Path of the Eternal

Chapter 9: A Rising Star and Growing Envy

The sun had barely moved across the sky, but the arena was already filled with tension and excitement. After Jin Wei's shocking victory over Luo Zhen, everyone was watching him now.

Some were curious, others envious, and a few—like Fang Li—were boiling with hatred.

Jin Wei sat quietly at the edge of the training ground, his gaze focused on the arena as other disciples fought. His muscles still felt warm from the fight, but inside him, a calm determination had settled.

He knew this was only the beginning.

Just as he was watching the next match, Elder Han approached, standing behind him with his hands behind his back.

"You've made quite the splash today, Jin Wei," Elder Han said, a faint smile on his lips. "But the path ahead won't get easier."

Jin Wei looked up at the elder, nodding. "I understand. The stronger I get, the more enemies I make."

"Good. You're learning fast," Elder Han said, glancing at Fang Li, who was watching Jin Wei with sharp, dangerous eyes. "Be careful. Fang Li won't sit quietly after seeing you rise."

Jin Wei smirked slightly. "I hope he doesn't. I need people like him to sharpen my blade."

The elder chuckled. "Ambitious. But remember—cultivation is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't let pride blind you."

"I won't, Elder Han," Jin Wei said firmly.

As the conversation ended, a loud voice echoed through the arena.

"Next Match: Jin Wei vs. Bai Chen!"

Another murmur rippled through the crowd.

"Bai Chen? Isn't he the one known for his speed techniques?"

"Yeah, a 3rd Stage Body Tempering Realm, but his footwork is excellent—much better than Luo Zhen's brute force."

Jin Wei stood up, adjusting his robes. He could feel his spiritual energy pulsing steadily, the system quietly assisting him, ready to activate his enhanced body control.

[System Task: Defeat Bai Chen. Bonus for using energy techniques: 50 system points.]

"Another chance to test my power," Jin Wei thought, walking towards the arena.

Bai Chen was already waiting. A lean, agile young man with sharp eyes and a confident smirk.

"I watched your last fight," Bai Chen said as Jin Wei stepped onto the stage. "You're better than I thought, but speed will be your downfall."

Jin Wei tilted his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Then show me."

"BEGIN!"

The moment the word fell, Bai Chen dashed forward, his body blurring like a shadow.

"Swift Shadow Step!"

A technique famous for its speed and unpredictability. The crowd gasped as Bai Chen seemed to disappear and reappear around Jin Wei, moving in circles, looking for an opening.

Jin Wei's eyes tracked him calmly. He focused on his senses, sharpening them with the system's assistance.

Suddenly, Bai Chen appeared to Jin Wei's right, launching a high-speed kick.

Jin Wei moved like water, bending his body to avoid the kick, and countering with a palm strike aimed directly at Bai Chen's chest.

But Bai Chen twisted, dodging just in time.

"Hah! You're too slow!" Bai Chen mocked, vanishing again.

He launched another strike from behind—this time a fast punch. But before it could land, Jin Wei twisted mid-air, catching Bai Chen's wrist with iron-like grip.

"What?!" Bai Chen gasped.

"Too predictable," Jin Wei said coldly, before slamming his knee into Bai Chen's stomach and hurling him across the stage.

The crowd roared.

"Did you see that?!"

"He caught Bai Chen mid-move!"

"Is this really Jin Wei?!"

Bai Chen struggled to stand, coughing heavily. His speed had always won him matches, but Jin Wei had seen through him in mere moments.

"Again!" Bai Chen shouted, refusing to give up.

He dashed forward, this time adding more erratic movement. But Jin Wei stepped forward calmly, meeting Bai Chen head-on.

With a sudden surge of energy, Jin Wei released a faint ripple from his palm.

"Iron Body Palm!"

The moment their attacks collided, Bai Chen's arm trembled violently, his entire body shaking from the force.

"ARGH!"

With a sharp turn, Jin Wei landed a punch to Bai Chen's chest, sending him flying to the edge of the arena.

Thud!

Silence fell over the arena.

Elder Han watched with approval, while Fang Li's scowl deepened.

The referee raised his hand.

"Winner: Jin Wei!"

Another victory.

Jin Wei turned to leave but paused as Bai Chen struggled to sit up.

"You're strong… but what are you hiding, Jin Wei?" Bai Chen asked, panting, but there was no malice—only curiosity.

Jin Wei smiled faintly. "Just hard work."

As he walked off the stage, Xue Qing appeared beside him, her icy demeanor slightly melted.

"You continue to surprise me, Jin Wei," she said softly, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Most people at your level couldn't touch Bai Chen."

"Maybe I'm not like most people," Jin Wei replied smoothly.

Xue Qing raised a brow but gave a small smile. "We'll see how long you can keep this up. I hope you reach the finals. I want to fight you myself."

"Looking forward to it," Jin Wei said, giving her a calm look.

As Xue Qing walked away, Jin Wei sighed quietly. Even as his power grew, so did the attention.

Suddenly, the system chimed.

[Hidden Task Unlocked: Reach finals of the disciple contest. Bonus Reward: Skill Scroll.]

Jin Wei's eyes glinted with determination. The finals, huh? I'll make sure to get there.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, Fang Li clenched his fists, watching Jin Wei with murder in his eyes.

"You think you've won? Just wait. I'll crush you in front of everyone."

As the sun began to set, and the first day of the contest neared its end, one thing was clear to everyone in the Azure Sect—Jin Wei was no longer a nobody.

And this was only the beginning.