A Power Awakens

Chapter 18 – A Power Awakens

Jin Wei sat cross-legged in his room, his breath steady as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.

[New Path Unlocked – ???]

The message from the system still lingered in his mind. He had never seen an update like this before.

"A new path? What does that mean?"

Jin Wei focused his thoughts, willing the system to reveal more information.

> [System Alert: A new path has been unlocked. Further details will be revealed as the host progresses.]

"Tch." Jin Wei clicked his tongue. The system was as vague as ever.

Still, something inside him had changed. He could feel it in the way his internal energy surged more smoothly, in the way his body felt lighter yet more powerful at the same time.

He clenched his fists. The sensation was intoxicating.

"I need to test this."

---

The First Trial

Jin Wei stood at the Azure Sect's training grounds. It was late at night, the moon casting a silver glow over the stone platforms. He was alone.

The moment he activated his internal energy, he felt the difference immediately.

A single step forward—

Boom!

A gust of wind exploded beneath his feet, propelling him forward with insane speed.

His eyes widened. "This is…!"

Without hesitation, he executed a basic palm strike. The air rippled from the sheer force, cracking the stone floor several meters away.

He exhaled sharply. "My strength has increased this much?"

This wasn't just a normal breakthrough. Something about that rune had fundamentally changed his cultivation foundation.

His mind raced through the possibilities. If he had been strong enough to defeat Feng Tao before, now…

"No. I can't be careless. I need to test the limits."

He activated his system panel, watching as his stats refreshed.

> [Cultivation Realm: Body Tempering 3rd Stage]

[New Passive Ability: ???]

Jin Wei frowned. Another mystery?

"The system won't reveal it yet… but if I push myself, maybe I can trigger it."

He took a deep breath, lowering himself into a stance. He focused his energy, channeling it into his fist.

And then—

Boom!

Jin Wei punched forward, unleashing a blast of raw force. The stone platform shattered, debris flying everywhere.

A grin formed on his lips. "I see. My control still needs work, but this power…"

He clenched his fist. "It's real."

---

The Silent Watcher

From the shadows, Bai Shenshu watched silently, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Good. He's adjusting quickly."

Jin Wei was no ordinary disciple, that much had been clear since the start. But now, after unlocking that rune's power, his potential had skyrocketed.

Bai Shenshu turned away. There were things Jin Wei would need to learn on his own.

The path ahead would be filled with trials.

But the boy would survive.

"He has to."

---

A Mysterious Summons

The next morning, a disciple arrived at Jin Wei's courtyard, bowing respectfully.

"Senior Brother Jin, the Sect Master requests your presence."

Jin Wei's brows furrowed.

"The Sect Master?"

It was rare for the Sect Master to summon a mere outer disciple. Something was going on.

Without hesitation, he followed.

As he approached the grand hall, the air itself seemed heavier. The pressure of multiple elders filled the space.

Jin Wei stepped forward, bowing. "Disciple Jin Wei greets the Sect Master."

At the center of the hall sat a middle-aged man with an imposing aura. Sect Master Mu Qingshan. His piercing gaze studied Jin Wei for a long moment.

Finally, he spoke.

"Jin Wei. You have been chosen for a special mission."

Jin Wei's expression didn't change, but inside, he was intrigued.

"A mission? What kind of mission would require a newly promoted disciple?"

Mu Qingshan continued. "A disturbance has been detected in the Azure Forest. We need someone to investigate."

Jin Wei's instincts immediately sharpened.

The Azure Forest.

A dangerous place filled with wild beasts, rogue cultivators, and ancient ruins. Even inner disciples wouldn't enter without caution.

"And you want me to go alone?"

Mu Qingshan shook his head. "You will have a team."

He gestured toward the side of the room.

The doors opened, and three figures stepped inside.

Jin Wei's eyes flickered with recognition.

The first was Qin Yue, a cold beauty with ice-blue eyes and an equally frigid temperament. A powerful swordswoman known for her precision and deadly strikes.

The second was Zhang Rui, a carefree, roguish figure who specialized in movement techniques and stealth. He was grinning as usual.

And the third…

Su Lingxi.

Jin Wei's eyes lingered on her for a moment.

She was one of the strongest disciples in the sect, a genius in both alchemy and combat. But more importantly—she was one of the few people he actually trusted.

The team was strong. But that only meant one thing.

The mission was extremely dangerous.

---

The Mission Begins

Two hours later, the team gathered at the sect gates.

Zhang Rui stretched lazily. "Alright, let's get this over with. I hate being in the forest for too long."

Qin Yue shot him a glare. "Then don't slow us down."

Su Lingxi ignored their exchange and turned to Jin Wei. "Something about this mission feels off. Be careful."

Jin Wei nodded. "I know. Let's move."

They set off toward the Azure Forest, their figures disappearing into the dense trees.

But deep within the forest—

Something was already waiting for them.