Below is the translation of Chapter 12 of your novel The Path of the Heavenly Trickster into Li Wei darted to the shed's door, pressing himself against the wall to avoid the lantern's beam flickering outside. Chen Yu froze by the crates, his face pale with fear. The footsteps grew closer, and the patrol's voices became clearer—they were clearly returning to search the shed more thoroughly. The System displayed: Energy: 20%. Chance of detection: 65%. Task "Use the Heavenly Shard to enhance cultivation": 15% progress. Li Wei clutched the Stellar Wind Flow scroll and the Heavenly Shard under his robe, realizing the hideout had become a trap.
"Chen Yu," he whispered, "if things go south, run to the forest. Don't wait for me."
Chen Yu nodded, but his trembling betrayed that he'd likely surrender rather than play the hero. Li Wei summoned the System, checking his options: Wind Step was ready, Dancing Leaf at 15%, probability manipulation on cooldown. Fighting the patrol was suicide, especially if a senior disciple was among them. His only chance was distraction or escape.
He noticed a pile of old tools by the wall—hammers, shovels, rusty chains. If he caused a noise, the patrol might be distracted. Li Wei crawled to the pile, grabbed a chain, and hurled it into the far corner of the shed. The metal clanged against a crate, and the voices outside fell silent.
"There!" shouted a young patrol member. "Someone's in the shed!"
Li Wei signaled Chen Yu to move to the door. They slipped toward the exit while the patrol's footsteps focused on the opposite side of the shed. The System highlighted: Chance of escape: 55%. Recommendation: Use the morning fog for cover. The fog outside was thick, perfect for concealment. Li Wei pushed the door open, and they slipped out, crouching low to the ground.
But after a few steps, a sharp voice cut through the silence: "Li Wei! Stop, or you'll regret it!"
Li Wei turned and saw a figure in a gray robe with a crimson sash emerging from the fog. Wang Zi. His eyes burned with cold fury, and his aura pressed down like a heavy stone. The System highlighted: Wang Zi, Mortal Realm, Stage 5. Chance of survival in combat: 20%. Behind him stood two patrol members, including Liu Feng, whose smirk promised trouble.
Chen Yu backed away, whispering, "Brother, we're done for…"
Li Wei gritted his teeth. Escaping with Chen Yu in tow was impossible—Wang Zi was too fast. He recalled Master Huang's words that Elder Liu wanted him alive. Could that buy time? The System suggested: Chance of negotiation: 40%. Recommendation: Leverage Elder Liu's authority.
"Wang Zi," Li Wei said loudly, straightening but keeping his hand near his knife. "Elder Liu ordered me brought in alive. Want to defy him?"
Wang Zi's eyes narrowed, his fists clenched, but he didn't move. Liu Feng stepped forward, raising his club, but Wang Zi stopped him with a gesture.
"Bold," Wang Zi said, his voice icy. "You think you can hide behind an elder? Give me one reason I shouldn't break your legs right here."
Li Wei felt sweat trickle down his back. The Heavenly Shard grew warmer, as if urging action. He knew revealing the artifact would make him a target, but silence would only enrage Wang Zi. It was time to take a risk.
Li Wei locked eyes with Wang Zi, feeling his aura crush his chest. The fog thickened, cloaking the courtyard, but the tension between them was palpable. Liu Feng and the other patrol member flanked Wang Zi, ready to pounce at his command. Chen Yu stood frozen behind, his breathing ragged, and Li Wei knew counting on him was pointless. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Chance of negotiation: 45%. Recommendation: Avoid provocation, mention Master Huang.
Li Wei took a deep breath, striving to sound confident despite his racing heart. "Wang Zi, I'm not looking for a fight," he said, slowly raising his hands to show he wasn't attacking. "Master Huang knows where I've been. He gave me a scroll to train with, to prove my worth to the sect. If you touch me now, he'll report to Elder Liu. Want to explain why you attacked a disciple under his protection?"
Wang Zi frowned, his gaze sharpening. Mentioning Huang clearly struck a nerve, and Li Wei noticed Liu Feng exchange a glance with the other patrol member, visibly uncertain. The System updated: Chance of successful negotiation: 50%. Wang Zi stepped closer, his fists still clenched, but no attack came.
"Huang?" he echoed, his voice dripping with skepticism. "The old man who fusses over herbs is protecting you? You're lying, Li Wei. No one would risk their neck for trash like you."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to snap back. The Heavenly Shard under his robe grew hotter, as if pushing him to act, but he knew a fight now meant death. He decided to double down, using information from Chen Yu.
"Then ask him yourself," Li Wei said, shrugging as if he didn't care. "Or check the herb gardens where I found rare herbs for Huang. He's interested, and I doubt he'll be happy if you interfere with his plans. And Elder Liu… he doesn't like his men acting without orders, does he?"
Wang Zi froze, his face unreadable. Li Wei could see him weighing the words, and he prayed the bluff would hold. Liu Feng, losing patience, muttered, "Senior Brother, he's lying. Let's take him down."
