Chapter 4
Duan Lingtian stepped into the training hall, a determined glint in his eyes as he approached the mat at its center. He settled into a cross-legged position, his palms resting gently on his knees. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, allowing his mind to quiet and his senses to get prepared to learn the skill.
His consciousness delved inward, following the intricate circulation path described in the scroll he held in his hand. It was like embarking on a journey through the hidden currents of his own body, tracing the channels of qi with a profound sense of focus. With each cycle, he felt the latent energy stirring within him, responding to his mental commands.
"Let's begin with the Tranquil mirage palm," he whispered, the name of the martial skill softly.
As Duan Lingtian initiated the movement, his body exhibited a subtle agitation, an undercurrent of excitement mingled with the tension of the unknown. The circulation felt somewhat unfamiliar at first, like a delicate dance with invisible partners. His breath synchronized with the ebb and flow of his inner energy, and he could sense the power building within him.
Gradually, the clumsiness of his initial attempts gave way to a growing familiarity. He navigated the circulation path more fluidly, each successive cycle bringing him closer to mastering the intricate pattern. The anticipation intensified as he reached a crescendo, and with a decisive exhale, he thrust his fist into the air.
The surge of energy that accompanied the motion was exhilarating. It was as if the air itself quivered in response to his strike, a testament to the newfound strength coursing through his veins. Duan Lingtian's lips curled into a satisfied smile, but his thoughts quickly turned to the potential lying ahead.
"I wonder what it'll be like to reach the latter stage of this skill," he mused aloud, a spark of ambition in his eyes. Shaking his head to dispel the distraction, he refocused his mind on the task at hand.
Hours passed like fleeting moments as he honed his technique, every repetition refining his movements and deepening his connection to the skill. The sun cast long shadows across the floor, signaling the arrival of afternoon. Duan Lingtian paused, wiping the sweat from his brow and taking a moment to catch his breath.
Finally, he muttered to himself, "Small success... I've reached small success."
A sense of accomplishment welled within him, but it was accompanied by a sober realization. He knew that his foundation wasn't entirely solid; true mastery required more than solitary practice. The time had come to test his newfound prowess in the crucible of combat, to face opponents who would challenge his skill and resilience.
Moving on to the movement skill, With a deep breath, his focus unwavering. The Harmonious Mirage Dance was a symphony of agility and grace, a dance of illusion that complemented his newfound attacking prowess.
Days melted into nights as he practiced the technique, each step a delicate balance between precision and fluidity. His comprehension of the skill proved remarkable, and his movements flowed seamlessly as if guided by an unseen hand. The air around him seemed to shimmer with his motions, and a faint, enigmatic smile graced his lips as he sensed the approach of small success.
During his practice sessions, Duan Lingtian began to exhibit faint signs of transcending small success and approaching the threshold of large success. The tranquility in his eyes deepened, and his steps took on an almost supernatural grace, leaving behind lingering trails of illusion that dazzled the senses.
As he turned his attention to the defense skill, a newfound challenge awaited. The Tranquil Shielding Veil was a marvel of balance and inner calm, an art of protection as intricate as it was profound. Duan Lingtian's brow furrowed as he meticulously followed the technique's principles, attempting to manifest the serene barrier described in the ancient text.
"No wonder Elder Bai said only five people have managed to learn this skill," he muttered, frustration and determination mingling in his voice. "It really is that difficult to master."
A wry grin tugged at his lips, and a glint of mischief danced in his eyes. "Hmm, it seems another cliché scene is coming," he thought to himself, his mind already painting a vivid image of future events. "When I display this skill, the elders and clan members who've underestimated me will be left in awe of my comprehension rate. The faces they make... oh, I can already hear the sounds of their cheeks getting slapped."
Amidst his musings, Duan Lingtian couldn't help but chuckle softly, aware of the incredulous reactions he anticipated. "People who see me now will surely think I've lost my mind," he snickered to himself.
But as his fantasies wove elaborate scenarios of surprised gasps and disbelieving stares, he remained anchored in the present. With a renewed resolve, he returned his focus to the Tranquil Shielding Veil, his heart steadfast and his determination unyielding.
Duan Lingtian decided it was time to take a leisurely stroll and immerse himself in the captivating sights of the cultivation world. "Anyways, I'm just in it for the scenery," he muttered to himself, though a playful glint danced in his eyes. He was well aware that the world he now inhabited was filled with breathtaking landscapes and equally captivating women, even if he pretended otherwise.
