Path of the Eternal

Chapter 15: A Shadow Looms

The cheers from the audience still echoed in Jin Wei's ears as he stepped off the battlefield. His body ached from the brutal match against Xue Qing, but victory filled him with a newfound strength.

He had done it. He had proven himself.

But even as he walked toward the resting area, a strange unease crept into his heart.

The tournament was far from over. And more than that—something felt off.

A Gathering in the Shadows

Far above the arena, hidden in the private viewing platform reserved for high-ranking elders, a man sat watching the match's conclusion.

He wore a dark robe with silver embroidery, his long hair tied back, and his eyes sharp like a predator stalking its prey.

Beside him, another elder hesitated before speaking.

"Lord Bai, what do you think?"

The man, Bai Shenshu, one of the Azure Sect's grand elders, smiled faintly.

"This boy… Jin Wei… He is interesting," Bai murmured. His voice was calm, but there was an undeniable weight behind it.

The elder next to him frowned. "He broke through mid-battle. That alone is impressive. But compared to Yan Qingshi, he is still far behind."

Bai's fingers tapped against the wooden armrest.

"You're not wrong. But raw talent isn't everything. Willpower, battle instincts, the ability to push past one's limits… these are what make a true cultivator dangerous."

His gaze remained locked on Jin Wei, who was now seated, recovering from the match.

"This boy… I wonder how he would fare under true pressure."

The elder swallowed. "Are you suggesting…?"

Bai Shenshu leaned forward, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Let's see how he handles real danger."

A Moment of Rest… Or So He Thought

Jin Wei sat under a large tree near the arena, his breathing slow as he circulated his Qi to recover.

Xue Qing had pushed him to his absolute limit. If not for his breakthrough, he would have lost.

He glanced at the arena, where the next match was already taking place.

"That was reckless," a familiar voice said.

Jin Wei turned to see Xue Qing approaching, arms crossed. Her injuries were mostly healed, but a small bruise remained on her cheek.

"You used a breakthrough to win. That was a gamble."

Jin Wei smirked. "Worked, didn't it?"

She sighed, shaking her head. "You won, but next time, don't rely on a lucky breakthrough. If you're going to fight stronger opponents, you'll need real strategy."

Jin Wei nodded. He wasn't foolish enough to think he could always rely on breakthroughs to carry him.

"Still," Xue Qing said, giving him a small nod, "it was a good fight."

Before he could respond, a powerful pressure filled the air.

Jin Wei froze.

A wave of Qi rushed over the arena, causing several disciples to shiver.

"What… is this?" Xue Qing muttered.

Jin Wei's eyes narrowed. This energy… it was oppressive. Heavy. And filled with killing intent.

Then, a figure descended from the sky.

The crowd fell silent.

A man, tall and clad in black and silver robes, landed gently in the middle of the arena. His presence commanded absolute attention.

Jin Wei's breath caught in his throat.

"Elder Bai…" someone whispered in the crowd.

The grand elder of the Azure Sect. One of the most powerful figures in the entire sect.

Why was he here?

Bai Shenshu's eyes scanned the gathered disciples before landing directly on Jin Wei.

"You," he said, his voice carrying easily across the arena.

Jin Wei stood up, heart pounding.

"Come forward."

Silence stretched. Every disciple in the area stared in shock.

Jin Wei swallowed hard and stepped into the arena.

The elder studied him for a moment before speaking.

"Your performance in the match was… intriguing," Bai said. "Such rapid progress in battle is rare."

Jin Wei remained silent, unsure where this was going.

Then Bai's lips curved into a smile.

"How about a test?"

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

"A test?"

"What kind of test?"

"Jin Wei just finished a fight—what is this about?"

Jin Wei felt a cold chill run down his spine.

But he couldn't back down.

"If it will help me grow stronger, then I accept," Jin Wei said firmly.

Bai's smile widened.

"Good. Then let's begin."

The moment he spoke, a shadow moved.

Jin Wei's instincts screamed, and he barely dodged as a blade slashed where he had just stood.

A figure in dark robes had appeared from nowhere, their face hidden behind a mask.

A silent assassin.

The crowd gasped.

"An ambush?!"

"What's happening?"

Jin Wei gritted his teeth.

Bai had planned this.

The test wasn't a spar. It wasn't a technique evaluation.

It was a fight for survival.

The masked figure lunged again, their dagger gleaming with deadly Qi.

Jin Wei dodged, feeling the wind from the strike slice past his cheek.

He retaliated with a burst of Qi, sending a palm strike toward his attacker's chest.

BAM!

The figure was knocked back—but landed gracefully, completely unshaken.

Jin Wei clenched his fists.

This wasn't just some regular sect disciple. This person was trained to kill.

He shot a glare at Bai Shenshu.

"You call this a test?" Jin Wei asked, his voice cold.

Bai simply smiled. "If you survive, then you pass."

Jin Wei's hands tightened.

Fine.

If they wanted to test him, then he'd make sure they never forgot his name.

The fight was on.