Chapter 13: The Veilmoon Sect's Oversight
A thick mist rolled into the arena for the third round. The air hummed with the energy of beasts—Jade Fang Wolves and serpents, all at the 8th Layer Qi Gathering. Lin Xuan and Liu Yue stood back-to-back, their Celestial Unity Crests pulsing in sync. "Stay close, Junior Sister," Lin Xuan said.
The trial began with a wolf's howl. Lin Xuan launched Void Pulse Kick to shatter its jade fangs, while Liu Yue's shield deflected a serpent's strike, her qi blade slicing its neck. Their teamwork was a dance of trust. From the mist, Veilmoon Sect elders observed, their leader Elder Bai Yun, a serene woman with a 5th Layer Qi Transformation presence.
Suddenly, three Zhi Clan assassins emerged, led by Li Mei, a lithe figure with a 9th Layer Qi Gathering aura. "The Scriptures are ours," she hissed. Lin Xuan's Illusion Diversion scattered their focus, Celestial Glide dodged a poisoned dart, and Starlit Fang Strike with a Kyokushin front kick broke Li Mei's arm. Tooth Dagger and Energy Devour finished the others. They collected beast cores, securing their win.
That night, Lin Xuan refined a pill with his silver-blue flame, unlocking Phantom Lotus Palm—a qi-enhanced palm strike blended with mixed martial arts jabs from the Records. Liu Yue sat nearby, her excitement palpable. "Senior Brother, we're getting so strong! Imagine what we can do next!" Her enthusiasm lit her face, deepening their bond. He tossed her a pill, smiling faintly. "Keep pushing, Junior Sister. The Hei Clan won't wait." Her trust in him was a quiet strength, fueling his resolve.