Chapter 11: Trials and Triumphs
The entrance to the Bull Fight Sect was a grand archway adorned with intricate carvings, a portal that marked the beginning of Denny C's new life. As he rode through the arch on his Crypto knight horse, the world he had known began to fade, replaced by the vast expanse of the sect's grounds.
The vibrant energy of the sect enveloped him, and as he dismounted, he could feel the curious gazes of other young disciples his age. They stood in groups, their whispers carrying through the air like a faint breeze.
Denny sensed the weight of their scrutiny, and it wasn't long before a group of his fellow juveniles approached him, their expressions a mixture of amusement and arrogance.
"Look who's here," one of them sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "A new kid thinks he's something special."
Laughter erupted among them, echoing through the courtyard. Denny's eyes met theirs, his own gaze steady and unyielding. He had grown accustomed to the feeling of being underestimated, and he knew that appearances could be deceiving.
As the jeers continued, a particularly bold voice rose above the rest. "I heard you're fresh from the outside. What's your name, newbie?"
"Denny C," he replied calmly, his voice carrying a quiet confidence.
The speaker, a ten-year-old boy who exuded an air of self-assuredness, stepped forward. "Well, Denny C, I'm Liu, and I'm at the Plexes Realm. You're going to have to work hard to catch up to us."
Denny's lips curved into a faint smile. "We'll see."
A hush fell over the crowd as the challenge hung in the air. Without further ado, Liu lunged forward, his movements swift as he executed a series of intricate hand gestures. Energy surged around him, forming a faint aura that marked the manifestation of his cultivation level.
Denny remained still, his gaze unwavering as he assessed his opponent's techniques. When Liu struck, Denny's reaction was swift and precise. He deflected each attack with calculated ease, his movements almost casual as he parried Liu's strikes.
The gathered crowd watched in astonishment as Denny countered Liu's attacks flawlessly. Within moments, Denny's palm met Liu's chest in a controlled strike. Liu staggered back, his aura dissipating as he collapsed to the ground, defeated.
Silence reigned for a beat before cheers erupted, the crowd buzzing with disbelief and excitement. Elder Zhang watched from a distance, his eyes holding a glint of satisfaction.
Denny extended a hand to help Liu up, his expression friendly despite the earlier challenge. "It was a good match, Liu."
Liu accepted Denny's hand, his pride slightly wounded but his respect apparent. "You're stronger than you look."
Denny's eyes met those of Elder Zhang, the elder's approval reflected in his gaze. As Denny's presence was acknowledged by both his peers and his guide, he knew that the path he had chosen was one that would lead him to heights he had yet to fathom.