To the Blue dagger sect

After the fortunate incident, Song Luoxu—now living under the alias Li Zhen—approached the gates of the Blue Dagger Sect. "The old man did say this was it," he muttered, his gaze lingering on the imposing entrance. The gate was grander than he had anticipated, with intricate carvings of ancient beasts and celestial beings adorning its pillars.

Inside, the sect grounds were bustling with activity. Thousands of young disciples trained relentlessly, their eyes filled with determination. They were striving to reach their peak, yet Li Zhen pitied them. Most of them will never advance beyond the Martial Master realm, he mused silently.

As he walked deeper into the sect, his thoughts drifted to the countless cultivation realms he had studied and aspired to: From the Qi Concentration Realm all the way to the Boundless God Realm—the highest level ever recorded. Beyond that lies a mythical realm said to grant godly powers, but no one has ever seen such a thing.

A tinge of regret clouded his expression. Even in my last life, I only reached the Martial King realm. There were those who surpassed me—Martial Emperors, Martial Saints—but I… I fell short.

He sighed, his thoughts heavy with memories of his previous life. Just then, the sound of clashing weapons caught his attention. A crowd had gathered around a martial ring, where two disciples were locked in a fierce battle.

Approaching the ring, Li Zhen noticed the disciples parting to make way for him, their eyes filled with a mix of respect and fear. It seems this Li Zhen holds some influence here, he thought, though he knew it was of little consequence.

Outer sect disciples like Li Zhen are often the sect's lowest rank, he reminded himself. Struggling to even reach the Foundation Realm. In this world, reaching the Foundation Realm is seen as a significant achievement, earning one the status of a sect guard. Advancing to the Spirit Gathering stage elevates one to a sect elder. Yet, even here, the strongest cultivator I sense is merely a Martial emperor.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a voice rang out from behind, dripping with anger.

"Li Zhen, don't think you can run away today!"

Li Zhen turned to face the speaker, his eyes narrowing. A young man with striking blue hair and piercing red eyes stood before him, brandishing a Foundation-grade weapon. The youth's finely embroidered robe marked him as an inner disciple, a rank far above Li Zhen's current status.

Whispers quickly spread through the crowd:

"Isn't that the Li family's playboy young master? Always causing trouble!"

"I heard he used to bully outer sect disciples, even making them run errands for him!"

"Yeah, but after that incident, he's been acting weird. Maybe he got scared straight."

The name of the challenger was quickly recognized among the disciples:

"That's Wei Qing, one of the rising stars of the inner sect!"

"No wonder he dares to challenge Li Zhen. He's already in the Foundation Realm!"

Li Zhen ignored the whispers, his attention focused on the young man. With a quick scan of his aura, he confirmed that Wei Qing was indeed at the Foundation Realm—a remarkable feat for someone so young in this mortal world.

How intriguing… Li Zhen thought, his interest piqued. In my previous life, it took me nearly 10 years to reach the peak of Foundation Realm , and yet this boy, no older than my current body, has already achieved it. What a fascinating era I've been reborn into.

Despite his curiosity, Li Zhen knew this was not the time for conflict. He had no desire to engage in a pointless battle, especially in his current weakened state. But it seemed fate had other plans.

Wei Qing leaped onto the martial ring, his movements sharp and filled with hostility. With a swift kick, he sent the current combatants flying off the stage, clearing the way for his confrontation.

He raised his sword high, pointing it directly at Li Zhen. The crowd fell into a hushed silence, knowing well what it meant to draw a weapon in such a manner. It was a clear challenge—one that demanded blood.

This brat… Does he really think he can challenge me? Li Zhen mused, a cold smile forming on his lips. He's still a child playing with swords. In my prime, I would have crushed him without a second thought. But now…

His eyes flickered with a mix of amusement and caution. In this current realm, engaging in battle would be reckless. But it seems I have no choice but to play along—at least for now.

Wei Qing's eyes burned with determination as he addressed the crowd, "This is the consequence of bullying those weaker than you, Li Zhen! Today, I will avenge every disciple you've tormented!"

The crowd watched in anticipation, whispers growing louder as they speculated on the outcome of this sudden clash. Will Li Zhen back down? Or will he rise to the challenge?

Li Zhen stood in the center of the martial ring, his gaze locked on Wei Qing. As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, a storm of thoughts swirled in his mind.

