Li Wei crept through the narrow passage between buildings, pressing the clay tablet to his chest under his robe. The shadow that had flickered around the corner made him wary, and the system's warning about an ambush still lingered before his eyes: Probability of ambush: 25%. He slowed his steps, listening carefully. The sect courtyard seemed calm, but after the skirmish with Zhang Ho and Lin Xue's words about Wang Zi, he knew that relaxing was not an option. Every corner could hide trouble.
The sun was setting, painting the sky in crimson hues. The disciples of the outer courtyard were finishing their daily tasks, and the noise of voices echoed from afar. Li Wei decided to return to his room via a roundabout way, through the plum blossom garden, where he was less likely to run into Liu Feng or his gang. The breathing meditation tablet was his ticket to faster cultivation, and he was not going to let anyone take it from him.
He emerged into the garden, where the scent of flowers mingled with the cool evening air. The trees cast long shadows, and Li Wei moved cautiously, staying close to the thickets. The system was silent, but his intuition told him danger was near. He remembered the task: Avoid conflict with Wang Zi for three days. Progress: 15%. Time was ticking, and the enemies didn't seem willing to wait.
Suddenly, he heard a rustle behind him. Li Wei turned around but saw no one. He activated Wind Step, feeling his muscles tense. The rustle came again, and a figure emerged from behind a tree—not Liu Feng or Wang Zi, but Chen Yu, his recent acquaintance. He was smirking, holding a dried fruit in his hand as if it were a trophy.
"Li Wei, brother, why are you so jumpy?" Chen Yu chuckled, approaching. "Sneaking through the garden like a thief. Got into trouble again?"
Li Wei relaxed slightly, but not completely. Chen Yu seemed friendly, but his curiosity was overly intrusive. The system highlighted: Chen Yu, probability of betrayal: 10%. Recommendation: maintain distance.
"Just getting some fresh air," Li Wei replied, shrugging. "And what are you doing here? Following me?"
Chen Yu laughed, biting into the fruit. "Following? Nah, I just like wandering around. But rumors, brother, rumors! They say you've gotten into trouble again. Liu Feng and his guys are looking for you, and it seems Wang Zi took an interest. Congratulations, you're a star now!"
Li Wei frowned. Chen Yu knew too much for just a gossipmonger. He decided to test him.
"If you're so well-informed, tell me more about this Wang Zi. Lin Xue mentioned he's dangerous, but I want details."
Chen Yu whistled, sitting down on the grass. "Whoa, Lin Xue talked to you? You make friends quickly, huh? Alright, listen. Wang Zi is the right hand of Elder Liu among the senior disciples. He's not just strong; he's smart. They say he has access to the inner courtyard and even to Elder Liu Chen's personal techniques. If he's after you, you'd better run."
Li Wei felt a chill. Wang Zi sounded like a serious threat, and three days suddenly seemed too short. But he knew: running was not an option. He needed to become stronger, and the tablet in his hands was the first step.
---
Li Wei listened to Chen Yu, but his gaze swept the garden, searching for signs of danger. The wind rustled the branches, and the shadows of the plum trees seemed alive, ready to hide an enemy. Chen Yu's words about Wang Zi confirmed his worst fears: this senior disciple was not just a thug like Zhang Ho but a real threat with Elder Liu's backing. Li Wei clutched the tablet under his robe, reminding himself that every minute counted.
"So, Wang Zi is the big boss," Li Wei said in a nonchalant tone. "But why did he even pay attention to me? I just beat Zhang Ho. Did that really bother him so much?"
Chen Yu snorted, chewing the fruit. "Brother, you didn't just win. You humiliated Zhang Ho in front of the whole sect. Wang Zi sees him as his shadow, and you, you might say, spat in his face. Plus," he lowered his voice, "there are rumors that you somehow mastered a technique overnight. That's not normal for an outer disciple, especially for... well, you know, a former weakling."
Li Wei tensed up. Rumors about the library and his sudden progress were spreading too fast. Lin Xue knew the truth but kept silent. Chen Yu? He could be the source of the leak or just picking up gossip. The system suggested: Probability that Chen Yu spreads rumors: 20%. Recommendation: change the subject.
"Rumors are just talk," Li Wei said with a shrug. "I'm just trying not to be a target. By the way, do you know where else I can exchange merit points besides the alchemy shop? I want to be ready for trouble."
