Two weeks had passed since the expedition to the Shadowed Valley, and life in the sect resumed its rigorous pace. The disciples were pushed harder than ever, their training designed to sharpen their skills and strengthen their cultivation. Wei Liang had spent the days immersed in relentless practice, his Qi control becoming more refined, his strikes sharper, and his confidence steady as he climbed toward the seventh layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.
The fragmented chaos of the valley had faded into a distant memory, but its lessons lingered. The experience had solidified Wei Liang's understanding of the cultivation world: survival required both strength and cunning.
The sect itself buzzed with whispers of change. The elders were rumored to be investigating the source of the artifact, while new recruits had arrived, swelling the ranks of the outer sect. Among these were individuals with unique talents and spiritual roots, each bringing a fresh dynamic to the competition among disciples.
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The Subtle Growth of Rivals
During this time, Wei Liang began to notice subtle shifts in his fellow disciples. Han Xun had become more methodical with his spear techniques, blending raw power with a precision that hinted at a deeper understanding of martial arts. He had advanced to the sixth layer, his aura steady and unyielding.
Zhang Fei, on the other hand, moved with an almost predatory grace. Her training focused on speed and deception, and she had mastered a footwork technique that left afterimages in her wake. Though she hadn't revealed the extent of her cultivation progress, Wei Liang could tell she was not far behind.
Even disciples who had previously gone unnoticed were starting to shine. Ren Shou, a quiet young man known for his calm demeanor, had a rare Earth-element spiritual root. His techniques focused on defensive barriers and controlled strikes, making him a challenging opponent in spars.
Then there was Mei Lin, whose Ice-element spiritual root allowed her to freeze her opponents' Qi flow temporarily. She was elusive and calculating, her progress marked by her rapid ascension to the sixth layer.
Wei Liang observed them all, his Lunar-Eye Lens occasionally revealing flickers of their spiritual roots. Each disciple seemed to embody their element in subtle ways—fire-rooted disciples burned with intensity, water-rooted ones flowed with adaptable precision, and metal-rooted individuals like Han Xun exuded steadfastness.
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The Appraisal System in Action
One night, as Wei Liang meditated in his quarters, the system's voice echoed in his mind:
"New ability unlocked: Appraisal Insight."
The ability allowed him to see not just the cultivation level of others but also their strengths and weaknesses in combat. It was a tool designed for strategy, enabling him to gauge his rivals and adapt accordingly.
Curious, Wei Liang activated the appraisal ability, focusing on Han Xun during their next sparring session.
Name: Han Xun
Cultivation Level: Sixth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm
Strengths: High physical endurance, precision strikes, adaptable techniques.
Weaknesses: Slower reaction time in rapid exchanges, overreliance on spear techniques.
The information flashed before Wei Liang's eyes, giving him a clearer understanding of how to approach their match. Though he admired Han Xun's progress, the weaknesses were a reminder that no one was invincible.
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A Test of Progress
Later that week, the sect held an informal sparring tournament for the outer disciples. It wasn't as grand as the upcoming official tournament but served as a platform for disciples to showcase their growth.
Wei Liang watched from the sidelines as Mei Lin faced Ren Shou. Her icy aura filled the arena, frost creeping along the ground as she launched her strikes. Ren Shou countered with earthen walls, the clash of their elements creating a stunning visual display.
In the end, Mei Lin's agility and precise control of her Ice Qi allowed her to edge out a victory. Wei Liang noted her calm demeanor—she never struck unless she was certain it would count.
When his turn came, Wei Liang faced a disciple named Liu Feng, a fiery-tempered opponent with a Fire-element root. The battle was intense, the heat of Liu Feng's strikes forcing Wei Liang to remain constantly on the move.
Wei Liang relied on his Lunar Shadow Steps, weaving through the flames with calculated precision. He didn't aim to overpower Liu Feng but to outlast him. Each strike was deliberate, targeting openings revealed by the appraisal system.
When Liu Feng's Qi began to falter, Wei Liang saw his chance. A quick feint, followed by a decisive strike, brought the match to an end.
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Rumors of the Sect's Shadows
As the sparring matches concluded, Wei Liang couldn't ignore the murmurs circulating among the disciples. The sect's elders had grown increasingly secretive, and rumors hinted at trouble beyond the sect's walls.
"Have you heard?" Mei Lin whispered to Zhang Fei one evening. "There's talk of rogue cultivators targeting sect disciples outside the grounds."
Zhang Fei frowned. "Why would they do that? What could they gain?"
"Who knows?" Mei Lin replied. "But it's not just us. Other sects have reported similar incidents."
Wei Liang listened quietly, his mind racing. The sect's focus on strengthening the outer disciples suddenly made more sense. Whatever was happening, it was clear that the sect was preparing for something far greater than routine cultivation.
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A New Mission Assigned
The next day, Wei Liang, Han Xun, and Zhang Fei were summoned to Elder Lin's chamber.
Elder Lin's expression was as stern as ever, her piercing gaze sweeping over the trio. "You've been selected for a reconnaissance mission outside the sect grounds. Reports indicate unusual activity near the Red Jade Mountains. Your task is to investigate and report back. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary."
The Red Jade Mountains were known for their treacherous terrain and aggressive spirit beasts. It was a dangerous assignment, but Wei Liang felt a surge of determination. This was an opportunity to test not just his skills but the bond he shared with his team.
As they prepared to depart, Wei Liang couldn't shake the feeling that the mission would reveal more than just rogue cultivators. The shadows of the cultivation world were deep, and he was only beginning to understand the extent of their reach.
With the Lunar-Eye Lens and appraisal system at his disposal, Wei Liang knew one thing for certain: whatever lay ahead, he would face it with unwavering resolve.