Chapter 17: The Price of Victory
Li Wei retreated to his hut, his body bruised but his spirit unbroken. The tournament's intensity had pushed his limits, and Fang's defeat was a hollow victory—Liang Wei's influence cast a long shadow. Lin Xue joined him, bringing a healing salve brewed from Moonshade Leaves. "You're reckless," she said, applying the salve to his ribs. "But you're stronger than I expected."
Li Wei smiled faintly, absorbing a Spirit Enhancing Pill. The Nine Worlds Ascension Art guided his qi, mending his meridians and pushing him to the eighth stage of Qi Condensation. The scroll revealed a new technique: Heaven's Echo, a strike that amplified qi through resonance, multiplying its force. He practiced in the courtyard, each strike shaking the air like a bell.
Elder Mei summoned them to the Disciplinary Hall, where the tampered runes were presented. "Fang's guilt is clear," she said, her silver hair gleaming. "But Liang Wei denies involvement. Without proof, we cannot act against an inner disciple." Her eyes softened. "Li Wei, your performance has earned you a reward: access to the pavilion's Spirit Spring for one day. Use it wisely."
The Spirit Spring was a sacred pool on a high island, its waters dense with pure qi. Li Wei and Lin Xue arrived at dawn, the pool glowing like liquid starlight. They cultivated side by side, the spring's energy surging through their meridians. Li Wei's Heavenly Breath Technique absorbed the qi, stabilizing his eighth-stage cultivation. Lin Xue reached the seventh stage, her Cloud Veil Formation growing stronger.
As they left, Liang Wei ambushed them on the bridge, his spear gleaming. "You've humiliated my cousin," he snarled. "The tournament's final round will be your grave." His qi pressed, but Elder Mei's distant aura restrained him. Liang retreated, his threat lingering.
The tournament's final round was announced: Li Wei would face Su Chen, a ninth-stage Qi Condensation prodigy with a mysterious background. Rumors linked Su to the pavilion's core disciples, hinting at hidden techniques. Lin Xue's merchant contacts revealed Su's Frost Phoenix Claw, a chilling strike that froze qi. Li Wei prepared, refining Heaven's Echo and planning with Lin Xue to counter Su's speed.
As the final round neared, the scroll pulsed, its characters shifting. The Nine Worlds Ascension Art whispered of greater trials beyond the tournament—beast tides, sect wars, and the path to Foundation Establishment. Li Wei gripped his fists, ready to face Su Chen and Liang Wei's schemes. The Spirit Realm was a crucible, and he would not break.