As Asura continued walking, he sensed the presence of a powerful warrior approaching. He turned and saw a beautiful woman in a purple dress, with a proud expression on her face, Behind her followed several other people, who were likely her followers or pursuers.
As she came nearer, Asura realized she must be a genius disciple - her cultivation was at the third level of the spiritual realm.
She said confidently, "I am Li Xin of the Li family, third in the Xiao sect's genius ranking. And you must be Asura, famous for defeating Li Cao with your 'undefeatable strike'."
Asura replied calmly, "Greetings Li Xin. Your reputation precedes you."
Li Xin looked at him coolly and said, "You don't look like a powerful cultivator and you also don't seem to have any amazing talent in cultivation. I mean, look at you - I am a few months younger than you but I am already a third stage Spiritual Artist while you have only recently broken through to the Spiritual Realm. But I believe you shouldn't judge a book by its cover so I am eager to fight with you to test your true abilities."
Asura asked in a calm voice, "So, you want to fight?"
Li Xin replied proudly, "The tournament is approaching. I will show you the gap between our abilities and prove that I am worthy of being called a genius!"
Asura nodded. "Then I look forward to facing you there, and seeing how far we both have yet to go."
Li Xin scowled. "Your humble words mean nothing. Only victory in combat will prove who is superior."
"Superiority is fleeting," Asura said gently. "True strength lies in rising above pride and competition, focusing instead on the path of virtue."
Li Xin seemed taken aback by Asura's wisdom. For a moment, her pride faltered. But then she regained her arrogant bearing. "Empty words! Pride and competitiveness push us to improve. I will prove my strength and the renown of my family!"
Asura bowed once more. "Then I wish you the very best on your cultivation journey, Li Xin."
After Li Xin left, Fatty, who had been quiet the whole time, remarked "Brother Asura, you are quite fortunate. First, Su Lin spoke with you more than usual and now another prodigy is eager to spar with you. On top of that, she is also quite beautiful."
Asura said to Fatty in an annoyed tone, "Stop talking now."
Asura couldn't help but turn around only to find that Li Xin had already left. He thought to himself, "She is definitely very strong and unlike Li Cao, she doesn't underestimate opponents just because their cultivation level is lower. And though she seems proud, she has the talent and abilities to back up that pride."
Asura couldn't help admiring Li Xin's perceptiveness and determination. Though he had only spoken a few words with her, he could tell she was no ordinary cultivator. There was a sharpness to her gaze and a confidence in her manner that suggested great strength and potential.
Asura attained his lecture, pondering his possible encounter with Li Xin. Though he did not consider himself overwhelmingly powerful, he had confidence in his unconventional techniques and years of bitter experience. A chance to test himself against a formidable opponent like Li Xin was something he welcomed.
However, Asura knew better than to underestimate anyone. Li Xin's confidence was likely well-founded and born from a long trail of victories against powerful foes. Asura would have to approach any potential sparring match with the utmost caution, analyzing Li Xin for any weaknesses he could exploit before facing her head on.
But above all, Asura looked forward to the challenge. Li Xin's interest in him indicated she saw something more within him, beyond his outward appearance and current level of cultivation. Asura hoped he would have the chance to prove her initial perception correct, and demonstrate that within he possessed the will and grit necessary to rise to any challenge.
On the other hand, Li Xin was walking with her followers.
One of Li Xin's followers said hesitantly, "Miss, do you truly see potential in that man?"
Li Xin did not turn around, but replied calmly, "Yes. There is a strength within him that he has yet to fully realize. His spirit is unwavering and determined."
Her follower questioned further, "But his cultivation is far below yours, Miss. Are you not taking a risk of damaging your reputation by challenging him?"
Li Xin turned and fixed her follower with a piercing gaze. "Strength comes in many forms," she said firmly. "Cultivation level alone does not determine one's true worth. That man has a will that can move mountains. I wish to test myself against such resolve."
With that, Li Xin continued walking away, leaving her follower looking thoughtfully in the direction of Asura, who had departed to attend his lecture session. Li Xin's profound insight had detected an inner fire within him - a dormant but fierce spirit yearning to be unleashed. Li Xin wondered if she held the key to awakening that spirit through their impending clash.