Curse of the Supreme Blood

The Xiang Sect's training grounds buzzed with activity as disciples of all levels honed their skills for the upcoming sect tournament. The air crackled with determination as the clang of swords, the thud of fists on training dummies, and the shouts of combat echoed across the sprawling courtyards. The entire grounds were filled with excited noises as the disciples trained in various techniques, eager to show their prowess during the tournament.

For the outer and inner disciples, the stakes were high. The tournament promised a chance to ascend to the next rank—a dream for many. The tournament was a sure way to advance to the next level. For an outer disciple, advancement to the inner sect was a step coveted by them as it would ensure greater resources and more advanced cultivation techniques. Outer sect disciples only received two spirit stones a month and the lowest sect cultivation technique, which is the Qi awakening cultivation techniques to enable them to open their Qi and step onto the cultivation pathways. For genius disciples, opening of their Qi can take between two and three months, depending on how dedicated the disciple is. But for ordinary disciples with mediocre talent, Qi awakening can take up to six months or even a year.

For inner sect disciples, becoming a core disciple was what most coveted by all of them, as their cultivation resources would also increase exponentially from five to ten spirit stones, core cultivation techniques and direct tutelage from the elder who chooses them as disciples. They also had other benefits as they could directly be in charge of out sect disciples, lead sect missions, and most importantly, represent the sect in inter sect tournaments.

Participating in the sect tournament was therefore an affair of serious dimension in the eyes of both outer and inner sect members. Since this is a once in two-year affair, making a positive appearance whenever it happens is the aim of all sect disciples.

For some outer sect members, however, becoming successful this period cannot be overemphasised. One sect law is that anyone who fails to break through to the six level of the Qi controlling realm in four years will be sent away from the sect. Being able to become an inner sect member through the sect tournament could help one circumvent this law, especially those stuck in the fifth level of the Qi controlling realm without any sign of an impending breakthrough.

Being sent out of the sect was not desirable by anyone who had embarked on the cultivation journey, as it would mean reverting to a mortal. The sect tournament was therefore like a beacon of hope to many. This accounts for the frenzy in cultivation and sparring currently ongoing in the sect grounds.

Even though Li, as the Sect Master's personal disciple, was already a core disciple, he trained alongside his friends, not for status, but to assist his friends in their quest to become core disciples and also to sharpen his own skills. Although Li had not started cultivating in any martial techniques, since his master had forbidden him to until he was nine years old, he could still practice with his friends using the bare rudiments he knew. His forte was the sword, which he has grown very proficient in.

Li stood in a sparring circle, his training sword steady as he faced Chen Yan, an inner disciple known for his fluid swordplay. Chen Yan was tall and lean, with quick reflexes that often left opponents flustered. He was practicing a new sword technique that was his hidden ace in winning a spot in the forthcoming tournament.

"Ready?" Li asked, adjusting his grip.

Chen Yan smirked. "I'll go easy on you. Just tell me if you notice any flaws in my sword work"

"Okay' replied Li as he took a fighting stance

The duel began with Chen Yan launching a flurry of rapid slashes, each strike aimed at exploiting any weakness in Li's defense. Li parried swiftly, stepping aside with precise footwork. Their swords sparked with each clash, steel ringing like a war cry.

Li noticed an opening as Chen Yan swung his sword in an upward sweep, leaving his torso and chest open. Li took the opening and slashed down on Chen yan's chest before he could make his move or deflect, bring the fight to an abrupt end.

'Ahhhhhhhhhhh' screamed Chen yan as he rubbed his chest in dismay as he stared at Li angrily.

'Stop sulking. That there is a flaw in your technique. It leaves you open for attack by someone as fast as me. so you need to work on it. Either remove that strike entirely, or devise a way to protect your vital areas as you make the move' Li instructed, pointing out the flaws and advising on how to rectify it.

'Thanks Li' Chen Yan conceded meekly 'that was why I decided to spar with you instead of Su Ming. I know your sword work is superb and you'll be able to guide me. I need to go back and work on it'

Li stood quietly by watching intently as nearby, another sparring ring hosted a fierce martial contest.

Chen Yan saw the longing look in Li's eyes and asked 'You want to join them don't you?