Wei Qing… so that's his name, Li Zhen mused, his expression calm. He's already in the Foundation Realm, while I'm currently only at the Qi Concentration Realm. By all accounts, taking on a challenge from someone so much stronger is nothing short of madness—unless, of course, you have a trump card.

His mind raced through the possibilities. In my past life, I lived for over a hundred thousand years. Anyone with that much experience would understand that fighting without a solid reason is asking for death. There's a fine line between bravery and stupidity, and it seems this Wei Qing has yet to learn the difference.

Li Zhen's eyes narrowed as he considered his current situation. The only information I have about this new identity of mine is that I'm called Li Zhen, and I come from a somewhat prestigious family, the Li family. But what does that really mean? A name alone isn't enough to protect me. I need to establish a solid backing in this world—a foundation that will ensure my survival and give me the power to act freely.

This body of mine, Li Zhen's reputation… it's nothing compared to the power and influence I wielded in my past life. Back then, entire sects would bow before me. Now, I must tread carefully, navigating the intricate web of sect politics and alliances.

He glanced at the crowd, noting their eager expressions. These people… they're expecting a fight, hungry for entertainment. They don't care about the consequences for either of us. But I do. I must survive, bide my time, and wait for the right moment to regain my true strength. And for that, I need allies, resources, and knowledge.

Wei Qing may be strong, but strength alone isn't everything. A cultivator's true power lies in patience, wisdom, and strategy. Without a solid backing, even the strongest can fall. For now, I'll play along, but the outcome of this encounter won't be as straightforward as you or these spectators believe.

With these thoughts in mind, Li Zhen slowly raised his hand, drawing the attention of the crowd. A faint smile curved on his lips as he addressed Wei Qing, his voice calm but carrying a hidden edge.

"Young Master Wei," he began, "are you so eager to fight that you would challenge someone far beneath your cultivation level? Surely, as a Foundation Realm cultivator, you understand that such a battle would be one-sided. Or perhaps… you fear that someone in the Qi Concentration Realm could pose a threat to you?"

The crowd fell silent, caught off guard by Li Zhen's unexpected words. Wei Qing's expression darkened, but Li Zhen continued, his mind already working on a plan.

Let's see how you respond, Wei Qing. A true cultivator knows when to strike and when to retreat. Without a solid backing, survival in this world is uncertain. But if I can turn this situation to my advantage, I may find the allies and resources I need to secure my place here.

Wei Qing's eyes blazed with fury as Li Zhen's words echoed through the martial ring. The calm, almost mocking tone had struck a nerve, and the young inner disciple was not one to back down easily.

"You coward!" Wei Qing spat, his voice loud enough to be heard by everyone present. "Hiding behind your words because you know you're too weak to face me! How typical of someone who only knows how to bully the weak!"

He sneered, expecting the crowd to rally behind him, to see Li Zhen as the coward he was trying to paint him as. But instead, an uneasy murmur rippled through the onlookers, their expressions shifting from excitement to contemplation.

Isn't Wei Qing an inner disciple now? someone in the crowd whispered. Challenging an outer disciple like Li Zhen… isn't that just using his power to bully someone weaker?

A few heads nodded in agreement, and the whispers grew louder.

"Yeah, Wei Qing's already in the Foundation Realm, while Li Zhen is only at Qi Concentration. If he wanted to prove his strength, he should at least challenge someone in the same cultivation realm."

"If Wei Qing's so strong, why does he need to pick on someone so far below him? It doesn't seem honorable."

The crowd, once eager for a spectacle, now looked at Wei Qing with a mix of doubt and disapproval. The excitement of a potential fight was giving way to a more rational assessment of the situation.

Li Zhen, noticing the shift in the crowd's mood, kept his expression neutral, but inside, he felt a surge of satisfaction. Let them see the truth for themselves, he thought. Wei Qing's arrogance blinds him. He doesn't realize he's losing the respect of those around him. In this world, reputation and perception are just as important as power.

Wei Qing, sensing the change in the atmosphere, gritted his teeth in frustration. He had expected the crowd to back him up, to see him as the righteous avenger putting a bully in his place. But instead, they were questioning his motives, doubting his honor.

"You… You dare twist the truth, Li Zhen!" Wei Qing's voice wavered, the conviction in his words faltering. "Everyone knows the kind of person you are—a spoiled brat who only knows how to throw his weight around!"

But the damage was done. The crowd's opinion had shifted, and no amount of shouting could change that. What had started as a straightforward challenge was quickly becoming a question of character—and Wei Qing was losing ground.