Exiting the training room, he indulged in a refreshing shower and changed into a fresh set of clothes. As he stepped out of the clan residence, the world unfolded before him in a symphony of colors, sounds, and bustling activity. Stalls lined the roadside, each vendor vying for attention with enthusiastic shouts about their wares. His ears caught snippets of bargaining, laughter, and even the occasional squabble.
A small-scale brawl caught his attention, and he observed with an inward sigh. "Just like the markets back on Earth," he thought, shaking his head. The only difference was that here, people seemed far more inclined to resolve their disputes with fists than words.
Continuing his stroll, he absorbed the atmosphere of the bustling world around him. The mix of excitement and tension in the air was palpable, The constant hum of heaven and earth energy enfolded him, creating a soothing embrace that felt oddly comforting, as if he were cradled in the embrace of a benevolent force.
Yet, amidst the harmonious flow of energy, his wandering eyes betrayed his true intentions. "Still on the hunt for the sight of women like a prowler," he thought wryly, his gaze flickering with amusement.
As he traversed the bustling streets, a commotion up ahead drew his attention. Eager to uncover the source of the conflict, he deftly maneuvered through the crowd until he reached the center of the gathering. Two groups of young cultivators, one bearing the insignia of the Liang Clan and the other representing the Zhang Clan, faced off in a tense confrontation.
Curiosity piqued, Duan Lingtian leaned closer to a bystander and inquired about the situation. The man beside him eagerly provided the details, his voice a hushed whisper.
"It's those youngsters from the Liang Clan and Zhang Clan," the bystander explained. "They're arguing over a treasure. The Zhang Clan arrived first and was about to make the transaction when the Liang Clan's young master suddenly appeared. He accused the Zhang Clan of taking the treasure, then went on to claim the shop owner had forgotten about the deal, so it should belong to him."
Duan Lingtian couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the audaciousness of the situation. The politics and rivalries of the cultivation world were evidently just as dramatic as he had imagined.
Chuckling softly to himself, he watched the standoff unfold.
The argument between the Liang Clan and Zhang Clan youngsters escalated into a spirited back-and-forth, each side fervently claiming the right to purchase the treasure. Accusations flew like arrows, punctuated by indignant gestures and fiery glares.
Duan Lingtian couldn't help but shake his head in amusement, his lips curling into a wry smile. "What a comic scene," he thought, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He suppressed a chuckle, realizing that voicing his thoughts might not be the wisest course of action. After all, the tension in the air was a reminder that anger levels were running high.
Amidst the chaos, his attention was drawn to a young cultivator from the Zhang Clan, his eyes smoldering with a simmering anger. With a pointed look, the Zhang Clan member called out to Duan Lingtian, his voice laden with irritation. "And what's so funny, huh? Why are you laughing?". The Zhang Clan member wanted to make us of duan lingtian to release his pent up anger.
Duan Lingtian met the fiery gaze with an enigmatic smile but remained silent. He was acutely aware of the undercurrents at play and the storm that was brewing beneath the surface.
The Zhang Clan member's frustration grew palpable, his jaw clenching as he glared at Duan Lingtian. "Are you deaf or something? I asked you a question!"
Duan Lingtian's smile remained, his demeanor unchanging. "I'm not deaf," he finally replied, his voice carrying a note of calm amidst the escalating tension. "But I might become deaf if you keep shouting. Are you a dog? Only they seem to derive pleasure from such a noisy display."
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, punctuated by hastily muffled chuckles. The audaciousness of Duan Lingtian's response was met with both surprise and amusement, even if many were quick to silence themselves out of fear for the two clans in argument.
Among the laughter, the Liang Clan member was the only one who unabashedly let out a hearty laugh, his laugh ringing through the air. "Haha! Well said, well said!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like this friend here isn't giving you any face at all."
The Zhang Clan member's expression darkened further, his fists clenching as his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. The exchange had successfully shifted the spotlight onto him, and the weight of the crowd's attention bore down on his pride.
Duan Lingtian's smile remained unchanged, but inwardly, he couldn't help but sigh. "Well, it seems my destiny is truly something," he thought wryly, the irony of the situation not lost on him. As the Zhang Clan member fumed and the crowd's expectations swelled, Duan Lingtian's mind raced to find a graceful exit from the escalating confrontation, already pondering the twists and turns his journey in this cultivation world would take next.
The Zhang Clan member's face contorted with a mixture of fury and incredulity, his finger quivering as he pointed at Duan Lingtian. "You... you dare!!" he spat, his voice dripping with venom.
