The Shard of Heaven
Li Wei and Chen Yu stood at the edge of the forest, staring at the temple ruins. The half-collapsed columns jutted from the ground like the bones of an ancient beast. Moonlight glinted off the moss-covered stones, giving them a ghostly glow. The air was thick, saturated with something intangible—as if the place itself breathed with ancient power.
System Highlight: Danger Probability: 60%. Mission "Find information about the sect artifact": 25% progress. Recommendation: Explore cautiously, avoid traps.
Li Wei tightened his grip on the rusty knife, feeling his muscles tense. His energy had recovered to 45%, but his cultivation remained at the Mortal Level, 1st Stage, with 28% to breakthrough. The breathing meditation tablet had helped, but it might not be enough against spirit beasts—or worse, spirits. He glanced at Chen Yu, who was nervously fiddling with his robe, his eyes darting around the ruins.
"Brother, this place is creepy," Chen Yu muttered. "Maybe we should go back? Wang Zi might be crazy, but this... this feels wrong."
"Too late to retreat," Li Wei snapped, though he felt a chill himself. "If the artifact is here, I'll find it. You can stay behind, but don't expect a share."
Chen Yu sighed but followed, mumbling about his bad luck. Li Wei moved toward the ruins, sticking to the shadows of the trees. The columns encircled a central platform where the remains of an altar, cracked and covered with runes, stood.
System Highlight: Altar: Possible source of the artifact. Activation probability: 30%. Spiritual energy required.
"The altar," Li Wei whispered, gesturing to Chen Yu. "Looks like the center. But let's circle around first—check for beasts."
They began circling the perimeter silently. Li Wei noticed claw marks on the stones—fresh and deep. A spirit beast had been here, and judging by the size of the marks, it was larger than the one that chased them earlier. He motioned for Chen Yu to stay still, listening intently. The silence was deceptive, interrupted only by the rustling of leaves.
Suddenly, the system flashed:
Anomaly detected: Weak spiritual energy emanating from the altar. Recommendation: Approach cautiously for analysis.
Li Wei frowned. It could be related to the artifact—or a trap. He remembered stories where ancient ruins were guarded by trials or guardians. He decided to take the risk but stay alert.
"Chen Yu, stay here," he whispered. "If something goes wrong, run and don't look back."
"No problem," Chen Yu replied, clearly relieved to stay behind.
Li Wei moved cautiously toward the altar, knife at the ready, with "Wind Step" prepared as a backup. The stones were slick with moss, and as he approached, the runes on the altar began to glow faintly.
System Update: Analysis: Altar linked to the artifact. Activation requires spiritual energy. Success probability: 35%.
Li Wei halted, feeling the air grow heavier. He extended his hand, channeling a faint flow of "Azure Stream" energy toward the altar. The runes flared brighter, and the ground trembled.
Chen Yu let out a muffled yelp as Li Wei stepped back, bracing for the worst. From the shadows of the columns, a low growl echoed, and a pair of glowing eyes appeared in the darkness.
System Alert: Spirit Beast detected. Danger Level: High. Survival Probability: 30%.
---
Li Wei froze, his hand still tingling from the energy channeled into the altar. The beast's growl reverberated through the ruins, and the glowing eyes moved closer, stepping out from the shadows. It was massive—larger than a wolf, with a scaled hide and spikes running down its spine.
System Identification: Spirit Beast: Scaled Lizard, Mortal Level, 4th Stage. Weakness: Eyes and underbelly. Recommendation: Avoid direct combat, utilize speed.
"Chen Yu, back up!" Li Wei hissed, retreating from the altar.
Chen Yu was already moving, backing toward the trees, his face pale as chalk. Li Wei gripped his rusty knife tighter, realizing that "Dancing Leaf" would be like a needle against armor for a beast of this size. His energy was at 40%, and "Wind Step" could help dodge, but not for long.
The beast moved closer, its claws scraping the stone. Behind Li Wei, the altar continued to glow, the runes pulsing as if reacting to the beast's presence. He realized that the altar's activation must have awakened the guardian. In stories, ancient artifacts were often protected by guardians, and this lizard wasn't just a random encounter.
System Update: Additional Objective: Neutralize the altar guardian. Reward: +30 Reputation Points, progress toward the artifact. Penalty: Death.
