The next morning, the sect buzzed quietly with the news of Elder Wei's arrival. The usually calm courtyard had a faint undercurrent of tension — not the loud, chaotic kind, but the sort that prickled at the skin, making even birds fall silent for a moment.
Ash walked toward the elders' hall, curious but cautious. He wasn't one to rush headfirst into confrontation — not without understanding the lay of the land first.
Gathering of Elders
Inside the hall, the sect's elders convened in a circle, their faces grave. Elder Wei stood at the center, his scarred face betraying years of battle-hardened experience.
Elder Wei's voice was low but commanding. "Our provinces face new threats. Stronger foes rise daily. We seek cooperation with your sect. Potential alliances. Tests to gauge strength."
One elder nodded slowly. "We will consider. But this is no place for idle threats. Our disciples train hard."
Ash watched silently, the system quietly running in his mind:
External Threat Level: ModerateSuggested Action: Continue cultivation and skill refinement. Observe before engaging.
Ash's Quiet Plan
After the meeting, Ash found Mei near the training grounds.
"The visitor is testing us," Ash said softly. "But I want to see what kind of challenge he really brings. Not just physical power, but how he thinks."
Mei raised an eyebrow. "You're unusually calm about this."
Ash smiled wryly. "Cautious, not reckless."
Unexpected Training
Later, Ash resumed his own training, this time combining his "Scented Step" with "Pulse Control." The system provided constant feedback:
Combined Skill Stability: 78%Effect: Enhanced stealth and quicker reflexesSide Effect: Slight dizziness during prolonged use
He practiced weaving between trees, his footsteps muffled by the soft earth, heart steady despite the mild dizziness.
Observation: Skill synergy improving but requires rest periods.
A Test of Patience
That evening, Elder Wei invited Ash to a sparring match. It wasn't a formal duel but a chance to feel out each other's capabilities.
Ash accepted, but with his usual quiet reserve.
The fight was brief, a graceful exchange of blows and skill bursts rather than brute force. Elder Wei was skilled, but Ash's subtle, layered skill combinations kept him just out of reach.
When the spar ended, Elder Wei nodded. "You have promise. Not just strength, but thought."
Ash's system chimed softly:
External assessment: FavorableRecommendation: Continue slow, steady development.
The Calm Before
As Ash walked back through the orchard, the cool night air brushed against his skin. His system panel glowed faintly in his mind's eye.
Current Status:Skills: "Scented Step," "Pulse Control" improving steadilyBody Cultivation: +10% endurance, +5% strengthExternal Threat: Monitor Elder Wei's intentionsNext Steps: Integrate skills further, continue observing
He paused beneath a blooming tree, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Roots grow slowly, but deep," he thought. "Storms will come. But I'll be ready."
End of Chapter 20