Li Wei returned to his room, feeling the lingering exhaustion from the sparring match with Zhang Ho pulling at his muscles. The victory had brought a rush of euphoria, but Chen Yu's words about Senior Disciple Wan and the rumors about the library kept gnawing at him. He locked the door, pulled the "Dancing Leaf" scroll out from under the mattress, and placed it on the table. It was time to figure out how to get the most out of the technique before new problems came knocking.
He sat cross-legged and summoned the system:
Mortal Level, Stage 1, 12% to breakthrough.
Azure Stream Technique — 22%.
Dancing Leaf Technique — 7%.
Progress was there, but slow, like loading a game from an old disk. Li Wei frowned. In novels, heroes found elixirs or secret caves to speed up their cultivation. As for him? He only had stubbornness, the system, and a few stolen hours of sleep.
He unrolled the scroll, rereading the description of the "Dancing Leaf." The technique required not only spiritual energy but also precise coordination of movements. In the sparring match, he had used it instinctively, relying on reflexes, but to truly harness its power, he needed to master the rhythm. Li Wei cleared some space in the cramped room and began practicing the stance: left foot forward, right hand extended, fingers positioned as if to strike. He breathed in the rhythm of the "Azure Stream," trying to channel energy into his palm.
The first attempt failed — the energy dissipated like smoke. The second was slightly better: his palm grew warm, but the strike was weak. The system updated the progress:
Dancing Leaf Technique — 8%.
Li Wei wiped sweat from his forehead. It was like learning to juggle with a blindfold on, but he felt he was close to understanding.
Outside, voices could be heard — disciples returning from training, discussing the sparring matches. Li Wei caught his own name and tensed up. The rumors were spreading faster than he expected. He approached the window, slightly opening the shutters. A group of disciples stood nearby, among them a tall guy in a gray robe with a red belt — a mark of a senior disciple. The system highlighted:
Wan Zi, Senior Disciple of the Outer Court, Mortal Level, Stage 5.
"Zhang Ho failed," Wan Zi said, his voice low and cold. "But this Li Wei... he's not as simple as he seems. Keep an eye on him. If he pulls another stunt, I'll handle him personally."
Li Wei clenched his fists. Wan Zi seemed far more dangerous than Zhang Ho — not just in strength but in cunning. The system chimed in:
New Quest: Avoid conflict with Wan Zi for three days.
Reward: +20 Reputation, access to the Alchemy Shop.
Penalty: Enmity with Wan Zi.
Li Wei frowned. Avoiding conflict? Easier said than done.
He returned to the scroll, deciding that the best defense was preparation. But deep down, he knew: Wan Zi had already set his sights on him, and three days could pass faster than expected.
---
Li Wei continued practicing the "Dancing Leaf," ignoring the murmur of voices outside the window. His movements grew smoother, but the energy still flowed unevenly, like water through a leaky pipe. He kept trying, over and over, until his palm started tingling from weak energy pulses. The system updated:
Dancing Leaf Technique — 10%.
Better, but not enough to feel confident against someone like Wan Zi.
He stopped, wiping sweat from his face, and thought. Wan Zi was no Zhang Ho. If this senior disciple decided to intervene, the "Wind Step" and a weak "Dancing Leaf" wouldn't save him. Li Wei needed a trump card — something that would give him an edge or at least buy time to prepare. He remembered the library. Lin Xue had let him go, but the rumors Chen Yu mentioned might have already reached the elders. Going back there was too risky, but what if there was another way?
He summoned the system, checking his inventory. Apart from the scroll and a few copper coins, there was nothing. But in the quest section, he noticed additional information:
A Merit Point can be exchanged in the Alchemy Shop for basic resources.
Li Wei squinted. Resources? In novels, heroes often used pills or herbs to speed up cultivation. If he could get something like that, it might give him a boost.
A knock on the door made him tense up. He quickly hid the scroll under the mattress and opened the door, expecting to see Chen Yu or, worse, someone from Wan Zi's gang. But instead, it was Lin Xue, her dark eyes fixed on him. She wore the same gray robe, but the jade pendant on her waist glimmered in the sunlight.
