From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 40 The storm is coming

The letter slipped from my stiff fingertips and fluttered to the ground. Otherwise... what would happen? The letter didn't say it explicitly, but this unsigned threat hung over my head like an invisible blade, sending chills down my spine.

Could it be Liu Ruyan? No, impossible! I tried to convince myself that the finals hadn't even started yet, and there was no animosity between us; she had no reason to do this. But what about this letter, this threatening tone?

"Xiao Yao, what's wrong?" Sun Yue's voice suddenly rang out at the door. I quickly picked up the letter from the ground and stuffed it into my sleeve.

"It's nothing, why are you here?" I tried to appear calm, but I couldn't suppress my racing heartbeat.

Sun Yue entered the room and keenly noticed my unusual expression: "Why do you look so pale? Are you too tired from cultivating? Or should I help you..."

“I’m really fine,” I interrupted her, forcing a relaxed smile. “It’s just that the finals are coming up, and I’m a little nervous.”

"Nervous? This isn't like you!" Sun Yue clearly didn't believe me, looking at me suspiciously. "Xiao Yao, is there anything between us that we can't talk about? Has something happened?"

Her eyes were so sincere that I hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to tell her. After hearing my story and seeing the contents of the threatening letter, even she, who was usually so carefree, couldn't help but change her expression.

"That's outrageous! They actually used such underhanded tactics!" Sun Yue slammed her hand on the table in anger. "Someone must have deliberately tried to distract you and make you underperform in the finals!"

"But who could it be?" I frowned, completely baffled. "Could it be..."

A terrible thought flashed through my mind, and I suddenly stood up, grabbed my sword, and rushed out.

"Where are you going?" Sun Yue grabbed my arm.

"I'm going to find Liu Ruyan. I want to ask her directly!"

"Calm down!" Sun Yue forcefully pulled me back into the room. "Going to her now will only alert her. We need to find evidence to prove she has nothing to do with this!"

Her tone left no room for argument. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Sun Yue was right; acting impulsively now would only make things worse.

"What should we do?" I paced back and forth anxiously.

"Don't rush, let me think..." Sun Yue pondered for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up. "I've got it! The paper and ink on this letter are very special. We can start our investigation from this angle!"

Her suggestion gave me hope. We examined the letter paper carefully and found that there was a special pattern on the paper, and the ink also gave off a faint fragrance. This was definitely not ordinary ink!

"Come on, let's go find Master Li. He's very knowledgeable and experienced; maybe he can figure something out!" Sun Yue grabbed my hand and quickly walked out of the room, but my gaze fell on the unsigned letter on the table...

In Master Li's study, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. I presented the letter to him and explained the whole story and our discovery. After listening, Master Li frowned, carefully examining the letter. After a long while, he slowly spoke: "This paper is cloud-patterned paper, and the ink used is made with ambergris. These are extremely precious items that not everyone can possess."

My heart sank. Could it really be as I suspected...?

"This matter is of utmost importance. I will immediately send someone to investigate secretly. With the finals approaching, you can focus on your cultivation and not be distracted by this." Hall Master Li's tone was calm, yet it exuded an undeniable authority.

“But…” I wanted to say something more, but was interrupted by Hall Master Li raising his hand.

"I know what you're worried about. I'll increase your protection. During the finals, you'll have to report all your actions to me, understand?"

I nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. Master Li was always reliable in his work, and with his words, I no longer had any worries.

In the following days, in addition to strengthening my security precautions, Master Li also specially invited a highly respected elder from the sect to provide me with psychological counseling. The elder taught me meditation and breathing exercises, guiding me to eliminate distracting thoughts and stabilize my mind. He also taught me some techniques for dealing with emergencies, allowing me to remain calm under pressure.

"Only with a calm mind can one control movement with stillness. External disturbances are merely fleeting clouds; only with a strong inner self can one remain invincible." The elder's words were like a wake-up call, enlightening me completely.

I calmed myself down and practiced the method the elder taught me over and over again. Gradually, I felt much calmer inside, and the fear and unease brought by the letter gradually dissipated.

The night before the final, I was meditating in my room when Sun Yue suddenly visited.

"Xiao Yao, I've prepared a gift for you. I hope you'll like it." Sun Yue smiled mysteriously, took out a brocade box from her bosom, and slowly opened it.

