Li Wei was just about to delve deeper into his newfound system when he sensed a strong presence approaching. It was the kind of presence he had only felt in front of the Matriarch and the Supreme Elder.
His eyes widened with a flicker of worry. Great, just what I needed, he thought, glancing nervously at the system prompt still floating in front of him. Can they see this? In these stories, it's usually invisible to others, right? Let's hope that's true here too.
In a rush, he leapt into bed and pulled the covers up to his chin, putting on the most innocent "I've been resting" pose he could muster.
The door creaked open slightly, and the Supreme Elder's voice came through.
"Li Wei, are you decent?" she asked, her tone as commanding as ever.
"Yes, Supreme Elder," he replied, trying to sound as nonchalant as the old Li Wei.
The door opened fully, and Bai Zhen stepped in, her sharp eyes sweeping over the room. "Were you studying?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Li Wei felt a wave of embarrassment hit him. Even the Supreme Elder knew about old Li Wei's collection. This guy really had no shame. Out loud, though, he said, "I was just about to sleep, actually."
Bai Zhen nodded, clearly unconvinced but not pressing the matter. "How are you feeling? I need to check your condition thoroughly. You seemed fine when I examined you earlier today, but we must be sure. That was a terrible poison you were given."
As she began her inspection, Li Wei couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. However, after a thorough check, Bai Zhen finally stepped back, her expression thoughtful.
"Nothing seems amiss," she said slowly. "In fact, you seem even healthier than before."
Li Wei let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "That's good to hear."
Bai Zhen reached into her robes and produced a small, intricately carved jade bottle. "Here, take this. It's a Heaven-grade Vitality Pill. It will help stabilize your condition and enhance your recovery."
Li Wei took the pill and examined it. It shimmered faintly with a golden hue. Wasting no time, he quickly ate it and immediately felt a surge of energy coursing through his meridians, revitalizing him from within.
Bai Zhen nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now, follow me."
Huh? Aren't I on bed rest? Li Wei thought, but he didn't dare to speak up. Instead, he followed the Supreme Elder, staying cautious.
As they walked, Li Wei noticed they were heading toward a part of the sect he had never been allowed in before. The architecture was even more grand and ancient, with walls carved from pure ice that glowed with an almost ethereal light.
"This area is the Sacred Hall of the Founders," Bai Zhen explained, noticing his curious glances. "It's where we keep the most important records and relics of the sect. Only the most trusted and powerful members are allowed here."
Li Wei nodded, trying to fully absorb the information. Interesting. Maybe there's more to this place than I thought.
They finally stopped in front of a set of two large ice doors, each one etched with ancient symbols and protected by a powerful barrier. The Matriarch, Li Xue, and Leng Yue were already waiting there.
"Ah, you've arrived," Li Xue said, her expression softening slightly as she looked at Li Wei. "Come, we have much to discuss."
As they stepped forward, Li Wei couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change dramatically. And for once, it wasn't just because of his own actions.
He tried to maintain his composure as he looked at the Matriarch, Li Xue. He couldn't help but be amazed by her beauty every time he saw her. Her elegant presence, combined with her icy demeanor, made her both alluring and intimidating. Then he noticed Leng Yue standing by her side, equally beautiful with her porcelain skin and frosty blue eyes.
Old Li Wei, you were truly too blessed, he thought, a hint of jealousy creeping in. Two stunning women around you, and you still managed to mess things up. It should've been me, not him.
For a moment, he wondered if this gathering was about some sort of marriage arrangement. After all, from what he could recall from the old Li Wei's memories, Leng Yue was once his servant. Maybe this is a way to tie me down and keep me from causing more trouble.
However, the Matriarch's expression quickly turned serious as she began to speak. "Li Wei, we have called you here because of the dire circumstances we find ourselves in. There have been too many attempts on your life, and we cannot keep you safe here any longer. We have decided to send you away for your own protection."
Li Wei's heart sank. Just my luck, he thought bitterly. I just get here, and they're already packing me off somewhere else. Old Li Wei enjoyed life to the fullest until his last breath, living easy and without a care. And here I am, getting shipped off before I even get comfortable.
Seeing the look of frustration on his face, the Matriarch softened her tone. "I do not want to do this, but it's for the best. Traveling on your own will be good for you. It will help you grow, and I promise to give you more than enough items to start your journey."
The Supreme Elder and Leng Yue both expected him to complain like the old Li Wei would have. Even Li Xue had braced herself for a tantrum. But instead, Li Wei sighed and resigned himself to fate, thinking it might actually be better to be somewhere he wasn't the most hated.
"Where are you sending me?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"We will send you to Azure Sky World, a lower cultivation realm where our sect once had vassals," Li Xue explained. "Although it is a lower world, it will be great for building experience. Leng Yue will accompany you as your protector. With her cultivation level and the items we will give you, you should face very little trouble."
She looked at him with a mixture of hope and regret. "Once it's safe here, I will come to get you. But should you find your way back or reach the same cultivation level as Leng Yue when we come for you, I will grant any one of your deepest wishes."
The Supreme Elder thought this wouldn't be enough to motivate him, expecting the usual whiny complaints. But to her shock, Li Wei perked up, almost breaking character. He bowed deeply and said, "I hope Mother will remember her words."
The Supreme Elder nearly fell over in shock. Could the accident have given him some humility and growth? She looked at him skeptically but decided not to question it.
"Very well," Bai Zhen said. "Prepare yourself, Li Wei. Your journey begins soon."
Li Wei smirked inwardly. Well, this could be interesting. Maybe being away from this place isn't such a bad idea after all.
Bai Zhen stepped forward, her fingers glowing faintly as she performed a technique to open the two large ice doors. The ancient symbols etched into the doors began to shine, and with a deep rumble, the doors slowly swung open, revealing the grand hall beyond.
Li Wei's eyes widened as he took in the sight. Wow.
The hall was vast, filled with shelves lined with ancient scrolls, pedestals holding priceless artifacts, and even the massive bones of long-dead spirit beasts.
Bai Zhen led them to a pedestal at the center of the hall and retrieved a large, ornate circle made of gleaming silver, etched with glowing runes.
"This is the teleportation disk," Bai Zhen explained. "It can be used to travel to other lower worlds, but it requires a significant amount of high-grade spirit stones to function properly."
The Matriarch handed Li Wei a small, intricately carved spatial ring. "This contains everything you will need for your journey."
She then handed another ring to Leng Yue. "This ring has techniques and resources to support your growth, even in the lower world."
Leng Yue bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master. I will not let you down."
Bai Zhen, her impatience evident, placed the teleportation disk on the ground and activated it. The runes lit up, spinning faster until the entire disk glowed brightly.
As the light enveloped them, the Matriarch and the Supreme Elder stepped back.
"Stay safe, Li Wei," Li Xue said softly.
Li Wei nodded, feeling anxious but masking it well. "I will, Mother."
Bai Zhen added, "Remember, this is a chance for you to grow. Don't waste it."
The light intensified, and with a flash, Li Wei and Leng Yue disappeared, leaving the Sacred Hall of the Founders behind.