Chapter 23: The Ruins' Call
The Azure Cloud Pavilion buzzed with rumors of the Mistveil Swamp's instability, some blaming a hidden ruin said to hold ancient treasures. Li Wei, now a rising star among inner disciples, was summoned to join a core disciple mission to investigate. Yang Kai led the team, including Li Wei, Lin Xue (granted special permission for her formations), and Core Disciple Su Chen, the tournament finalist. Xu Rong was also assigned, her presence a thorn in Li Wei's side.
Before departing, Li Wei cultivated in the Spirit Spring, its qi refining his Foundation Establishment base. The Nine Worlds Ascension Art revealed a new technique: Celestial Vortex, a spinning qi shield that absorbed and redirected attacks. Practicing in the spring, Li Wei formed a radiant vortex, its power shaking the water. Lin Xue, training nearby, marveled. "You're growing too fast," she said, half-joking. Her own eighth-stage Qi Condensation showed her progress, fueled by their teamwork.
The mission team ventured into the swamp's heart, where qi currents twisted chaotically. Su Chen's Frost Phoenix Claw cleared paths, his demeanor now friendly toward Li Wei. "You've earned respect," he said. "But watch Xu Rong." Her Crimson Flame Whip flickered, her eyes cold.
Deep in the swamp, they found the ruin: a crumbling temple of black stone, its entrance sealed by a formation. Lin Xue deciphered its runes, opening the way. Inside, qi pulsed like a heartbeat, and the scroll in Li Wei's sleeve burned. Murals depicted the Nine Worlds, hinting at the Ascension Art's origins. A jade pedestal held a cracked orb, radiating Core Formation qi. Xu Rong lunged for it, but Li Wei's Spirit Sense detected a trap.
"Stop!" he shouted, activating Celestial Vortex. A burst of dark qi erupted from the orb, deflected by his shield. Xu Rong snarled, her whip lashing. "You dare interfere?" She attacked, her flames melting stone. Li Wei's Celestial Tide Flow dodged, and his Starfall Strike countered, forcing her back. Su Chen restrained her, his frost qi binding her whip.
The orb pulsed, summoning shadow beasts—Core Formation phantoms. Yang Kai and Su Chen fought, but Li Wei's scroll glowed, revealing a seal: World Binding Pulse. He channeled it, syncing with the ruin's qi to suppress the beasts. The orb stabilized, revealing a map to the Core Formation World's gate.
Xu Rong fled, her sabotage thwarted. Yang Kai praised Li Wei, but warned, "The Crimson Fang won't stop." The scroll whispered of greater secrets in the ruins, tied to the Nine Worlds. Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Su Chen prepared for the journey ahead, the Spirit Realm's trials only beginning.