Blazing Ascent

Seo-Jun and Feng Yan returned to the Blazing Sword Sect, their bodies bruised and their clothes stained with blood. The Blue Head Snake core, carefully wrapped in a cloth, was handed over to the collection team in the Hall of Eternal Tasks. The disciples manning the desk barely glanced at them, their attention focused on tallying contributions and distributing rewards.

As they left the hall, Seo-Jun turned to Feng Yan. "We need to report this to Instructor Hu Bao. If the Crimson Shadow Sect is active in the area, the sect needs to know."

Feng Yan nodded, his expression grim. "Agreed. But let's be careful who we tell. Not everyone in the sect can be trusted."

They made their way toward Hu Bao's quarters, but their path was interrupted by a commotion near the training square. A group of senior disciples had gathered, their laughter loud and mocking. At the center of the group was a young female disciple, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger.

"Come on, Mei Ling," one of the seniors sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You're wasting your time with those basic techniques. Why don't you let us… guide you?"

The girl, Mei Ling, clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I don't need your help. Leave me alone."

The senior, a tall boy with sharp features and a smug grin, stepped closer. "You're too stubborn for your own good. Maybe you need to be taught a lesson."

Seo-Jun's jaw tightened as he watched the scene unfold. The senior's arrogance was palpable, and his behavior was unacceptable. Without thinking, he stepped forward, his voice firm. "That's enough."

The senior turned, his eyes narrowing as he took in Seo-Jun's appearance. "And who are you supposed to be? Some newbie trying to play hero?"

Feng Yan stepped up beside Seo-Jun, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "He's someone who doesn't like bullies. And neither do I."

The senior smirked, crossing his arms. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But do you have the strength to back it up? I'm at Qi Condensation Stage 6. What about you, newbie?"

Seo-Jun's system immediately analyzed the senior's cultivation level.

[System Alert: Cultivator Info]

Name: Luo Jian

Cultivation Realm: Qi Condensation Stage 6

Age: 14

Skills: Unknown

Seo-Jun met Luo Jian's gaze, his voice steady. "Strength isn't just about cultivation level. It's about how you use it."

Luo Jian laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Cute. You've got a lot to learn, kid. But don't worry—you'll get your chance to prove yourself at the yearly External Rank Competition in five months. If you're still around by then."

He turned to leave, his group following him, but not before casting a final, disdainful glance at Seo-Jun and Feng Yan. "Stay out of my way, or you'll regret it."

As the seniors walked off, Seo-Jun turned to Mei Ling. "Are you okay?"

Mei Ling looked up at him, her cheeks still flushed but her expression softening. She was strikingly beautiful, with delicate features, almond-shaped eyes that shimmered like polished jade, and long, dark hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her lips, slightly parted, formed a small, grateful smile.

"I'm fine," she said softly, her voice like a gentle breeze. "Thank you for stepping in. They've been bothering me for a while now."

Seo-Jun felt his face grow warm, and he quickly looked away, scratching the back of his head. "It's no problem. No one should have to deal with that kind of behavior."

Feng Yan, standing a few steps behind, couldn't help but smirk. Looks like our little hero has a crush, he thought, though he wisely kept the comment to himself.

Mei Ling hesitated for a moment, then bowed slightly. "My name is Mei Ling. If you ever need help with anything, please let me know."

Seo-Jun's blush deepened, and he stammered, "I-I'm Seo-Jun. And, uh, if you need help with anything, you can ask me too."

Feng Yan finally stepped forward, his smirk still in place. "And I'm Feng Yan. Don't mind him—he's just a bit shy."

Mei Ling giggled softly, the sound like wind chimes in the breeze. "Thank you both. I'll keep that in mind."

As she walked away, Seo-Jun couldn't help but watch her go, his heart racing. Feng Yan elbowed him playfully. "Looks like someone's smitten."

Seo-Jun glared at him, though there was no real heat behind it. "Shut up, Feng Yan."

Feng Yan laughed, but his expression quickly turned serious. "We should still report to Hu Bao. The Crimson Shadow Sect isn't something we can ignore."

Seo-Jun nodded, his mind still lingering on Mei Ling but refocusing on the task at hand. "Right. Let's go."

Instructor Hu Bao listened intently as Seo-Jun and Feng Yan recounted their encounter with the Crimson Shadow Sect. His expression grew darker with each detail, and by the time they finished, his usual stern demeanor had turned grave.

"This is troubling news," Hu Bao said, his voice low. "The Crimson Shadow Sect hasn't been active in this region for years. If they're making a move now, it can only mean one thing—they're planning something big."

Seo-Jun frowned. "What should we do?"

Hu Bao stroked his chin thoughtfully. "For now, keep this to yourselves. I'll inform the elders, but we need to gather more information before we act. In the meantime, focus on your training. The External Rank Competition is in five months, and you'll need to be at your best."

Feng Yan nodded, his expression serious. "Understood."

After leaving Hu Bao's quarters, Seo-Jun and Feng Yan made their way back to the training square. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the sect grounds. As they walked, Seo-Jun's mind buzzed with thoughts—about the Crimson Shadow Sect, the upcoming External Rank Competition, and Mei Ling's grateful smile. Feng Yan, ever observant, noticed his distracted state but chose not to comment, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

They hadn't gone far when they spotted Zhong Yi and Lin Tao approaching. Zhong Yi's usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by a look of unease, and Lin Tao's expression was unusually serious.

"Seo-Jun! Feng Yan!" Zhong Yi called out, waving them over. "You won't believe what happened to us today."

Seo-Jun frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What happened?"

Lin Tao stepped forward, his voice calm but tinged with concern. "While we were collecting herbs in the sect's herb garden, a beast attacked us. It was a Frostfang Wolf, at least at Qi Condensation Stage 4. But here's the strange part—it couldn't enter the garden. It was like something was stopping it."

Feng Yan's eyes narrowed in interest. "A Frostfang Wolf? Those are rare in this region. But if it couldn't enter the garden, it was most likely a formation set up by the sect."

Seo-Jun tilted his head, intrigued. "A formation? What exactly is that?"

Feng Yan crossed his arms, his tone shifting to one of explanation. "Formations are intricate arrays of energy patterns, often inscribed or embedded into the environment. They can be used for a variety of purposes—defensive, offensive, or even supportive. The sect likely set up a defensive formation around the herb garden to protect it from intruders, whether they're beasts or humans."

Seo-Jun's eyes lit up with curiosity. "How do they work? Can anyone create them?"

Feng Yan nodded, though his expression was serious. "In theory, yes. But formations require a deep understanding of Qi manipulation and spatial energy. They're not something you can just pick up overnight. There are different types of formations, each with its own purpose."

He paused, then continued, "Defensive formations, like the one around the herb garden, create barriers that repel or restrict certain entities. Offensive formations, on the other hand, can trap or attack intruders. Some formations are even used to enhance cultivation or refine resources."

Seo-Jun's mind raced with possibilities. "Could we learn to use formations? They sound incredibly useful."

Feng Yan smirked. "It's not easy, but it's possible. The sect has a Formation Hall where disciples can study and practice formations. If you're interested, I can show you the basics sometime."

Zhong Yi, who had been listening intently, chimed in. "That sounds amazing! Imagine setting up a formation to protect our dorm or even to trap enemies during a fight."

Lin Tao nodded thoughtfully. "It would certainly give us an edge in the External Rank Competition."

Feng Yan's expression turned serious again. "Formations are powerful, but they're not without risks. If a formation is set up incorrectly, it can backfire or even harm the user. That's why it's important to learn from someone experienced."