Chapter 26 - A Storm on the Horizon
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting silver light over the sect's towering peaks. Wang Li sat cross-legged in his room, his mind unsettled despite his attempt at meditation. The Sect Master's summons earlier that day still weighed on him.
"A delegation from the Azure Sky Sect arrives next week. You will assist in hosting them."
The words felt more like a warning than an invitation.
He let out a slow breath, opening his eyes just as a knock sounded on his door.
"Enter," he called.
The door slid open, revealing Feng Yuling, her usual composed expression tinged with something unreadable. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
"You're worried," she stated, taking a seat across from him.
Wang Li smirked. "Worried is a strong word. I prefer 'cautiously paranoid.'"
Feng Yuling didn't smile. "You should be. The Azure Sky Sect doesn't make casual requests. If they asked for you specifically, there's a reason."
Wang Li leaned forward. "And you have an idea what that reason is?"
She hesitated before nodding. "Jiang Tian's loss to you caused a stir. But there's more to it. The Azure Sky Sect has been growing restless. Their elders have been pushing for... changes in the balance of power."
Wang Li frowned. "Are you saying this is political?"
Feng Yuling met his gaze. "Everything in the cultivation world is political."
A heavy silence stretched between them before she sighed. "Just be careful. If anything feels off, don't hesitate to walk away."
Wang Li chuckled. "I'd love to, but something tells me they won't make it that easy."
Feng Yuling stood. "Then don't let them control the game. Play your own."
With that, she left, leaving Wang Li alone with his thoughts.
---
Morning came faster than he would have liked.
The sect grounds buzzed with activity as preparations for the Azure Sky Sect's arrival were finalized. Wang Li stood near the main courtyard, watching as disciples hurried to and fro, setting up for the formal reception.
"You're actually awake on time," Mu Qingling teased, walking up beside him.
"I didn't sleep much," Wang Li admitted.
"Anxious?" she asked.
"More like... curious."
Mu Qingling tilted her head. "Curious about what?"
"Why they want me there," he said. "And whether they plan to kill me outright or wait until dessert."
Mu Qingling snorted. "If they try anything, I'll cut them down before they can lift a teacup."
Wang Li laughed. "I appreciate the sentiment."
Before they could continue, a commotion at the sect gates drew their attention. The delegation had arrived.
Azure-robed figures stepped through the entrance, their presence exuding power and confidence. At the forefront was an elder with sharp features and a piercing gaze. Behind him, Jiang Tian walked stiffly, his face a mask of forced composure.
But it wasn't Jiang Tian that caught Wang Li's attention—it was the young man beside him.
He was tall, with a refined bearing, his expression one of amusement and quiet authority. His robes were more elaborate than the others, the embroidery indicating a high rank.
"Who's that?" Wang Li whispered.
"Zhao Chen," Mu Qingling answered, her tone serious. "One of their top disciples. If Jiang Tian was the hammer, Zhao Chen is the scalpel."
Zhao Chen's eyes met Wang Li's, and a slow smile spread across his lips.
Wang Li had the distinct feeling that this was the beginning of something troublesome.
Chapter 26: A Storm on the Horizon (Part 2)
Zhao Chen's smile was the kind that made Wang Li's instincts scream danger. It wasn't mocking, nor was it openly hostile—it was the smile of someone who already considered himself the winner of a game that hadn't even started.
Beside him, Mu Qingling crossed her arms. "I don't like him."
Wang Li smirked. "That makes two of us."
As the Azure Sky Sect's delegation was formally welcomed into the sect, the elders exchanged pleasantries, their words laced with hidden meanings. Wang Li barely paid attention to the politics. His focus remained on Zhao Chen, who, despite standing at ease, carried himself like a predator watching prey.
Lin Ruoyan approached them, her expression unreadable. "The Sect Master has arranged a formal banquet for tonight. All key disciples are required to attend."
Mu Qingling groaned. "Great. A room full of stuck-up elites who think they're above us."
"Exactly why I'm not looking forward to it," Wang Li muttered.
Lin Ruoyan shot him a look. "You should be careful, Wang Li. I've heard rumors that Zhao Chen isn't just a top disciple—he's the personal disciple of the Azure Sky Sect's Grand Elder."
Wang Li's brows lifted slightly. That explained his confidence. Someone with backing like that could do almost anything without consequence.
"Well," he sighed, stretching. "Guess I should pick out my best robe and prepare to be underestimated."
Mu Qingling smirked. "I don't think Zhao Chen underestimates you. In fact, I think he's very interested in you."
"That makes it worse," Wang Li muttered.
---
The Banquet of Hidden Daggers
That evening, the banquet hall was illuminated with floating lanterns, casting a golden glow over the long tables laden with rare delicacies. The air buzzed with polite conversation and thinly veiled hostility.
Wang Li found himself seated across from Zhao Chen, who raised his cup in a silent toast before taking a sip.
"I've heard much about you, Wang Li," Zhao Chen finally spoke, his voice smooth and unhurried. "The disciple who humiliated Jiang Tian in front of an audience."
Wang Li smiled casually. "Not my fault he wasn't prepared."
Jiang Tian's fists clenched, but he said nothing. Clearly, he'd been warned to behave.
Zhao Chen chuckled. "I like that attitude. Tell me, have you ever considered joining the Azure Sky Sect?"
The question made the entire table go silent. Mu Qingling stiffened beside Wang Li, while Feng Yuling, seated farther down, narrowed her eyes.
Wang Li blinked. "You're recruiting me? Right here? In the middle of your rival's sect?"
Zhao Chen shrugged. "The strong deserve to be where they are most valued."
The arrogance was astonishing. Wang Li almost laughed. "And what makes you think I'd leave?"
Zhao Chen's gaze sharpened. "Because your potential is wasted here."
A heavy tension fell over the table. The elders of their sects continued talking as if they hadn't noticed, but it was clear that everyone at Wang Li's table was listening intently.
Wang Li tilted his head. "That's a nice way of saying you think you're better than us."
Zhao Chen smirked. "I don't think. I know."
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Mu Qingling scoffed. "You're awfully confident for someone who hasn't fought Wang Li yet."
Zhao Chen finally set his cup down, his movements deliberate. "Would you like to change that?"
For a moment, silence stretched between them.
Then Wang Li grinned. "I thought you'd never ask."