Chapter 13: The Veilmoon Sect's Oversight
A thick mist rolled into the arena, transforming it into a qi-constructed forest for the third round. The air hummed with the energy of beasts—Jade Fang Wolves and serpents, all at the 8th Layer Qi Gathering. Lin Xuan and Liu Yue stood back-to-back, their Celestial Unity Crests pulsing in sync. "Stay close, Junior Sister," Lin Xuan said, his voice steady. She nodded, her raven hair a faint glow in the fog.
The trial began with a wolf's howl. Lin Xuan launched Void Pulse Kick, blending a Muay Boran knee (Kao Tone) to shatter its jade fangs, while Liu Yue's shield deflected a serpent's strike, her qi blade slicing its neck with precision—techniques she'd learned from Lin Xuan's Records. Their teamwork flowed naturally, a dance of trust and strength. From the mist, Veilmoon Sect elders observed, their Moonlight Dao auras a neutral shimmer, led by Elder Bai Yun, a serene woman with a 5th Layer Qi Transformation presence.
Suddenly, three Zhi Clan assassins emerged—led by Li Mei, a lithe figure with cold eyes and a 9th Layer Qi Gathering aura. "The Scriptures are ours," she hissed, curse qi lacing her voice. Lin Xuan's Illusion Diversion scattered their focus, Celestial Glide dodged a poisoned dart, and Starlit Fang Strike with a Kyokushin front kick (Mae Geri) broke Li Mei's arm. Tooth Dagger and Energy Devour finished the others, Liu Yue's qi blade aiding the effort. They collected beast cores, securing their win.
That night, Lin Xuan refined a pill with his silver-blue flame, unlocking Phantom Lotus Palm—a qi-enhanced palm strike blended with mixed martial arts jabs from the Records. Liu Yue sat nearby, her excitement palpable. "Senior Brother, we're getting so strong! Imagine what we can do next!" Her enthusiasm lit her face, deepening Lin Xuan's bond with her. He tossed her a pill, smiling faintly. "Keep pushing, Junior Sister. The Hei Clan won't wait." Her trust in him was a quiet strength, fueling his resolve.