Chapter 6
In the concealed depths of a hidden chamber within the Liang clan's residence, the air was hushed with an air of secrecy. Within the dimly lit confines of the room, the clan leader sat in contemplative silence, his features cloaked in shadow. The news that had just reached him was nothing short of astonishing but also giving him a bad premonition.
The chamber's atmosphere was charged with an air of solemnness as a disciple, clad in the distinctive attire of the Liang clan, stood before the clan leader. With respect etched into his demeanor, the disciple relayed the information he had gathered, his voice measured and his words carrying a weight that demanded attention.
"Is what you say true?" the clan leader's voice resonated in the chamber, the question carrying a mixture of incredulity and curiosity. His gaze, piercing despite the subdued lighting, fixed on the disciple before him.
The disciple nodded solemnly, affirming the authenticity of his report. "Yes, esteemed clan leader. Multiple witnesses have confirmed the resurgence of Duan Lingtian's talents. It is indeed the case that he has achieved the Foundation Realm, attaining the level of Foundation Realm 3."The clan leader's thoughts swirled with the implications of this revelation, his mind a battlefield of possibilities and consequences.
Silence lingered, a heavy shroud that encapsulated the room as the clan leader delved into his thoughts. A sense of gravity pervaded the chamber, an acknowledgment of the magnitude of the situation at hand. Then, as if breaking free from the confines of his contemplation, the clan leader shook his head, dispelling the weight that had momentarily settled upon him.
His decision made, the clan leader's voice held a tone of finality. "Very well," he declared, his words carrying an air of resignation. "There is no use dwelling on this matter further. Return to your duties."
The disciple bowed respectfully, a show of deference to his clan leader's command. "Yes, clan leader," he responded, his voice tinged with respect and acquiescence. With a final nod, he turned and made his exit, leaving the chamber to its solemn stillness.
Exiting the secret chamber, the Liang clan leader's footsteps led him to a secluded training room nestled within the heart of the clan's grounds. The room was adorned with a subdued elegance, its walls adorned with intricate martial arts diagrams and the essence of training ingrained into its very atmosphere.
Within this chamber, a young boy of around 13 years of age was engrossed in a fervent display of swordplay. His movements were a dance of grace and precision, his black hair glinting under the ambient light, and his eyes reflecting a fierce determination that belied his youthful appearance.
As the clan leader entered, the young boy sensed his father's presence and swiftly brought his practice to a halt. With a deep bow, he greeted his father respectfully, his voice soft but infused with respect and affection.
"Father," the boy addressed, his gaze lowering in deference.
The Liang clan leader regarded his son with a mixture of pride and paternal fondness. He nodded in acknowledgement before addressing him, his voice carrying a weight of experience and authority.
"I have received news concerning the former genius, Duan Lingtian," he began, his tone a measured blend of seriousness.
Liang Yuqing, the young genius of the Liang clan and the son of the clan leader, listened attentively to his father's words. His features, youthful yet marked by an air of sophistication, mirrored his father's dignified presence. black hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his eyes, a shade reminiscent of polished steel, held a keen intelligence that matched his reputation.
The clan leader's words held a gravitas that captured Liang Yuqing's attention. "It seems that he has broken through the Qi Gathering realm and reached the third level of the Foundation Realm," the clan leader informed him.
Liang Yuqing's expression shifted from curiosity to surprise, his youthful countenance showing hints of disbelief. How wouldn't he be shocked when he heard that the trash of the duan clan has regained his cultivation speed and gotten to foundation realm 3.
However, his initial surprise gave way to a frown, his voice tinged with a note of dismissiveness. "Even if he has advanced to the Foundation Realm, the distance between him and us geniuses remains vast," he stated, his confidence apparent. "He cannot bridge the gap in cultivation, and there's no need for us to concern ourselves with his progress."
Liang Yuqing's gaze held an unwavering conviction, and he continued, "Furthermore, his chances of representing his clan in the upcoming competition are slim, especially with Duan Feng in the picture. Duan Feng's prowess is undeniable, and Duan Lingtian cannot possibly rival him."
As the words left his lips, Liang Yuqing's tone remained resolute, reflecting a conviction grounded in his own abilities and the prevailing hierarchy within the clan. The world of cultivation was unforgiving, and the path to success was reserved for those who could prove their worth through strength and accomplishments.
The clan leader's head shook slowly, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed his son's perspective. "Indeed, his former cultivation speed was truly remarkable," he agreed, his voice carrying a tone of consideration. "If he were to channel all his efforts into cultivation, he might indeed narrow the gap between him and you geniuses barely."
However, the clan leader's words then carried a note of agreement with his son's assessment. "Yet, you are correct in asserting that, despite his advancements, Duan Lingtian's chances in the upcoming competition are quite slim."
Liang Yuqing's determination to excel in the impending competition drew a nod of approval from the clan leader. "Prepare well," the clan leader emphasized, his tone carrying a weight of expectations and pride. "Your performance in this competition must bring honor to our clan."
With a profound sense of affirmation, Liang Yuqing bowed slightly, his fist clenching in a silent oath of dedication. "Yes, Father," he declared with unwavering resolve. "I will do my utmost to ensure that I make you proud and uphold the honor of our clan.
"Good," the clan leader affirmed, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. He reached out, patting his son's shoulder in a gesture of encouragement and support. "Remember, you have the potential to achieve greatness. Carry our clan's legacy with pride."
With that, the clan leader turned and began to exit the training room, his footsteps fading as he left his son to his preparations. Liang Yuqing stood there, his gaze following his father's departing figure, a mix of determination and confidence emanating from him.