"Li Wei," she said without preamble. "We need to talk. Now."
Li Wei felt a chill. Her tone was serious, almost accusatory. He nodded, stepping back to let her in, but left the door slightly open — just in case. Lin Xue entered, crossing her arms and scanning the room as if checking for anything suspicious.
"I heard about what you did to Zhang Ho," she began. "And I know what you took from the library. Want to explain, or should I fill in the blanks myself?"
Li Wei cursed mentally. Did she know about the scroll? Or was she bluffing? The system advised:
Chance to convince Lin Xue: 60%.
Recommendation: Be honest, but don't reveal the system.
He decided to appeal to her sense of justice, just like last time.
"Alright, I was in the library," he admitted, meeting her gaze. "I took a scroll to protect myself. Zhang Ho and his goons wouldn't give me a chance — you saw it yourself. I'm not a thief; I'm just trying to survive."
Lin Xue remained silent, her gaze heavy. Then she stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"You're playing with fire, Li Wei. If Wan Zi finds out, he'll crush you. And I won't be able to help, even if I wanted to."
Li Wei could tell she wasn't threatening him but warning him. But her words about Wan Zi confirmed one thing: time was running out.
---
Li Wei looked at Lin Xue, trying to gauge how far she was willing to go. Her warning about Wan Zi sounded sincere, but he couldn't fully trust her — not after she caught him in the library. He crossed his arms, keeping a calm expression despite the turmoil inside. The system remained silent, leaving him to figure things out on his own.
"Thanks for the warning, Lin Xue," he said with a slight smile. "But why are you helping me at all? Yesterday, you could have turned me in, but you didn't. Now you're here to warn me again. What do you want from me?"
Lin Xue frowned, her jade pendant swaying as she leaned forward.
"Don't flatter yourself," she replied, though her voice wasn't hostile. "I'm not helping you. I'm just… observing. You're not the Li Wei I knew before. That one was cowardly and lazy. But you — you're bold, stubborn, and apparently not afraid to take risks. It's intriguing. But it will also get you killed if you're not careful."
Li Wei felt a hint of curiosity. She was hinting at his change again, and it was dangerously close to the truth about his reincarnation. He decided to change the topic to avoid drawing too much attention to it.
"Let's say I appreciate your observation," he said, shrugging. "But what about Wan Zi? You know him well. How do I keep him off my back?"
Lin Xue sighed, glancing out the window where the disciples were still bustling around the courtyard.
"Wan Zi isn't just any senior disciple. He's talented, cunning, and holds grudges. Zhang Ho is just his pawn, and your victory over him hurt Wan Zi's pride. The best way is to stay low. Don't stand out, don't brag, and for heaven's sake, don't go back to the library."
Li Wei mentally noted her advice. Stay low? Easy to say when the entire sect was buzzing about his fight. But her suggestion gave him an idea. If Wan Zi was keeping an eye on him, maybe he could use that to create a distraction while building his strength. The Alchemy Shop mentioned by the system might be the key.
"Got it," he nodded. "I'll keep a low profile. But what if Wan Zi comes for me anyway? He's stronger than Zhang Ho, right?"
Lin Xue glanced at him, her eyes narrowing.
"Much stronger. He has the 'Iron Fist' technique and is close to breaking through to the 6th stage. If he challenges you to a spar, run. Or hope Elder Liu intervenes."
Li Wei smirked, though he felt a chill inside. Run? Not his style. He decided it was time to check out the Alchemy Shop and see what his merit point could get him. But just as he opened his mouth to say goodbye, a loud voice rang out from outside:
"Li Wei! Come out, or we'll drag you out!"
Lin Xue tensed, and Li Wei recognized the voice of one of Zhang Ho's lackeys. It seemed his reprieve had ended. He glanced at Lin Xue, who shook her head as if saying, "I warned you."
---
Li Wei gritted his teeth, hearing the voice at the door grow louder. The shouts were accompanied by laughter and stomping — it seemed Zhang Ho's lackeys had brought reinforcements. Lin Xue looked at him, her gaze a mix of annoyance and concern.
