The morning haze lifted from the training grounds, revealing dozens of disciples practicing their moves. I found a corner and began to steady my breath. The wind carried the scent of sweat and determination—a testament to the harsh but necessary path of cultivation.
Elder Bai Yun's voice boomed across the courtyard. "Today, you will spar with each other to test your progress. Strength is forged in combat. Pair up!"
A ripple of anticipation ran through the disciples. My heart quickened. This was it—the chance to measure my strength against others.
A boy with sharp features and an arrogant smirk stepped forward, his gaze fixed on me. His robes were trimmed with silver, marking him as one of the inner sect disciples.
"You there," he sneered, pointing at my pendant. "Newcomer with the fancy trinket. I challenge you."
His voice dripped with disdain, and a few disciples snickered. I felt a flare of anger but kept my composure. I couldn't afford to lose control.
"What's your name?" I asked, meeting his gaze.
"Lin Chen," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Body Refining Tier 3. Let's see if you're as strong as you think you are."
Body Refining Tier 3? That meant he'd already surpassed my current level. My pulse quickened, but I refused to back down.
"System," I whispered in my mind, "status check."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM PANEL ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Host: Xiao Feng ║
║ Cultivation Level: Body Refining Tier 2 ║
║ Skills: ║
║ • Flowing Shadow Fist (Mastered) ║
║ • Wind Shadow Steps (Basic) ║
║ System Abilities: ║
║ • Devouring Ability ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
He was a tier above me, but that didn't matter. I clenched my fists, focusing on my breathing.
"Ready?" Elder Bai Yun's voice cut through the tension.
Lin Chen lunged at me with the speed of a striking snake, his fist glowing with Qi. I sidestepped instinctively, activating Wind Shadow Steps.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM ACTIVATION ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Wind Shadow Steps activated. ║
║ Agility enhanced. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
His punch grazed my shoulder but missed my heart. I countered with Flowing Shadow Fist, my body moving like water—smooth, unpredictable. My fist connected with his ribs, but he barely flinched.
"You're fast," Lin Chen sneered, "but your Qi is too weak!"
He unleashed a flurry of strikes, forcing me to retreat. Each blow was faster and more powerful than the last. I could barely keep up.
I need an edge. Gritting my teeth, I activated the Devouring Ability.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM ACTIVATION ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Devouring Ability activated. ║
║ Attempting to absorb opponent's Qi… ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A faint wisp of energy flowed from Lin Chen's strikes into my core. My body trembled with the sudden surge.
"What?!" Lin Chen staggered, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.
I seized the moment, focusing my Qi into my fist and slamming it into his chest. He stumbled backward, gasping for breath.
Elder Bai Yun's eyes widened, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Interesting," he murmured.
Lin Chen tried to rally, but his Qi had weakened. I pressed my advantage, chaining Wind Shadow Steps with Flowing Shadow Fist. My strikes blurred in the air like phantom afterimages.
With a final, decisive blow, Lin Chen collapsed to the ground, gasping.
"Winner: Xiao Feng!" Elder Bai Yun announced.
A cheer rose from a few onlookers, while others stared in disbelief.
"System," I breathed, "mission update."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM PANEL ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Mission Progress: ║
║ • Win a spar: Completed ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM REWARD ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Reward Unlocked: ║
║ - Body Refining Tier 3 (Partial) ║
║ - Combat Insight +1 ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A wave of energy surged through me, strengthening my meridians and refining my body. I felt stronger—closer to the next tier.
Lin Chen glared at me from the ground, his pride clearly wounded. "This… this isn't over," he spat.
I met his gaze coolly. "It's only just begun," I replied.
As the morning sun rose higher, I felt the world expanding before me—a world filled with rivals, opportunities, and endless challenges.
I would not falter. I would grow stronger. And one day, I would stand at the summit of all cultivators.
---
🌌 End of Chapter 7