Shadow sat cross-legged inside his quiet courtyard, the wind gently rustling the branches above. He had long since returned from the interrogation, but his thoughts were far from settled.
"The next step," he whispered, eyes focused, "is to break through to the Ninth Level of Foundation Building."
His Qi stirred faintly.
"I need strength. Before Yuelin returns, before the sect erupts. There will be blood. There will be change. And I cannot remain a shadow when the fire begins to burn."
Just then, a knock echoed through the gate.
Three quick taps.
He stood, warily opening the door—and found a familiar figure waiting with arms crossed and a frown on his face.
**Jian Wu.**
His old friend.
Now a core disciple of the Verdant Moon Sect.
Beside him stood his wife, **Lian Yue**, her expression calm but alert.
Shadow blinked in surprise. "You two... now?"
"We heard what happened," Jian Wu said flatly. "And figured we'd find out the truth from the source instead of waiting for the elders to twist it."
Shadow gestured for them to enter.
---
Inside the courtyard, Shadow poured tea in silence.
Jian Wu looked around, then sat down and leaned forward.
"So?" he asked. "Is it true they accused you of killing disciples from other sects in the tomb?"
Shadow nodded slowly. "They plan to punish me. Said I brought danger to the sect. Elder Wei and the others were pushing hard. They demanded I hand over Elder Yan's inheritance."
Jian Wu slammed his hand on the table. "That dog Elder Wei! He was the one who gave you those ten spirit stones when Elder Yan died! And now he turns around and calls it an inheritance? The shamelessness!"
Shadow gave a bitter smile. "It's politics. Nothing more."
Jian Wu leaned in. "Did you fight those disciples in the tomb?"
Shadow looked up. "I fought. I survived. Some of them attacked first, others died during the chaos. But I didn't go looking for blood."
Lian Yue crossed her arms. "Doesn't matter. The sect is just looking for someone to take the blame before the other factions demand more."
Jian Wu clenched his fists. "And what's your cultivation now?"
"Eighth Level of Foundation Building," Shadow replied.
Jian Wu's expression sharpened. "Then listen to me. There's going to be a **Core Disciple Promotion** tournament next week. You'll compete against the strongest inner sect disciples. If you win, you'll be promoted to Core Disciple."
Lian Yue added, "Core disciples are considered national assets. They're protected. Even the sect master can't punish them without overwhelming reason."
Shadow leaned forward. "Would they even let me enter?"
Jian Wu smirked. "I've already made sure of it. Your name is on the list. You'll be fighting in three days."
Shadow raised a brow. "You didn't even ask me first?"
"You'd just say no and keep brooding under the moonlight," Jian Wu said, rolling his eyes. "Besides, I know you. You were always waiting for a push."
Lian Yue nodded. "And right now, you need more than quiet cultivation. You need status."
Shadow sighed. "This isn't how I planned to rise."
Jian Wu's voice turned serious. "You want to survive? You want to protect what's buried beneath that stone? Then rise. Because if you stay where you are, they'll bury you next to her."
Shadow looked at his friend, eyes hardening.
"I'll win," he said. "And I'll make sure they choke on the words they threw at Elder Yan."
Jian Wu grinned. "Now you're speaking like a cultivator."
Shadow smirked. "You just want to see me get beaten half to death in public again, don't you?"
"Not at all," Jian Wu replied with mock innocence. "I want to see you get beaten three-quarters to death. That way, you'll finally learn how to dodge."
Lian Yue rolled her eyes. "Both of you are idiots. And yet somehow, one of you is a core disciple."
"I know," Shadow said, feigning awe. "It's a mystery to all of us."
Jian Wu laughed and clapped Shadow on the back. "I missed this. Honestly, you've gotten too serious, brooding all day like a protagonist in a tragic romance novel."
"Give me a break," Shadow said dryly. "My fiancée's technically buried in my backyard."
Even Lian Yue let out a soft chuckle. "Fair point."
The three of them laughed, the tension melting slightly—if only for a moment.
Then silence settled.
And the fire of determination returned to Shadow's eyes.
---
**End of Chapter 66**