"Silence," Wang Zi snapped, not breaking eye contact with Li Wei. The moment stretched endlessly, and Li Wei felt sweat soak his back. Finally, Wang Zi stepped back, his aura easing slightly.
"You're slippery, Li Wei," he said coldly. "But I'm not a fool. If Huang is really backing you, I'll find out. And if you're lying…" He smiled, and that smile was more terrifying than any blow. "I'll find you. And no elder will save you."
Wang Zi turned, waving for the patrol to follow. Liu Feng shot Li Wei a venomous glare but obeyed. Their figures melted into the fog, and Li Wei exhaled, his legs nearly buckling. Chen Yu crawled out from behind a bush, whispering, "Brother, you're insane. How did you talk him down?"
"Didn't talk him down," Li Wei replied, wiping sweat. "Just delayed him. We need to move. The Technique Pavilion is our only shot."
The System flashed: Task "Use the Heavenly Shard": 20% progress. Recommendation: Find a safe place to cultivate. Li Wei knew Wang Zi wouldn't back off, and Huang might dig deeper. Time was running out, and the pavilion was his last hope before the inevitable storm.
Li Wei and Chen Yu moved through the fog, sticking to the outer courtyard's side paths. The encounter with Wang Zi left a bitter taste—Li Wei knew he'd only bought time, not victory. The Heavenly Shard warmed his skin under his robe, and the Stellar Wind Flow scroll weighed down his belt, reminding him of the need to cultivate. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Cultivation: Mortal Realm, Stage 1, 35% to breakthrough. Task "Use the Heavenly Shard": 20% progress. The Technique Pavilion was their goal, but sneaking in without merit points or an elder's permission seemed nearly impossible.
Chen Yu walked beside him, his usual chatter replaced by nervous silence. He kept glancing back, as if expecting Wang Zi to leap from the fog. "Brother," he finally whispered, "you really think the pavilion is the answer? There's security, and after your stunts with the fire and Wang Zi, everyone's on edge. Maybe we should just lie low?"
"Lie low?" Li Wei shot him a look. "Wang Zi knows I'm not running. If I don't get stronger, he'll crush me. The pavilion is my chance to find a technique that works with…" He trailed off, avoiding mention of the shard, but Chen Yu understood.
"That thing, right?" Chen Yu lowered his voice. "Look, I'm not prying into your secrets, but if Huang or the elders figure out you've got something valuable, you're done. Even I can't help you then."
Li Wei nodded, but his mind was on the pavilion. The System highlighted: Chance of infiltrating the pavilion: 30%. Recommendation: Find an ally or create a distraction. He thought of Lin Xue—she'd warned him about Wang Zi and likely had access to the pavilion as one of the top disciples. But asking for her help meant revealing part of the truth, a risky move.
They reached the courtyard's edge, where the Technique Pavilion loomed behind a row of plum trees. Its carved doors were guarded by a disciple in a gray robe, and above the entrance hung a plaque with calligraphy: "Knowledge is the path to strength." Li Wei pressed against a tree, assessing. The guard looked bored, but a jade slab near the door reacted to merit points. Without them, entry was impossible.
"Chen Yu," Li Wei whispered, "you said you've got 'ears everywhere.' Know how to trick the slab? Or bribe the guard?"
Chen Yu thought, tugging at his robe. "Bribe? Not with our coins. But…" He paused, his eyes lighting up. "There's a rumor the slab glitches if you overload it with energy. Some guy bragged he snuck in by pouring in too much spiritual power. It's risky—if it fails, the guard will sound the alarm."
Li Wei narrowed his eyes. The System suggested: Chance of success with overloading the slab: 40%. Requires minimum 30% energy. His energy was too low, but the Heavenly Shard could amplify the flow. He decided to try, but first, he needed a distraction.
"Can you make a commotion?" he asked Chen Yu. "Throw a rock, shout, anything. Give me a minute at the slab."
Chen Yu sighed but nodded. "If I get caught, you owe me, brother."
Li Wei clapped his shoulder, preparing for the dash. Chen Yu slipped away, grabbing a stone, while Li Wei focused on the shard, feeling its energy stir. The moment of truth was near, and the pavilion awaited.
Li Wei crouched behind a plum tree, watching Chen Yu sneak toward bushes near the Technique Pavilion. The guard at the entrance lazily scanned the courtyard, his hand resting on a jade token likely linked to the slab. The fog was thinning, and the morning sun began piercing the clouds, reducing their chances of staying hidden. The System showed: Energy: 18%. Chance of success with overloading the slab: 40%. Task "Use the Heavenly Shard": 25% progress.
Chen Yu hurled a stone toward the trees, and it crashed into the bushes with a snap. The guard jolted, his gaze snapping to the noise. "Who's there?" he shouted, stepping away from the door. Li Wei didn't hesitate. He dashed to the pavilion, using Wind Step for a quick burst. His energy dropped to 15%, but he reached the jade slab, tucked in a niche by the entrance. The slab glowed faintly, awaiting merit points.