As the door closed behind his father, Liang Yuqing's thoughts returned to his training and the impending competition. Within the chambers of the Duan clan residence, a serene aura pervaded the atmosphere as Duan Lingtian engaged in an intricate practice of cultivation. The chamber seemed to come alive with an ethereal dance of energy, visible streams of qi converging around him, swirling with a mesmerizing rhythm. The room itself appeared to pulsate in harmony with his efforts.
The young cultivator's focus was unyielding, his concentration absolute as he harnessed the energies of the world around him. Time flowed in a silent dance as he delved deeper into his cultivation, his breaths aligning with the ebb and flow of the surrounding spiritual energy.
Hours passed, a testament to his unwavering dedication. And then, in a moment that marked a significant achievement, Duan Lingtian exhaled a breath he seemed to have been holding for an eternity. "I have finally stabilized my cultivation," he murmured, his voice carrying a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction.
His body relaxed, and he sprawled on the ground, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. His thoughts spilled out in a soft stream of consciousness. "Cultivation... it demands relentless effort, yet I find eagerness in its challenges. It's not monotonous, but rather a path of constant discovery."
The intensity of his cultivation practice seemed to have sapped his strength, leaving him to contemplate the journey he had undertaken. With a wry smile, he mused about the nature of cultivation – a demanding endeavor that held an allure he couldn't resist.
As his thoughts settled, Duan Lingtian's gaze turned introspective. "Now that I've established a stable foundation, I need to explore the avenues of improvement. I must acquire a trump card skill, for I'm well aware that facing a late-stage Foundation Realm cultivator on equal terms remains a daunting prospect."
With a firm resolve, he pushed himself upright making his way of his chambers. As Duan Lingtian made his way toward the scroll repository hall, his path was unexpectedly intercepted by the presence of Duan Feng and his accompanying entourage. Their sudden appearance served as a stark reminder that conflicts and tensions within the clan were far from settled.
The group blocked his way, their intentions unmistakably hostile. Duan Lingtian regarded them with a mixture of exasperation and weariness, his annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface. His voice carried a note of indifference, laced with a hint of irritation. "Must you always seek out trouble whenever our paths cross?"
Duan Feng's demeanor exuded arrogance, his expression marked by a sneer that matched his tone. "Ah, so the rumors are true," he taunted, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Duan Lingtian. "You've managed to crawl out of the gutter of worthlessness, at least enough to cultivate. But don't let that newfound ability delude you into thinking you stand a chance against me."
Duan Lingtian's gaze remained steady, his demeanor nonchalant despite the provocations. He regarded Duan Feng's arrogance with a mixture of amusement and mild disdain. "Ah, Duan Feng," he drawled, a sardonic smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It's always interesting to hear your opinions. You're quite the master of underestimation."
Duan Feng's confidence remained unshaken, his arrogance reaching its zenith as he scoffed at Duan Lingtian's words. "Underestimation? More like reality," he retorted. "Let's not kid ourselves. The chasm between us is immeasurable, and no amount of cultivation breakthroughs will bridge that gap."
Duan Lingtian's expression shifted, amusement and confidence melding together as he met Duan Feng's gaze. "You speak with such certainty," he mused, his tone tinged with amusement. "But the beauty of certainty is that it can crumble in the face of reality. All will be unveiled in the upcoming competition."
A self-assured smirk tugged at Duan Lingtian's lips as he continued, his words carrying a challenge that hung in the air like a gauntlet. "And when that moment comes, whether you emerge victorious or find yourself defeated, remember not to shed any tears – especially not on the floor."
His retort brimming with a playful confidence, Duan Feng's anger simmered beneath his veneer of confidence as Duan Lingtian's words found their mark. His response was laced with a mix of frustration and defiance, his voice carrying an edge that matched his emotions. "Keep dreaming," he shot back, his retort dripping with scorn. "No matter how much you wish for it, victory will never be yours to claim."
The atmosphere between them crackled with tension, their rivalry evident in every word exchanged. Duan Lingtian's laughter echoed through the air, a counterpoint to Duan Feng's frustration. The younger cultivator's amusement danced in his eyes as he contemplated Duan Feng's challenge.
The laughter subsided, and Duan Lingtian's tone turned playful yet resolute as he agreed to the terms. "Very well, Duan Feng," he replied, his gaze steady as he met his rival's eyes. "If I win, you'll slap yourself ten times and proclaim yourself a pig. But, if by some chance I lose, I'll kneel and kowtow to you."
Duan Feng's smile held a glimmer of confidence as he accepted the terms, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Agreed. Just don't back out when the time comes, Lingtian. I wouldn't want you to embarrass yourself."
Duan Lingtian returned the smile with a wry one of his own, his eyes dancing with amusement. "The same goes for you, Duan Feng. Don't let defeat tarnish your image too much. It would be a pity to witness such a spectacle."
With their exchange of banter and challenges complete, Duan Lingtian took his leave, his steps guiding him toward the scroll repository hall. The tension that had filled the air seemed to lessen in the wake of their encounter, replaced by the promise of the competition that lay ahead.
As Duan Lingtian moved forward, his mind was a blend of determination and anticipation. The confrontation with Duan Feng was an opportunity to prove his worth and challenge the hierarchy within the clan. With the scroll repository hall beckoning, he focused his thoughts on his pursuit of a trump card skill, each step bringing him closer to his goal and to the inevitable clash that awaited him in the days to come.