The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the jagged peaks of the Forbidden Valley. Wei Liang stood at the edge of the valley, his gaze fixed on the distant silhouette of the **Azure Dragon Sect**. The towering gates, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons, loomed like a fortress of power and corruption. It had been weeks since he had last set foot in the sect, and much had changed.
Wei's body was no longer the broken shell it had been when he was betrayed. His qi reserves were brimming, his muscles honed from countless battles, and his mind sharpened by the trials of the Forbidden Valley. The **Celestial Codex System** had transformed him, granting him tools and abilities far beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.
But Wei knew his journey was far from over. The Azure Dragon Sect was a den of vipers, and his enemies—**Zhang Wei** and **Elder Feng**—were still entrenched in their positions of power. To exact his revenge, he needed to tread carefully, gathering allies and resources while masking his true strength.
---
#### **The Disguise**
Wei activated the system's **Disguise Function**, a feature he had unlocked after defeating the Stone Guardian. The interface shimmered before him, offering a range of options to alter his appearance and suppress his cultivation level.
**[Disguise Options:
1. Outer Disciple Appearance (Qi Condensation - Early Stage).
2. Inner Disciple Appearance (Qi Condensation - Mid Stage).
3. Elder Appearance (Foundation Establishment - Early Stage).]**
Wei selected the first option, masking his cultivation level to that of an outer disciple. It was the safest choice, allowing him to blend in without drawing attention. His features shifted subtly, his aura dimming to match the weak, unremarkable presence of a low-ranking disciple.
With his disguise in place, Wei approached the sect's gates. The guards, two burly cultivators clad in silver armor, barely glanced at him as he passed. To them, he was just another outer disciple, insignificant and unworthy of their attention.
---
#### **The Sect's Corruption**
As Wei walked through the sect's sprawling courtyards, he couldn't help but notice the changes. The once-bustling training grounds were eerily quiet, and the disciples he passed moved with a sense of unease. Whispers of corruption and betrayal hung in the air, confirming Wei's suspicions that the sect's leadership had grown even more tyrannical in his absence.
He overheard snippets of conversation as he made his way to the outer disciple quarters.
"Did you hear? Elder Feng has been hoarding all the resources for himself. The rest of us are left with scraps."
"Zhang Wei's been promoted to head disciple. He's been cracking down on anyone who questions the elders."
"It's only a matter of time before the sect collapses under its own greed."
Wei's jaw tightened. The Azure Dragon Sect had always been ruthless, but it seemed the rot had spread deeper in his absence. He needed to act quickly, before the sect's corruption consumed everything.
---
#### **The Inner Disciple Tournament**
Wei's thoughts were interrupted by a loud announcement echoing through the sect.
"Attention all disciples! The **Inner Disciple Tournament** will begin in three days. The winner will gain access to the sect's most valuable resources, including the **Dragon's Breath Pill** and the **Heavenly Sword Manual**."
The announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the disciples, but Wei saw it for what it was: a ploy to distract them from the sect's corruption. The tournament was a spectacle, a way for the elders to maintain control while pitting the disciples against each other.
But for Wei, it was an opportunity.
**[System Notification: New Quest Unlocked - Win the Inner Disciple Tournament.
Rewards: 1000 System Points, Sect Contribution Points, Rare Cultivation Manual.]**
Wei's eyes gleamed with determination. Winning the tournament would not only grant him access to valuable resources but also bring him one step closer to exposing the sect's corruption.
---
#### **Preparing for the Tournament**
Wei spent the next three days preparing for the tournament. He used the **Heavenly Flame Cauldron** to craft a batch of **Qi Replenishment Pills**, ensuring his qi reserves would remain full during the competition. He also trained tirelessly, honing his martial techniques and experimenting with the system's **Idle Combat Simulation** feature, which allowed him to practice against virtual opponents.
**[Idle Combat Simulation Activated.
Opponent: Zhang Wei (Foundation Establishment - Early Stage).
Difficulty: High.]**
The simulation was brutal, pushing Wei to his limits. Zhang Wei's movements were swift and precise, his attacks fueled by arrogance and rage. But Wei refused to back down. He analyzed his opponent's weaknesses, adapting his strategies and refining his techniques.
By the end of the third day, Wei was ready. His body was a coiled spring, his mind sharp and focused. He had grown stronger, not just in cultivation but in resolve.
---
#### **The Tournament Begins**
The tournament was held in the sect's grand arena, a massive structure carved into the side of a mountain. The stands were packed with disciples and elders, their cheers and jeers echoing through the air.
Wei stood among the competitors, his disguise masking his true strength. He scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering on Zhang Wei and Elder Feng, who sat in the VIP section, their expressions smug and self-assured.
The first round was a free-for-all, with dozens of disciples battling in the arena. Wei moved cautiously, conserving his energy while eliminating weaker opponents. His movements were precise and calculated, each strike landing with deadly accuracy.
**[Combat Victory: Outer Disciple Defeated.
Rewards: 10 System Points, Minor Combat Experience.]**
As the rounds progressed, Wei faced stronger opponents, including a cocky disciple named **Li Jun**, who underestimated him.
**[Combat Start: Li Jun (Qi Condensation - Mid Stage) vs. Wei Liang (Qi Condensation - Late Stage).]**
Li Jun attacked with ferocity, his movements fueled by arrogance. But Wei was prepared. He used the **Heavenly Flame Cauldron** to unleash a powerful fire-based attack, catching Li Jun off guard.
**[System Notification: Critical Hit!
Damage Dealt: Severe.]**
Li Jun staggered, his defenses crumbling. Wei pressed his advantage, delivering a final blow that sent his opponent crashing to the ground.
**[Combat Victory: Li Jun Defeated.
Rewards: 50 System Points, Minor Combat Experience.]**
The crowd erupted in cheers, but Wei's victory was bittersweet. He had proven his strength, but his revenge was far from complete.
---
**To Be Continued...**