After the confrontation with Zhang Wei, Feng Yunxian's reputation within the Iron Spirit Sect quickly spread. Many Outer Sect disciples whispered about him, some with awe, others with jealousy. But Feng Yunxian paid no heed to the gossip. His focus remained solely on his cultivation.
In the Iron Spirit Sect, strength was divided into various cultivation realms, each realm further broken down into stages. From what Feng Yunxian had learned so far, the hierarchy of power followed the common path of cultivation realms that many sects used. In order of increasing power, they were:
Body Tempering Realm
Qi Refining Realm
Foundation Establishment Realm
Core Formation Realm
Nascent Soul Realm
Soul Transformation Realm
Void Ascension Realm
Beyond these realms were the rarer and more legendary stages, such as the Immortal Ascension Realm, but those were myths in the mortal realm. Few ever reached such heights.
Feng Yunxian had quickly realized that his current body, though lacking in talent compared to his former self, still held tremendous potential. Even now, as he cultivated deep into the night, he could feel the remnants of the Chaos within his soul—a power that slumbered, waiting to be fully awakened. For now, however, he was at the peak of Body Tempering, preparing to break into the Qi Refining Realm.
He knew it would only be a matter of time before he surpassed the disciples around him. But time was something he didn't have the luxury of wasting.
Several days passed, and the sect's routine began to settle into a familiar rhythm. Feng Yunxian continued his intense cultivation, spending hours each day absorbing spiritual energy from the surroundings. His progress was swift, far faster than the average disciple. He had even begun to attract the attention of some of the elders, though none had yet approached him directly.
But it wasn't long before the next challenge presented itself.
One afternoon, as Feng Yunxian was practicing his sword technique in a secluded corner of the sect, Lin Yue appeared, her expression serious.
"There's going to be a sect-wide assessment in three days," she said, her voice calm but urgent. "Every disciple, from the Outer Sect to the Inner Sect, will be evaluated. It's a chance to prove yourself."
Feng Yunxian paused, lowering his sword. "What's the nature of this assessment?"
Lin Yue crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "It's a test of combat ability and cultivation progress. The top ten Outer Sect disciples will be given the opportunity to join the Inner Sect. But it won't be easy—there are many talented disciples here, and some will do whatever it takes to climb higher."
Feng Yunxian nodded. "I see."
The assessment was an opportunity. If he could perform well, it would accelerate his journey toward greater resources and better cultivation methods within the Inner Sect. The thought of climbing higher fueled his determination.
"I'm warning you, Feng Yunxian," Lin Yue added, her tone softer. "The competition is fierce. There are many who've been in the Outer Sect for years, cultivating diligently. They won't take kindly to someone like you rising so quickly."
Feng Yunxian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Let them try."
The day of the sect-wide assessment arrived, and the atmosphere within the Iron Spirit Sect was tense. Disciples from all corners of the sect gathered in the large arena, a stone-paved ground surrounded by towering pillars that radiated spiritual energy. The elders sat in the elevated stands, their eyes sharp as they watched the proceedings.
Feng Yunxian stood among the Outer Sect disciples, his calm demeanor in stark contrast to the nervous energy around him. Lin Yue had taken a seat in the audience, watching silently.
The assessment began with combat trials. Each disciple would face an opponent, testing not only their strength but also their understanding of martial techniques and strategies.
As the matches began, Feng Yunxian observed his fellow disciples closely. Most were in the Qi Refining Realm, with varying levels of control over their spiritual energy. He could sense that many were hovering between the mid and upper stages of the realm, while a few stood at the peak, just shy of entering the Foundation Establishment Realm.
His turn soon came.
Stepping into the arena, Feng Yunxian found himself facing a tall, burly disciple named Liu Kang, known for his brute strength and explosive techniques. Liu Kang was at the peak of Qi Refining, his aura fierce as he strode forward, a confident smirk on his face.
"I've heard about you, Feng Yunxian," Liu Kang said, his voice deep and mocking. "But I'll show you that your little fame is nothing compared to real power."
Feng Yunxian remained silent, his gaze steady. He could feel the difference in their cultivation levels—Liu Kang had more spiritual energy, but Feng Yunxian's control and precision were far superior. His experiences in the Chaos had taught him the importance of mastery over raw power.
"Begin!" an elder announced, signaling the start of the duel.
Liu Kang wasted no time. With a roar, he charged forward, his fists glowing with spiritual energy as he unleashed a flurry of powerful punches, each strike aimed to overwhelm Feng Yunxian.
But Feng Yunxian moved like a shadow, effortlessly dodging each blow. His footwork was light, his body flowing with a grace that belied his human form. Liu Kang's strikes met only air as Feng Yunxian weaved through the onslaught.
Frustration flashed across Liu Kang's face, and with a snarl, he summoned more energy, sending a blast of spiritual power toward Feng Yunxian.
This time, Feng Yunxian didn't dodge. He raised his hand, his fingers curling as he absorbed the energy into his palm. The crowd gasped as they watched the spiritual blast dissipate harmlessly in Feng Yunxian's grasp.
Liu Kang staggered back, disbelief written across his features. "Impossible…!"
Feng Yunxian narrowed his eyes. "You rely too much on brute force."
With that, he struck. In a blur of motion, he closed the distance between them, his fist slamming into Liu Kang's chest with pinpoint accuracy. The force of the blow sent Liu Kang sprawling across the arena, gasping for breath.
The audience fell silent.
Feng Yunxian stood tall, his aura calm but intimidating. He hadn't even used his full power.
"Winner: Feng Yunxian," the elder declared, though there was a note of surprise in his voice.
Feng Yunxian turned and walked away, leaving Liu Kang on the ground, clutching his chest in pain.
As the assessment continued, Feng Yunxian's victories piled up. He defeated opponent after opponent with ease, his movements precise and efficient. By the end of the day, he stood among the top ten disciples of the Outer Sect, his place in the Inner Sect all but guaranteed.
But Feng Yunxian knew this was only the beginning. The Inner Sect would hold even greater challenges, and he would need to push himself further if he wanted to rise to the heights he once knew in the Chaos.
As he left the arena, Lin Yue approached him, a small smile on her lips. "You did well. Better than I expected."
Feng Yunxian nodded. "The Inner Sect will be the next step."
"Be careful," Lin Yue warned. "The higher you climb, the more enemies you'll make."
"I know," Feng Yunxian said quietly, his mind already planning his next move. His journey in this realm was just beginning, but he would not stop until he reclaimed his rightful place—and exacted his revenge.