Chapter 15: Song Yuan

The village square while tense still buzzed with excitement from Jin Ye's victory.

A older villager "I can't believe Jin Ye won."

Another merchant "Who are you telling, but i reckon he will wish he didn't Mayor Wei Tong looked furious."

Another younger woman "Who cares? I Jin Ye looked handsome up there, think he will notice me?"

Jin Ye walked slowly toward the edge of the village, noticing people smiling at him respectfully as he passed. His body was still sore from the intense fight, but his heart felt lighter. He knew his victory had won the villagers' respect, though he also sensed the tension beneath the surface—Mayor Wei Tian wouldn't forget his humiliation easily.

As he neared a quiet grove of trees, Jin Ye saw a familiar figure waiting calmly. It was Song Yuan, the cultivator from the Azure Sky Sect. Jin Ye recalled meeting Song Yuan briefly.

Song Yuan greeted him warmly, smiling genuinely. "Jin Ye, you've grown stronger since our last meeting. Yesterday's battle was impressive."

Jin Ye bowed politely, appreciating the compliment. "Thank you, Senior Song. Glad you enjoyed the show."

Song Yuan nodded approvingly. "Actually, Jin Ye, I came here specifically to scout talents for the Azure Sky Sect's upcoming entrance test. Your abilities stood out clearly. Have you thought about joining a sect?"

Jin Ye paused thoughtfully. Joining a sect again meant entering the broader cultivation world—one filled with fierce competition and hidden dangers. Still, it was the fastest way to regain his lost strength. "I have thought about it, although my cultivation is low" Jin Ye replied seriously.

Song Yuan laughed softly, shaking his head. "You underestimate yourself, Jin Ye. Cultivation has many tiers. You've reached the 4th stage of Qi Refinement, impressive for your age at just 16 years old. Above this are Foundation Establishment and Core Formation realms, each harder to reach than the last. But your talent seems promising enough. Reaching this far in these area proves you just need a actual chance."

Jin Ye listened attentively, appreciating Song Yuan's explanation if not needed. Song Yuan continued patiently, "Beyond cultivation, there are other respected paths. Blacksmiths, who create powerful weapons like your reward sword, are vital. Alchemists craft pills like the one Wei Rong took—though usually safer."

He paused, his tone serious. "You should know that Wei Rong's Crimson Blood Pill was dangerous, he will be lucky to cultivate again in the next year, worst case is he's bow crippled. We value strength above all else. And true strength isn't about shortcuts, but steady growth."

Jin Ye nodded thoughtfully, reflecting on Wei Rong's desperate actions. He glanced back toward the village, realizing clearly how close he had come to death. He would not make the same mistake.

Song Yuan smiled encouragingly. "Our sect's entrance test is soon. You should seriously consider joining. Talent is important, but determination and courage matter even more."

Jin Ye nodded slowly, deciding clearly. "I will be there" he said confidently, determination shining brightly in his eyes.

After parting ways with Song Yuan, Jin Ye returned home and carefully examined the Refined Grade sword he had earned. The blade gleamed softly under the sunlight, its sharp edge crafted perfectly. He could sense the subtle Qi flowing within it, enhancing its strength and durability beyond ordinary weapons.

Holding the sword, Jin Ye felt a connection to it. Refined Grade weapons were rare and valuable. They were above Mortal Grade, infused carefully with Qi by skilled blacksmiths. Beyond Refined, there were even higher ranks like Spirit and Profound grades, each harder to make and even more powerful. Jin Ye knew clearly how precious this sword was, understanding it would be crucial in the battles ahead.

He gently swung the sword, feeling its balance. The Qi within resonated slightly with his own, making each movement smooth and precise. Jin Ye realized clearly that having such a sword would greatly enhance his fighting capability, especially against stronger opponents.

Thinking of stronger opponents, his thoughts returned to Wei Rong. Jin Ye knew the fight wasn't truly over. Wei Rong's reckless actions had pushed Jin Ye beyond his limits, nearly costing him his life. A quiet resolve filled Jin Ye as he understood clearly—Wei Rong wouldn't stop unless he was dealt with.

With determination, Jin Ye carefully meditated, stabilizing his newly achieved fourth stage of Qi Refinement. His recent breakthrough had been sudden, and he needed to ensure his Qi flowed smoothly. He sat quietly, sensing his energy circulate strongly through his meridians, reinforcing his foundation.

