Chapter 25 - Whispers of the Azure Sky
Wang Li barely had time to catch his breath before the next wave of trouble came crashing down on him. The news of the Azure Sky Sect delegation's arrival had spread like wildfire through the sect, and whispers filled the air with speculation.
"Why would they request a nobody like him?"
"He must have offended someone important."
"I heard he's been growing too fast. Maybe the Sect Master wants to test his loyalty."
Wang Li ignored the gossip as best as he could, but even he couldn't deny that something about this situation felt off.
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The next morning, he found himself standing at the outer gates of the sect alongside several other disciples, including Feng Yuling, Mu Qingling, and Lin Ruoyan. The delegation from the Azure Sky Sect had arrived, their robes shimmering in shades of deep blue and gold. Leading them was a tall, refined-looking young man with piercing eyes and a sharp, aristocratic presence.
"Wang Li," Lin Ruoyan whispered beside him. "That's Jiang Tian. Be careful around him."
Jiang Tian? The name sounded vaguely familiar. Before Wang Li could place it, Jiang Tian's gaze settled on him.
"So, you're the one I've heard so much about," Jiang Tian said, his voice smooth but laced with something unreadable.
Wang Li arched an eyebrow. "Depends on what you've heard."
Jiang Tian smiled faintly. "That remains to be seen. I look forward to testing your abilities."
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Later that evening, the sect held a banquet to welcome the delegation. The main hall was filled with the aroma of fine wine and rare delicacies. Conversations buzzed around the room, but Wang Li couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
Feng Yuling leaned closer. "You're being targeted. Jiang Tian isn't here just for diplomacy."
"I figured." Wang Li exhaled. "What's his deal?"
"His sect values talent, but they despise wild cards," she said. "And you? You're the biggest wild card in this sect right now."
Before Wang Li could respond, Jiang Tian stood and raised his cup. "I propose a friendly spar between our sects," he declared, his eyes flickering toward Wang Li. "To test our mutual growth."
The room fell silent.
Mu Qingling scoffed. "So much for friendly."
The Sect Master, amused but not intervening, gestured for them to proceed. Wang Li sighed. There was no escaping this.
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The duel took place in the arena beneath the moonlit sky. Spectators gathered, eager for a show. Jiang Tian stood opposite Wang Li, his posture relaxed but his aura sharp as a blade.
"No hard feelings," Jiang Tian said with a smirk. "Let's see if you live up to the rumors."
Wang Li didn't bother with words. The moment the elder signaled the start, Jiang Tian moved.
His palm struck like lightning, infused with Azure Sky Qi. Wang Li barely dodged, countering with a burst of his own energy. Their movements blurred, exchanging blows faster than the eye could follow.
Jiang Tian's technique was refined, calculated—each strike precise. But Wang Li had fought too many battles to be easily overwhelmed. He adapted, shifting his style mid-fight, forcing Jiang Tian onto the defensive.
"Interesting," Jiang Tian murmured. Then, his aura flared. "Let's get serious."
A sword appeared in his grasp, humming with power. Wang Li clenched his teeth and summoned the Shadowfang dagger.
The next clash sent a shockwave through the arena.
Jiang Tian's blade met Wang Li's dagger, and for a moment, it seemed they were evenly matched. But then, Jiang Tian's energy surged, pressing down on Wang Li like a tidal wave.
Wang Li grit his teeth. He refused to lose.
Digging deep into his reserves, he unleashed a technique he had been hesitant to use—the Frost Moon Step. His body flickered, reappearing behind Jiang Tian in an instant.
Jiang Tian's eyes widened. "What—?"
Before he could react, Wang Li struck.
The impact sent Jiang Tian skidding back, his expression a mixture of surprise and grudging respect.
"Well played," Jiang Tian admitted. "But next time, I won't hold back."
Wang Li smirked. "Neither will I."
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As the duel ended, the spectators erupted into cheers. But Wang Li knew this wasn't the end.
Jiang Tian wasn't just an opponent. He was a warning of greater battles to come.