Two weeks remained before the Rite of Ascendancy, and the atmosphere within the Li clan estate grew more tense with each passing day. The preparations for the event were in full swing, with the younger generation honing their skills and refining their techniques. The entire estate buzzed with activity, as even the elders began offering last-minute advice to the participants. But for Li Wei, these final days were not spent training in panic or anxiety. His mind was calm, and his plans were clear.
After his recent outing in the city, Li Wei had returned to his quarters, reflecting on what lay ahead. His team, after weeks of seclusion and breakthroughs, had grown stronger, but their journey had only just begun. The Rite of Ascendancy would not just be a test of strength but of strategy, endurance, and most of all, cunning.
As he sat cross-legged in his room, the faint glow of candlelight flickered across the stone walls. His system had remained silent since their last interaction, and the strange reward that had yet to reveal itself still weighed on his mind. He knew the system was rarely wrong, but this new element—his bloodline ability—was something even his countless lifetimes had never encountered. And that intrigued him.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Come in," Li Wei said, his voice steady.
The door slid open, revealing Li Jun and Zhou Wei, their expressions a mix of excitement and unease. It had been days since their intense training sessions, and the effects of their breakthroughs were evident in their sharper auras. Still, there was a sense of anticipation hanging over them.
"Li Wei," Li Jun started, his eyes gleaming with energy, "we've done everything we can to prepare, but... something still feels off. I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something important."
Zhou Wei nodded in agreement. "We've mastered the techniques you taught us, and our breakthroughs have made us stronger than ever, but the Rite is not just about cultivation. It's also about navigating the unknown. We need to be ready for anything."
Li Wei rose from his meditative position and walked over to the window, looking out at the quiet courtyard. He could feel the tension in the air. His teammates were right—strength alone would not be enough to carry them through the Rite. There would be traps, schemes, and other forces at play. And with the Zhao and Feng families also sending their best, the competition would be fierce.
"The Rite of Ascendancy will test more than just our cultivation," Li Wei said calmly, turning to face them. "It will test our ability to think ahead, to adapt, and to outsmart our opponents. We need to be prepared for anything, including the unexpected."
Li Jun crossed his arms, frowning slightly. "I know we're strong, but the others—especially those from the Zhao and Feng families—they'll be aiming for us. We're already targets because of the strength we've shown."
Li Wei smirked. "Let them come. We won't just be defending ourselves. We'll be controlling the battlefield."
Zhou Wei raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"The Rite will push us to our limits, but it will also provide opportunities. The others will be focused on showing their strength. We, however, will use their arrogance against them."
Li Wei's words hung in the air as his teammates exchanged glances. They had always known him to be strategic, but there was something about his calm confidence that made them feel like they were in good hands.
Li Jun let out a slow breath. "So, what's the plan?"
Li Wei's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind already working through the possibilities. "We'll prepare ourselves for more than just combat. In these final weeks, we need to study the landscape of the Rite. Learn the environment, analyze the terrain, and anticipate how our enemies will approach each challenge. The Zhao and Feng families may be powerful, but they're predictable."
Zhou Wei, always the more cautious of the group, nodded thoughtfully. "If we can predict their movements, we can turn the tide in our favor."
"Exactly," Li Wei said, his voice firm. "We won't just be participants in the Rite. We'll control it."
A quiet moment passed between them, the weight of the upcoming trial settling in. Though they had trained and prepared, Li Wei knew that success in the Rite would require more than physical prowess. It would require a deep understanding of the enemy and the environment. But with his system and his vast experience, he had the tools necessary to guide them to victory.
As the three of them discussed strategy, the door opened once more, and Mei Chen stepped into the room. Her usually serene expression was tense, a rare look of concern crossing her delicate features.
"I just spoke with the elders," she said quietly. "There's a rumor circulating that the Zhao family has been preparing something… unusual for the Rite. Apparently, they've acquired a special artifact that could give them a significant advantage."
Li Wei's eyes sharpened. "What kind of artifact?"
Mei Chen shook her head. "I'm not sure, but from what I've heard, it's something that can manipulate the flow of Qi in a certain area, disrupting others' cultivation during combat."
Li Wei's mind raced. A Qi-disrupting artifact would be a powerful weapon in the Rite, especially in a competition where control over Qi flow was crucial.
"We'll need to account for this," Li Wei said, his tone serious. "But it won't stop us. If they're relying on an artifact, it means they're already placing limits on themselves. We'll exploit that weakness."
Li Jun nodded, his fists clenched. "We've come this far. We're not backing down now."
With a final nod from Li Wei, the group dispersed, each member retreating to their rooms to continue their preparations. The tension in the air was thick, but Li Wei remained calm, his mind focused on the path ahead.
As night fell over the Li estate, Li Wei stood at his window, gazing out at the distant mountains. The Rite of Ascendancy was approaching, and soon, the entire kingdom of Qianyuan would witness the strength of the Li clan. But more than that, Li Wei knew that this was only the beginning. His true journey had yet to start.
The system's words echoed in his mind, the mystery of his bloodline ability still lingering. Whatever awaited him in the Rite, Li Wei was ready to face it. And when the time came, he would not only conquer the challenges of the Rite, but he would also surpass all expectations.
The countdown had begun.