The faint hum of Qi filled the air as the Jade Peak Sect buzzed with activity. Disciples practiced in courtyards and halls, their movements swift and sharp, each step infused with determination. Wei Liang had fallen into a steady rhythm, balancing his training with moments of quiet reflection at the Spirit Mirror Pool.
While his progress toward the ninth layer of the Qi Gathering Realm was steady, it was the smaller victories—refining techniques, strengthening his meridians, and learning from his allies—that reminded him how far he had come.
---
Zhang Fei's Sharp Focus
One morning, Zhang Fei stood in the corner of the training courtyard, sparring with two disciples at once. Her daggers flashed like lightning, her movements fluid and precise. Wei Liang watched from the sidelines, noting how she evaded each strike, countering with swift, calculated blows.
"She's like a blade herself," Han Xun muttered, leaning on his spear beside Wei Liang. "Sharp and impossible to catch."
"She's worked for it," Wei Liang replied, admiration clear in his tone.
As Zhang Fei disarmed one opponent and forced the other to yield, she turned to Wei Liang, smirking faintly. "You're up next."
Wei Liang grinned and stepped forward, his sword glinting in the sunlight. The sparring match was intense but controlled, each strike and counter testing their growing strength.
"You're getting faster," Zhang said as they broke apart. "But you still leave openings when you commit to a strike."
Wei Liang nodded, adjusting his stance. "I'll work on it."
---
Han Xun's Stamina Tested
Later that day, Elder Cai announced a new exercise: endurance training. The disciples were tasked with maintaining their Qi flow while striking heavy stone dummies—massive constructs designed to absorb impact and reflect energy back onto the attacker.
Han Xun grinned as he stepped up to the challenge, his Wood Root Qi thrumming with steady power. "Finally, something that plays to my strengths."
His strikes were relentless, each swing of his spear powerful and deliberate. The energy rebounded against him, but his stamina seemed endless. Even as sweat dripped down his face, he pressed on, his strikes growing stronger with each hit.
By the end of the exercise, Han Xun was the last disciple standing, his breathing steady despite the strain.
Elder Cai nodded approvingly. "Good. Strength is meaningless without endurance. Remember that."
Han Xun turned to Wei Liang and Zhang Fei, his grin wide. "I think I've earned an extra bowl of rice tonight."
---
Lin Ziyan's Growing Shadow
Across the training grounds, Lin Ziyan's presence continued to loom. While he spent less time interacting with the other disciples, his dominance in combat and cultivation remained unchallenged. His matches were swift and decisive, his Qi radiating an intensity that left no doubt about his strength.
Yet Wei Liang couldn't ignore the subtle cracks in Lin Ziyan's aura revealed by the Lunar-Eye Lens. They were faint, but they grew more pronounced with each display of power.
"He's pushing himself too hard," Wei Liang muttered one afternoon, watching Lin Ziyan spar.
Zhang Fei nodded beside him. "He's trying to stay ahead, but he doesn't realize he's burning himself out."
Han Xun crossed his arms. "Good. Let him keep burning. Gives us time to catch up."
Wei Liang frowned, unsure if Lin Ziyan's cracks would lead to his downfall—or if they would only make him more dangerous.
---
A Sudden Mission
That evening, Elder Lin summoned Wei Liang, Zhang Fei, and Han Xun to the main hall. Her expression was calm but serious as she addressed them.
"We have received reports of disturbances near the Shadowed Valley," she began. "The area is known for its volatile Qi, but recently, it has grown worse. Spirit beasts are becoming more aggressive, and travelers have gone missing. The sect needs you to investigate."
Zhang Fei's eyes narrowed. "What are we looking for?"
"Anything unusual," Elder Lin replied. "The source of the disturbance may be natural, or it may be the result of tampering. Whatever it is, your task is to identify it and return safely."
Wei Liang exchanged a glance with his friends, their determination mirrored in their expressions.
"We'll handle it," he said.
---
The Shadowed Valley
The journey to the Shadowed Valley was uneventful at first. The path wound through dense forests and rolling hills, the air growing colder as they neared their destination.
By the time they reached the valley, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the jagged cliffs and gnarled trees. The air was thick with Qi, its oppressive weight pressing down on them.
"This place feels… wrong," Han Xun muttered, his spear gripped tightly in his hand.
Wei Liang activated the Lunar-Eye Lens, scanning the area. The landscape shifted in his vision, revealing faint veins of Qi pulsing erratically through the ground and trees.
"There's something unstable here," Wei Liang said. "The Qi is fractured—like it's being pulled in different directions."
Zhang Fei drew her daggers, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows. "Stay close. We don't know what's out there."
---
The First Encounter
As they ventured deeper into the valley, the sound of rustling leaves and distant growls grew louder. Wei Liang felt his pulse quicken as a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness ahead.
A spirit beast stepped into view—a massive Shadowfang Wolf, its dark fur rippling with chaotic energy. Its low growl sent a chill through the air.
"Here we go," Han Xun said, raising his spear.
The wolf lunged, its claws swiping at Han, who deflected the blow with his spear. Zhang Fei darted to the side, her daggers flashing as she aimed for the beast's legs.
Wei Liang moved in sync with them, his sword glowing faintly with shadow Qi. The Lunar-Eye Lens revealed the wolf's weak points—its joints and the base of its neck.
"Focus on the legs!" he called, slashing at the wolf's hind leg.
The beast howled in pain but lashed out with renewed fury, forcing the group to scatter.
---
Zhang Fei struck next, her daggers slicing deep into the wolf's flank. Han Xun followed with a powerful thrust of his spear, driving it into the beast's shoulder.
Wei Liang saw his chance. Channeling his Qi, he leaped forward and delivered a decisive blow to the wolf's neck. The beast collapsed, its body dissolving into faint wisps of Qi.
Breathing heavily, the group regrouped, their eyes scanning the darkness for more threats.
"That was just one," Zhang Fei said, her voice steady despite the tension. "There could be more."
Han Xun grinned. "Good. Let them come."
---
As they moved further into the valley, Wei Liang noticed a faint glow emanating from a crack in the ground ahead. Activating the Lunar-Eye Lens, he saw a small, pulsing core of energy buried within the earth.
"There's something here," he said, crouching to examine it.
Zhang Fei frowned. "Is it causing the instability?"
"Maybe," Wei Liang replied, reaching out cautiously.
The System chimed softly.
[Item Detected: Fragment of Qi Disruption Core. Analysis: Artifact generating unstable Qi flows. Removal may stabilize the area.]
"We need to take it," Wei Liang said.
Han Xun nodded. "Let's be quick about it. This place gives me the creeps."
As Wei Liang retrieved the core, the ground trembled slightly, and a low growl echoed in the distance.
"Of course," Zhang Fei muttered, readying her daggers. "More trouble."
Wei Liang pocketed the core, his sword in hand. "Let's get out of here. Fast."
The shadows around them seemed to move, and the valley's oppressive air grew heavier. But Wei Liang and his team pressed forward, their resolve unshaken.
The climb to strength was never easy, but they had come too far to falter now.