Chapter 38 - Shadows Behind Smiles
Wang Li remained seated as the banquet resumed, though the energy in the pavilion had shifted. His victory in the spiritual control test had surprised many, but he knew it had also put a target on his back. Bai Ziyan smiled, raising his cup in a gesture of goodwill, but there was a sharpness behind his gaze that hadn't been there before.
Mu Qingling leaned in. "That wasn't just a simple test, was it?" she murmured.
"No," Wang Li replied under his breath. "He wanted to gauge my abilities, maybe even humiliate me. I doubt he'll stop there."
Lin Ruoyan smirked, her fingers lazily tapping her sword hilt. "Let's see if he tries anything else. I wouldn't mind cutting this night short—literally."
Wang Li sighed, keeping his expression neutral. Violence wasn't the answer—not yet. He had won the first round, but he had no doubt there would be more games to come.
An Unexpected Proposition
As the banquet continued, a soft voice spoke from behind him.
"You handled that well, Brother Wang."
Wang Li turned to see a young woman dressed in a flowing azure robe, her long dark hair cascading like silk. Her features were delicate, but her eyes held a keen intelligence.
Mu Qingling stiffened. "Who's this?"
The young woman smiled. "My name is Lan Yue. I am one of the Azure Sky Sect's senior disciples." She turned her gaze back to Wang Li. "I've been observing you."
"That makes me feel safe," Wang Li said dryly.
Lan Yue chuckled. "No need to be wary. I admire strength, and I recognize a rising star when I see one. The Azure Sky Sect values talent, you know."
Mu Qingling narrowed her eyes. "If you're here to recruit him, you're wasting your breath."
Lan Yue took a sip of her wine, unbothered. "Not necessarily. I merely want to extend a friendly conversation. If you ever feel... restricted by your current sect, there are always doors open elsewhere."
Wang Li gave a polite smile but said nothing. He had no intention of betraying his sect, but the fact that they were even making the offer meant something.
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They see me as valuable.
It also meant they saw him as someone who could be turned.
Before he could respond, a loud voice cut through the hall.
"Enough talk—let's give our guests a real show!"
Bai Ziyan had risen from his seat, a confident smirk on his face. He gestured toward the center of the pavilion, where an open sparring ring had been prepared.
"Brother Wang, how about a friendly match?" Bai Ziyan's tone was light, but there was an undeniable edge to his words. "A single exchange—no serious injuries, of course."
Wang Li exhaled slowly. Here we go.
The Duel Begins
Wang Li stepped into the ring, meeting Bai Ziyan's gaze. The crowd gathered, murmuring with excitement.
Bai Ziyan unsheathed his sword, a sleek weapon infused with icy qi. "I'll even let you make the first move."
Wang Li smirked. "How generous."
He didn't waste time. The moment the match began, he surged forward, his Shadowfang dagger gleaming as he slashed at Bai Ziyan's side.
But Bai Ziyan was fast. His blade intercepted with ease, the impact sending sparks flying.
Wang Li twisted, his movements fluid, striking from different angles, but each time, Bai Ziyan blocked effortlessly. He wasn't just skilled—he was toying with him.
"Not bad," Bai Ziyan murmured. "But predictable."
Then he struck.
A sudden burst of icy qi exploded from his sword, forcing Wang Li to retreat. The air around him grew cold, frost forming on the stone beneath his feet.
Bai Ziyan pressed the attack, his strikes elegant and precise, forcing Wang Li to dodge rather than block. Each swing left a trail of frozen air, slowing his movements.
I can't let this drag on.
Wang Li switched tactics. Instead of dodging away, he stepped in. Close combat was his specialty, and Bai Ziyan wasn't expecting it.
A flicker of surprise crossed Bai Ziyan's face as Wang Li ducked under his next strike, sliding behind him in one fluid motion.
Then, using the momentum, Wang Li struck.
His dagger flashed, aiming for Bai Ziyan's exposed shoulder—but at the last second, Bai Ziyan twisted, redirecting the attack just enough to avoid a direct hit.
Still, the blade nicked his sleeve, drawing a thin line of red on his arm.
The audience gasped.
Bai Ziyan stepped back, inspecting the wound. He chuckled, shaking his head. "Well played."
He sheathed his sword, signaling the match was over. Wang Li did the same, his heart still pounding.
The crowd erupted into applause.
Bai Ziyan stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You're stronger than I thought. But this isn't over."
Wang Li smiled. "It never is."
An Ominous Warning
As the banquet wound down, Wang Li stepped outside to get some fresh air.
Feng Yuling appeared beside him, her presence as quiet as the wind.
"You made a powerful enemy today," she said softly.
"I already had one," Wang Li muttered.
She handed him a small jade slip. "I intercepted a message. Someone from the Azure Sky Sect is planning something... and it involves you."
Wang Li's grip tightened around the jade slip. He had expected as much.
The banquet had been just the beginning.