Path of the Eternal

Chapter 5: Preparing for the Contest

The morning sun bathed the Azure Sect in a soft golden hue as Jin Wei stepped out of his hut. His blue eyes glimmered with determination, reflecting the vast sky above. Birds chirped in the distance, and a fresh breeze swept through the sect, carrying the scent of herbs from the medicinal gardens.

Today marked three days since his breakthrough to the 2nd Stage of Body Tempering Realm, and only seven days remained until the Outer Disciple Contest — a chance to rise through the ranks or fall into obscurity.

> [Status: 2nd Stage Body Tempering Realm]

[Task: Prepare for Outer Disciple Contest (Time Remaining: 7 days)]

Jin Wei took a deep breath and clenched his fists. His body felt stronger, but he knew it wasn't enough.

"I need to get stronger, fast. And for that... I need to master Qi-Infused Strike," he muttered to himself.

---

The Importance of the Contest

The Outer Disciple Contest was more than just a tournament; it was the only chance for outer disciples to gain recognition and perhaps even become inner disciples. For Jin Wei, it meant gaining the respect he had never known, and most importantly, the power to find answers about his parents' mysterious disappearance years ago.

"I can't waste this chance," Jin Wei thought firmly. "I won't stay weak forever."

As he walked toward the sect's training grounds, he remembered Elder Han's words from the other day.

"You have potential, Jin Wei. But talent is meaningless if you don't sharpen it. Master Qi-Infused Strike and show them your worth."

---

Secret Training Spot

Instead of heading to the usual disciple training field, Jin Wei turned away and walked toward the northern cliffs, where few disciples ventured. It was a dangerous area — steep drops, uneven ground — but perfect for secret, intense training.

Reaching a flat area surrounded by large boulders, he settled into a stance, breathing steadily as Qi flowed within him.

> [Martial Skill: Qi-Infused Strike - Proficiency: 8%]

"Let's push this to at least 30% before sunset."

Jin Wei took a deep breath, focusing all his internal energy into his right fist. A faint blue glow wrapped around it as he visualized the energy coiling, compressing, ready to strike.

With a loud roar, he lunged forward and slammed his fist into the nearest boulder.

BOOM!

The rock trembled, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface. Jin Wei staggered slightly from the rebound, but his eyes shone with fierce resolve.

> [Qi-Infused Strike Proficiency increased to 10%.]

A thin smile tugged at his lips. "Good. Again."

---

Flashback: The First Steps into Cultivation

As he struck again and again, Jin Wei's mind drifted to his first day stepping into the world of cultivation.

Back then, others had laughed at him, whispering about the boy who failed to draw Qi into his body.

"He's a cripple. Why is he even here?"

"He'll never even reach Body Tempering Realm."

But now, his fists glowed with Qi, and even though the road ahead was long, he had already broken the first shackles of weakness.

Thinking of those mockers, Jin Wei's next punch was even stronger.

CRACK!

A piece of the boulder broke off and hit the ground with a dull thud.

> [Qi-Infused Strike Proficiency increased to 14%.]

Sweat ran down his face, but Jin Wei grinned with satisfaction.

---

A Sudden Visitor

Suddenly, a soft sound of footsteps caught his attention. In one fluid motion, Jin Wei turned around, Qi swirling at his fists, ready to strike if needed.

From behind the trees, a figure emerged — Lin Yue, one of the top outer disciples, known for her beauty and talent.

Her long black hair fluttered in the breeze, and her eyes — sharp yet curious — settled on Jin Wei with amusement.

"Jin Wei? What are you doing out here, training alone?" Lin Yue asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Training," Jin Wei answered, wiping sweat from his forehead but keeping his guard up.

Lin Yue smiled faintly. "You're working quite hard. I saw you fight Fang Li. You've improved a lot. But you'll need more than raw effort to win the contest."

Jin Wei relaxed a bit but didn't lower his guard entirely. "I know. That's why I'm out here."

She nodded thoughtfully, then looked at the cracked boulder. "Qi-Infused Strike? Not bad. But if you use too much brute force, you'll never master it properly."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

She walked closer, raising her hand. "Watch."

Qi gathered around her palm — smooth and controlled, unlike Jin Wei's rough energy. With a gentle push, she struck a boulder similar to Jin Wei's target.

CRACK!

With little effort, the entire top half of the rock shattered into pieces.

Jin Wei's eyes widened. "How…?"

Lin Yue smiled slightly. "Control. You're letting the Qi scatter before it hits. Focus it to a single point."

Jin Wei clenched his fists. So that's the difference…

"Why are you helping me?" he asked after a pause.

Lin Yue shrugged. "I like to see those who refuse to give up. Besides, the contest will be more interesting with someone like you there."

She turned to leave but paused. "I'll be watching you in the contest. Don't disappoint me, Jin Wei."

As her figure disappeared into the trees, Jin Wei stared at the boulder for a long time.

"Focus it to a single point, huh?" he muttered.

---

Resolving to Improve

Jin Wei sat down, breathing deeply as he channeled Qi through his meridians, focusing on compressing it tightly instead of letting it swirl wildly. The blue glow around his fists pulsed more smoothly now, more refined.

"I'll master it. No matter what."

As the sun began to set, Jin Wei stood up once more, staring at the boulder.

With calm determination, he gathered his Qi, focusing it to a needlepoint in his fist, and struck out.

BOOM!

This time, the boulder split cleanly in two, as though sliced by a blade.

> [Qi-Infused Strike Proficiency increased to 20%.]

A grin spread across Jin Wei's face.

"Good. Now... again."

And as night settled over the Azure Sect, Jin Wei trained alone under the moonlight, his determination shining brighter than the stars.