The next few days at the Azure Sky Sect were grueling. Li Feng threw himself into his training, determined to master the basics of cultivation as quickly as possible. Every morning before dawn, he would rise to practice his breathing exercises, feeling the flow of Qi within him grow stronger with each passing day. By midday, he was sparring with the other outer disciples, honing his combat skills under the watchful eyes of the instructors.
But Li Feng was not the only one with ambition. Among the outer disciples, there were many who aspired to rise through the ranks and earn a place among the inner disciples. And not all of them were welcoming of the newcomer.
One afternoon, after a particularly intense sparring session, Li Feng found himself confronted by a group of senior outer disciples. At their head was Zhang Wei, a tall, muscular boy with a confident smirk. He was well-known among the outer disciples for his strength and skill, and he had a reputation for being ruthless in his pursuit of advancement.
"So, you're the new kid everyone's talking about," Zhang Wei said, his tone mocking. "The one who thinks he's going to become an inner disciple after a few days of training."
Li Feng kept his expression calm, though he could feel a spark of irritation. "I'm here to learn, just like everyone else," he replied evenly. "If I have to prove myself, then that's what I'll do."
Zhang Wei's smirk widened. "Oh, you'll have to prove yourself, alright. But not by picking fights with bandits in the forest. Here, you have to show real skill, real power. And from what I've seen, you're still just a weakling."
The other disciples chuckled, and Li Feng felt a surge of anger. He knew Zhang Wei was trying to provoke him, to test his resolve. But he couldn't let himself be goaded into a fight, not yet.
"I'm not looking for trouble," Li Feng said, taking a step back. "I'm just here to train."
Zhang Wei's eyes narrowed. "You think you're better than us, don't you? Just because Elder Shen brought you here personally? Let's see how tough you really are."
Before Li Feng could respond, Zhang Wei launched himself forward, throwing a powerful punch aimed straight at Li Feng's chest. Reacting instinctively, Li Feng sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow. He could feel the rush of Qi in his veins, his senses heightened.
Zhang Wei grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "Not bad, but you won't dodge the next one!" he shouted, swinging his fist again. This time, Li Feng was ready. He blocked the punch with his forearm, feeling the impact reverberate through his body, and countered with a swift kick to Zhang Wei's side.
The force of the kick sent Zhang Wei stumbling back, surprise flickering across his face. "You've got some spirit, I'll give you that," he growled, recovering his stance. "But let's see how you handle this!"
He began to channel his Qi, his body glowing faintly with a blue aura. Li Feng could feel the energy radiating from him, a palpable force that made the hairs on his arms stand up. Zhang Wei was stronger than he had anticipated—much stronger.
Li Feng steadied himself, focusing his own Qi, feeling it gather in his core. He could sense the tension in the air, the other disciples watching eagerly to see what would happen next. He knew he couldn't afford to hold back.
Zhang Wei charged again, his movements faster and more powerful than before. Li Feng ducked under a sweeping kick, countering with a palm strike to Zhang Wei's chest. The impact sent a shockwave through both of them, and Zhang Wei staggered back, his eyes wide with surprise.
"You little—!" Zhang Wei snarled, but before he could continue, a voice cut through the commotion.
"Enough!" Elder Shen's voice boomed across the courtyard, silencing everyone. He strode over, his expression stern. "What is going on here?"
Zhang Wei quickly lowered his head, his defiance replaced by a look of submission. "Elder Shen, we were just… training," he said, his tone suddenly respectful.
"Training?" Elder Shen's gaze shifted to Li Feng, who was still catching his breath. "It looked more like a brawl to me. Disciples of the Azure Sky Sect do not conduct themselves in such a manner. If you wish to fight, you will do so under proper supervision and with the intent to learn, not to show off."
Li Feng bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Elder Shen," he said. "It won't happen again."
Elder Shen's expression softened slightly. "Li Feng, you have potential, but you must learn to control your temper. Cultivation is about balance, not brute strength. You must learn to harness your Qi, not let it control you."
"Yes, Elder Shen," Li Feng replied, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. He hadn't wanted to fight, but he knew he couldn't let Zhang Wei push him around.
Elder Shen turned to the other disciples. "And the rest of you, remember this: you are here to cultivate, to grow stronger in both body and spirit. Do not waste your time with petty rivalries. Now, back to your training."
As the disciples dispersed, Li Feng felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Elder Shen looking at him with a thoughtful expression. "You have spirit, Li Feng," he said quietly. "But you must learn to channel it properly. There is a place for strength in cultivation, but wisdom and patience are equally important. Remember that."
Li Feng nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I understand, Elder Shen. I'll do better."
Elder Shen smiled faintly. "Good. Now, there is something I wish for you to do—a challenge, of sorts, to test your resolve and your understanding of cultivation."
Li Feng's eyes widened. "A challenge?"
Elder Shen nodded. "Beyond the mountains to the west lies the Rising dragon peak, a sacred place where many disciples have gone to meditate and seek enlightenment. The journey is not an easy one, and the climb is steep and treacherous. But it is said that those who reach the summit are granted a moment of clarity, a vision of their true path."
Li Feng felt a surge of excitement and apprehension. The Rising Dragon Peak was known among the sect as a place of great spiritual power, but few outer disciples ever attempted the climb. "I'll do it," he said without hesitation. "I'll climb the peak."
Elder Shen nodded approvingly. "Very well. Prepare yourself, Li Feng. You will leave at first light. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Take this time to reflect, to understand what it means to be a cultivator."
Li Feng bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Shen. I won't let you down."
As night fell, Li Feng returned to his quarters, his mind racing with anticipation. The Rising Dragon Peak… A chance to prove himself, to learn more about his path as a cultivator. He packed his belongings, ensuring he had enough supplies for the journey. The other disciples watched him with a mix of curiosity and envy, but Li Feng paid them no mind. He was focused, determined.
Before he slept, he took out his pendant, holding it in his hand. "What secrets do you hold?" he whispered, feeling the weight of its mystery once more. "Maybe this journey will help me find the answers."
He closed his eyes, his heart steady and his mind clear. Tomorrow, he would begin his climb. Whatever lay at the peak, he was ready to face it.