The ancient voice inside Li Wei's mind whispered again.
Kill him.
The words echoed like thunder in his consciousness.
Li Wei's body trembled slightly.
He had never killed anyone before.
Even though the inner disciple in front of him was clearly stronger, the voice carried a strange certainty… as if the outcome had already been decided.
The disciple narrowed his eyes.
"That pendant," he said slowly. "It carries an aura I've never sensed before."
His gaze sharpened.
"You shouldn't have something like that."
Suddenly, he raised his hand.
Spiritual energy surged around him like a storm.
A powerful force rushed toward Li Wei, slamming into his chest.
Li Wei was thrown backward, crashing against a stone pillar.
Pain exploded through his body.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"You're weak," the disciple said coldly.
"Hand over the pendant. I might spare your life."
Li Wei slowly pushed himself up.
His mind was spinning.
But then—
The black jade pendant pulsed violently.
A wave of dark energy surged through his meridians.
Images flooded his mind.
Ancient battles.
Cultivators shattering mountains.
And a mysterious technique carved in glowing characters.
Forbidden Step.
Without thinking, Li Wei moved.
His body blurred.
In a single instant he appeared beside the disciple.
The man's eyes widened in shock.
"What—?!"
Li Wei's fist struck forward.
The blow carried the strange energy flowing from the pendant.
CRACK.
The disciple stumbled back, blood spraying from his mouth.
Neither of them could believe what had just happened.
Li Wei stared at his own hand in disbelief.
That attack…
It wasn't his power.
It was the power of the Forbidden Path.
The disciple wiped blood from his lips.
His expression had changed completely.
"You…"
His voice was filled with killing intent now.
"You're dangerous."
Moonlight filtered faintly through the cracks in the chamber above.
And beneath that pale glow…
Two cultivators prepared for a fight that would decide their fate.