Li Zhen remained silent, his expression calm and unbothered. Let him dig his own grave, he thought. The more he tries to justify his actions, the more he reveals his true nature to everyone watching. I don't need to fight him. His own arrogance will be his downfall.

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, with some even beginning to voice their thoughts openly.

"Is Wei Qing really that much better than Li Zhen if he's using his power to suppress someone weaker?"

"Exactly. If Wei Qing wanted to prove himself, he should at least challenge someone at the same cultivation level. Otherwise, it's just bullying."

Wei Qing's face flushed with anger and embarrassment. His initial goal had been to protect his junior sister, whom he deeply admired and cared for. He had come here to make it clear that Li Zhen was unworthy of her, to ensure that no one would mistake her engagement as a matter of prestige rather than true affection.

Yet, his approach had backfired. Instead of being seen as a protector, he was perceived as a bully. His attempt to assert dominance and humiliate Li Zhen, hoping to drive a wedge between Li Zhen and his sister, was being interpreted as an unjustified abuse of power.

As Li Zhen looked on, he thought to himself,

"In this world, it doesn't matter how strong you are. Politics and influence are won not by raw power but by who can manipulate the masses. If you can only think to act with brute force, then you're nothing more than a pile of flesh with nothing in the head."

Li Zhen's calm demeanor and the crowd's reaction left Wei Qing in a precarious position. His true intentions—protecting his junior sister from what he perceived as an unworthy suitor—were overshadowed by the public's perception of him as an arrogant bully.

Wei Qing's face darkened further. The very thing he had hoped to prevent—being seen as an overbearing protector rather than a noble defender—was now happening. His plan to showcase his superiority and safeguard his sister's honor was unraveling before his eyes.

But what can you do, Wei Qing? Li Zhen thought. Strike me down in front of everyone? You'd only reinforce their doubts about your motives. Or walk away, and admit that your actions were misguided? Either way, you lose.

Wei Qing stood in the center of the martial ring, his face flushed with anger and embarrassment. The crowd's whispers and judging glances made it clear that his plan had backfired. His attempt to assert his superiority and protect his sister had instead made him appear arrogant and bullying.

Li Zhen, observing the change in the crowd's attitude, allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. He knew that maintaining his composure and letting Wei Qing's own actions reveal his character was the best course of action.

Wei Qing clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "You… You think you've won just by standing there?" he spat, trying to regain some semblance of authority. "You're nothing but a coward!"

Before Li Zhen could respond, a figure appeared at the edge of the martial ring, drawing the crowd's attention. It was an older man with a stern expression and robes marked with the insignia of a high-ranking sect elder.

"Enough," the elder's voice boomed, cutting through the commotion. "Wei Qing, you've caused enough trouble for one day."

Wei Qing turned towards the elder, his anger giving way to a look of desperation, the elder had a cultivation of Martial Master realm to be exact . "Elder Liu, this person has been insulting the honor of my junior sister. I'm merely showing him his place!"

Elder Liu's gaze swept over the scene, taking in the tense atmosphere and the murmurs of the crowd. His expression softened slightly as he turned to Li Zhen. "Li Zhen, it seems you've managed to avoid direct conflict. You've shown restraint and wisdom today. That is commendable."

Li Zhen bowed slightly, his demeanor respectful. "Thank you, Elder Liu."

Elder Liu then turned his attention back to Wei Qing. "As for you, Wei Qing, your actions today were unworthy of an inner disciple. Challenging someone of a lower realm without just cause only makes you appear petty. The sect values strength, but it also values character and honor. I will be reporting this incident to the Sect Leader. For now, return to your duties and reflect on your actions."

Wei Qing's face turned pale. "But, Elder Liu—"

"Enough," Elder Liu interrupted, his tone final. "You're dismissed."

Wei Qing opened his mouth to argue but was met with a stern look from Elder Liu. Reluctantly, he turned and left the martial ring, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

As Wei Qing walked away, the crowd's murmurs grew louder, their sympathy shifting towards Li Zhen. Some even expressed admiration for how Li Zhen had handled the situation with such poise.

Li Zhen's thoughts, however, were focused on more pressing matters. This encounter has revealed much about the current state of this sect and its disciples, he reflected. Wei Qing's failure is a reminder that even the strongest cultivators must be mindful of their actions and their reputation. In this world, perception can be as powerful as actual strength.