Chapter 25: The Crimson Fang's Ambush
Back at the Azure Cloud Pavilion, the World Key's discovery sent ripples through the inner court. Elder Mei Ling summoned the team, her silver hair glowing under the pavilion's jade lanterns. "The key unlocks the Core Formation World's gate," she said. "But the beast tides are linked to its unrest. You'll lead a mission to stabilize it, joined by core disciples." Her eyes lingered on Li Wei. "Beware—the Crimson Fang faction seeks the key."
Li Wei cultivated in the Spirit Spring, refining his Foundation Establishment base. The Nine Worlds Ascension Art revealed a new technique: Starweave Barrier, a defensive shield that wove ambient qi into a net of light. Practicing in the spring, he formed a radiant barrier, its strength surpassing Aurora Veil. Lin Xue, training nearby, reached the ninth stage of Qi Condensation, her Mist Bind Array growing intricate. Su Chen, now a friend, shared insights on Frost Phoenix Claw, enhancing Li Wei's understanding of qi control.
The mission team—Li Wei, Lin Xue, Su Chen, Yang Kai, and two core disciples, Mei Lan and Huo Shen—set out for the swamp's gate, a hidden rift marked by the World Key. Mei Lan, a serene woman with a Core Formation aura, wielded Jade Lotus Palm. Huo Shen, a fiery-tempered man tied to the Crimson Fang, eyed Li Wei with suspicion. The scroll's warning echoed: Xu Rong's faction would strike.
At the rift, a shimmering portal pulsed with chaotic qi. Li Wei's World Resonance Seal activated the World Key, stabilizing the gate. But as it opened, Xu Rong and a dozen Crimson Fang disciples ambushed, their Crimson Flame Whips and Blood Fang Strikes blazing. Huo Shen hesitated, his loyalty wavering. "Hand over the key," Xu Rong demanded, her whip cracking.
Li Wei's Starweave Barrier blocked her strike, its net absorbing the flames. Su Chen's Frost Phoenix Tempest froze half the attackers, while Lin Xue's Cloud Veil Formation hid Yang Kai, who struck with Starlit Blade. Mei Lan's Jade Lotus Palm scattered the rest, but Xu Rong targeted Li Wei, her whip melting stone. He countered with Celestial Harmony Strike, its resonant qi disrupting her attack. Huo Shen, torn, joined the fight against Xu Rong, proving his loyalty.
Xu Rong fled, but not before unleashing a Blood Flame Curse, a corrosive qi that burned Li Wei's arm. Lin Xue's formation dispelled it, but the pain lingered. The gate stabilized, but the scroll pulsed, hinting at dangers within the Core Formation World. Yang Kai clapped Li Wei's shoulder. "You're proving yourself, but Xu Rong's master, Core Elder Zhao, won't forgive this."