Lin Xuan's feet danced across the packed earth of the training ground, his body responding to Li Feng's relentless attacks. The sun was now high in the sky, its warmth pressing down on them, but Lin Xuan barely noticed. He was soaked in sweat, his muscles ached, but something had shifted inside him.
Li Feng's blade sliced through the air, a silver blur. Lin Xuan's eyes tracked the motion, but this time, he didn't rely on the threads of fate to guide him. He let his body move with instinct, his mind attuned to the flow of the fight.
He dodged, his practice sword rising to parry just in time. The shock of the impact rippled through his arms, but he gritted his teeth and pushed back. His counterstrike came swiftly, a sharp thrust aimed at Li Feng's side. Li Feng twisted away effortlessly, a flicker of approval in his eyes.
"Better," Li Feng said, his voice calm despite their exertion. "You're beginning to trust yourself."
Lin Xuan's chest heaved, his breaths coming fast and hard. His heart pounded, but his mind was clear. For the first time, he felt like he was truly fighting, not just reacting. The threads of fate were still there, shimmering at the edge of his awareness, but they were no longer chains holding him back. They were tools — nothing more, nothing less.
Li Feng circled him, his sword held loosely at his side. "The moment you let doubt creep in, you lose. Stay present. Focus."
Lin Xuan nodded, tightening his grip on his practice sword. He adjusted his stance, feeling the ground firm beneath his feet. The weight of the blade was familiar now, an extension of his will. The ache in his muscles was a reminder of how far he'd come — and how much further he still had to go.
Li Feng's eyes narrowed, and then he moved. His sword flashed like lightning, a series of rapid strikes that left no room for hesitation. Lin Xuan met each one, his blade ringing out with every parry. He sidestepped, ducked, countered, his body a blur of motion. His movements flowed like water, each one precise and deliberate.
A surge of exhilaration coursed through him. He was keeping up. He was fighting.
Li Feng's strikes grew faster, sharper, but Lin Xuan's confidence didn't waver. He saw the openings, not through the threads of fate, but through his own eyes. He could feel the rhythm of the battle, the dance of blades and bodies. It was like a song only he could hear, and he was in perfect harmony with it.
With a sudden burst of energy, he lunged forward, his practice sword arcing toward Li Feng's shoulder. Li Feng's eyes widened slightly, and he twisted away at the last second, the tip of Lin Xuan's blade grazing his sleeve.
They both froze, the clash of their blades hanging in the air like an unspoken question. A slow smile spread across Li Feng's face.
"Well done," he said, lowering his sword. "You're learning faster than I expected."
Lin Xuan's chest swelled with pride, but he kept his voice steady. "Thank you, Senior Li Feng."
Li Feng nodded, his gaze serious. "Remember this feeling. This clarity, this trust in yourself — it's the foundation of true strength. The threads of fate are a gift, but your own resolve will carry you further than any vision ever could."
Lin Xuan absorbed the words, committing them to memory. "I understand."
"Good." Li Feng sheathed his sword, his demeanor shifting slightly. "That's enough for today. Rest, recover, and reflect. Tomorrow, we'll push you even harder."
Lin Xuan bowed respectfully. "I'll be ready."
As Li Feng walked away, Lin Xuan allowed himself a moment to breathe, the tension in his body slowly easing. The training ground was quiet now, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of other disciples practicing. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the courtyard.
He sank to the ground, his back resting against a nearby tree. Closing his eyes, he let the fatigue wash over him. His limbs felt like lead, but his spirit felt light, almost buoyant. He was stronger than he'd been that morning, and he could feel the difference in every fiber of his being.
The silver spindle pulsed gently against his wrist, as if in approval. He didn't need to analyze the threads to know that he was on the right path. This was where he was meant to be, pushing his limits, shattering his weaknesses, and forging a new destiny with his own hands.
A soft voice broke his thoughts. "You look exhausted."
He opened his eyes to see Yu Lan standing over him, a small smile on her lips. She held out a waterskin, which he gratefully accepted.
"Thanks," he said, taking a long drink. The cool water was like a balm, soothing his parched throat.
She sat down beside him, her gaze thoughtful. "I heard about your training with Senior Li Feng. Word travels fast."
He chuckled weakly. "I'm sure it does."
She hesitated, then said softly, "I'm proud of you, Lin Xuan. You're proving everyone wrong."
A warm glow spread through his chest. "I'm just getting started."
She smiled, her eyes shining with quiet determination. "We both are."
They sat in companionable silence, the sun dipping lower on the horizon. The shadows grew longer, but for Lin Xuan, the path ahead was growing clearer. The challenges would only get harder, the enemies more dangerous, but he was ready to face them.
The threads of fate were his to weave, and with each passing day, he was becoming the master of his own destiny.