Path of the Eternal

Chapter 8: First Clash – A Glimpse of Power

The morning sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays over the Azure Sect's vast training grounds. Today was different—there was an energy in the air, a sense of anticipation that rippled through the sect. The contest to decide the new batch of inner disciples was about to begin.

Jin Wei stood silently at the edge of the massive arena, his blue eyes calm but sharp, scanning the bustling scene before him. His black hair fluttered in the soft breeze, and his now sturdy body radiated an unseen strength—a result of his rapid progress to the 3rd stage of Body Tempering Realm over the past few days.

"So this is where it begins," Jin Wei thought, tightening his fists as excitement coursed through him.

Beside him, Elder Han stood watching over the gathering disciples, giving final instructions to the referees. The elder shot Jin Wei a glance, a small approving nod escaping him.

"Jin Wei, I hope you're ready. You've made good progress, but don't underestimate the others. Many are aiming for the top, and some... will aim for you."

Jin Wei smiled faintly. "I'm ready, Elder Han. Let them come."

From across the field, Fang Li smirked coldly, his sharp gaze locked on Jin Wei. Unlike before, there was no attempt to hide his disdain. Word had spread that Jin Wei had broken into the 3rd stage, but Fang Li, now at the 4th stage Body Tempering Realm, still considered him an insect.

"We'll see how far you've come, trash," Fang Li sneered inwardly.

As the elder announced the beginning of the contest, hundreds of disciples gathered around, forming a massive circle. One by one, names were called for the first round of fights.

"Jin Wei vs. Luo Zhen!"

A murmur spread through the crowd. Luo Zhen was a known figure, a solid 4th stage Body Tempering Realm cultivator, known for his brutal fighting style.

Jin Wei calmly stepped forward, entering the battle stage. Across from him, Luo Zhen cracked his knuckles and smirked.

"So you're the cripple that suddenly shot up to third stage? Don't think a bit of luck will save you today," Luo Zhen taunted, circling Jin Wei like a hungry predator.

Jin Wei's eyes narrowed but he said nothing, focusing instead on calming his breathing, feeling the faint pulsing of his internal energy—something only he could sense, with the system's subtle guidance.

[System Task: Defeat Luo Zhen. Reward: 100 system points.]

A faint chime echoed in his mind. Jin Wei smirked slightly. Perfect.

The referee raised his hand, signaling the start.

"BEGIN!"

Luo Zhen dashed forward with surprising speed, his right fist coated with faint spiritual energy as he aimed a crushing blow at Jin Wei's chest.

Jin Wei's body moved like a shadow, side-stepping at the last moment. His muscles, now strengthened through countless nights of training and system enhancements, reacted faster than any normal cultivator.

With a calm pivot, Jin Wei slammed his elbow into Luo Zhen's ribs. A sharp crack echoed as Luo Zhen stumbled back, gasping.

"What the—"

Before Luo Zhen could recover, Jin Wei pressed forward. His fists were steady, precise—one strike aimed at the shoulder, another at the gut. Luo Zhen tried to block, but each time Jin Wei's fists landed with controlled yet overwhelming force.

The crowd fell silent.

"Since when did Jin Wei fight like this?!"

"Wasn't he supposed to be a cripple until recently?"

Fang Li, watching from the sidelines, clenched his jaw. "Impossible. That trash should be on the ground by now."

Luo Zhen growled and summoned all his strength, launching a desperate kick aimed at Jin Wei's head. But Jin Wei caught his leg mid-air, twisting sharply and throwing Luo Zhen to the ground with a loud thud.

"You rely too much on brute force," Jin Wei said quietly, his calm voice carrying across the arena. "But strength without control is useless."

The referee, stunned for a moment, quickly raised his hand.

"Winner: Jin Wei!"

The crowd erupted into a mix of shock and excitement.

Jin Wei turned and walked off the stage, ignoring the whispers that now followed him.

"He's not the same as before…"

"Maybe he really has some secret backing?"

"Could he be a dark horse for this contest?"

Rejoining Elder Han, the old man gave him an approving nod. "Impressive. But be careful. Now they'll start noticing you."

Jin Wei smiled faintly. "Let them. I'm not hiding anymore."

Suddenly, a soft voice interrupted them.

"You fought well, Jin Wei."

Turning, Jin Wei saw Xue Qing, one of the top female disciples of the Azure Sect, known for her talent and cold beauty. Today, however, her frosty expression seemed softer, her eyes curious.

"I wasn't expecting to see you win like that," she added, her gaze sharp but interested.

Jin Wei bowed slightly. "Thank you, Senior Sister Qing. I hope to learn from you in the future."

She raised an eyebrow, amused. "We'll see if you're worthy to learn from me."

As she walked away, Jin Wei couldn't help but smile slightly. Interesting.

Before he could dwell on it further, the system chimed again.

[New Quest: Win two more matches. Bonus reward if you win all remaining matches without defeat.]

Jin Wei's eyes gleamed. "Then let's give them something to talk about."

From across the grounds, Fang Li watched the exchange, his expression darkening.

"You think you're something now, Jin Wei? Just wait until you face me."

As the day wore on, the contest continued, but one thing was clear—Jin Wei was no longer an unknown.

And as he sat under a tree, watching the next fight, his thoughts drifted back to the system and its strange power.

"System, what's the limit of this power you've given me?" he asked silently.

The system's calm voice echoed in his mind.

[That depends on how far you're willing to go. This is just the beginning.]

Jin Wei's eyes narrowed, determination burning in their blue depths.

"Then let's see how far I can go."