Shadows Behind the Curtain

Chapter 16 – Shadows Behind the Curtain

Jin Wei's breath came in short bursts, his chest rising and falling as he tightened his grip. Blood dripped from the shallow cut on his shoulder, staining his torn robes. Across from him, the masked assassin stood motionless, his dagger gleaming under the flickering lantern light.

The atmosphere in the arena was suffocating. The audience, once excited, had gone completely silent. This was no longer a simple test of strength—it was a battle that could end in death. And yet, Bai Shenshu, the elder presiding over the exam, remained seated, his face unreadable.

Jin Wei's mind raced.

"Why isn't he stopping this? Why is no one interfering?"

Something about this felt… wrong.

The Battle Intensifies

The assassin moved. His body blurred, disappearing from sight.

Jin Wei's instincts screamed at him. He turned just in time—the dagger came for his throat!

Clang!

At the last second, he raised his arm, using his bracer to deflect the blade. Sparks flew, and a sharp pain shot up his forearm, but he didn't hesitate. Jin Wei retaliated with a powerful kick, aiming for the assassin's ribs.

Whoosh!

The man dodged effortlessly, his movements like a shadow in the wind.

Jin Wei barely had time to land before the assassin struck again. A second dagger appeared in his other hand, and both blades slashed toward Jin Wei's chest.

Instead of backing away, Jin Wei did something reckless—he stepped forward.

Boom!

A burst of internal energy surged from his body, propelling him forward like a cannonball. He twisted his body midair, dodging one dagger while slamming his elbow into the assassin's side.

Crack!

A muffled grunt came from behind the mask as the assassin staggered. Jin Wei didn't let up. He followed with a devastating punch to the chest.

Bang!

The assassin was sent flying backward, skidding across the stone platform. The crowd gasped in shock.

Jin Wei exhaled sharply, his fists still trembling from the force of his attack. He had landed solid hits, yet…

Why did it feel like the assassin was holding back?

A Shocking Revelation

The assassin slowly stood up, completely unfazed. Then, something unexpected happened—he turned away from Jin Wei and knelt.

Kneeling?

Jin Wei's eyes widened as the masked man bowed his head… toward Bai Shenshu.

A heavy silence fell over the arena. Whispers spread through the audience.

"He's not an intruder?"

"Then… Elder Bai planned this?"

Jin Wei clenched his fists. The whole fight had been orchestrated.

Bai Shenshu finally stood from his seat, his long robe billowing slightly as he gazed down at Jin Wei. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—a calculated sharpness, as if he had been studying Jin Wei the entire time.

"Jin Wei, you've passed." His voice echoed through the courtyard.

Jin Wei's jaw tightened. "Passed? Passed what?"

Bai Shenshu smiled faintly. "The real test."

Jin Wei's pulse quickened.

"From the moment you set foot in this sect, you were under observation." Bai Shenshu walked forward, his hands clasped behind his back. "Your strength, your temperament, your ability to fight against impossible odds… all of it has been noted."

Jin Wei took a step forward. "Then this wasn't about the disciple tournament?"

Bai Shenshu chuckled. "Of course not. The tournament is just a facade."

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. The disciples, elders, and even sect officials exchanged confused glances.

"Only a select few are chosen for something… greater." Bai Shenshu gestured toward the kneeling assassin. "He was never meant to kill you. He was here to confirm whether you were ready."

Jin Wei narrowed his eyes. "Ready for what?"

The Hidden Scheme

The masked assassin finally rose to his feet, his golden eyes locking onto Jin Wei's. "You are now marked, Jin Wei. Whether you accept it or not, you have stepped onto a path where there is no turning back."

A cold chill ran down Jin Wei's spine.

He looked back at Bai Shenshu. "You planned this from the beginning?"

Bai Shenshu smiled. "Not just me."

Boom!

At that moment, a surge of power erupted from the elder's palm. A strange rune, glowing with ancient energy, materialized in the air above Jin Wei.

Jin Wei's eyes widened. He could feel it—it wasn't harming him, but it recognized him. It felt like… a seal.

A mark.

A brand of acknowledgment.

Bai Shenshu spoke again, his voice low and commanding. "You've been chosen."

The words echoed in Jin Wei's mind.

No Turning Back

Jin Wei clenched his fists.

"They've been watching me. Testing me. For what? Some hidden agenda?"

He glanced around. The elders, the disciples, the sect officials… they were all clueless.

Whatever was happening, it wasn't common knowledge.

This wasn't just about him winning the tournament.

It was about dragging him into something much bigger.

Jin Wei inhaled deeply and met Bai Shenshu's gaze.

"If this is a game, Elder Bai, then tell me… what are the rules?"

Bai Shenshu's smile widened slightly. "You'll learn soon enough."

As the words settled, Jin Wei knew one thing for certain—his journey in the sect had just taken a dangerous turn.

And there was no escaping it now.