The courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, casting long shadows across the stone paths. Lin Feng stood before his father, a composed figure beneath the weight of expectations. His father, the head of the Lin family, was a man who rarely spoke, and when he did, his words were heavy with authority. Today, Lin Feng knew that his actions, more than anything else, would define the course of his future.
"Feng'er," his father called out, his voice deep and unwavering, "show me your swordsmanship."
It wasn't a request—more of an expectation. Lin Feng had been trained in swordsmanship for years, but now it was time to prove himself. The air seemed to hold its breath as Lin Feng unsheathed his sword with a practiced motion. The blade gleamed with a cold, unyielding shine, a mirror of his own determination.
He took a step forward, the weight of the weapon in his hand grounding him. With a swift, fluid motion, he executed a series of strikes, each one precise and deadly. His movements were like the flow of water—smooth, yet capable of cutting through the toughest obstacles. His father's eyes followed each motion, but his face remained unreadable. Lin Feng could feel the pressure, the quiet judgment in the air. Every swing, every parry, every calculated movement had a purpose.
Minutes passed, and Lin Feng's strikes became more than just a demonstration—they were a statement. He was no longer the young, inexperienced heir to the Lin family. He was a man of purpose, a swordmaster in his own right, and his sword was an extension of his will. His cultivation was solid, his power impressive. Having reached similar level to Lin Wei in terms of swordsmanship, a revered figure of younger generation in the family
Finally, with one last sweeping motion, Lin Feng lowered the blade and stood at attention. His father did not immediately speak, and for a brief moment, Lin Feng wondered if he had done enough to impress him. But then, his father's lips curled into a faint smile, the first indication of approval he had shown in months the approval was partly because of fluid execution of the moves demonstrated by oldest brother Lin Wei.
"Impressive," his father said, his voice carrying a rare warmth. "Your swordsmanship has improved. I can see the potential in you."
Lin Feng bowed his head slightly, grateful yet restrained. Praise from his father was not easily given, and he would not allow himself to be distracted by it. He had something far more important to ask for, something that would push him closer to the power he sought.
"Father," Lin Feng began, his voice steady but his gaze unwavering, "I seek the Fire Dragon Fruit."
The words hung in the air, bold and direct. His father's expression shifted, though his face remained as stoic as ever. The Fire Dragon Fruit was a rare treasure, said to enhance the fire-attribute cultivation of its user, increasing both their strength and affinity with fire-based magic. It was a resource few could acquire, even fewer would dare to ask for.
"You wish for the Fire Dragon Fruit?" his father repeated, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Do you believe you are ready for such a treasure?"
Lin Feng did not falter. "I have mastered my swordsmanship, but I need more. The Fire Dragon Fruit will allow me to enhance my cultivation, to refine my body and my connection with fire path. Only then will I be able to achieve the strength I need."
His father remained silent for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed his son. "The Fire Dragon Fruit is not an ordinary item. It was retrieved by a senior elder of our family from the depths of the Dragon Continent. Its power is formidable. Consuming it will allow you to harness Dragon Fire—far superior to normal fire in both strength and destructive capability. But do you truly understand what this means?"
"I understand," Lin Feng said, his voice unwavering. "Dragon Fire will elevate my abilities beyond the reach of normal cultivators. I will not waste this opportunity."
His father's eyes remained fixed on him, scrutinizing every word. "The effects of the Fire Dragon Fruit are not immediate. It will push your body and mind to their limits. Many who consume it struggle to control its overwhelming power. You must be prepared for the consequences."
Lin Feng nodded, the determination in his eyes unmistakable. "I am ready."
His father studied him for a long moment before giving a nod. "Very well. I will see what can be done. But remember, no matter what power you gain, it will be nothing without purpose. You must have a clear vision of your path."
"I will," Lin Feng said, his eyes gleaming with the fire of determination.
But before his father could speak again, the conversation took a subtle shift. His father's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before he let out a soft sigh. "You are no longer a child, Feng'er. You will soon have to meet with your fiancée. It is important that you maintain your family's reputation, especially in these times."
The mention of his fiancée caused Lin Feng to pause, his thoughts momentarily distracted. His fiancée, the daughter of a prestigious family, was a crucial piece in the intricate political landscape his family navigated. She was strong, capable, and from a family that held sway in the upper echelons of the empire. But to Lin Feng, she was more a formality than a partner, a tool for advancement rather than someone with whom he shared any deep connection.
"Is it time for that?" Lin Feng asked, his voice tinged with indifference. He had never been one to revel in the idea of marriage, especially not one arranged for political gain.
His father's gaze softened slightly, but there was no mistaking the underlying command. "It is time. Do not forget the importance of these alliances. They are not to be taken lightly."
Lin Feng nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. His thoughts returned to the Fire Dragon Fruit, to the path he was carving for himself. He had little interest in the politics of his engagement; his focus was on acquiring power, on shaping his future with his own hands.
"I will visit her soon, Father," Lin Feng replied, though his tone was nonchalant. "But my priority lies elsewhere. You know that."
His father's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of understanding passing through them. "Just remember, Feng'er, power is not always won through force alone. Your mind, your alliances, your decisions—they all play a part. Do not ignore them."
"I understand," Lin Feng replied. His voice was calm, though in his mind, he had already turned his attention back to his training. Power, true power, was not something that came from the bonds others expected him to form. It came from his own will, his own ambition.
His father gave a final nod, signaling the end of the conversation. "Go then. But remember, your actions have consequences. Every step you take should bring you closer to your goal."
Lin Feng bowed respectfully, his mind already focused on the next step. The Fire Dragon Fruit was within his reach, and the game was only beginning.