"This is your problem, Li Wei," she whispered. "But if you go out now, they'll beat you senseless. There are at least five of them."
"Five?" Li Wei smirked, though his heart pounded. "Seems I'm getting popular."
He summoned the system to check his status:
Energy: 80% after rest.
Wind Step: Ready.
Probability Manipulation: Available.
That gave him a chance, but fighting a whole group was suicide. He needed another way out.
He moved to the window, cautiously peeking outside. In the yard stood five disciples, all muscular, with malicious grins. One of them, a short-haired guy with a scar on his cheek, held a wooden club, tapping it against his palm. The system highlighted him:
Liu Feng, Outer Disciple, Mortal Level, Stage 3.
Leader of the group.
The others were weaker, but the numerical advantage made them dangerous.
"Li Wei, stop hiding, you coward!" Liu Feng shouted. "Zhang Ho wants a rematch, but first, we'll teach you a lesson!"
Li Wei glanced at Lin Xue.
"Any ideas on how to avoid a beating? Or are you just here to watch?" he teased.
Lin Xue rolled her eyes but stepped toward the door.
"I'll distract them," she said. "But this is the last time. Get out through the window and run to the Alchemy Shop. It's in the northern part of the courtyard. And stop getting into trouble."
Li Wei nodded, impressed by her determination. He didn't know why she was helping, but he wasn't going to argue. Lin Xue went outside, and he heard her cold voice addressing the group:
"Liu Feng, what's the ruckus? Want Elder Liu to punish you for disturbing the peace?"
The voices outside fell silent, replaced by nervous muttering. Li Wei didn't waste any time. He cracked open the window, ensured the coast was clear, and slipped out, using Wind Step to dash toward the northern courtyard. The system updated the quest:
Progress: Avoid conflict with Wan Zi — 10%.
Side Objective: Reach the Alchemy Shop.
Reward: Resource Information.
He slowed down as he approached a row of buildings with tiled roofs. The Alchemy Shop stood out with a carved sign depicting a cauldron. An old man in a green robe, his long beard almost touching the ground, stood at the entrance. The system highlighted him:
Master Huang, Outer Court Alchemist, Spiritual Level, Stage 2.
Li Wei adjusted his robe and stepped inside, hoping his merit point would grant him something useful.
"Young disciple," the old man grumbled without looking up from his cauldron. "State your name and purpose."
"Li Wei," he replied, trying to sound confident. "I want to exchange a merit point."
Master Huang huffed, finally glancing at him. His gaze was piercing, and Li Wei had the feeling that the old man could see much more than he let on.
---
Li Wei stood before Master Huang, feeling as if the old man's gaze was piercing right through him. The Alchemy Shop smelled of herbs, resin, and something acrid emanating from the boiling cauldron. Shelves behind the counter were lined with vials, pouches, and dried plants, and a scroll hung on the wall with calligraphy that read: "Elixirs — the key to the heavens." Li Wei couldn't help but agree. If he wanted to catch up to Wan Zi or even Lin Xue, he needed resources.
"A merit point, you say?" Master Huang rubbed his beard, squinting. "Quite rare for a novice like you. Let's see what I can offer. But remember: alchemy is not a toy. Choose wisely."
He turned to a shelf and retrieved three items: a small vial containing a murky green liquid, a pouch filled with black seeds, and a clay tablet etched with runes. The system immediately highlighted them:
Minor Restoration Elixir: Restores 50% spiritual energy. Single-use.
Lunar Lotus Seeds: When properly cultivated, they increase cultivation progress by 10% over a week. Requires care.
Breath Meditation Tablet: Enhances mastery of breathing techniques by 20%. Reusable but fragile.
Li Wei pondered. The elixir would be invaluable in a fight, especially if Wan Zi or his lackeys ambushed him. The seeds were tempting, but he wasn't a farmer and didn't have time for maintenance. The tablet seemed the best choice for long-term progress, especially with his Azure Flow technique. He pointed to it.
