Lin Tian had been frequenting one of the sect's training grounds for a week now, steadily improving his martial arts. His techniques felt sharper, and his movements more refined. Each day of training brought him a step closer to the strength he aimed for. But today, his focus was abruptly interrupted.
Just as he settled into his stance, ready to practice his Ghost Step, a tall, muscular disciple with an arrogant smirk sauntered over. He had an aura that was hard to miss—hostile and dismissive. Lin Tian had seen this disciple around; his name was Qiu Ming, a Level 8 Body Refining cultivator with a notorious reputation among the outer sect disciples.
"Hey, brat! You're standing in my training spot," Qiu Ming growled, crossing his arms. "Move, unless you want me to throw you out."
Lin Tian glanced around. The training grounds were vast, with plenty of empty spaces for all. Still, it was clear this wasn't about the spot itself; it was a power play. Lin Tian didn't like causing unnecessary trouble, but he wouldn't back down either.
"This is a shared training ground. There's plenty of room here," Lin Tian replied evenly, meeting Qiu Ming's glare.
Qiu Ming's eyes narrowed, clearly unused to anyone questioning him. With a sneer, he cracked his knuckles. "You think you can talk back to me? You've got guts, but you'll need more than that."
Without warning, Qiu Ming lunged forward, his fist cutting through the air with a burst of force. Lin Tian dodged, barely missing the hit, and felt the air pressure from the punch brush past him. He had anticipated conflict, but the raw power behind Qiu Ming's movements was intense.
Lin Tian managed to evade a few more strikes, but Qiu Ming's speed and strength began to overwhelm him. With a two-level difference between them, Qiu Ming's attacks were simply faster and heavier. A punch to his shoulder sent a dull ache radiating through his body, and a sweeping kick to his side left him gasping for breath.
The commotion drew the attention of other disciples nearby. They began to gather, whispering among themselves, pointing at the two as they clashed. Lin Tian noticed some concerned glances, but many were indifferent, as if this was just another show of strength in the sect's usual routine.
"This Lin Tian… he's only at Level 6, yet he's holding his ground against Qiu Ming," one disciple murmured.
"Qiu Ming always bullies those weaker than him," another muttered, a hint of disdain in their voice. "It's only because his brother is ranked #5 in the outer sect."
Indeed, Qiu Ming's reputation was well-known. His older brother, Qiu Heng, was a formidable mid-Qi Refining cultivator with a fearsome rank. He held sway over a number of disciples, which made Qiu Ming arrogant enough to pick fights he was sure he could win.
But Lin Tian wasn't making it easy. Despite the injuries accumulating on his body, he dodged Qiu Ming's attacks with determination. Each time he was hit, he gritted his teeth and got back up, refusing to back down. This defiance only seemed to frustrate Qiu Ming further.
With a snarl of anger, Qiu Ming threw another punch, but Lin Tian managed to sidestep, and Qiu Ming's fist struck empty air. This only worsened Qiu Ming's temper. His face flushed with irritation as the watching crowd's murmurs reached his ears.
"Even with a two-level advantage, he still can't bring down a Level 6. So much for all his talk," someone in the crowd chuckled quietly.
Hearing the comment, Qiu Ming's face twisted with anger. He took a step back, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Lin Tian. "You got lucky today, but next time, I'll make sure you regret standing up to me," he spat, venom clear in his tone. "And remember, my brother doesn't take kindly to disrespect either."
With that final threat, Qiu Ming turned on his heel and stormed off, leaving the crowd in hushed whispers. Lin Tian watched him go, brushing off his minor injuries and feeling a quiet satisfaction. Qiu Ming's retreat was a small victory, even if the fight had left him battered.
As the crowd dispersed, Lin Tian could still hear bits of conversation.
"That guy's a tyrant, only confident because of his brother, Qiu Heng," a disciple remarked. "I heard Qiu Heng's known for his ruthless nature and doesn't let anyone who crosses him get off easy."
"Lin Tian should be careful. Making an enemy of Qiu Ming could bring him trouble," someone else muttered.
Lin Tian headed back to his dorm, their words lingering in his mind. He knew that dealing with Qiu Ming wasn't over yet, and that the real threat was likely Qiu Heng. Still, he couldn't let such things intimidate him.
As he entered his dorm room, he found Fang Rui waiting with a worried expression on his face. "Lin Tian! I heard what happened. Are you alright?"
Lin Tian nodded, smiling to reassure him. "I'm fine. Just a bit bruised, that's all."
Fang Rui's brows furrowed, clearly still concerned. "You know, Qiu Ming's brother, Qiu Heng, isn't someone to take lightly. He's ranked fifth among the outer sect disciples and already in the mid-stages of Qi Refining. People say he's as ruthless as they come, and he won't hesitate to cause trouble for anyone who crosses him—or his brother."
Lin Tian crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "I expected as much. But I can't go around backing down just because of who they are."
Fang Rui sighed, nodding slowly. "True, but it's wise to be cautious too. Qiu Heng's influence runs deep. They say he's been pushing to enter the inner sect soon. His goal isn't just power here in the outer sect."
Lin Tian considered this carefully. Qiu Heng's ambitions were high, it seemed, and his protection of his younger brother was likely more about maintaining authority than family loyalty. Still, he felt no regret over standing his ground against Qiu Ming.
"Thanks for the warning, Fang Rui," Lin Tian said, patting his friend on the shoulder. "But I'll be careful. I have my own path to follow here."
Fang Rui gave a weak smile. "Just don't push yourself too hard. There's plenty of time to grow, you know. No need to make powerful enemies right at the start."
Lin Tian nodded thoughtfully at Fang Rui's advice, though he knew his own path couldn't always avoid conflict. As the sun set outside his dorm window, he clenched his fists, feeling his determination harden.
That night, he made his way back to the training grounds to resume his practice, his movements more focused, his stance a little steadier. He trained with renewed intensity, the bruises from his encounter with Qiu Ming only fueling his resolve. Ghost Step flowed almost seamlessly with his Shadow Blade technique, making each swing of his sword as swift and precise as a shadow.
But just as he was about to wrap up, Lin Tian sensed a dark, foreboding presence nearby. His body tensed as he slowly turned around, meeting a pair of cold, unblinking eyes in the moonlight. The tall figure before him stepped out from the shadows, his face set in a cruel smirk.
It was Qiu Heng.
"So, you're the one who embarrassed my brother." His voice was calm, but his gaze held a chilling promise of violence. He took a step closer, his Qi Refining aura heavy and oppressive, almost suffocating.
Lin Tian braced himself, feeling the weight of Qiu Heng's presence crushing down on him. The difference in their levels was like a chasm—far greater than his fight with Qiu Ming.
"Let's see if that defiance of yours holds up," Qiu Heng sneered, his voice low. "Because anyone who dares humiliate my family doesn't deserve to walk out of this training ground in one piece."
Lin Tian clenched his jaw, meeting Qiu Heng's fierce gaze, his body instinctively readying for what was sure to be a brutal clash. As Qiu Heng took a fighting stance, the air around them grew thick with tension.