Lin Feng stood in his room, the quest notification from the system still lingering in his mind. The words "Eliminate a rival cultivator" echoed in his ears. This task seemed more ominous than any challenge he had faced before. A cultivator at the 3rd stage of Qi Condensation was no small threat, but with his new cultivation techniques and the power granted by the system, Lin Feng was determined to prove himself.
He paced back and forth, gathering his thoughts. He had come a long way since his arrival in this world, but he knew that if he was to truly rise above his so-called "waste" status, he would have to face opponents far stronger than those he had encountered so far.
The target, Chen Wei, was a cultivator from a neighboring sect, known for his arrogance and ruthlessness. His reputation had reached Lin Feng's ears long before the system's quest appeared. It seemed that fate had pushed him into a confrontation with one of the strongest individuals within his reach.
Lin Feng clenched his fists. The mission wasn't just about completing a quest—it was about showing the world that he was no longer weak.
---
That evening, Lin Feng set out toward the place where Chen Wei was rumored to be training. Bai Long, sensing Lin Feng's resolve, approached him just before he left the compound.
"You're going after Chen Wei, aren't you?" Bai Long asked, his voice calm yet tinged with concern.
Lin Feng nodded, not surprised by Bai Long's perceptiveness. "The system gave me the task, and it seems the right time to prove myself."
Bai Long's eyes narrowed slightly. "Be careful. Chen Wei is not someone you should take lightly. His cultivation at the 3rd stage of Qi Condensation may not seem like much, but his battle experience is vast. You'll need more than just raw power to defeat him."
Lin Feng smiled confidently. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
Bai Long didn't respond immediately. Instead, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small jade token. "This is a token of my sect. It will grant you passage through the forest where Chen Wei trains. If you're in danger, use it to signal for help."
Lin Feng took the token with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Master. I'll be back victorious."
With that, he left the Lin estate, heading toward the dense forest where Chen Wei was said to be meditating. As he walked, the air grew thick with the presence of spiritual Qi, the atmosphere becoming heavier as he neared his destination. Lin Feng's senses sharpened. He could feel the oppressive aura of a high-level cultivator in the distance, growing stronger with each step.
---
After a while, Lin Feng finally arrived at a clearing deep within the forest. In the center stood a man, surrounded by a swirling vortex of Qi. His robes were finely crafted, and his long hair swayed in the wind, despite the stillness of the air around him. Chen Wei.
Lin Feng's eyes scanned the figure in front of him. The man was in the midst of a meditation, but Lin Feng could tell that he was not unaware of his presence. Slowly, Chen Wei opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and calculating.
"So, you're the waste who's been making waves lately," Chen Wei said, his voice smooth but condescending. "I've heard about you, Lin Feng. They say you're trying to surpass your limits with that... strange cultivation technique."
Lin Feng stood tall, his expression calm. "I'm here for a reason. You're the task I've been given to eliminate. I won't back down."
Chen Wei chuckled darkly. "A waste like you, thinking you can defeat me? You've got guts, I'll give you that. But in the end, it won't be enough."
He raised his hand, and the air around him trembled as his Qi surged. "Prepare yourself, Lin Feng. I'll make your end quick and painless."
Without warning, Chen Wei launched forward, his body blurring with speed. Lin Feng barely had time to react as a powerful blast of Qi shot toward him, cutting through the air like a razor-sharp blade. Lin Feng's heart raced, but he stayed focused. He had trained for moments like this, and now was the time to use everything he had learned.
He quickly summoned the power of the system, channeling his Qi with precision. A shimmering barrier of energy formed around him, absorbing the impact of Chen Wei's attack. The force of the blast shook the ground beneath him, but Lin Feng stood firm.
Chen Wei narrowed his eyes, surprised by the strength of the defense. "Not bad. But can you keep up with this?"
With a flick of his wrist, Chen Wei conjured a series of sharp energy blades that streaked toward Lin Feng in rapid succession. Lin Feng's mind raced. This wasn't just a physical attack; Chen Wei was using his superior control over Qi to manipulate the elements themselves.
Lin Feng tapped into the techniques the system had granted him. With a burst of speed, he dodged the first few blades, weaving through the air with remarkable agility. He knew that he couldn't rely solely on defense—he had to strike back.
Summoning his energy, Lin Feng used the Void Step technique, a movement skill he had recently unlocked through the system. In an instant, he disappeared from view, reappearing behind Chen Wei. Before the older cultivator could react, Lin Feng launched a counterattack, his Qi focused into a concentrated blast aimed directly at Chen Wei's back.
Chen Wei spun around just in time, barely managing to deflect the blow with a swift swing of his hand. But the attack had been a feint—a distraction. Lin Feng used the opportunity to close the distance and delivered a series of powerful strikes with his palms, each filled with the full force of his Qi.
Chen Wei gritted his teeth, his expression shifting from arrogance to concentration. "You… You're stronger than I thought."
But he was far from defeated. With a roar, Chen Wei tapped into his full power, unleashing a massive shockwave that sent Lin Feng flying back. The ground cracked under the force, and for a moment, Lin Feng struggled to regain his footing.
"I'll end this now!" Chen Wei shouted, his Qi flaring violently. He raised his hand, summoning a colossal wave of energy that surged toward Lin Feng.
Lin Feng's heart pounded in his chest. This was Chen Wei's final attack—if it hit, it would be over. But Lin Feng wasn't afraid. The system had given him the power to fight back.
With a sudden surge of Qi, Lin Feng activated his ultimate technique—Astral Collapse, a devastating skill that condensed all his energy into a single, explosive point. He thrust his palms forward, and the collision of his technique with Chen Wei's attack caused an explosion that rocked the entire clearing.
When the dust cleared, both cultivators were standing, their bodies battered but not broken. Chen Wei was panting heavily, his face pale from the exertion. Lin Feng, on the other hand, stood tall, his energy calm but ready.
Chen Wei glared at him, his pride shattered. "This isn't over, Lin Feng. You've won this battle, but I'll be back."
Lin Feng watched as the older cultivator staggered back, retreating into the forest. He had completed the task. He had proven himself.
With a deep breath, Lin Feng lowered his hands, his body still throbbing from the intense battle. He had won, but the journey ahead was far from over.
As he walked back toward the Lin estate, he felt a sense of accomplishment. But more than that, he felt something deeper—a fire within him that would never be extinguished.
This was only the beginning.