Encounter with Zhang Wei

After leaving the mission hall, Xu Yan tucked his token away and thought to himself, 'I've saved up a considerable number of contribution points. I should check out the Skills Pavilion next. It's about time I broadened my techniques.'

As he made his way toward the pavilion, he noticed a commotion nearby. A group of disciples stood in a semi-circle, their attention fixed on something—or someone. Xu Yan's sharp gaze picked out the leader at once: Zhang Wei, the same arrogant disciple who had taunted him before. Zhang Wei's smirk widened as he noticed Xu Yan approaching.

"Well, look who it is," Zhang Wei said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Xu Yan. I'm surprised a piece of trash like you managed to survive the Crimson Wraith Forest after being attacked. Could it be you relied on some sort of treasure?"

Xu Yan's expression remained calm as he replied, "That's none of your business."

Zhang Wei's grin faded slightly, replaced by a sneer. "None of my business, huh? Funny you'd say that. Your so-called master, Mo Ying, has been missing for quite some time now. Rumors are swirling. They say he's dead—his enemies finally caught up to him and retaliated. What a shame for you, being left without his protection."

Xu Yan's eyes sharpened, but his tone remained steady. "Even if he has disappeared, the likes of you wouldn't be able to bully me."

Zhang Wei's face darkened, and he motioned to the disciples behind him. "Enough talk. Teach him a lesson."

Two burly men stepped forward from Zhang Wei's group, their smirks mirroring their leader's. They strode toward Xu Yan, ready to grab him. Just as one reached out, Xu Yan moved, his fist flashing forward.

The sound of the Blood Crushing Fist connecting echoed sharply as both disciples were sent flying back. They crashed to the ground near Zhang Wei, groaning in pain.

Zhang Wei's eyes widened in shock as he sensed the faint yet unmistakable aura of the Qi Refining realm radiating from Xu Yan. His surprise quickly gave way to irritation. He kicked one of his fallen lackeys, sending him sprawling further. "Useless!" he barked, his anger clearly mounting.

Turning his gaze back to Xu Yan, Zhang Wei smirked coldly. "Don't think for a second that just because you've managed to step into the Qi Refining realm, you're anything special. By the looks of it, you only just broke through. This is all you amount to."

Zhang Wei raised his hand, crimson qi swirling around his palm. "Let me show you what real power in the Qi Refining realm looks like! Blood Palm!"

Xu Yan's eyes narrowed as he recognized the technique. Blood Palm was a skill far superior to the Blood Crushing Fist, requiring a minimum cultivation level of Qi Refining and mastery of blood qi. Unlike the basic techniques Xu Yan used, this one was deadly and cultivated exclusively by those deeply attuned to blood qi.

As Zhang Wei's palm charged with power, Xu Yan steeled himself to defend. Just as he was about to move, a sudden gust of wind surged between them, and a figure appeared.

"Enough!" a deep voice commanded. An elder stepped in, blocking the attack effortlessly. The energy dissipated harmlessly into the air.

Zhang Wei immediately stopped, his expression shifting to one of deference. He cupped his hands and bowed slightly. "Elder Rui."

Xu Yan followed suit, his sharp gaze dropping momentarily in respect. "Elder Rui."

Elder Rui's piercing eyes moved between the two before addressing Zhang Wei. "With the Inner Sect Tournament happening in a week, it would be better if you saved your strength for the arena rather than wasting it on unproductive brawls like this. Do you understand?"

Zhang Wei bit his tongue, his fists clenching before he bowed again. "Of course, Elder Rui. I understand."

Elder Rui turned to Xu Yan. His gaze lingered for a moment longer, as though weighing something, before he nodded. "Xu Yan, you've made unexpected progress. Don't waste it. Use your time wisely."

"Yes, Elder Rui," Xu Yan replied evenly.

Without another word, Elder Rui turned and walked away, leaving the tension in the air unresolved. Zhang Wei glared at Xu Yan for a long moment before scoffing. "You got lucky today," he muttered before turning to leave, his lackeys trailing after him.

As Xu Yan walked away, his focus already shifting to the Skills Pavilion, Elder Rui stood at a distance, his sharp gaze following the young disciple. Once Xu Yan was out of sight, the elder glanced back toward the mission hall. His expression unreadable, he muttered quietly, "I wonder why Elder Qian made him look out for this Xu Yan."

The elder's gaze lingered on the mission hall for a moment longer before he turned and disappeared into the shadows.