Chapter 7
He finally entered the scroll repository hall, his gaze fixed on the martial skills that held the promise of power. His eyes scanned the ancient scrolls, each one representing a potential path to strength. Amidst the array of techniques, his attention was captivated by a single skill—the Thunderstrike Fist.
As his gaze locked onto the description of the Thunderstrike Fist, a surge of anticipation coursed through him. The martial skill's potential was unmistakable, its attack prowess was really something to take not of even though the energy consumption was massive it was exactly what he was looking for that he will use as a last resort.
Having absorbed its essence, Duan Lingtian retreated to his chambers to meditate on the Thunderstrike Fist's teachings. His mind immersed in its concepts, he visualized its execution with fervor, mentally ingraining the technique into his being.
When he finally stood, he unleashed the Thunderstrike Fist upon the chamber's wall. The impact was fierce, resonating with a crackling discharge of energy that echoed through the room. The wall bore the brunt of the strike, revealing a splintered surface and scorch marks—a testament to the power he had invoked.
A triumphant smile graced Duan Lingtian's lips as he surveyed the damage, a mix of satisfaction coming from him. The energy unleashed was indeed formidable, its destructive potential beyond his initial expectations. The realization of its might was accompanied by a keen understanding of its cost, as fatigue began to settle in.
As his euphoria ebbed, Duan Lingtian's body felt the weight of the energy expenditure. Weariness crept into his muscles, and his breath came a bit labored. He couldn't help but chuckle softly, his wry smile betraying his fatigue. "Impressive power, but it certainly takes a toll," he murmured to himself, his voice carrying a mixture of admiration and exhaustion. "It seems mastering this technique will require a balance between strength and endurance."
With a nod of acceptance, he lowered himself to a cross-legged position on the ground, his focus shifting to recovering the energy he had expended. As moments passed, the vitality within him gradually returned, dispelling the heaviness that had weighed him down with the knowledge of Thunderstrike Fist's potential solidifying his resolve to master it—even if it meant enduring the exhaustion it brought with each strike. He continues practicing until he hears a knock on his door he says "come in". A maid comes into the rooms bows to lingtian and says "young master your fiancée has arrived she is here to see you". Lingtian stands there dazed like his soul has left his body he kept trying to think when he had a fiancée even though the memories of the real Duan Lingtian are a bit muddled to him he cant remember much about her except her name being Li Meiying and all he remembers is playing with her a bit as a child.
The maid's concerned voice finally brought Duan Lingtian back to reality, his mind snapping back from the depths of his inner musings. He blinked a few times, his expression turning from dazed to slightly embarrassed as he realized his reaction had been more pronounced than he intended. Clearing his throat, he addressed the maid with a sheepish smile.
"Oh, my apologies. I got lost in thought for a moment," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of amusement and awkwardness. "Thank you for letting me know. Please inform my fiancée that she can come in."
The maid nodded understandingly, her initial worry fading as the young master seemed to regain his composure. "Of course, young master. I'll let her know," she replied before turning to leave the room.
As the door closed behind the maid, Duan Lingtian's thoughts swirled in a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and a touch of anticipation to see how this his fiancée looked now. He found himself pondering the notion of having a fiancée—an arrangement that had seemingly slipped his mind amidst his cultivation and recent pursuits. His inward reflection was filled with humor at the stark contrast between his prior excitement about seeing beautiful women and the reality of his own engagement.
Taking a moment to collect himself, Duan Lingtian shook his head with a rueful grin. "Well, it seems life is full of surprises," he murmured to himself, a touch of wryness in his voice. He straightened his posture and resolved to greet his fiancée with the love and respect the situation deserved.
The room seemed to hold its breath as Duan Lingtian awaited the entrance of his fiancée, thoughts swirling with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. The notion of this long-forgotten arrangement rekindled both intrigue and a touch of awkwardness within him. As he waited, his mind delved into speculations about why he had not heard from her during his difficult times.
As the door opened once again, the familiar maid stepped aside, and in walked the woman who held the title of his fiancée. Duan Lingtian's initial assessment had not done justice to her beauty. Li Meiying, as her name was introduced, exuded an aura that seemed to hold the essence of grace and allure itself.
Her dark hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her face with an elegant simplicity that highlighted her delicate features. Her eyes, the shade of rich almond, held a twinkle of warmth that paired perfectly with the smile that graced her lips. Her presence was not one of overwhelming grandeur, but rather a serene confidence that demanded attention.
Li Meiying's attire was a blend of traditional elegance and modern refinement, her garments flowing gracefully as she moved. The color choices reflected the earthy tones of nature, accentuating her aura of understated beauty. The subtle hint of embroidery on her sleeves hinted at her clan's heritage without overshadowing her personal charm.
