—it was survival. Only the strongest teams could make it through the event, and many participants would not return.
Li Jun, standing nearby, frowned at Jin Rui's bluntness. "You're right," he said, his voice low. "But that's all the more reason to prepare. We've been chosen to represent the Li clan. Failure is not an option."
As they continued discussing strategies, an elder approached from the distance, his robes billowing in the evening breeze. His long white beard and sharp eyes instantly commanded respect. It was Elder Xuan, the formation master who had tested them earlier. His steps were measured, and his gaze was focused entirely on Li Wei.
"Elder Xuan," Zhou Wei muttered under his breath, clearly intimidated by the man's presence.
Elder Xuan stopped a few paces away from the group and regarded Li Wei with a deep, appraising look. "Li Wei," he began, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention. "May I speak with you in private?"
Li Wei rose to his feet, his expression unreadable, and nodded. "Of course, Elder."
The two of them walked a short distance away, out of earshot from the rest of the group, but the others couldn't help but watch with curiosity.
Elder Xuan, hands clasped behind his back, stared at Li Wei for a long moment before speaking again. "You've left quite an impression on the elders today," he said, his tone calm but thoughtful. "And on me."
Li Wei remained silent, waiting for the elder to continue.
"Formation masters are rare," Elder Xuan continued. "Even within the great clans of Qianyuan, those who possess the skill and knowledge to manipulate formations are few and far between. You see, Li Wei, the path of a formation master is one of the most respected and elusive. Our talents are highly sought after because of their strategic value in warfare, cultivation, and defense. In the Qianyuan Kingdom, true formation masters are prized by both royal families and sects. You demonstrated today that you possess an extraordinary gift. The way you took control of my formation was not the work of an ordinary cultivator—it was the mark of a master."
Li Wei met the elder's gaze evenly. "I have studied formations for many lifetimes," he thought to himself, but he did not say it aloud. Instead, he gave a respectful nod. "I have been fortunate to learn from a few scattered texts, Elder Xuan. But there is still much I do not know."
Elder Xuan's eyes gleamed with interest. "I've extended my offer before, and I will extend it again. Join me as my personal disciple. With your potential, I can help you unlock levels of formation mastery that most people cannot even dream of. Together, we could push the boundaries of what formations can achieve."
Li Wei paused. This offer was tempting, but he had never been one to submit to another's tutelage. He was already walking his own path—a path that stretched across lifetimes. Still, the opportunity to learn from someone as knowledgeable as Elder Xuan could be invaluable, especially as the Rite of Ascendancy approached.
"I will give it careful thought, Elder," Li Wei replied politely. "Your offer is an honor, and I do not take it lightly."
Elder Xuan smiled faintly, a hint of approval in his eyes. "That is all I can ask. But remember this, Li Wei—true strength comes from knowledge, and knowledge must be passed down. Should you ever choose to walk this path, my door is open to you."
With that, the elder turned and walked away, leaving Li Wei to his thoughts. The moment felt heavy with implication. The chance to learn from a formation master of Elder Xuan's caliber was not something to dismiss lightly.
As Li Wei returned to his group, he found them watching him with eager expressions.
"What did he say?" Zhou Wei asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
Li Wei shook his head lightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Nothing important for now."
Jin Rui frowned slightly but said nothing. He had seen the respect in Elder Xuan's eyes and knew that Li Wei's talents had caught the attention of even the most powerful figures in the clan. It was both a blessing and a burden.
Suddenly, a booming voice echoed across the courtyard, drawing everyone's attention. It was one of the clan's stewards, standing atop a raised platform. "All participants of the trial, gather in the main hall! The patriarch has summoned you!"
The mood shifted instantly. The time for rest had come to an end. The patriarch's summons meant only one thing—the true preparations for the Rite of Ascendancy were about to begin.
Li Wei and his teammates exchanged determined glances. The test had been just the beginning. Now, they would have to prove themselves not only to the clan but to the entire kingdom of Qianyuan.
As they made their way to the main hall, Li Wei's thoughts were already racing ahead. His team had been chosen, and their abilities would be tested far beyond what they had experienced today. The Rite of Ascendancy was not just a competition—it was the crucible that would shape their futures.
But one thing was certain. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Li Wei was ready. He had faced death and rebirth countless times. The Rite of Ascendancy, like all the obstacles before it, would simply be another step toward his ultimate goal.
Immortality.
As they stepped into the hall, the air thick with anticipation, Li Wei couldn't help but feel the weight of destiny pressing upon him. The storm was coming, and this was only the calm before it.