The Celestial Falls

Li Wei's grip tightened. The air around him felt heavier, thick with a suffocating presence. These weren't ordinary men—he could feel the weight of their cultivation.

Jinhai took a step forward, his expression cold. "Abyss Sect."

The name sent a chill down Li Wei's spine. The Abyss Sect—a ruthless faction known for their forbidden techniques and merciless assassins.

The crimson-eyed leader chuckled. "Ah, so you recognize us. That saves time." His gaze shifted to Li Wei, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "The Celestial Seal… I thought it was a mere legend. But now, I see it with my own eyes."

Li Wei didn't respond. His Qi surged, ready for battle.

Jinhai placed a hand on his shoulder. "Not yet," he whispered.

The Abyss Sect leader laughed. "Smart choice, old man. You'd be foolish to face us now. However—" His expression darkened. "We can't allow the Celestial Seal to grow unchecked."

He flicked his wrist. The two figures behind him lunged forward.

Boom!

A shockwave exploded as the assassins shot toward them like black shadows. Their movements were fast—almost too fast.

Jinhai vanished.

A split second later, he reappeared between Li Wei and the incoming assassins. His palm struck out—one attack, two enemies.

BOOM!

The ground cracked as the two assassins were blasted back, tumbling across the rocky terrain.

Li Wei barely had time to process it before the crimson-eyed leader moved.

He flickered from sight—then appeared directly in front of Li Wei.

Li Wei's instincts screamed. He raised his arm—too slow.

A clawed hand shot toward his chest.

Abyss Qi.

The air turned freezing. A wave of dark energy surged toward him.

But just before impact—

FWOOSH!

A golden barrier erupted around Li Wei's body, deflecting the attack.

The Abyss Sect leader staggered back, his expression twisting in surprise. "What—?!"

Li Wei's breath was heavy, his heartbeat wild. He looked down—his entire body was glowing with golden light.

The Celestial Seal had responded.

Jinhai's voice was calm, but deadly. "You shouldn't have come here."

The Abyss Sect leader gritted his teeth. "Tch. So, it's already awakening… No matter." He snapped his fingers. The two assassins, though injured, quickly returned to his side.

He smiled darkly. "We'll meet again, Celestial Heir."

Then, they vanished into the shadows.

Li Wei exhaled, his body still buzzing with energy. His first real battle… and he hadn't even been able to fight.

Jinhai sighed. "The world won't leave you alone anymore, kid."

Li Wei clenched his fists. Then I'll just have to become stronger.

The wind howled across the plateau as Li Wei stared at the spot where the Abyss Sect had vanished. His heart was still pounding—not from fear, but from frustration.

He had power. He had awakened his Qi. Yet, he hadn't been able to land a single hit.

Jinhai studied him for a long moment before speaking. "You're angry?"

Li Wei clenched his fists. "I wasn't strong enough."

Jinhai sighed. "Strength isn't just about power. It's about control. Even the Celestial Seal won't save you if you don't know how to wield it."

Li Wei took a deep breath. He knew Jinhai was right. Power without control was meaningless.

"What's next?" he asked.

Jinhai Chuckled. "Training."

With a flick of his wrist, he pulled out an ancient scroll and tossed it to Li Wei. "This is your next step."

Li Wei caught it and unrolled it. His eyes widened.

The Nine Heavens Martial Path

It was a cultivation technique, unlike anything he had ever seen.

Jinhai crossed his arms. "The world is ruled by martial cultivation, but the true warriors follow a path beyond common techniques. The Nine Heavens Martial Path is one such road. It will allow you to refine your Qi, strengthen your body, and master combat techniques no ordinary warrior can withstand."

Li Wei's eyes burned with determination. "How do I start?"

Jinhai pointed at the horizon. "First, we travel. There's a place you need to go—The Celestial Falls."

Li Wei frowned. "What's there?"

Jinhai grinned. "A test. If you survive, you'll gain the foundation to truly wield the Celestial Seal."

Li Wei exhaled sharply. He had no choice. If he wanted to face enemies like the Abyss Sect, he had to become stronger.

He turned to Jinhai and nodded. "Then let's go."

With that, their journey to the Celestial Falls began.

The journey was long, the road unforgiving. For two days, Li Wei and Jinhai traveled across treacherous mountains and dense forests, pushing through bitter winds and unrelenting terrain.

Li Wei could feel his body adapting to the harsh environment, his Qi circulating more efficiently with each passing hour.

Finally, as dawn broke on the third day, they arrived.

The Celestial Falls.

Li Wei's breath caught in his throat.

Before him stood a towering waterfall, its waters shimmering with an ethereal glow. Unlike normal waterfalls, this one flowed upward, defying gravity as it cascaded toward the sky. The roar of rushing water echoed through the valley, creating an aura of immense power.

Jinhai folded his arms. "This is where your true test begins."

Li Wei frowned. "What kind of test?"

Jinhai sighed. "Climb."

Li Wei blinked. "Climb… the waterfall?"

Jinhai nodded. "Without using your hands. Only your Qi."

Li Wei stared at the impossibility before him. The force of the water alone would send any normal person flying, and yet…

He could feel it. The Celestial Energy radiating from the falls.

Jinhai continued, "The Celestial Falls have existed since the ancient era. The waters are infused with spiritual energy, making it the perfect place for cultivation. Only those who can control their Qi with absolute precision can ascend it."

Li Wei inhaled sharply. He knew what this meant.

This wasn't just about strength. It was about control, discipline, and mastery over his Qi.

He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

The trial had begun.