While his outward smile mirrored hers, Duan Lingtian's thoughts played a different tune beneath the surface. The awe he felt toward her beauty was undeniable, and he marveled at how this world's concept of attractiveness was indeed different from what he had known. Her elegance and poise were truly captivating, and he couldn't help but admire the way she carried herself with an air of understated grace. But there was a suspicion in his heart he was wondering what this visit was for since all this time during his dark times she was nowhere to be found.
Li Meiying's laughter resonated like a harmonious melody in the room, captivating Duan Lingtian's attention. Her beauty seemed to radiate a captivating charm that even his thoughts couldn't help but admire. As her laughter subsided, her words flowed with a melody of their own, her voice imbuing them with a gentle warmth that echoed like a soothing song. "Brother lingtian it has been quite a while since we have met sorry for not visiting you sooner I had urgent business to attend to during these times I hope you wont blame ying'er" she bows her head like she is in the wrong the mc misses the disdain flashing in her eyes as her head was bowed.
Duan Lingtian's appreciation for her beauty was undeniable, and her appearance held his attention. He listened attentively, her words like a soft rhythm that drew him into their conversation. Her apology for not visiting sooner held no sincerity in it, and her explanation of urgent matters seemed like a coverup.
Her graceful bow was executed with a practiced elegance, her demeanor presenting her as a delicate figure burdened by a sense of responsibility. Yet, Duan Lingtian's intuition didn't fail to catch the underlying currents of her expression—the subtle hints that her actions might be motivated by something more than genuine regret.
Duan Lingtian's response remained cordial, his broad smile a reflection of his outward demeanor. However, beneath the polite facade, his mind remained keenly observant, his intuition honing in on the subtle distinction in their interaction, he says "what are you here for?". The bluntness of his question, though it cut straight to the point, revealed a thread of his own curiosity to unravel the truth behind her unexpected visit.
Her gaze met his, her eyes perhaps hiding secrets that her words hadn't unveiled. As they engaged in this dance of words and hidden meanings, the room seemed to hold an unspoken understanding, a stage for a complex interplay of intentions, emotions, and the veiled motivations that would soon be brought to the forefront. Duan Lingtian's gaze remained steady, his thoughts unreadable to her. She replied slowly "Brother lingtian I came here to ask of you for a cancellation of our engagement please give this to ying'er she isn't worthy of you."
Li Meiying's words seemed to pierce the air with an unexpected declaration, and the atmosphere shifted in response to her request. Duan Lingtian's composed expression remained unchanged, yet his inward thoughts swirled. Her request for the cancellation of their engagement caught him a bit off guard, his mental gears whirring as he processed her words, 'it seems she hasn't heard of the fight I had' he thought to himself.
Maintaining his calm demeanor, he replied, "Cancellation of our engagement? Sure do I need to do anything?" His tone was indifferent, concealing the complexity of his thoughts beneath a veil of politeness. Li Meiying is quite surprised she was expecting the mc to show a sad expression or start begging her to give him a chance instead she gets indifference like he doesn't care at all which gets her angry because she is used to being fawned over by many guys even duan feng paid a lot before he managed to win her over not to now talk of trash not already being on his knees crying and begging her to stay with him. She thinks to herself 'humph who do you think you are to be acting like you don't care you should even feel honored I came all the way to ask you for this instead of just making an announcement without your permission if not for being childhood friends before I won't have given you face at all' but she keeps her smile and says in a slightly cold tone "Thank you very much brother lingtian, I hope this doesn't cause any friction between us and we can still be friends".
Duan Lingtian continues smiling but doesn't say anything, Li Meiying bows and leaves right as she was about to leave she hears the Lingtian's voice saying "enjoy your new man very well" she pauses her steps in shock wondering how he was able to figure out this was because of a guy she had fallen in love with. She doesn't turn back and says "I will" then she steps out of the room.
Duan lingtain stands there looking at the direction she departed inwardly he felt a tinge of rage at The tinge of rage that stirred within him wasn't just directed at Li Meiying herself, but also at his circumstance of people looking down on him. He calmed himself thinking to himself inwardly "calm down its the life every main character suffers its just a matter of me proving myself and making my mark in this world if I cant handle this how would I be able to handle the future hurdles I will face and those future arrogant young master's that actually have high talent". He shakes with his gaze fixed on the future, Duan Lingtian's determination solidified, his emotions coalescing into a resolve that burned brightly within him. As he envisioned the impending competition where to start of his martial journey will truly begin.