Duan Lingtian's response was shamelessly brazen, his grin widening mischievously. "Yes, yes, I dare," he retorted with an air of nonchalance that only served to stoke the flames of the Zhang Clan member's anger. "I mean, someone has to show their face around here, and I thought it'd be a good opportunity for all the ladies to witness true handsomeness. It's just too suffocating, you know, being this good-looking."
The crowd erupted into laughter, the tension from the confrontation dissipating into the air. Duan Lingtian's audacious comment had struck a chord, drawing amused chuckles from the onlookers. A ripple of amusement swept through the crowd, and even the most serious-faced cultivators found themselves cracking smiles.
The Zhang Clan member's face flushed with a deeper shade of red, his eyes narrowing as he struggled to find a response. The audacity of Duan Lingtian's words had caught him off guard, and his anger was now tinged with a mixture of embarrassment and bewilderment.
Duan Lingtian's playful grin remained firmly in place, his eyes gleaming with mirth. He knew full well that his comment had been a deliberate taunt, designed to provoke a reaction. Despite his outward bravado, he had no intention of underestimating the capabilities of his adversaries.
As the crowd's laughter filled the air, the Zhang Clan member clenched his fists, his lips trembling with restrained fury. His face, though not ugly by any means, had been unfairly disparaged by Duan Lingtian's quick-witted remark.
The Zhang Clan member finally managed to sputter a response, his voice strained with anger. "You... you'll pay for your arrogance!"
Duan Lingtian's grin remained intact, his tone taunting yet light-hearted. "Well, if payment is in the form of a lesson, then I'd be more than happy to oblige. Just be sure to bring more stronger guys won't you?"
The crowd erupted into laughter once more, and the Zhang Clan member's face contorted with a mixture of fury and humiliation. His attempt to assert dominance had backfired spectacularly, leaving him in a position of ridicule.
As the Zhang Clan member seethed with frustration, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Duan Lingtian, attempting to etch his face into memory. A silent promise of revenge as he imagining returning with a more formidable force.
However, as he stared more closely at Duan Lingtian, his anger momentarily gave way to surprise and a hint of doubt. Recognition flickered in his eyes, and he blinked as if questioning his own perception. His gaze traveled down, taking in the attire that Duan Lingtian wore – the robes of the Duan Clan.
His eyes widened with realization, and he looked back at Duan Lingtian, his focus sharpening as he processed this unexpected revelation. The Zhang Clan member's anger and resolve seemed to waver, his pride momentarily eclipsed by a sense of uncertainty.
His voice, though tinged with incredulity, carried a thread of genuine curiosity as he addressed Duan Lingtian. "You're from the Duan Clan? But who the heck are you? I don't remember your face."
Duan Lingtian's expression remained calm and composed, his eyes meeting the Zhang Clan member's. Internally, he couldn't help but sigh at the contrast between his former self's reputation and his current state of anonymity. It was a stark reminder of the fall from grace he had experienced during his transition to this new world.
Despite the inward lament, Duan Lingtian's response was firm and unwavering. "I am Duan Lingtian," he stated plainly.
The Zhang Clan member's eyebrows furrowed as he continued to scrutinize Duan Lingtian, his mind racing to match the name with a face. The tension in the air was palpable as he grappled with the puzzle before him.
Duan Lingtian's gaze met his with a calm patience. The encounter had taken a surprising turn, and he was keenly aware of the potential ramifications of revealing his identity. Yet, he was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead, fully prepared to confront the shadows of his past and forge a new path in the world of cultivation.
As the seconds ticked by, the Zhang Clan member's expression shifted from shock to a mixture of realization and contemplation. The pieces of the puzzle were gradually falling into place, and he began to connect the dots between the unassuming figure before him and the enigmatic name he had just uttered.
The crowd watched in hushed anticipation, sensing that a pivotal moment was unfolding before their eyes. The Zhang Clan member's anger had been replaced by a growing sense of unease and intrigue, and the air seemed charged with a subtle tension as his gaze remained locked onto Duan Lingtian's.
The Zhang Clan member's brow furrowed in confusion as Duan Lingtian calmly reiterated his name. However, it was the reaction of the Liang Clan member that drew his attention. A sharp gasp escaped the Liang Clan member's lips, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at Duan Lingtian.
