The Azure Sky Sect's once-familiar grounds felt different to Zhang Wei as he walked through the bustling courtyards. The tournament had tested his strength, the jade key had tested his wits, and now, Meng Yi's offer loomed over him like a shadow. The weight of the decisions he had to make gnawed at him, but he knew hesitation was a luxury he couldn't afford in this world.
His days were consumed with rigorous training, perfecting the Shadow Step Technique while balancing his other cultivation practices. Every move felt sharper, every strike more precise, but the pressure to prove himself kept building.
A week after the meeting in the Shadow Pavilion, another message arrived. A junior disciple handed it to Zhang Wei in the training hall, bowing quickly before vanishing into the crowd.
The parchment felt heavier than it should. As Zhang Wei broke the seal, Meng Yi's elegant script came into view:
"Meet me at the Hidden Falls tonight. A test of loyalty awaits."
Zhang Wei's brow furrowed. Loyalty. The word sent a chill down his spine. He knew Meng Yi wouldn't accept his earlier indecision for long.
Host is advised to proceed with caution. Meng Yi's motives remain unclear.
"No kidding," Zhang Wei muttered, folding the note and slipping it into his robe.
The Hidden Falls were a secluded area on the sect's northern edge, surrounded by dense forest and jagged cliffs. As Zhang Wei approached, the sound of rushing water filled the air, mingling with the rustling leaves. The moon hung high above, casting an ethereal glow over the scene.
Meng Yi stood near the edge of the falls, his silhouette sharp against the cascading water. Two other disciples flanked him, their expressions cold and unreadable.
"Zhang Wei," Meng Yi greeted, his voice calm but firm. "You're punctual. That's a good start."
Zhang Wei stopped a few paces away, his grip tightening on his spear. "What's this about?"
"A simple task," Meng Yi replied, gesturing to the two disciples beside him. "Loyalty is earned, not given. Tonight, you'll prove yours."
One of the disciples stepped forward, dragging a young man into view. The boy couldn't have been older than fifteen, his thin frame trembling as he struggled against his captor's grip.
Zhang Wei's eyes widened. "What's the meaning of this?"
Meng Yi's gaze was steady. "This boy is a spy from another sect, caught trying to steal one of our cultivation manuals. Punishment is death. You will carry it out."
The words hit Zhang Wei like a blow. He stared at the boy, whose terrified eyes pleaded silently for mercy.
"This is your test," Meng Yi continued. "A simple task to show your commitment. Kill him, and you'll earn your place in my faction."
Zhang Wei's pulse quickened, his thoughts racing. The boy was barely more than a child. Could he really take a life so easily?
Host must decide: Fulfill the task to gain Meng Yi's favor or refuse and face the consequences.
Zhang Wei's jaw tightened. He knew the stakes. Refusing Meng Yi could make him an enemy, but killing an innocent boy would haunt him forever.
He took a step forward, gripping his spear. The boy flinched, tears streaming down his face.
"I'm sorry," Zhang Wei said softly, raising his weapon.
Meng Yi's lips curled into a faint smile, but it faltered as Zhang Wei suddenly spun, his spear striking the disciple holding the boy captive. The man stumbled back, releasing the boy, who scrambled away in terror.
Zhang Wei turned to Meng Yi, his spear pointed at him. "I won't be part of this."
Meng Yi's expression darkened. "You're making a mistake, Zhang Wei."
"Maybe," Zhang Wei replied, his voice steady. "But I won't kill someone just to prove my loyalty."
Meng Yi gestured to the other disciple, who lunged at Zhang Wei with a blade. Zhang Wei sidestepped, his Shadow Step Technique activating instinctively. He moved like a blur, his spear striking with precision. The disciple fell to the ground, groaning in pain.
Meng Yi clapped slowly, his demeanor eerily calm. "Impressive. You've grown stronger than I expected."
"This isn't over," Zhang Wei said, his eyes narrowing.
"No, it isn't," Meng Yi replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But you've made your choice, and I respect that. For now."
With that, Meng Yi turned and walked away, his injured disciple trailing behind him.
As the adrenaline faded, Zhang Wei leaned against a tree, his breathing uneven. The boy was gone, having fled into the forest during the commotion.
Quest complete. Host has chosen the path of integrity. Reputation within the sect has increased.
Zhang Wei closed his eyes, a wave of relief washing over him. He had passed the test, but not in the way Meng Yi had intended.
The system chimed again: New quest unlocked: Investigate the rival sect's activities.
"Rival sect?" Zhang Wei muttered, his thoughts returning to the boy. If he truly was a spy, then the sect's troubles ran deeper than he realized.
The next morning, Zhang Wei reported to Elder Hua, recounting the events of the previous night. She listened intently, her expression grave.
"Meng Yi is ambitious, but his methods are dangerous," she said. "You were right to refuse him. The sect cannot afford disciples who prioritize personal power over principle."
"What about the boy?" Zhang Wei asked.
Elder Hua's gaze hardened. "If he was a spy, then we must discover who sent him. I will assign you a mission to investigate further. Be discreet, Zhang Wei. The rival sects are watching us closely."
Zhang Wei bowed deeply. "I understand, Elder Hua."
As he left the elder's chamber, Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. Meng Yi's shadow loomed larger than ever, and now he found himself drawn into a conflict that extended far beyond the Azure Sky Sect.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Zhang Wei knew one thing for sure: he would face whatever came next with the strength and resolve he had cultivated.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured, gripping his spear tightly.