Path of the Eternal

Chapter 10: Shadows of the Strong

The sun had fully set, casting a golden hue over the Azure Sect's grand arena. Torches were lit, their flames flickering in the wind as the final matches of the day began. Jin Wei stood quietly near the edge of the arena, watching as others fought, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

His body was calm, but his mind was racing with the system's notifications.

[New Task Available: Win tomorrow's semi-final match. Optional Bonus: Win with less than three strikes.]

Jin Wei smiled faintly. "Less than three strikes, huh? Now that's a challenge."

As he stood there, observing the fights, he felt a pair of eyes watching him. Turning slightly, his gaze met Xue Qing, who was leaning against a pillar, her arms crossed, her cold but curious eyes fixed on him.

"You're becoming quite popular," she said, approaching him without breaking eye contact.

Jin Wei smirked. "It seems that way."

Her gaze sharpened. "But popularity brings danger. You've made enemies, you know that, right?"

"I know." Jin Wei's eyes narrowed as he glanced across the field where Fang Li stood surrounded by his lackeys, glaring at him with hatred.

Xue Qing followed his gaze. "Fang Li won't forget this humiliation. He's the kind who will attack from the shadows."

"Let him," Jin Wei said calmly. "I'll be ready."

Xue Qing studied him for a moment, then shook her head, her silver hair swaying gently. "You're strange. You weren't like this before."

Jin Wei gave a faint smile. "Maybe I finally woke up."

Before she could respond, Elder Han's voice boomed across the field.

"The final match for today will be Fang Li versus Xue Qing!"

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"The two strongest facing off already?"

"This will be intense!"

Xue Qing's expression hardened, her usual coldness returning. She looked at Jin Wei and smirked. "Watch carefully. You'll see what a real fight looks like."

Jin Wei watched as she walked into the arena, her figure graceful yet filled with an intense aura.

Fang Li entered the opposite side, smirking as if he had already won.

"You ready to lose, ice princess?" Fang Li taunted, his voice dripping with malice.

Xue Qing's eyes glinted coldly. "We'll see who loses."

"BEGIN!"

The moment Elder Han's voice echoed, Fang Li rushed forward, his sword flashing with a dark light.

"Serpent Blade Technique!"

The blade moved like a viper, fast and deadly, aiming for Xue Qing's neck.

But Xue Qing stood still.

Just as the blade was about to touch her, she moved like flowing water, sidestepping elegantly, her hand glowing faintly.

"Frost Palm!"

A burst of cold energy exploded from her palm, slamming directly into Fang Li's chest. Frost spread rapidly over his armor, forcing him to stumble back in shock.

The crowd gasped.

"She froze him with a single hit?!"

"Her control over Qi is insane!"

Fang Li snarled, breaking the frost with a burst of energy. "You'll pay for that!"

He dashed forward again, this time moving erratically, trying to confuse her.

But Xue Qing's eyes followed him easily. As he attacked from the side, she spun gracefully, using her palm to block and redirect his blade, sending him stumbling.

Jin Wei's eyes narrowed. She's strong. Calm, precise, and dangerous. She doesn't waste any energy.

Fang Li, frustrated, began to gather a dark red energy around his blade.

"Shadow Fang Strike!"

His blade shot forward like a serpent made of energy, aiming to pierce straight through her defenses.

But Xue Qing calmly raised both hands.

"Frost Barrier."

A shield of ice materialized in front of her, and when Fang Li's attack struck, it exploded into shards, but none touched her.

When the dust settled, Xue Qing was already in front of Fang Li, her palm pressing against his chest.

"Frost Bloom."

A burst of ice energy sent Fang Li flying backward, landing heavily outside the stage.

"Winner: Xue Qing!"

The crowd exploded in cheers, but Jin Wei was watching carefully. He could tell—Xue Qing was holding back. She was even stronger than this.

As she stepped off the stage, her eyes met Jin Wei's.

"Your turn tomorrow," she said calmly.

Jin Wei smiled. "I'll be ready."

As night fell, Jin Wei returned to his small courtyard. The moon hung high, casting silvery light over the Azure Sect.

Sitting under the moonlight, Jin Wei opened his system interface.

[Status]

Cultivation: Body Tempering Realm - Stage 2

Energy Control: High

Techniques: Iron Body Palm (Intermediate), Flowing Step (Basic)

System Points: 150

[New Unlockable Techniques: "Mystic Flow Palm" (200 points), "Qi Reinforcement" (150 points)]

Jin Wei looked at "Qi Reinforcement." It would allow him to strengthen his attacks temporarily, doubling his strength for a short burst.

"Not enough points yet," he muttered.

As he sat there, a faint glow appeared in front of him, swirling softly like mist.

His eyes widened.

From within the glow, a faint shape took form—a translucent figure, a spirit.

It was the same system guardian that had appeared briefly during his first awakening.

"You've progressed well, Jin Wei," the spirit said, its voice calm but echoing slightly as if from far away.

"Who… are you?" Jin Wei asked.

"I am the spirit of the system that chose you," the figure said. "You're destined for more than just this sect's little contests."

Jin Wei's heart thumped. "Then why now? Why are you showing yourself?"

"Because your enemies are growing stronger. The path ahead is dangerous. You must be prepared. Soon, you'll face choices that will shape your destiny."

Jin Wei stood up, his fists clenching. "What kind of choices?"

The spirit smiled faintly. "You'll see. But remember—power without purpose is dangerous. Find your path."

As the spirit faded, Jin Wei stood alone under the moonlight, the wind blowing softly.

His resolve hardened.

"I don't care what comes. I'll grow stronger, no matter what."

Looking toward the moon, he whispered, "I will reach the peak."