"Great, just great," Li Wei muttered, glancing around. Chen Yu had already disappeared into the trees, and Li Wei cursed his cowardice. But there was no time for that now.
The beast lowered itself, ready to pounce. Li Wei activated "Wind Step" and dashed sideways as the lizard leapt. Its claws struck the ground where Li Wei had just been, sending sparks flying.
The columns provided cover, and Li Wei ducked behind one, trying to buy time. The beast roared, tracking his movements. Li Wei noted that the lizard was slow when turning—its massive frame favored power over agility. An opportunity.
He picked up a stone fragment and hurled it in the opposite direction of the altar. The beast jerked toward the noise, and Li Wei sprinted back to the altar, hoping to complete the activation.
Once more, he channeled the "Azure Stream" into the runes, feeling his energy drop:
Energy: 30%.
The altar hummed, and the crack at its center began to widen, revealing a faint glow within.
System Highlight: Artifact: Shard of Heaven. Extraction probability: 40%. Full activation required.
But the beast turned back, its spikes scraping a column, sending it crashing down. Li Wei dodged, using the last moments of "Wind Step." The beast lunged again, its fangs snapping just inches from his leg. Li Wei knew that without a distraction or a direct hit to its weak spot, survival was slim.
He noticed a fallen column forming a narrow passage—if he lured the lizard there, it might get stuck.
"Hey, ugly!" Li Wei shouted, waving his knife. "Come and get me!"
The beast roared and charged. Li Wei darted to the column, heart pounding. It was his one shot—either reach the artifact or die trying.
---
Li Wei dashed toward the fallen column, feeling the scaled lizard's breath hot on his back. Its claws tore up the ground, and its growl shook the ruins.
System Warning: Energy: 25%. Survival Probability: 35%. Recommendation: Lure the beast into the narrow space.
Li Wei dove into the gap between the column and the rubble, knowing the lizard's bulky body would struggle to fit. He turned around, knife in hand, just as the beast crashed into the passage. Its spikes scraped against the stone, wedging it in place.
The lizard roared, trying to force its way through, but the narrow space held it back. Li Wei let out a shaky breath, realizing he'd bought himself a moment. But the creature was already thrashing, cracking the stones with its strength.
He sprinted back to the altar, where the runes were glowing even brighter, and the crack had widened, revealing a shimmering shard inside.
System Update: Shard of Heaven: An artifact that enhances spiritual energy. Final activation required. Success probability: 50%.
Li Wei focused the remnants of his "Azure Stream" into the altar, feeling his body tremble from the strain.
Energy: 15%.
The runes hummed, and the crack split open, exposing a brilliant shard that looked like a fragment of the starry sky. But just as Li Wei reached for it, the lizard behind him roared one last time and broke free from the passage. The column shattered, and the beast lunged.
Li Wei grabbed the shard just in time, feeling a cold yet powerful pulse course through his body.
System Alert: Artifact obtained! Mission "Find information about the sect artifact" completed. Reward: +50 Reputation Points, access to the Technique Pavilion. Additional Objective: Survive and escape with the artifact. Reward: +20 Reputation Points.
The lizard pounced, its jaws wide open. In desperation, Li Wei clenched the shard, and it flared with light, releasing a wave of energy that struck the beast like a hammer. The creature screeched, stumbling backward, its scales smoldering from the impact.
Li Wei felt a surge of energy:
Energy: 30%.
The artifact's power was enhancing him. He seized the opportunity, activating "Dancing Leaf" and aiming for the beast's eyes—the weak spot. The strike, empowered by the shard, slashed through the creature's left eye, drawing blood. The beast howled, blinded and staggering.
"Chen Yu! Where the hell are you?!" Li Wei shouted, hoping his companion hadn't completely abandoned him.
From behind a tree, Chen Yu peeked out, holding a rock.
"I'm here, brother!" he yelled, throwing the stone at the lizard. It bounced off the beast's scales, but the distraction was enough for Li Wei to make his move.
He dashed toward the forest, pulling Chen Yu along. The blinded lizard thrashed but couldn't follow as quickly, its movements slowed by pain.
System Update: Survival Probability: 60%. Recommendation: Use the shard to boost techniques.