Curious, I peeked over and saw an antique book lying in the brocade box, with four large characters boldly written on the cover...

Inside the brocade box lay an antique book with four large characters prominently displayed on its cover: "Phantom Mystery".

"This is..." I covered my mouth in surprise. This was a legendary, long-lost footwork manual. When mastered, it could make one's figure appear and disappear like a ghost. It was a top-level cultivation manual!

"Shh—" Sun Yue winked playfully, "I secretly took this from my grandfather's library, so you have to keep it safe and don't let him know."

I carefully held the manual, deeply moved: "Sun Yue, thank you! This gift is so precious."

Sun Yue smiled slyly: "Between you and me, there's no need for thanks. I just hope you can achieve good results in the finals!"

I nodded solemnly, secretly resolving to cherish this sentiment and live up to Sun Yue's expectations.

I eagerly opened "Phantom Tracks" and began to study it carefully. The footwork described in the book was exquisite, and I was immediately captivated, as if I had opened the door to a new world. Following the descriptions in the book, I began to try to practice, rehearsing each movement and its key points over and over again.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, night had fallen. I was immersed in my cultivation, completely oblivious to everything else. Sun Yue had already left, leaving me alone in the room, with only the moonlight streaming through the window, quiet and peaceful.

Suddenly, a thought struck me, and a description from "Phantom Tracks" flashed through my mind: "Controlling form with qi, light as a swallow, with unpredictable footwork, able to move instantly within a small space..."

This description was completely different from the techniques I had learned before, yet it subtly resonated with the spiritual energy within me. A thought struck me—could it be…?

I've decided to take the risk!

I took a deep breath, mobilized all my spiritual energy, and began to try out the new cultivation method following the "Phantom Trail" energy circulation route.

At first, my movements were a bit clumsy, but with continuous practice, I gradually found my rhythm. My body became lighter and lighter, and my speed increased, as if I had truly become a phantom, moving freely through the room.

I was overjoyed; this "Phantom Trail" was indeed extraordinary!

With the finals just around the corner, I have a feeling that this manual will become my secret weapon, helping me shine on the field!

On the eve of the finals, I practiced "Phantom Steps" for the last time. Under the moonlight, my figure appeared exceptionally determined.

"Xiao Yao, are you ready?" I whispered to myself.

Tomorrow will be the moment of decisive battle!

The moonlight, like water, poured over me, reflecting my resolute and serene face. On the eve of the finals, I practiced "Phantom Steps" for the last time, every movement filled with power and confidence.

"Xiao Yao, your footwork is becoming more and more masterful." Li Tangzhu's voice came from behind me. I stopped and turned around to bow to him: "Tangzhu Li."

Master Li looked at me with satisfaction and anticipation in his eyes: "The final is tomorrow. Are you confident?"

I nodded: "This disciple will do my utmost to live up to the expectations of Hall Master Li and all the elders."

Master Li smiled slightly: "I believe in you. However, you must remember that victory and defeat are common occurrences in war, so don't be too fixated on the result. The most important thing is to demonstrate your strength in the competition and leave no regrets."

"I will keep Master Li's teachings in mind," I replied earnestly.

Master Li patted my shoulder and turned to leave. His figure looked somewhat lonely in the moonlight, perhaps because after tomorrow, I would be leaving the sect and heading to a wider world.

I looked up at the starry sky, my heart filled with both anticipation and unease about the future. The final will be a major turning point in my life. Can I overcome all difficulties and achieve final victory?

It was late at night, and I returned to my room, but I couldn't fall asleep. My mind kept replaying the events of the past few days. From a good-for-nothing who was ridiculed to someone who could now compete with many talented disciples, I had put in unimaginable effort.

"Dong dong dong..."

There was a knock on the door. I opened the door and saw Sun Yue standing outside, holding a steaming bowl of herbal soup.

"This is a calming soup I specially made for you. Drink it, get a good night's sleep, and you'll be in the best condition to face the challenge tomorrow." Sun Yue handed me the soup, her eyes full of concern.

I took the medicine, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart: "Thank you, Sun Yue."

After drinking the herbal medicine, I lay in bed, and my thoughts gradually calmed down. I knew that no matter the outcome, I had to face it bravely.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, I was already up. After changing into my competition uniform, I took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and wondered what awaited me.