Li Wei pulled out the Heavenly Shard, feeling its warmth intensify. He channeled Azure Stream's energy through the shard into the slab, imagining spiritual power overwhelming the mechanism. The System highlighted: Overload: 20%. More energy required. Li Wei gritted his teeth, pouring in all he could. The slab hummed, its glow brightening, but then a sharp click sounded, and its runes flickered chaotically.
"Come on," he muttered, his energy plummeting to 10%. The guard turned, spotting the light, and shouted, "Hey! What are you doing?!"
Li Wei heard footsteps—the guard was running toward him. Chen Yu, on cue, leapt from the bushes, yelling, "Snake! There's a snake!" He flailed his arms, feigning panic, and the guard hesitated, torn between him and Li Wei. The System flashed: Overload: 80%. Success imminent. Li Wei pushed the last of his energy in, and the slab emitted a low hum before its light died. The pavilion's door clicked, cracking open.
He bolted inside, not looking back. The pavilion's darkness enveloped him, the scent of old paper and spiritual energy hitting his nose. Outside, the guard shouted, calling for backup. Li Wei knew he had minutes, maybe less. Chen Yu had likely fled—or been caught. The System updated: Infiltration progress: 90%. Bonus objective: Find a suitable technique. Reward: +30 reputation points.
The pavilion was vast, with towering shelves packed with scrolls and jade tablets. Li Wei rushed to the nearest shelf, scanning titles. Fiery Fist, Shadow Dance, Icy Spike—none matched the Heavenly Shard. He recalled the Stellar Wind Flow's description—a technique tied to energy amplification. He needed something similar.
Footsteps and voices echoed in the distance—guards had entered the pavilion. Li Wei ducked behind a shelf, his heart pounding. The System highlighted: Chance of detection: 60%. Recommendation: Find a technique quickly. He spotted a scroll with a silver ribbon tucked in a corner. Its label read: Vortex of Heavenly Light. The System confirmed: Compatibility with Heavenly Shard: 80%. Chance of mastery: 50%.
Li Wei grabbed the scroll, but the footsteps were closing in. He realized there was no escape—he'd have to fight or find another way out. The pavilion had become his final stand, and he wasn't giving up.
Li Wei clutched the Vortex of Heavenly Light scroll, pressing against a shelf in the Technique Pavilion. The guards' footsteps thundered closer, their lanterns casting shadows on the walls, and their voices grew sharper. The System blared: Energy: 8%. Chance of detection: 70%. Bonus objective: Find a suitable technique—completed. Reward: +30 reputation points. New objective: Escape the pavilion undetected. Reward: +20 reputation points. Li Wei knew escaping with two scrolls and the Heavenly Shard would be a miracle, but he wasn't surrendering.
He scanned the pavilion for an exit. The main door was blocked by guards, but in the far corner, he spotted a narrow window barred with a wooden grate. It was high, but with Wind Step, he might make it. The problem was his dwindling energy, and the guards were already searching the shelves. Li Wei tucked the scrolls under his robe beside the Heavenly Shard and crept toward the window, moving from shadow to shadow.
"He's here!" roared a guard, spotting movement. A lantern illuminated the shelf Li Wei had just hidden behind. He gritted his teeth, activating Wind Step for a dash. His energy dropped to 5%, but he reached the window, grabbing the grate. It was old, rotting in places, and Li Wei began prying the boards loose, ignoring the pain in his fingers.
"Grab him!" shouted another guard, and the sound of running feet closed in. Li Wei tore out the last board and squeezed through the window, scraping his skin on the wood. He tumbled outside, landing in bushes, and immediately sprinted toward the plum trees, hoping to lose himself in the morning courtyard. The System highlighted: Escape progress: 80%. Recommendation: Avoid open areas.
But after a few steps, a familiar voice stopped him: "Li Wei, you're disappointing."
He turned and saw Lin Xue standing on the path. Her jade pendant gleamed in the faint light, and her gaze was cold but not hostile. No one was with her, but Li Wei sensed she wasn't here by chance. The System suggested: Chance of aid from Lin Xue: 50%. Chance of betrayal: 20%.
"Lin Xue," he gasped, catching his breath. "If you turn me in, I'm done. Help me, and I'll owe you."
She narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "You broke into the pavilion, burned a hut, and angered Wang Zi. Why should I help you?" But her tone was more curious than accusatory.
Li Wei decided to take a chance. He pulled out the Vortex of Heavenly Light scroll, showing it but not handing it over. "Because I found a way to get stronger. If you're with me, we both win. Wang Zi won't stop, and you know it."
Lin Xue glanced at the scroll, then at Li Wei. Her lips twitched in a faint smile. "Fine," she said. "Follow me. But if you're lying, I'll turn you in myself."
She turned, pointing to a path leading to the training field. Li Wei, still clutching the scrolls and shard, followed, knowing this alliance could be his salvation—or a new trap. The System flashed: Task "Escape the pavilion undetected" at risk. Progress: 90%. He knew every step now was a gamble on the edge.