The Awakening : Chapter 3

### **Arc 1: The Awakening**

#### **Chapter 3: The Martial Awakening**

Li Wei swung the wooden beam with all his strength, aiming for the creature's leg. The impact reverberated through his arms, but it was like hitting a stone wall—the creature barely flinched. Li Wei gritted his teeth, frustration mounting. His improvised weapon was no match for the beast's thick hide.

The creature let out a low growl, its glowing red eyes narrowing as it turned its massive head toward him. Li Wei felt a chill run down his spine as the beast's gaze locked onto him, but he refused to back down. He had made his choice to fight.

Before the creature could lunge, Master Zhao and the other martial artists launched another coordinated attack. Spiritual energy surged around them, their weapons glowing brightly as they struck the creature with precision. This time, the attacks landed more effectively, forcing the creature to stagger.

"Li Wei! Get back!" Master Zhao shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "You'll get yourself killed!"

Li Wei hesitated for a split second. Every instinct told him to retreat, but something inside him wouldn't let him. The sight of Master Zhao and the others struggling against the beast stirred a fire in him. He wasn't just a helpless bystander—not anymore.

"I'm not backing down!" Li Wei shouted back, gripping the beam tighter. "I can help!"

Master Zhao cursed under his breath but didn't argue further. The battle was too intense to waste time on disagreements. With a swift motion, Zhao unleashed a powerful blast of energy from his palm, striking the creature square in the chest. The blow sent the beast reeling, its massive form crashing into the nearby buildings, shaking the earth.

Li Wei took the opportunity. He rushed forward, dropping the beam and reaching for a discarded sword lying among the rubble. The blade was heavy in his hands, and it felt foreign, but he knew he couldn't fight empty-handed.

The creature roared, rising again despite the barrage of attacks. Its red eyes burned with rage as it focused on the martial artists. Li Wei's heart pounded, but he forced himself to move, dashing toward the creature's exposed flank.

"Focus on its weak points!" one of the martial artists called out, his voice strained. "The joints and underbelly are vulnerable!"

Li Wei adjusted his grip on the sword and charged, aiming for the creature's leg joints. He swung with all his might, the blade slicing through the air. To his surprise, the sword made contact, cutting into the beast's flesh. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to draw blood.

The creature howled in pain, its massive tail whipping around in retaliation. Li Wei barely had time to react. The tail smashed into the ground near him, sending a cloud of dust and debris into the air. He was knocked off his feet, the force of the impact sending him sprawling.

Pain shot through his body as he hit the ground, gasping for breath. The sword slipped from his grip, clattering to the ground out of reach. Li Wei groaned, trying to push himself up, but his limbs felt heavy and weak.

"Li Wei!" Li Mei's voice rang out, full of panic and fear. She had stepped out from the alley, her eyes wide with terror as she watched her brother struggle.

"No!" Li Wei shouted, struggling to his feet. "Mei, stay back!"

But it was too late. The creature, sensing her vulnerability, shifted its attention toward her. It growled, the sound low and menacing, as it began to move in her direction.

Li Wei's heart stopped. His vision narrowed, and time seemed to slow. The sight of the creature approaching his sister filled him with a fear unlike anything he had ever known.

"Mei! Run!" he screamed, but his voice sounded distant in his own ears.

Li Mei stood frozen, her eyes locked on the massive creature. She was too scared to move. The creature let out another roar, closing the distance between them.

"No…" Li Wei whispered, desperation flooding his chest. He forced himself to his feet, ignoring the pain that coursed through his body. He had to protect her. He couldn't lose her—not like this.

And then, in that moment of desperation, something shifted inside him.

A surge of energy, unlike anything he had ever felt, erupted from deep within. It spread through his body, igniting every nerve with a strange, burning sensation. His vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to pulse with new life. His heartbeat echoed in his ears, louder and faster.

Time seemed to slow even further, and Li Wei felt a strange clarity wash over him. The energy inside him was alive, flowing through his veins like a river of fire. It was raw, untapped, and it responded to his will.

Without thinking, Li Wei raised his hand toward the creature. He felt the energy gather at his fingertips, coalescing into a bright, swirling light. It crackled with power, humming in the air around him.

The creature lunged toward Li Mei, its jaws open wide.

"NO!" Li Wei roared, thrusting his hand forward.

The energy erupted from his palm, a brilliant flash of light that streaked across the battlefield. It struck the creature head-on, slamming into its side with incredible force. The impact sent the beast flying, its massive form crashing into a nearby building with a deafening explosion of stone and debris.

Li Wei stood frozen, his chest heaving as he tried to process what had just happened. The energy in his body slowly receded, leaving him feeling light-headed and drained. His hand tingled from the residual power, and the air around him was thick with the aftereffects of the blast.

The creature lay still, its body twitching as it struggled to rise. It let out one last weak roar before collapsing completely, its red eyes dimming as the life drained from its body.

For a moment, there was only silence.

Li Wei stared at his hand, trembling as the realization dawned on him. He had just tapped into something—something powerful and unknown. He had no idea how he had done it, but it had saved Li Mei's life.

"Li Wei…" Li Mei's voice was soft, trembling with disbelief. She took a hesitant step toward him, her eyes wide with awe. "What… what just happened?"

"I… I don't know," Li Wei whispered, his mind racing. "I think… I think I just awakened."

The other martial artists were stunned, their eyes locked on him in shock. Even Master Zhao, who had been fighting with fierce determination, paused to stare at Li Wei with a look of astonishment.

"An awakening," Master Zhao muttered, stepping forward. His sharp gaze appraised Li Wei, as though seeing him in a new light. "You've unlocked your martial potential."

Li Wei barely heard him. His thoughts were consumed by the flood of emotions—relief that his sister was safe, confusion about what had just happened, and a strange, newfound sense of power.

His life had just changed forever.

Master Zhao approached, his expression now one of respect. "You may not realize it, but you've just tapped into a deep well of spiritual energy," he said, his voice calm. "This is only the beginning. You've awakened to the path of the martial artist, but you have much to learn."

Li Wei looked down at his trembling hands. The power he had felt—it was unlike anything he had ever imagined. But it was also terrifying, a reminder of the dangers that lurked in the world.

He glanced at Li Mei, who stood beside him, her expression a mixture of awe and fear.

For her sake, for their future, he knew one thing for certain.

He would have to master this new power.

And he would become stronger—strong enough to protect her and stand against the shadows of the Abyss.

The awakening had only begun.

End of Chapter 3