"The tablet, please," he said, trying not to sound too eager.
Master Huang snorted but handed over the tablet, taking the merit token that Li Wei had earned from the sparring match. The token glowed briefly before dimming, indicating the exchange. Li Wei tucked the tablet under his robe, feeling its cool surface through the fabric. The system updated the quest:
Side Objective Completed: Reach the Alchemy Shop. Reward: Resource Information Acquired.
"Good luck, boy," Master Huang muttered, turning back to his cauldron. "And don't waste your point. The next one will be harder to earn."
Li Wei nodded and left, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. The courtyard was quiet, but he knew Lin Xue couldn't keep Liu Feng and his group distracted forever. He needed to get back to his room and test the tablet. He picked up his pace, but before he could cover half the distance, he saw a shadow flicker around the corner. The system issued a warning:
Probability of Ambush: 25%. Recommendation: Change Route.
Li Wei cursed under his breath. His luck seemed to be running out. He veered into a narrow passage between buildings, hoping to bypass the potential trap. Deep inside, he knew this day wasn't over — and not all surprises would be pleasant. The tablet in his hand felt like both a promise and a burden, reminding him that every step in this world was a gamble for survival.
---
Back in his room, Li Wei set the Breath Meditation Tablet on the wooden table. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and adjusted his posture. The tablet's smooth, etched surface seemed to hum faintly, resonating with spiritual energy. He took a deep breath and activated the system to analyze it.
Item: Breath Meditation Tablet.
Effect: Increases efficiency in mastering breathing techniques by 20%.
Instructions: Place palms on the tablet and synchronize breathing with the etched rhythm.
Li Wei sat cross-legged, placing his palms on the tablet. Immediately, he felt a slight tingling in his hands. Closing his eyes, he followed the rhythm that seemed to pulse through the stone — a steady, calming beat. He aligned his breathing with it, visualizing the flow of energy through his body.
At first, nothing happened. Then, warmth spread from his palms to his chest, as if his spiritual energy had found a new path. The familiar sensation of the Azure Flow technique became more pronounced. The system flashed an update:
Progress in Azure Flow Technique: 25%. Breathing Efficiency Increased.
Li Wei couldn't help but grin. It was working. The rhythm was guiding him, helping to smooth out the rough patches in his technique. For the next hour, he remained immersed in the practice, his breathing becoming more controlled and his energy circulating faster. When he finally opened his eyes, the tablet felt warmer, almost as if it was reacting to his progress.
Just then, a loud knock at the door broke his concentration. His heart skipped a beat as he quickly hid the tablet under his mat.
"Li Wei! Open up!" came a familiar voice — Chen Yu.
Relieved, Li Wei opened the door to see the messy-haired disciple grinning at him.
"Hey, genius. Managed to dodge those thugs, huh? I heard Lin Xue gave them a good scolding. They scattered like rats."
Li Wei smirked.
"Guess they underestimated her," he said, leaning against the doorframe.
Chen Yu raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but don't get too comfortable. Those guys won't forget what you did to Zhang Ho. Wan Zi hasn't made a move yet, but it's just a matter of time."
Li Wei's smile faded. He knew that already.
"I need to get stronger fast," he muttered, more to himself than to Chen Yu.
Chen Yu shrugged.
"That's the spirit. But be careful. Some of Wan Zi's lackeys are already poking around, asking questions about you. You might want to lay low for a bit."
"Lay low? Not really my style," Li Wei replied, his eyes flashing with determination.
Chen Yu chuckled.
"I figured. Anyway, just a heads-up. Oh, and Lin Xue told me to remind you — if you plan on getting into trouble, at least be smart about it."
Li Wei couldn't help but smile at that.
"Tell her I'll keep that in mind."
After Chen Yu left, Li Wei sat back down, resuming his meditation. The Breath Meditation Tablet continued to hum softly, reminding him that his journey had only just begun. As he focused on the flow of his energy, his thoughts wandered to the challenges ahead — Wan Zi, the sect, and the secrets of his system. One thing was clear: if he wanted to survive, he couldn't rely on luck alone.