Chapter 34 - The Gathering Storm
The night air was thick with tension as Wang Li stood in his courtyard, his mind racing. The cryptic words of the hooded figure echoed in his thoughts:
"Your rebirth isn't as simple as you think. The power inside you isn't just yours."
It was infuriating. Another mystery. Another unanswered question. And he was running out of time to figure things out.
His grip tightened around the Shadowfang Dagger, its cold surface grounding him. He had three days before the Crimson Pact expected an answer. But now, there was another player in the game—an unknown faction that seemed to know more than him.
If they were warning him, did that mean the Pact was truly dangerous? Or were they both threats in different ways?
Wang Li let out a slow breath. One thing at a time.
First, he needed to get stronger.
And for that, he needed to train.
The Path of Growth
As dawn broke, Wang Li made his way to the Moonlit Valley, a secluded training ground reserved for core disciples. The valley was a place where spiritual energy was unusually dense, and cultivators often sought it out for breakthroughs.
When he arrived, he was surprised to find Mu Qingling and Feng Yuling already there.
Mu Qingling was mid-swing, her sword carving arcs of golden light through the air. Her movements were fast, precise—deadly. Nearby, Feng Yuling sat on a boulder, eyes closed, absorbing the cold spiritual energy unique to her Frost Moon technique.
Wang Li hesitated. After last night's encounter, he wasn't sure if he wanted company. But before he could leave—
"You're late," Mu Qingling called out, sheathing her sword and giving him a smirk. "I thought you said you'd start taking training seriously."
Wang Li rolled his eyes. "Didn't realize I had to report to you every morning."
Feng Yuling opened her eyes and gave him a calm look. "If you waste time, you'll regret it."
Wang Li sighed. "You two are worse than the Sect Elders."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Mu Qingling shot back. "Come on. Spar with me."
Sparring with Mu Qingling was always dangerous. She didn't hold back, and her talent was monstrous. But that was exactly what Wang Li needed.
He had to push himself beyond his limits.
A Brutal Lesson
The first clash came fast. Mu Qingling lunged, her sword moving like a streak of lightning. Wang Li barely dodged in time, twisting his body and countering with a swift dagger strike.
She smirked. "Faster than before."
"Thanks," he grunted, rolling away from her follow-up strike.
The battle escalated. Sparks flew as their weapons met. Wang Li relied on speed, slipping through gaps in her technique, but Mu Qingling was relentless. Every strike was calculated, forcing him into a corner.
Then, in a blur of movement, she disarmed him.
His dagger flew from his hand, embedding itself into the ground several feet away. Before he could react, Mu Qingling's sword was at his throat.
"Dead," she said simply.
Wang Li scowled. "I hate how good you are at this."
"You're improving," she admitted, withdrawing her sword. "But you hesitate. That'll get you killed."
Feng Yuling, who had been watching silently, stood and walked over. "She's right. You have power, Wang Li. But you second-guess yourself too much."
Wang Li rubbed his temples. "You two are really enjoying this, huh?"
Mu Qingling grinned. "A little."
Feng Yuling shook her head. "We're serious. If you want to survive whatever's coming, you need to sharpen your instincts. No more doubts."
Wang Li exhaled. They were right. He hated admitting it, but he wasn't strong enough yet. Not for the Crimson Pact. Not for whoever the hooded figure represented.
Not for what was coming.
A Dangerous Invitation
That night, as Wang Li returned to his courtyard, he found an unmarked letter waiting for him.
He frowned, unfolding it carefully.
"Tomorrow at midnight. The abandoned temple outside the sect grounds. Come alone."
His pulse quickened. Another invitation?
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Was it from the hooded figure? Or was it a trap?
Either way, there was no turning back now.
Wang Li set the letter down, staring at the moonlit sky.
Tomorrow would change everything.