The training grounds buzzed with anticipation the next morning. Word of the duel between Li Feng and Li Jun had spread quickly through the Li Clan estate, drawing a sizable crowd.
"Do you really think Li Feng has a chance?" whispered one onlooker.
"He's just a Mortal Realm Stage 4," another replied. "Li Jun is Stage 6! This will be over in seconds."
Li Feng ignored the murmurs, his mind focused entirely on the fight ahead. He stood at the center of the training field, his sword in hand. Across from him, Li Jun smirked, twirling his own blade casually.
"You should have backed out," Li Jun taunted. "Now, everyone will see how pathetic you really are."
Li Feng didn't respond. He had spent the entire night practicing the techniques from the Beginner Sword Manual. His body was sore, but the system had reassured him.
[Basic Sword Technique Mastery: 25%]
[Beginner Sword Manual Integrated: New Skills Unlocked.]
---
The Fight Begins
"Begin!"
The referee's shout echoed across the grounds. Li Jun wasted no time, lunging forward with a powerful slash.
Li Feng sidestepped gracefully, his footwork precise. His sword flashed in retaliation, aiming for Li Jun's exposed side.
Clang!
Li Jun blocked the strike, his smirk faltering slightly. "Not bad," he admitted. "But let's see how you handle this!"
He unleashed a flurry of attacks, his blade moving with deadly speed. Each strike forced Li Feng to defend, their swords clashing repeatedly.
To the onlookers, it seemed like Li Feng was barely holding on, but those with sharper eyes noticed something unusual.
"His movements… they're improving," muttered Li Wei, who had come to observe.
---
The Turning Point
Li Jun grew frustrated as his attacks failed to land. "Stop running and fight me!" he snarled, channeling his qi into a powerful overhead slash.
Li Feng saw the opening.
[Skill Unlocked: Counter Slash]
As Li Jun's sword descended, Li Feng pivoted smoothly, redirecting the blow and striking in the same motion. His blade cut a shallow line across Li Jun's arm, drawing blood.
The crowd gasped.
"You…!" Li Jun staggered back, clutching his wound. His anger boiled over. "You'll regret that!"
---
Unleashing Hidden Power
Li Jun roared, channeling more qi into his body. A faint aura began to surround him, a sign of his Stage 6 power. His speed and strength increased dramatically as he launched another assault.
For a moment, Li Feng felt the pressure. Each strike pushed him further back, his arms trembling under the force.
"System!" he called out silently. "What can I do?"
[Suggestion: Activate Skill – Precision Thrust. Upon detecting danger sytem boost strength temporarily.]
"Do it!"
[Temporary Strength Boost Activated.]
A surge of energy coursed through Li Feng's body. His movements became sharper, his strikes faster.
When Li Jun lunged again, Li Feng sidestepped and thrust his sword forward with pinpoint accuracy.
Crack!
The sound of Li Jun's sword shattering echoed across the training grounds. His weapon clattered to the ground as he fell to his knees, defeated.
---
The Aftermath
The crowd erupted in whispers.
"He won…"
"Against a Stage 6!"
Li Feng stood tall, his breathing heavy but steady. He sheathed his sword and looked down at Li Jun.
"You talk too much," he said simply before turning to leave.
Li Jun's face burned with humiliation. "This isn't over!" he shouted, but his voice lacked conviction.
---
A Warning from the Patriarch
Later that day, Li Feng was summoned to his father's study.
"You've caused quite a stir," Li Tian said, his tone neutral. "Defeating a Stage 6 cultivator as a Stage 4 is no small feat."
Li Feng bowed slightly. "I only did what I had to, Father."
Li Tian's eyes narrowed. "While your progress is impressive, it will attract attention—both good and bad. The other branches of the Li Clan will be watching you closely now. Be prepared."
"I understand," Li Feng replied, his voice firm.
---
A Mysterious Visitor
That night, as Li Feng sat in his room, reflecting on the day's events, he heard a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," he said cautiously, his hand drifting to the hilt of his sword.
The door creaked open, revealing a man dressed in dark robes. His face was obscured, but his aura was overwhelming, far beyond anything Li Feng had ever felt.
"Who are you?" Li Feng demanded, standing up.
The man chuckled softly. "You've made quite the impression, young one. But strength like yours doesn't go unnoticed."
Li Feng's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
"Consider this a warning," the man said, his voice cold. "Stay out of my way, or you'll regret it."
Before Li Feng could respond, the man vanished, leaving behind only a faint trace of his presence.