Night had fallen, casting long shadows over the village as Jin Ye moved through the darkness, his steps silent as a whisper. The cool evening air carried the faint scent of burning lantern oil, but his mind was focused on a single task. Wei Rong had to die.

After the tournament, Jin Ye knew Wei Rong would never let this go. He had seen it in his opponent's eyes—the kind of hatred that would fester, that would grow, that would lead to an endless cycle of revenge. If he allowed Wei Rong to recover, he would return, stronger, more ruthless, and next time, he might not fight honorably.

Jin Ye would not allow that to happen.

He crept toward the large courtyard of the Wei family estate, moving through the shadows, unseen and unheard. His Moonlit Phantom Steps made his presence almost nonexistent, each movement precise, methodical, deliberate.

Reaching the outer wall, he leaped effortlessly, his Qi-controlled movements letting him scale the side of the compound like a phantom. He landed on the tiled roof without a sound, his silver eyes scanning the dimly lit corridors below.

Wei Rong's resting quarters were heavily guarded, but Jin Ye had anticipated this. They expected a frontal attack, not death slipping in through the cracks.

A single guard stood at the entrance, his posture rigid but his mind weary. Jin Ye struck before he could react.

His palm hit the guard's neck not to kill, knocking him out. The man slumped to the ground, his consciousness stolen in silence.

Jin Ye pushed open the door without hesitation.

Inside, Wei Rong lay on his bed, his breathing slow, recovering from his injuries. Bandages wrapped his torso, his Qi unstable. The fight had taken a toll on him.

Jin Ye knew exactly what kind of person Wei Rong was. If he was left alive, endless trouble would follow.

Jin Ye stepped forward.

Wei Rong's eyes fluttered open, confusion flickering for only a moment before realization set in.

"Jin Ye—"

Before he could shout, Jin Ye's hand clamped over his mouth, his palm searing with Qi as he pressed against Wei Rong's chest.

Wei Rong gasped, his body convulsing as Scorching Fang Palm ignited within his meridians, the intense heat overwhelming his Qi circulation. His limbs spasmed weakly, his muffled screams fading into choked gasps.

Jin Ye watched without emotion.

The fight had already been decided. This wasn't a battle—it was an execution.

Wei Rong's eyes filled with hatred, with rage, with disbelief. He tried to fight back, but his body wouldn't listen. His Qi—his very strength—betrayed him, burning from the inside out.

Moments passed.

The hatred in Wei Rong's eyes flickered… then faded. His body fell still.

It was over

Jin Ye stood over Wei Rong's corpse, his heart steady.

Instantly, he activated the mysterious power he had felt growing inside him, drawing in Wei Rong's talent, lifespan, and destiny.

A powerful sensation surged through Jin Ye, unlike anything he'd felt before. It felt like molten fire flowing rapidly through his veins, burning intensely but also reshaping him from within. He gasped sharply, feeling Wei Rong's life force and cultivation talent rush into his own body.

Jin Ye's muscles trembled from the intense heat, his vision blurring slightly. He grit his teeth, fighting through the pain. He could feel his body becoming stronger, his meridians widening and becoming clearer, his Qi rapidly increasing in purity. Even the lifespan he absorbed felt vivid and real, extending his own life.

Inside Jin Ye, the fiery sensation slowly calmed, leaving behind a newfound strength that pulsed steadily through him. His cultivation felt more stable, clearer, and stronger. He realized clearly he had advanced significantly—absorbing Wei Rong's fifth-stage cultivation talent had boosted his own dramatically.

But Jin Ye also sensed the heaviness of what he'd done. He had did what was thought impossible and absorbed everything Wei Rong once had. The gravity of what he could do dawned on him but he knew clearly this was the path he'd chosen.

Slowly, Jin Ye straightened, breathing deeply. He felt his heart beating strongly, Qi flowing powerfully within him. Wei Rong's fate had become part of his own, fueling his rise in a way that normal cultivation never could.

Jin Ye turned calmly. He knew clearly that his actions today marked him. There was no turning back now. His destiny had become intertwined deeply with this power, reshaping his fate and driving him forward on a path filled with danger, challenges, and the endless pursuit of strength.

With that Jin Ye turned around activated Moonlit Phantom Steps and disappeared into the night.