Chen Yu squinted, but his smile remained. "Crafty, huh? Alright, I'll share. Besides the shop, you can spend points at the armory—they give basic swords or armor, but you need at least three points for that. There's also the technique pavilion, but they only let you in with five points or an elder's recommendation. Thinking about something cooler than 'Dancing Leaf'?"
Li Wei grew wary. Did Chen Yu know about his technique? It could be a coincidence—he had used Dancing Leaf during the sparring, and someone might have recognized it. But his instincts told him Chen Yu was digging deeper than it seemed. He decided not to push the topic.
"Maybe," he replied evasively. "Thanks for the info. I'm off to rest before tomorrow." He turned to leave, but Chen Yu called out:
"Hey, Li Wei! If Wang Zi comes for you, keep me posted. I'm not much of a fighter, but I've got ears everywhere."
Li Wei nodded without looking back and quickened his pace. The garden was behind him, but the feeling of being watched did not fade. He reached the barracks, locked the door, and pulled out the breathing meditation tablet. It was time to test it. If Wang Zi was as dangerous as they said, every bit of strength would be priceless. He sat in the lotus position, placing the tablet in front of him, and began to breathe, preparing for a long night.
---
Li Wei focused on his breathing, placing the clay tablet in front of him. Its runes glowed faintly in the moonlight streaming through the window. He began the rhythm of Azure Flow, imagining the spiritual energy flowing through his body, but this time adding the visualization from the tablet: a spiral of light spinning at the center of his chest. Almost immediately, he felt a difference—the warmth in his abdomen became more intense, and the energy flowed more smoothly, like a river finding its course.
The system flashed: Cultivation Progress: Mortal Stage, 1st level, 15% to breakthrough. Technique 'Azure Flow'—25%. Tablet effect: +20% to breathing technique mastery.
Li Wei couldn't help but smile. The tablet was working, and his progress had sped up. If he kept this pace, he could break through to the 2nd level in a couple of days—not a huge leap, but enough to handle Liu Feng and his gang.
He continued cultivating, ignoring the fatigue. The night was quiet, with occasional rustles outside—either the wind or nocturnal animals. But thoughts of Wang Zi and Chen Yu kept disturbing him.
After an hour, the system updated again: Cultivation Progress: 18% to breakthrough. Technique 'Azure Flow'—28%. Li Wei exhaled, feeling the energy pulsating within. He was getting closer, but his muscles ached, and his eyelids grew heavy. He decided to take a break and check Dancing Leaf. Standing up, he took the stance from the scroll, directing energy to his palm. This time, the impulse was slightly stronger—not a full-fledged strike, but definitely more powerful.
---
.
Li Wei suddenly heard a dull thud from outside, as if something heavy had fallen. He froze, listening carefully. The thud repeated, closer to his door. The system issued a warning: Threat probability: 30%. Recommendation: investigate the source of the noise.
He quickly hid the tablet under the mattress next to the scroll and approached the door, slightly opening it. The courtyard was dark, but he noticed movement near the neighboring barrack. Two figures slipped into the shadows, and Li Wei caught a snippet of whispering:
"...if he's there, we'll do it quick."
His heart pounded. Liu Feng? Or Wang Zi's men? He activated Wind Step in advance, but there was nowhere to run—if they knew his location, they would find him no matter what.
Li Wei took a deep breath, deciding to face the threat head-on. He was no hero, but he wasn't a coward either. The system reminded him of the task: Avoid conflict with Wang Zi. But what if it wasn't Wang Zi himself, but his lackeys? He stepped towards the door, ready for the worst, and whispered:
"Alright, let's see who wins."
---
Li Wei opened the door wider, peering into the darkness of the courtyard. The shadows moved swiftly, and he caught the glint of metal in one of the figures' hands. The system updated the warning: Threat probability: 40%. Recommendation: avoid direct confrontation.
He gritted his teeth. Avoid? Easier said than done when two unknown assailants were creeping towards his room. He activated the system menu, checking his options: Wind Step—ready, Dancing Leaf—10%, Probability Manipulation—available. It gave him a chance, but against two, his weak cultivation was on the brink.
He silently retreated into the room, leaving the door slightly ajar to lure the intruders inside. If they entered, the cramped space would give him an advantage—Wind Step would allow maneuvering, and Dancing Leaf might catch them off guard. Li Wei pressed himself against the wall, holding his breath, and prepared to activate Probability Manipulation to increase his luck.
