NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 6: The Path to Power
Chapter 6: The Path to Power
The morning sun rose lazily over the vast Azure Sect, casting a brilliant orange hue across the towering peaks. Birds chirped over the mountain cliffs, and disciples were already moving toward the training grounds, eager to hone their skills.
But Jin Wei was not among them.
Instead, he was still at his secret cliffside training spot, his body drenched in sweat, his eyes focused and sharp like a blade.
"Again," he muttered to himself. His right fist glowed faintly with a smooth layer of Qi, more refined than the day before.
With a sharp exhale, he stepped forward, driving his fist into the boulder in front of him.
CRACK!
The rock split cleanly in half, pieces tumbling down the cliff's edge.
> [Qi-Infused Strike Proficiency increased to 28%.]
Jin Wei allowed himself a small smirk. "Almost there."
But he knew this was just the beginning. To stand a chance in the Outer Disciple Contest, mastering this technique wasn't enough—he needed more.
---
Understanding Cultivation and Growth
As Jin Wei sat down on a flat stone, letting his Qi flow to recover, his mind wandered back to what Elder Han had taught him about the cultivation path.
"Body Tempering is the foundation. But once you master your body, you must begin controlling the Qi around you — that's where Meridian Opening Realm begins. Every realm is a step toward becoming one with the heavens."
Jin Wei repeated the realms mentally, to remind himself of the long journey ahead:
1. Body Tempering Realm – Strengthen the body to hold Qi.
2. Meridian Opening Realm – Open Qi pathways to circulate Qi freely.
3. Qi Condensation Realm – Form a solid foundation of internal Qi.
4. Foundation Establishment Realm – Build a stable core for future growth.
5. Core Formation Realm – Condense Qi into a powerful core.
6. Nascent Soul Realm – Form a spirit body, gaining immense power.
7. Spirit Ascension Realm – Step beyond mortal limits.
"I've only started walking this path," Jin Wei murmured. "But I'll walk it to the end."
---
Flashback: A Father's Words
Suddenly, memories flooded his mind.
A blurry image of his father, standing tall and proud, placing a hand on young Jin Wei's shoulder.
"Son, the world of cultivation is cruel. Only those strong enough to grasp their fate can survive. Promise me, if I'm ever gone... you'll become strong enough to protect yourself."
Jin Wei clenched his fists, the weight of those words fueling his resolve. "I haven't forgotten, Father. I'll become strong enough to find out what happened to you and Mother."
The memory faded, but the determination remained.
---
Training Interrupted: A New Visitor
As Jin Wei stood to resume training, another figure emerged from the trees, but this time, it wasn't Lin Yue.
It was Wu Xue, another outer disciple, known for her sharp tongue and beautiful appearance. Her long dark hair swayed behind her, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Well, well," she said, crossing her arms. "Jin Wei, the hardworking underdog, training alone again?"
Jin Wei wiped the sweat from his brow, giving her a sideways glance. "What do you want, Wu Xue?"
She smirked. "Nothing much. Just curious if you plan on embarrassing yourself again in the contest. You know, Fang Li is still gloating about how he humiliated you last time."
Jin Wei's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Wu Xue walked closer, glancing at the split boulders. "Huh, looks like you're getting stronger. Maybe you'll surprise us."
"I don't care about surprising anyone," Jin Wei said coldly. "I only care about growing stronger for myself."
That seemed to catch Wu Xue off guard. For a moment, her smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful look.
"You've changed," she said softly. "Not the same weak Jin Wei everyone picked on."
Jin Wei looked at her sharply, but before he could say anything, she waved him off.
"Well, keep working hard. Maybe I'll cheer for you... if you manage to survive the first round," she said with a grin before walking away.
Jin Wei stared after her, puzzled. What was that about?
---
New Resolve: Time to Find Better Techniques
Left alone again, Jin Wei pondered deeply.
"Qi-Infused Strike will give me an edge, but Fang Li is already at 3rd Stage Body Tempering Realm and has martial techniques of his own."
If he wanted to win, he needed another technique.
That meant heading to the Outer Disciple Martial Pavilion, where low-ranked disciples could choose martial arts scrolls.
Without wasting another moment, Jin Wei grabbed his robe and started making his way down the mountain path toward the sect's main grounds.
---
The Outer Disciple Martial Pavilion
The Martial Pavilion loomed like a temple, with carved dragons and phoenixes along its beams. It was a place most disciples visited only once or twice, since accessing better techniques required either contributions or recognition.
As Jin Wei entered, an old elder sitting at a desk glanced up.
"You again, Jin Wei?" the elder grunted. "Didn't you already choose a technique last year?"
"I wish to exchange my previous scroll and look for something better," Jin Wei said firmly.
The elder raised an eyebrow but said nothing more as he waved Jin Wei through.
---
A Hidden Find
Inside, Jin Wei walked past rows of wooden shelves lined with ancient scrolls. Most were basic techniques—good for beginners, but Jin Wei needed something different.
After a while, his eyes settled on a scroll tucked in a dusty corner. It wasn't as polished or well-placed as the others, but something about it drew him in.
> [You have discovered a Hidden Martial Scroll: "Flowing Shadow Steps" (Movement Technique, Low Rank)]
Jin Wei's eyes widened. "Movement technique?!"
Movement techniques were rare for outer disciples—mostly limited to inner sect members. But this one had been left here, unnoticed.
"With this, I can avoid Fang Li's brute attacks," Jin Wei murmured, picking up the scroll.
---
The First Glimpse of Flowing Shadow Steps
As he opened the scroll, Jin Wei's heart pounded.
"Flow like water, strike like lightning. Become as elusive as shadow, swift as wind."
The steps were complicated, involving meridian coordination, Qi control, and physical agility.
> [Flowing Shadow Steps Proficiency: 0%]
"It'll be tough… but if I can master even a fraction of this before the contest..." Jin Wei's eyes burned with excitement.
---
A Meeting with Elder Han
On his way out, Elder Han, the sharp-eyed elder who had first noticed his potential, stopped him.
"Jin Wei. What scroll did you pick?" he asked, peering curiously.
Jin Wei bowed respectfully and showed the scroll. Elder Han's eyes widened slightly.
"Hmph. Lucky, aren't you?" he said, but there was a hint of approval in his voice. "Flowing Shadow Steps isn't easy, but if you can learn it, you'll move like a ghost. Train hard, boy."
"I will, Elder Han."
---
Chapter Ending: A New Beginning
As Jin Wei returned to his cliffside spot, he unrolled the scroll again, determination burning in his heart.
"Qi-Infused Strike and Flowing Shadow Steps. These will be my trump cards."
The sun began to set behind the mountains, and Jin Wei practiced late into the night, his body moving in awkward steps, trying to flow like water, trying to become a shadow.
Though he stumbled and fell, he always rose, again and again.
For his future. For the truth. For power.
> [Flowing Shadow Steps Proficiency increased to 3%.]
The path to strength had begun.