Path of the Eternal

Chapter 4: The Calm Before the Storm

The sun broke through the morning mist, bathing the Azure Sect in a warm, golden glow. High up on a lonely cliff, Jin Wei sat cross-legged, feeling the faint pulses of Qi circulating through his meridians. His black hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and his deep blue eyes were closed in focus.

The System's notifications hovered faintly in his mind, ever-present and patient.

[Host: Jin Wei]

Cultivation Realm: Body Tempering Realm (2nd Stage)

Next Goal: Break through to 3rd Stage before Outer Disciple Contest (12 days left)]

Jin Wei slowly exhaled, the breath carrying away lingering impurities from his body. Although he had successfully broken through to Body Tempering 2nd Stage, time was running out to prepare for the contest—the only chance he had to fight for a place among Inner Sect disciples.

"Still not enough," Jin Wei muttered to himself, opening his eyes and glancing at the Azure Sect's training grounds far below. "If I can't strengthen my body and Qi further, those inner disciples will crush me."

[Side Quest Reminder: Acquire Body Strengthening Pill to aid breakthrough to Body Tempering 3rd Stage.]

The mention of the pill made him sigh. Pills like that weren't handed out to outer disciples, especially one with no family or backing. Unless he earned it himself, or took it from someone... but the second option would bring trouble.

"First, let's refine what I already have."

Jin Wei took a deep breath and stood up, his eyes sharp. He raised his hands, and Qi began to circulate, glowing faintly around his fists. The Basic Energy Circulation Technique—enhanced by the System—moved smoothly, strengthening every muscle as he focused.

Then, like a storm, he launched a series of punches at the air. His arms moved like shadows, muscles flexing with precision. Each strike carried focused Qi, and with every movement, he felt his second-stage strength solidifying.

Meanwhile, in the Azure Sect Inner Grounds...

In the Inner Sect courtyard, Lan Xue sat quietly, overlooking a waterfall, her silver hair reflecting the morning sun. She was an icy beauty, known for her talent and cold demeanor, the daughter of an influential elder.

Mei Ling, her close companion, walked up to her, a smirk on her face.

"Guess who I saw training alone at the cliff again?" Mei Ling said.

Lan Xue barely reacted, but curiosity flickered in her cold eyes.

"Jin Wei," Mei Ling continued. "That useless outer disciple. I heard he's already at 2nd stage Body Tempering now. Some people are whispering that he might actually join the contest."

Lan Xue's eyes narrowed slightly. "Him?" she whispered, almost to herself. "Interesting... but even if he made it to the 2nd stage, there's a long way between him and real strength."

"But still..." she added silently, "breaking through when everyone called him trash... how did he do it?"

Back to Jin Wei

As Jin Wei finished his set of punches, sweat dripping from his body, he finally relaxed, sitting back down to circulate Qi and recover.

The System's calm voice echoed again:

[Daily Quest Completed: Complete Physical Training Routine. Rewards: +5 Qi points, +2 Strength.]

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"At least I'm getting stronger... slowly."

But just as he was about to focus on cultivation, three familiar figures appeared at the edge of the cliff.

"Well, if it isn't the 'miracle boy,'" Fang Li sneered, stepping forward with his two usual lackeys. "Heard you made it to 2nd stage. Thought you'd become a genius overnight?"

Jin Wei stood up calmly, facing Fang Li, his muscles still tense from training but his mind sharp.

"Move along, Fang Li. I'm not in the mood."

Fang Li laughed, but there was a glimmer of uncertainty in his eyes. Jin Wei was no longer the weakling he used to mock.

"I'll give you a real test for that 2nd stage power," Fang Li said, stepping forward with his fist raised.

Jin Wei's eyes glowed faintly blue as he tapped into his Qi, channeling it expertly through his body.

[System Side Quest Activated: Win a duel against Fang Li. Reward: Random Martial Skill (Low Grade), +10 Qi.]

"Fine," Jin Wei muttered. "Let's see who's stronger."

The Fight

Fang Li charged first, throwing a heavy punch aimed at Jin Wei's chest.

Jin Wei side-stepped gracefully, surprising Fang Li. In one fluid motion, Jin Wei's fist lashed out, hitting Fang Li's ribs, sending him stumbling.

"Impossible! You—!" Fang Li roared, spinning for a backhand strike.

Jin Wei ducked, his Qi-enhanced reflexes sharp. He channeled Qi into his right leg and lashed out with a powerful kick that connected with Fang Li's stomach, throwing him backward.

[Opponent's strength measured: Early 2nd Body Tempering. Advantage detected: Host's Qi is purer.]

Fang Li groaned, clutching his stomach. "You... what happened to you?"

Jin Wei stepped closer, calm but cold.

"You never paid attention to anything but my weakness. Now face the result of your ignorance."

Fang Li's lackeys helped him to his feet, glaring but not daring to attack.

"This isn't over, Jin Wei. You'll regret this when the contest comes," Fang Li spat as they retreated.

[Side Quest Completed: Win duel against Fang Li. Rewards: +10 Qi, New Skill Acquired: "Qi-Infused Strike" (Low Grade).]

A new technique flashed into Jin Wei's mind, filling him with excitement.

Later that Evening

In his small room, Jin Wei sat quietly, examining the new skill the System awarded him.

[Qi-Infused Strike (Low Grade Martial Skill): Use Qi to strengthen physical attacks. Perfect for Body Tempering cultivators.]

"This... will be useful," Jin Wei whispered, a smile on his lips.

He glanced out of the window, watching the moon rising over the Azure Sect's towering peaks.

"The contest is coming. And I'm ready to prove that I'm not the weakling they think I am."

[Main Quest Progress: Body Tempering 2nd Stage (Stable). Prepare for Contest (12 days left).]

For the first time in years, hope and determination burned in Jin Wei's heart.