Two weeks passed in a blur, and the air around the Li clan estate was now filled with a buzzing excitement. The Rite of Ascendancy loomed closer, casting its shadow over the younger generation, who had spent their last days in rigorous preparation. Throughout the estate, whispers of who would emerge victorious had spread, with many placing their hopes on Li Wei and his team after their performance in the clan's internal test.
As the sun began to rise on the final week before the Rite, Li Wei found himself walking through the clan's gardens, his mind clear, his senses heightened. His seclusion training with his team had strengthened them all beyond what any of them had anticipated. But now, with the Rite so near, he needed time to think, to reflect on what lay ahead.
The cool morning breeze gently swayed the leaves of the towering trees, their rustling providing a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. Li Wei's hands clasped behind his back as he walked deeper into the garden. The serenity of the place was in stark contrast to the chaotic world beyond the estate walls. This, he thought, was the calm before the storm.
As Li Wei moved toward a quiet pond surrounded by ancient stones, he was joined by Li Jun and Zhou Wei, their steps synchronized with his as if drawn by the same unspoken pull.
"Are you ready?" Zhou Wei asked, his voice steady but filled with anticipation.
Li Wei gave a small smile. "Ready for what? The Rite? Or the chaos that follows?"
Li Jun chuckled, crossing his arms. "I'd say both. We all know the Rite is just the beginning. After that, everything changes."
Li Wei nodded, his gaze distant. "You're right. The Rite will change many things, but the challenges we face afterward will be far greater. This is only the first step."
Zhou Wei sighed, his usual calm demeanor showing the faintest hint of tension. "The Zhao and Feng families will be our biggest competition. They've been preparing as much as we have. I've heard rumors that their teams have been training in secret with the help of some powerful elders."
Li Wei's expression remained calm, though his eyes sharpened slightly. "Let them train. Let them bring everything they have. We'll be ready."
Just then, a shadow moved from behind the trees, and Mei Chen appeared, her soft features slightly flushed from her morning training. She bowed lightly to Li Wei, her eyes bright with excitement.
"I just spoke with one of the elders," she said, her voice filled with purpose. "The final preparations for the Rite have been completed. We'll be traveling to the capital of Qianyuan in five days."
Li Wei nodded. "Good. That gives us enough time."
Mei Chen tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Enough time for what?"
Li Wei glanced at his team, his eyes steady as he spoke. "To finalize our strategy."
They all knew that the Rite of Ascendancy was not just a competition of brute strength but also one of strategy and wits. The teams would be tested in ways they couldn't anticipate, but Li Wei had spent weeks analyzing every possible scenario, preparing his team for any curveball that might be thrown at them. The Qi-disrupting artifact that the Zhao family was rumored to possess still lingered in his mind, but he had confidence that they could counter it.
Li Jun shifted, his brow furrowed. "Li Wei, I've been meaning to ask… what's your plan for dealing with that artifact? If they really have something that can mess with our Qi flow, it could throw off everything."
Li Wei's smile was faint but confident. "Let's just say I've accounted for it. Trust me."
His team exchanged glances, but none questioned him further. They had all learned over the past few months that when Li Wei said he had a plan, he did. His calm, almost eerie confidence had earned their trust, even though they still didn't know the full extent of his abilities.
As the group stood by the pond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the garden. Turning, they saw the patriarch of the Li clan, **Li Tian**, approaching with a few high-ranking elders by his side. His imposing figure exuded authority, and though his face was calm, his eyes held the weight of many battles fought and won.
"Li Wei," the patriarch called, his deep voice commanding attention. "I've heard much about your progress in these past few weeks."
Li Wei bowed respectfully. "Patriarch."
Li Tian's gaze swept over the group, his eyes lingering on each of them before settling back on Li Wei. "The elders and I have high expectations for you and your team in the Rite of Ascendancy. The Li clan has always been strong, but this time, we intend to show the kingdom that we are unmatched."
One of the elders, a man with a long silver beard and sharp eyes, stepped forward. "The Zhao and Feng families have already made their moves. They will stop at nothing to claim victory this year. But I believe you already know that."
Li Wei met the elder's gaze, his voice steady. "I do."
Li Tian's expression remained unreadable, but there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "Good. The reward for winning the Rite is not just personal glory. It will secure our clan's position in the kingdom, and more importantly, it will open doors for the future. The winning team will be granted access to a powerful cultivation resource—something that could propel you all to new heights."
Li Jun's eyes widened slightly. "What kind of resource?"
The elder with the silver beard stroked his chin. "An ancient spring, hidden deep in the mountains beyond the capital. Its waters are said to enhance one's cultivation drastically, allowing breakthroughs that would normally take years."
The group exchanged glances, the weight of the information settling in. This wasn't just about winning the Rite anymore. The reward could change their futures forever.
Li Wei, however, remained calm. His system had already hinted at even greater things ahead, and though this spring would undoubtedly be useful for his team, he knew his path lay far beyond the immediate rewards. But he wasn't about to let anyone else take what belonged to him and his team.
"Thank you for the information, Patriarch," Li Wei said, his tone respectful but resolute. "We won't let the clan down."
Li Tian nodded, his eyes softening slightly. "I have no doubt. You have proven yourself time and time again, Li Wei. Just remember—while power is important, wisdom will always guide you through the most difficult trials."
With that, the patriarch turned and walked away, leaving the team standing in the garden with the elders. The atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation, but Li Wei's calm demeanor never wavered. The others may have been nervous about the Rite, but for him, it was simply another challenge. Another step toward his ultimate goal.
As the elders departed, Li Jun let out a long breath, his usual confidence slipping slightly. "An ancient spring? That's… insane."
Mei Chen smiled softly, her calm aura returning. "It's just another reason to win."
Li Wei turned back toward the pond, his gaze steady as he looked into the still waters. "We'll win. But not for the spring. We'll win because this is our path, and nothing will stop us."
Zhou Wei nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Agreed. No one else stands a chance."
As the sun climbed higher into the sky, the team stood together, united in purpose. The Rite of Ascendancy was only few days away, but they were ready. The calm before the storm had passed.
Now, it was time to embrace the storm itself.