As they tore through the foliage, Li Wei could still hear the lizard crashing behind them.
"Brother, that thing is still after us!" Chen Yu panted, tripping over a root. Li Wei yanked him up, adrenaline pushing him forward. The shard's boost was temporary, and he could feel his strength waning again.
"Head for the stream!" Li Wei shouted, remembering the water. The beast might hesitate to follow. They veered toward the rushing sound, shoving through the underbrush.
When they reached the stream, Li Wei turned to face the creature. The lizard burst from the trees, its single good eye gleaming with fury.
"Chen Yu, into the water!" Li Wei ordered, leaping into the stream. The icy water bit at his skin, but he moved downstream, hoping it would wash away their scent. Chen Yu followed, splashing noisily.
The beast stopped at the edge, sniffing the air, clearly hesitant to enter.
System Update: Survival Progress: 80%. Recommendation: Continue moving downstream, avoid open areas.
Li Wei noticed the lizard slowing, the wounds and the cold water sapping its strength. It growled, pacing along the bank but not entering.
"Chen Yu," Li Wei whispered as they waded through the stream, "if we make it out of here, what do you know about the elders? Will they forgive the fire if I present the artifact?"
Chen Yu scoffed, shivering.
"Forgive? Maybe Elder Liu would be interested, but the others? They hate when disciples mess with the ruins. An artifact might help, but they'll still punish you for the fire."
Li Wei gritted his teeth. That meant he couldn't just return and hand over the shard. He needed a plan to strengthen himself first. The Technique Pavilion, now accessible thanks to the mission completion, might hold the key.
They crawled out of the stream at a denser part of the forest, where the trees grew closer together. Li Wei tucked the shard under his robe, its faint pulse still vibrating against his chest. He knew the shard wasn't just a tool—it was a magnet for trouble. Wang Zi, the elders, and anyone else who knew about it would come for him.
But it was also his ticket to survival and power. He couldn't let it go.
---
Li Wei and Chen Yu trudged through the forest, wet and exhausted. The lizard's roars faded behind them, signaling it had lost their trail.
System Update: Survival Mission Complete. Bonus Reputation: +20. Total Reputation: 165.
Li Wei sank down behind a tree, squeezing the water from his robe. Chen Yu collapsed beside him, teeth chattering.
"Brother, we did it," Chen Yu muttered with a shaky grin. "You really took down that lizard. But what now? With that... thing, you're a target."
"I know," Li Wei replied, his voice rough from fatigue. "That's why you're not telling anyone. If Wang Zi finds out, we're both dead." He looked Chen Yu straight in the eyes. "And I mean it, Chen Yu. Betray me, and you'll regret it."
Chen Yu raised his hands in mock surrender.
"Hey, I already bet on you, didn't I? I'm not stupid enough to throw away my best chance. But what now? Back to the sect? Or hide the shard?"
Li Wei thought for a moment.
System Reminder: New Mission: Use the Shard of Heaven to enhance cultivation. Reward: +100 Reputation Points, breakthrough to Mortal Level, 2nd Stage. Penalty: Loss of the artifact.
Returning to the sect was risky—between the hut fire and his escape, there would be questions. But staying in the forest with spirit beasts and patrols wasn't much safer.
He summoned the system to check his status:
Cultivation: Mortal Level, 1st Stage, 30% to breakthrough.
Azure Stream Technique: 36%.
The shard could accelerate his progress, but he needed a safe place. He remembered the Technique Pavilion, which he had earned access to. If he could reach it, he might find a technique to stabilize the shard's power.
"We're heading back," he decided. "But not to the dorms. Straight to the Technique Pavilion. I need to figure out how to use this thing."
Chen Yu's eyes widened.
"The Pavilion? Brother, they don't just let you in! You need merit points or elder permission. After the fire, they'll be looking for us!"
"Then we'll figure out a way to sneak in," Li Wei replied firmly. "You're good at gathering information. Find us a way in."
Chen Yu groaned but nodded. They moved cautiously through the forest, sticking to the shadows to avoid patrols. The shard pulsed under Li Wei's robe like a heartbeat. He knew it was more than just a tool—it was the key to his future. But every step he took made him feel like the shadows around him were watching. And he knew the Technique Pavilion would not just be a sanctuary—it might be a trial all its own.