'Yes, I'd like to practice martial arts but my master says I shouldn't practice any technique till I clock nine. I can only do the rudiment' Li lamented

'But why? Chen Yan asked

'I don't know but I'm sure he has good reasons' replied Li as he watched the combatants intently. The fighters were both inner sect disciples Lin Xiu and Wei Feng

Lin Xiu, a muscular disciple proficient in martial arts, fought bare-handed against Wei Feng, who wielded a heavy glaive. Lin Xiu's strikes were brutal and calculated, forcing Wei Feng on the defensive.

"Don't hold back!" Lin Xiu roared, delivering a spinning kick that barely missed Wei Feng's face. Wei Feng staggered as the powerful wind from the kick destabilised him, almost making him lose his balance.

Lin Xiu took the opening and delivered a series of kicks to Wei Feng's mid-section causing him to tumble back and fall flat on his buttocks. This cause the onlookers to burst into mocking laughter except for Li who looked away having spotted the flaw in Lin Xiu's move that he would have exploited if he was the one in the ring with him. Li walked away to another part of the field to watch others sparring.

Earlier on from across the training grounds, Lu Heng watched the sparring between Li and Chen Yan from a shaded alcove, his expression dark and unreadable. He clenched his fists as he observed Li move with precision and grace, effortlessly countering Chen Yan's swift attacks.

Lu Heng was an inner sect disciple with exceptional skill in spear combat. His cold eyes burned with jealousy. He had been one of the most promising disciples until Li's unexpected arrival. The Sect Master's decision to make Li his personal disciple still felt like a dagger to his pride. To make matters worse, the sect master had even instructed him to show Li to his quarters and explain whatever questions Li might have. He had not bothered as he left immediately after showing him his quarters which was even better than Lu Heng's. This was another source of envy for him.

"I was supposed to be the chosen one," Lu Heng thought bitterly. "I've trained harder and longer than anyone… and he just appears out of nowhere and usurps me."

He recalled the day he'd been ordered to escort Li to his quarters. He'd thought it was a temporary duty, something beneath him. But when he realized who Li was, his pride shattered, replaced by festering resentment.

Back in the training yard, Li disarmed Chen Yan with a well-timed feint, sending the inner disciple's sword clattering to the ground. Chen Yan chuckled breathlessly, wiping sweat from his brow.

"You've gotten better," Li praised, helping him up.

"And I still can't beat you," Chen Yan replied, extending a hand.'I need to train harder. Thank heavens no one among the outer disciples is as skilled as you. I would have had no chances of becoming an inner disciple as you easily see any flaw in my moves'

'Train harder lazy bones and stop giving excuses. Remember those hidden inner disciples who hardly come out to play but train endlessly in secret? You might be unfortunate to come across one of them in the tournament' he scolded his friends

'You are right' replied Chen yan 'I will work harder on the flaws you pointed out'

As Chen Yan and Li exchanged friendly banter, Lu Heng turned away, his mind racing. He could not challenge Li directly yet. His status as an inner disciple limited his options, but the tournament might change everything.

"I need to get rid of Li before the sect tournament. Then I will exhibit my radiance like the sun and the sect master will have no choice but to choose me as his disciple," Lu Heng mused. "When the time comes… I'll strike."

Late that night, under the cover of darkness, Lu Heng slipped away from his quarters. Cloaked in a plain robe, he moved stealthily toward a remote cave outside the sect's boundaries. The secluded spot had become his secret training ground—where he perfected forbidden techniques he'd unearthed from an old, forbidden scroll stolen from the sect's library.

He drove his spear into the ground and knelt, chanting the dark incantations inscribed in the stolen scroll. Faint, ominous energy began swirling around him, snaking into his veins like venom. His eyes flickered with a dull crimson glow—faint but unmistakable.

"Soon…" Lu Heng whispered, his voice dripping with malice. "I'll show them who the true heir of the Xiang Sect is."

Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed from deeper within the cave. Lu Heng snapped upright, spear in hand, every muscle tense. He wasn't alone.

From the shadows, glowing eyes pierced the darkness, accompanied by the low, guttural growl of a monstrous presence.