Then, as if struck by a lightning bolt of realization, the Liang Clan member cried out in astonishment, his voice echoing through the air. "Duan Lingtian? The trash that was once a genius?... Impossible! His cultivation is at Qi Gathering 7, while you're at Foundation Realm 3!"
The Zhang Clan member's eyes widened in shock as the puzzle pieces fell into place. Recognition dawned upon him, and he could scarcely believe the revelation that had just unfolded before him. The name "Duan Lingtian" resonated with a tale of a prodigious genius whose path had taken an unexpected twist.
Duan Lingtian's response was non-commital, his tone laced with a touch of nonchalance. "Believe what you want."
The Zhang Clan member's astonishment deepened, his mind reeling as he recalled the stories and rumors he had heard about the once-promising Duan Lingtian. The genius whose cultivation had once soared at an unparalleled speed, earning him the admiration and envy of those around him. Whispers of his destiny as a future dragon among men had filled the air.
And yet, fate had dealt a different hand, and Duan Lingtian's once-rapid progress had slowed and come to a halt, leaving him labeled as "trash" by those who had once praised his potential. The Zhang Clan member's shock was palpable as he stared at Duan Lingtian, his mind grappling with the incongruity of the man before him and the legend that had been recounted to him.
As the realization settled in, a mix of emotions played across the Zhang Clan member's face – surprise, uncertainty, and a touch of disdain. He now stood face to face with the very individual whose name had been spoken in hushed tones and with a sense of wonder but now rarely being spoken about. The confrontation that had begun with arrogance and hostility had evolved into a moment of profound revelation.
Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Duan Lingtian's gaze remained steady. He had no intention of dwelling on the past, nor was he seeking validation or recognition. He had embarked on this journey to carve out his own destiny, and the encounter with the Zhang Clan member was just another step on that path.
The Zhang Clan member's gaze held a flicker of disdain as he regarded Duan Lingtian, a subtle sneer tugging at the corner of his lips. To him, the scuffle with the goons might have been a temporary setback, but it did little to change his perception of Duan Lingtian as nothing more than a discarded prodigy, a fallen star whose brilliance had dimmed over time.
Duan Lingtian, however, met the Zhang Clan member's gaze with a tranquil demeanor, his expression not changing. He was well aware of the disdain that laced the other cultivator's thoughts, but he had long since learned to rise above the opinions of others. He held his head high, his gaze steady and resolute, fueled by a quiet determination.
As the Zhang Clan member flicked his sleeve and turned to leave, his goons trailing in his wake, He watched their departure with a sense of detachment, fully aware that his actions today was just the beginning.
Meanwhile, the Liang Clan member's lingering gaze held a complexity of emotions as he regarded Duan Lingtian. There was a mix of curiosity, surprise, and perhaps a hint of respect in his eyes, a recognition of the unassuming individual who had managed to overturn expectations and reveal an unexpected facet of his identity.
With a final glance, the Liang Clan member turned away, his steps carrying him towards the treasure that had sparked the initial conflict. Gradually, the crowd dispersed, leaving Duan Lingtian standing amidst the fading echoes of the confrontation.
Returning to the sanctuary of his clan residence, Duan Lingtian stepped into his room, his thoughts a whirlwind of reflection on the events that had transpired. The day had been a rollercoaster of emotions, a series of encounters that had unveiled both the complexities of the cultivation world and the resilience of his own spirit.
Settling into the silence of his room. The news of the fight involving Duan Lingtian and the subsequent revelations about his cultivation prowess began to spread like wildfire throughout the Duan Clan. Excited whispers and animated discussions filled the air as clan members shared and speculated about the unexpected turn of events. The tale of Duan Lingtian's resurgence from what was once perceived as mediocrity to a display of formidable strength quickly became the topic of choice, echoing through the corridors and halls of the clan.
Amidst the fervor of the discussions, the clan leader, Duan Lingtian's father, projected an air of unflappable composure. Outwardly, his expression remained unchanged, a mask of calm authority. Yet, beneath that carefully controlled facade, a glint of pride and delight danced in his eyes. The news of his son's renewed vigor and undeniable talent had reached his ears, and it was a piece of information that secretly warmed his heart and lessened the weight of his own burdens.
In the midst of the clan's bustling activity, the clan leader made a swift decision. With a determined resolve, he quietly slipped away from the prying eyes and curious gazes of the clan members, setting off towards his son's quarters in a purposeful stride.
The clan leader's movements were deliberate and swift, a testament to the urgency he felt to personally address this development.
*Lol I made it long as makeup for my inconsistent publishing forgive me*