Path of the Eternal

Chapter 7: The Gathering Storm

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale glow over Azure Sect's peaks. Beneath its silver light, Jin Wei stood firm on his cliffside, sweat dripping from his chin, his breathing heavy but controlled.

> [Flowing Shadow Steps Proficiency increased to 7%.]

He exhaled deeply, watching the faint mist of Qi dance from his body.

"This technique… it's harder than I thought," he thought, stretching his limbs. His movements were still rough, but already he felt lighter on his feet, his balance more fluid than before.

As he practiced, memories of Fang Li's mocking smile flashed in his mind, fueling his determination.

"Just a few more days until the contest," Jin Wei thought, clenching his fists. "I have to be ready."

---

A Glimpse of the Sect's World

Far below his secluded cliff, the sect buzzed with activity. Disciples were training intensely, discussing rumors about the upcoming contest, and betting on favorites.

Among the chatter, Fang Li's name was mentioned repeatedly.

"Did you hear? Fang Li broke into the third stage of Body Tempering Realm last week! He's unstoppable!"

"And he has a Low-Grade Martial Technique too. Anyone facing him is doomed."

"But I heard Jin Wei has been training like mad—"

"Jin Wei? Hah! That weakling? He got crushed last time. Nothing's changed."

The words reached Lin Yue, who was sitting near the sect's training grounds, her brow furrowed as she overheard the gossip.

"Fools. They don't know how much he's grown," she murmured, her gaze drifting toward the mountain cliffs where she knew Jin Wei was training.

---

Inner Thoughts: Lin Yue's Concern

Lin Yue stood up, her fingers gently touching the hilt of her sword. "I should visit him. He can't keep overworking himself like this."

She knew Jin Wei's resolve, but also how much he was pushing beyond his limits.

As she began walking toward the cliffs, her mind wandered.

"Fang Li is dangerous, not just because of his strength, but his family's influence inside the sect. Jin Wei… please don't get yourself hurt."

---

Jin Wei's Encounter with Elder Han (Again)

Meanwhile, back at the cliff, as Jin Wei adjusted his stance for another attempt, Elder Han arrived silently, observing him for a while before speaking.

"You've improved," Elder Han said, breaking the silence.

Jin Wei turned, startled but quickly bowed. "Elder Han, I didn't hear you."

"Hmph. You were too focused. That's good," Elder Han said with a smirk.

He approached and observed Jin Wei's footwork.

"Flowing Shadow Steps is not something that can be learned in a day. But you've made more progress than most would expect."

Jin Wei wiped his brow. "I have to. If I don't grow stronger now, I'll be crushed in the contest."

Elder Han looked at him sharply. "Your drive is admirable, but don't let desperation cloud your mind. Cultivation is as much about patience as it is about effort. Your enemies will seek to unbalance you."

Jin Wei bowed again. "I understand, Elder Han."

The elder nodded, but as he turned to leave, he added, "Remember this—those who appear strong may hide weakness, and those underestimated may surprise the heavens."

Jin Wei's eyes gleamed with understanding as Elder Han vanished into the night.

---

A Surprise Visitor: Lin Yue Arrives

Not long after, as Jin Wei was preparing to return to training, Lin Yue arrived, holding a small basket.

"You haven't eaten again, have you?" she asked, her tone half-scolding, half-concerned.

Jin Wei blinked, caught off guard. "I... forgot."

Lin Yue sighed and handed him the basket. "You'll collapse before you even reach the contest if you keep this up."

Opening it, Jin Wei was surprised to find Qi-nourishing fruits and herbal buns — rare for outer disciples.

"These are expensive. You shouldn't—"

"I do what I want. And I want you to win," she said firmly, sitting beside him.

Jin Wei smiled slightly, accepting her gift. "Thank you, Lin Yue."

As they ate quietly, the moonlight casting soft shadows, Lin Yue asked, "Do you think you're ready?"

Jin Wei stared at the stars for a long moment before replying, "I don't know. But I have to be."

---

Revealing His Training

After finishing, Jin Wei stood and performed a sequence of Flowing Shadow Steps, moving swiftly around the open ground. Though his movements were still imperfect, Lin Yue's eyes widened.

"That's... a movement technique? Where did you get that?" she asked, stunned.

"I found it in the Martial Pavilion. It's called Flowing Shadow Steps. If I can master it in time, I might stand a chance against Fang Li."

Lin Yue smiled softly. "I didn't think you'd push this far. But if anyone can do it, it's you."

Jin Wei paused, looking at her. For a brief moment, there was an unspoken connection between them—an understanding of struggle and determination.

---

The Threat of Fang Li

But the peace was soon shattered by an approaching figure.

From the path leading up the cliff, Fang Li and two of his lackeys appeared, smirking as they spotted Jin Wei.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Fang Li sneered. "The weakling training with his little girlfriend?"

Jin Wei's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Fang Li?"

Fang Li chuckled. "Just came to see if the rumors were true. You really think you can stand against me?"

"Try me and find out," Jin Wei said coldly, stepping forward.

Fang Li laughed mockingly. "You'll get your chance at the contest, trash. But don't say I didn't warn you when I crush you in front of everyone."

He turned to Lin Yue. "And you, sweetheart, why waste time with a loser? You could join me instead."

Lin Yue's eyes flashed with anger. "I'd rather die than associate with scum like you."

Fang Li's face darkened, but he smirked. "We'll see how you feel when Jin Wei is lying broken on the ground."

With that, he turned and left, his lackeys following, but not before throwing sneering glances at Jin Wei.

---

Chapter Ending: Preparing for Battle

As silence returned, Jin Wei clenched his fists tightly.

"I won't lose to him," he said through gritted teeth.

Lin Yue placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then don't. Show them what you're made of."

He looked up at her and nodded. "I will."

The moon shone brightly above, as if witnessing his vow.

And in his heart, Jin Wei knew this was only the beginning of his journey—a journey that would lead him from this small sect into a world far greater and far deadlier than he ever imagined.

> [Flowing Shadow Steps Proficiency increased to 9%.]

The path of the eternal had just begun.