The footsteps approached, and the door creaked open slowly. A figure appeared in the doorway—short but stocky, wielding a wooden club. The system highlighted: Huang Jia, outer disciple, Mortal Stage, 2nd level. Ally of Liu Feng. The second figure remained outside, but Li Wei couldn't see his face. Huang Jia stepped inside, looking around.
"Li Wei, come out," he hissed. "We know you're here. Liu Feng wants to talk."
Li Wei smirked inwardly. "Talk"? With a club? He activated Probability Manipulation, feeling the air around him grow "lighter". Then he stepped out of the shadow, deliberately stomping to catch attention.
"Huang Jia, right?" he said, crossing his arms. "If Liu Feng wants to chat, why is he hiding? Or is he afraid I'll knock down his lackey again, like Zhang Ho?"
Huang Jia flinched, clearly not expecting such audacity. His eyes narrowed, and he raised his club.
"You talk too much for a weakling. Surrender, or I'll break your legs."
Li Wei noticed the second figure outside shifting, preparing to enter. Time to act. He lunged forward, using Wind Step, and in a blink, he was next to Huang Jia. The latter swung his club, but Li Wei dodged, striking his wrist with Dancing Leaf. A weak wave of energy forced the club out of his grip, and it clattered to the floor.
Huang Jia yelped, clutching his hand, but the second figure barged into the room—it was Liu Feng himself, wielding a larger club. Li Wei backed up, feeling his energy drain: Energy: 60%. Probability Manipulation had helped with the first hit, but now he was cornered. Liu Feng sneered, blocking the exit.
"End of the line, Li Wei," he growled. "Wang Zi ordered me to teach you a lesson, and I'm happy to oblige."
Li Wei clenched his fists. Wang Zi? So the task to avoid conflict was already falling apart. He braced for the fight, knowing there was no way back.
---
Li Wei stood in the cramped room, trapped between Liu Feng and Huang Jia. Liu Feng loomed over him, his club swinging menacingly, while Huang Jia nursed his bruised wrist with a twisted grin. The system warned: Energy: 55%. Victory probability: 35%. Recommendation: use the environment.
Li Wei scanned the room—a mattress, a table, a candle on the windowsill. Not much to work with, but he was a master of improvisation in his past life.
"Wang Zi, huh?" Li Wei said, deliberately stalling. "So scared of me that he sends lackeys? Weak for a senior disciple."
Liu Feng flushed red, his grip tightening around the club.
"Shut up!" he roared, stepping forward. "You're nothing, Li Wei. After today, you'll be begging for mercy."
Li Wei smirked, though his insides were tense. He saw Huang Jia picking up his club again, moving to attack from behind. Time to act. Li Wei darted to the table, grabbed a heavy clay bowl, and hurled it at Liu Feng. Instinctively, Liu Feng raised his arm to block, and at that moment, Li Wei activated Wind Step.
His body became lighter, and he slid past Liu Feng, reaching the door. Huang Jia swung, but Li Wei struck his elbow with Dancing Leaf. The weak energy wave worked again—Huang Jia dropped the club, cursing. Li Wei dashed out into the courtyard, but Liu Feng was faster than expected. His club whooshed past Li Wei's head, forcing him to duck.
"You're not getting away!" Liu Feng bellowed, chasing after him. Huang Jia limped behind, holding his injured arm. Li Wei sprinted towards the garden, hoping to lose them among the trees. His energy was dropping: Energy: 40%. Wind Step was on cooldown, and Probability Manipulation had exhausted its effect. His legs felt heavier, but stopping was not an option.
Reaching the garden, he ducked behind a plum tree, holding his breath. Liu Feng and Huang Jia stormed in, their steps crunching the gravel. The system flashed: Task 'Avoid conflict with Wang Zi' at risk. Progress: 10%. Bonus task: survive the skirmish. Reward: +15 reputation points.
Li Wei gritted his teeth. Survive? He was doing his best already. He spotted a boulder near the path—big enough to hide behind. If he could lure them there, he might find a way to escape or set a trap. He picked up a small stone from the ground and threw it in the opposite direction. The stone hit a tree, and Liu Feng immediately turned towards the sound.
"Over there!" he shouted, charging in that direction. Huang Jia followed, limping. Li Wei slipped out from behind the tree and dashed towards the boulder. Just as he was about to hide, someone grabbed his shoulder.
He spun around, ready to strike, but saw a familiar face—Chen Yu, looking at him with a worried expression.
"Brother, you're in deep trouble," Chen Yu whispered. "Run, or Wang Zi himself will come."