The sting of the duel lingered in Wei Liang's mind for days. Though his body recovered quickly thanks to the Spirit Stabilization Pill he received from the System, his thoughts were consumed by the image of Lin Ziyan standing over him. The loss wasn't crushing, but it was a stark reminder of the gap between them—a gap Wei Liang was determined to close.
He spent his mornings training alongside Han Xun and Zhang Fei, perfecting the techniques Elder Cai and Elder Lin had taught him. In the evenings, he meditated at the Spirit Mirror Pool, quietly refining the Advanced Qi Circulation Technique the System had rewarded him after the hidden trial.
---
A Subtle Breakthrough
One evening, as Wei Liang focused on his dantian, he felt a subtle shift. The Qi flowing through his meridians moved smoother, faster, and with more intensity than before. The usual blockages in his Earth Root seemed to dissolve slightly, and the cracks that marred his spiritual root in the Spirit Mirror Pool were fainter now.
[Qi Circulation Efficiency Improved: Host's potential growth accelerated by 15%.]
Wei Liang opened his eyes, his body thrumming with energy. He wasn't sure if it was the trial, the intense training, or sheer determination, but he could feel himself getting stronger.
"Step by step," he muttered, clenching his fists.
---
The Growing Divide
While Wei Liang and his friends worked to improve themselves, Lin Ziyan's victories grew bolder and more frequent. Word spread that he had defeated two inner disciples in practice bouts—an unheard-of feat for an outer disciple. Rumors swirled that Elder Yan himself was considering fast-tracking Lin Ziyan to the inner sect.
In the dining hall, the disciples whispered as Lin Ziyan entered, his entourage trailing close behind. His eyes briefly scanned the room, settling on Wei Liang for a moment before moving on.
"Let him gloat," Zhang Fei muttered, noticing the exchange. "He's not untouchable."
Wei Liang nodded but stayed quiet. Lin Ziyan was climbing faster than anyone else, but Wei Liang was starting to see cracks in his armor—his arrogance, his overreliance on raw talent. These were flaws Wei Liang could exploit one day, but only if he continued to grow.
---
A New Challenge
Two days after the duel, Elder Yan called the outer disciples to the main courtyard. Wei Liang and his friends stood among the crowd as the elder's imposing figure addressed them.
"You have spent weeks honing your basic skills," Elder Yan began, his deep voice cutting through the air. "Now, it is time to test your ability to adapt and survive. Tomorrow, you will embark on a sect mission to the Verdant Wastes."
The courtyard buzzed with murmurs. The Verdant Wastes were infamous—a sprawling wilderness filled with dense Qi, rare herbs, and dangerous spirit beasts. Missions there were usually reserved for experienced disciples.
"The Verdant Wastes are home to a peculiar herb known as the Jade-Heart Lily," Elder Yan continued. "It is vital to our sect's alchemical research, and you are tasked with retrieving it. This mission will test your combat skills, teamwork, and ability to navigate hostile terrain. Those who succeed will earn significant merit, while those who fail…" His sharp gaze swept the crowd. "…will have their weaknesses exposed."
Wei Liang's stomach tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm. A mission like this was an opportunity—a chance to prove himself again.
---
Preparing for the Mission
That evening, Wei Liang, Zhang Fei, and Han Xun gathered in the dormitory to prepare. Zhang Fei laid out a map of the Verdant Wastes, her sharp eyes scanning its intricate details.
"The Jade-Heart Lily usually grows near water," she explained, tracing her finger along a river marked on the map. "If we follow this path, we should reach a likely spot within a day."
"Spirit beasts will be the real problem," Han Xun said, sharpening his spear. "The Verdant Wastes are crawling with them, and they don't care how 'talented' you are."
Wei Liang nodded. "We'll stick together and keep moving. We've handled spirit beasts before."
Zhang Fei smirked. "And if Lin Ziyan gets in trouble, maybe we'll lend him a hand."
Han Xun snorted. "I wouldn't count on him returning the favor."
Despite their banter, the tension in the room was palpable. The Verdant Wastes weren't just a test—they were dangerous. Wei Liang tightened the straps on his sword's scabbard, his resolve hardening.
"We've come this far," he said quietly. "We'll come back stronger."
---
The next morning, the outer disciples gathered at the base of Jade Peak. Each team was given basic supplies—water, dried rations, and a satchel for collecting herbs. Jin Yue, the inner disciple overseeing the mission, stood at the front.
"Remember," he said, his voice carrying over the group, "this is not a sparring match. The Verdant Wastes are unforgiving. Work together, or you will fail."
With that, the disciples set off, splitting into smaller groups as they entered the dense forest that marked the edge of the Verdant Wastes.
Wei Liang's group moved quickly, Zhang Fei leading the way with the map in hand. The forest was alive with the hum of Qi, its trees towering high above and their leaves glowing faintly in the sunlight.
"It's beautiful," Han Xun said, his voice tinged with awe.
"Don't get distracted," Zhang Fei replied, scanning the area. "The prettier it looks, the deadlier it probably is."
She was proven right moments later. A shrill cry echoed through the forest, and a massive, serpent-like spirit beast slithered out from the underbrush, its scales shimmering with a metallic sheen.
"Get ready!" Wei Liang shouted, drawing his sword.
---
The serpent lunged, its fangs glinting with venom. Han Xun stepped forward, his spear thrusting toward the beast's open maw. The serpent recoiled, but its tail whipped around, slamming into him and sending him sprawling.
"Han!" Zhang Fei called, darting to his side.
Wei Liang didn't hesitate. He focused his Qi into his sword and slashed at the serpent's flank. The blade connected, leaving a deep gash that oozed black ichor. The serpent hissed in pain, turning its attention to him.
"Zhang Fei, now!" Wei Liang shouted.
Zhang Fei hurled a dagger, the blade embedding itself in the serpent's eye. The beast thrashed wildly, its movements growing erratic. Wei Liang seized the opportunity, driving his sword into the serpent's neck. With one final shudder, the beast collapsed.
Panting, Wei Liang pulled his sword free, its blade coated in the serpent's blood.
"That was… intense," Han Xun said, wincing as he sat up.
Zhang Fei helped him to his feet. "It's not over yet. Let's move before something bigger shows up."
Wei Liang nodded, his gaze shifting toward the forest ahead. The mission was far from finished, but the serpent had proven one thing: their teamwork was strong.
If they could survive this, they could survive anything.