Chapter 19: An Unexpected Visitor

The days after the masked men's retreat were filled with a tense quiet. The air around the Li Clan estate seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating the next move. But Li Wei knew this calm wouldn't last. His clan had fought well, but their enemies would regroup and return, perhaps even stronger.

Li Wei moved through the estate, feeling the pulse of the fragment within him. The battle had shown him the importance of honing not only his own skills but the collective strength of the clan. The fragment continued to offer him glimpses of the Heavenly Sword Art's deeper layers, a promise of power if he could unlock its mysteries fully.

As he surveyed the repairs to the outer walls, Li Yan joined him, her gaze watchful.

"They'll return," she said softly. "They won't accept defeat so easily."

Li Wei nodded, his expression grim. "Which is why we need more allies. I'm planning another visit to the Ironwood Sect. With their help, we may be able to expand our defenses—and strike before the masked men get another chance."

Li Yan's brow furrowed. "Are you certain they'll support us further? The Ironwood Sect has been hesitant to get too involved."

"We have little choice," Li Wei replied. "If they can see the masked organization's threat as we do, they may understand the need to unite."

Before he could continue, a distant shout caught their attention. One of the scouts, Jian Ming, was sprinting toward them, his face pale but determined.

"Li Wei!" Jian Ming called out, panting slightly as he stopped before them. "There's someone at the gate. He claims to be from the Azure Peak Sect."

Li Wei's eyes narrowed. The Azure Peak Sect was a powerful sect in the region, known for its formidable warriors and elusive tactics. They kept to themselves and rarely involved themselves in external conflicts.

"What could they want with us?" Li Yan muttered, her expression guarded.

Li Wei's gaze hardened. "Only one way to find out."

Meeting at the Gate

Li Wei and Li Yan approached the main gate, where a lone figure stood, clad in the dark blue robes of the Azure Peak Sect. The man was tall and carried himself with an air of confidence, his expression calm but unreadable. He inclined his head as Li Wei and Li Yan arrived.

"Li Wei of the Li Clan," the man greeted, his voice even. "My name is Feng Zhihao, an emissary of the Azure Peak Sect."

Li Wei met Feng Zhihao's gaze steadily. "What brings an emissary from the Azure Peak Sect to our gates?"

Feng Zhihao's expression remained neutral, though his eyes held a hint of intrigue. "Word of your recent battle with the masked men has reached our ears. The Azure Peak Sect is concerned. This organization has been gathering strength, and their actions have begun to disrupt the balance of power across the region."

Li Wei exchanged a glance with Li Yan, feeling a glimmer of hope. If the Azure Peak Sect recognized the threat, perhaps they could become an ally.

"You understand, then, why we can't face this threat alone," Li Wei said. "The Li Clan has been a target, but the masked men's ambitions clearly extend beyond our borders."

Feng Zhihao inclined his head. "Indeed. Our sect has observed their movements from afar, but we have been reluctant to intervene directly. However, recent events have forced us to reconsider. The masked organization's reach has become… concerning."

Li Yan's voice was cautious. "Does that mean you're offering an alliance?"

Feng Zhihao was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "An alliance, yes. But there are conditions. The Azure Peak Sect values strength, and we must be certain that the Li Clan can uphold its end of this partnership. We propose a test."

Li Wei's jaw tightened slightly. "A test?"

Feng Zhihao's gaze was steady. "Yes. A display of your clan's skill and resilience. If you pass, we'll commit to supporting you against the masked organization. If you fail, we'll withdraw and assume that the Li Clan lacks the strength for such an alliance."

Li Wei considered his options. The test was a risk, but an alliance with the Azure Peak Sect could strengthen their defenses and provide a critical edge. He met Feng Zhihao's gaze with unwavering resolve.

"Very well. We accept."

The Challenge

That evening, Feng Zhihao set the terms of the test in the main hall, where the Li Clan's elders and warriors had gathered. The test, he explained, would consist of three trials: strength, strategy, and unity. Each trial would measure a key aspect of the clan's capabilities.

"The first trial is one of individual strength," Feng Zhihao explained. "One of your warriors must face me directly. The goal is not to defeat but to endure."

Li Wei glanced at Li Huang, who nodded in understanding. "I'll take this one."

Feng Zhihao led Li Huang to the courtyard, where they took their stances. The warriors gathered around, watching as the two prepared for the trial. Feng Zhihao's presence exuded calm, his movements fluid as he readied his stance. Li Huang, known for his resilience, grounded himself, his stance steady and unyielding.

The fight began with a sudden strike from Feng Zhihao, a swift movement that nearly took Li Huang off guard. But Li Huang held his ground, deflecting the strike with his Ironwood Strike and countering with a powerful blow that pushed Feng Zhihao back.

For several minutes, they exchanged blows, Li Huang's unyielding stance proving to be his greatest asset. Though Feng Zhihao's attacks were relentless, Li Huang's resilience allowed him to endure, impressing the Azure Peak emissary.

At last, Feng Zhihao signaled the end of the trial, a faint smile touching his lips. "Impressive. Your strength is worthy."

Trial of Strategy

The second trial was a test of strategy, where the Li Clan had to devise a plan to defend against a simulated attack. Feng Zhihao laid out the scenario: the masked organization's forces would launch a surprise assault on their eastern wall, and the Li Clan would need to defend it effectively using their resources.

Li Wei gathered his core warriors—Li Yan, Lin Feng, and Xin Ren—and quickly devised a defensive strategy. They positioned Lin Feng at the front as a defensive anchor, using his fortifications to absorb the initial impact. Xin Ren would scout and relay enemy positions to Li Yan, who would pick off critical targets from a hidden vantage point.

As the trial played out, their coordinated efforts held the defense steady. Each warrior executed their role with precision, the trial simulating an attack that felt all too real. Feng Zhihao watched, observing their teamwork and adaptability, and nodded approvingly as they successfully repelled the "attack."

Trial of Unity

The final trial was one of unity, a test that required synchronization between the clan members. For this, Feng Zhihao instructed them to perform a ritual technique as a single, cohesive unit. It was a complex formation designed to merge their Qi, creating a unified force that would amplify each individual's strength.

Li Wei led the clan through the ritual, guiding their Qi with steady focus. Each warrior synchronized their energy, channeling it toward a common goal. The air hummed with power as their Qi combined, creating a brilliant aura that pulsed with the spirit of the Li Clan.

When they completed the formation, Feng Zhihao's expression was thoughtful, his eyes reflecting a sense of admiration.

"This is a rare sight," he said, his voice soft but approving. "The strength of your unity is unmistakable. The Azure Peak Sect will honor this alliance."

A wave of relief washed over Li Wei, though he kept his expression calm. They had succeeded, proving the Li Clan's worth to the Azure Peak Sect. With their support, they now had a powerful ally in the fight against the masked organization.

An Oath of Alliance

As the evening deepened, Feng Zhihao and Li Wei exchanged formal words, solidifying their alliance. The two clans were now bound by mutual defense, with the Azure Peak Sect pledging to aid the Li Clan in their struggles. Together, they would face the masked men and protect the legacy of the Heavenly Sword Art.

Before he departed, Feng Zhihao offered a final piece of advice. "The masked organization will not take this alliance lightly. Be vigilant, Li Wei. They will come for you again—and when they do, you must be ready."

Li Wei nodded, his determination stronger than ever. "We will be. The Li Clan stands prepared."

As Feng Zhihao disappeared into the night, Li Wei felt a renewed sense of purpose. The trials had tested their strength, strategy, and unity, but it was only the beginning. With the Azure Peak Sect by their side, they had a fighting chance—but the real battle lay ahead.

End of Chapter 19