Dawn cast its first gentle rays over Feng Xiao's secluded courtyard, illuminating his meditative figure in golden light. Seated cross-legged beneath an old pine tree, Feng Xiao's breathing was steady, each breath resonating with the natural rhythm of the world around him. Since his awakening, cultivation had become as instinctive to him as breathing, his Heaven-Defying Comprehension allowing him to unravel the mysteries of qi with startling clarity. Each meditation session refined his senses, deepened his connection to the natural energies around him, and heightened his awareness of the profound world of cultivation.
His current state, Qi Gathering Realm, marked the beginning of a long journey, but already his mastery over qi was greater than most. He visualized the energy coursing through his meridians, spreading warmth and power throughout his body, gathering strength like a river converging into a reservoir. Yet as he explored deeper layers of his body's natural qi, he sensed he was on the verge of a breakthrough. He felt a tingling sensation beneath his skin, as though the qi itself were urging him forward, tempting him to transcend his limits.
"Just a little further," he whispered, pushing his focus to its absolute peak. But at that moment, a soft voice interrupted him.
"Brother Xiao!"
His eyes fluttered open, and the qi slowly dispersed, the energy in his body calming like waves settling after a storm. Ling'er, his childhood friend, stood at the entrance of his courtyard, her gentle face shadowed by worry.
"Brother Xiao, I'm sorry to disturb you," she said softly, stepping forward. Her eyes glimmered with an unspoken concern. "The elders have called for you. They… want you to participate in the Gathering of Strength."
Feng Xiao's brows knitted slightly. The Gathering of Strength was a tournament held by the Feng Clan each year, a stage for young cultivators to display their prowess. It was an event he'd only watched from the sidelines in the past, relegated there by the clan's judgment of his weak constitution and lack of talent. But things had changed—he had changed.
"Do they really want me to participate?" he asked, keeping his voice level as he absorbed this unexpected news.
Ling'er nodded, glancing away. "Some of the elders are skeptical of your recent progress. They want to see it with their own eyes. And…," she hesitated, "they don't trust the suddenness of your transformation."
Feng Xiao's gaze grew sharp. He knew his abilities might provoke suspicion, but he hadn't expected such scrutiny so soon. Yet, he also realized this tournament was an opportunity—one that would allow him to prove his worth and silence his detractors in the most public way possible.
"Thank you, Ling'er," he said, his voice resolute. "If they want to see, then let them see."
---
Later that Day - The Gathering of Strength
The Feng Clan's main arena was bustling with excitement. Thousands of members had gathered in the stands, the younger disciples eagerly discussing the likely champions, while the elders sat in reserved silence, assessing the talents on display. At the highest seats, the senior elders, including Elder Tian Zhao, the clan's overseer of youth cultivation, observed with an expression as cold and still as stone.
As Feng Xiao entered the ring, a hush fell over the crowd, then a wave of murmurs rose in surprise. Many couldn't believe their eyes—the "clan disgrace" had been called to compete. He ignored their stares, focused on the task ahead, knowing that each fight was a test of both his newfound strength and his Heaven-Defying Comprehension. This tournament would be his debut, the first step toward shattering the clan's expectations.
Across the ring stood his first opponent, Feng Jun—a cousin who had tormented him mercilessly since childhood. Feng Jun's sneering grin as he stepped into the arena spoke volumes.
"Well, look who's finally come to embarrass himself," Feng Jun taunted, his voice loud enough for the audience to hear, earning a ripple of laughter. "The clan disgrace trying to play hero. This'll be over in seconds."
Feng Xiao remained calm, his expression unreadable. Through his Heaven-Defying Comprehension, he could see everything: the flaws in Feng Jun's stance, the impatience in his gaze, and the weak points in his aura. Although Feng Jun was at the Foundation Establishment Realm, a level higher than Feng Xiao, his technique was full of openings.
The signal to begin was given, and Feng Jun attacked immediately, charging at Feng Xiao with a fierce, glowing punch infused with qi. His qi flared around him in a show of strength meant to intimidate, but Feng Xiao remained unfazed, his Heaven-Defying Comprehension reading Feng Jun's movements like an open book.
At the last moment, Feng Xiao sidestepped with graceful ease, evading the blow by inches. As Feng Jun stumbled past him, Feng Xiao struck with a precise palm to Feng Jun's ribs, channeling just enough qi to disrupt his opponent's flow. Feng Jun staggered, visibly disoriented, the shock in his eyes