The first sliver of dawn cracked the horizon as Lin Xuan stood at the edge of the training grounds. The cold air bit at his skin, but he welcomed it. His breath was steady, his mind clear. The power he'd absorbed the night before still pulsed faintly within him — a cold ember nestled deep in his core.
Li Feng stood a few paces ahead, his arms crossed. Beside him, a small group of disciples — four in total — waited. Their expressions ranged from mild curiosity to outright disdain. These were Senior Outer Disciples, each one stronger and more experienced than Lin Xuan.
"You're here," Li Feng said, his eyes sharp. "Good. This is your first real test, Lin Xuan. These disciples will spar with you one by one. They won't hold back. I expect you not to, either."
Lin Xuan bowed his head. "I understand, Senior Li Feng."
Li Feng's gaze swept over the gathered disciples. "These are your opponents: Chen Rong, Wu Lei, Jiang Mei, and Han Xu. Each has a different fighting style. Adapt, learn, survive."
A smirk played on Chen Rong's lips. He was broad-shouldered and muscular, his knuckles wrapped tightly in worn cloth. "Don't break too quickly, Lin Xuan. I want to have some fun."
Wu Lei, wiry and sharp-eyed, twirled a pair of short daggers. "Try to keep up, kid."
Jiang Mei, a tall girl with a long spear, regarded Lin Xuan with cool detachment. "Don't take it personally when you lose."
Han Xu, silent and calm, merely nodded, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword.
Lin Xuan tightened his grip on his practice sword. The threads of fate shimmered at the edge of his mind, but he pushed them aside. He had to trust himself, his instincts. The cold energy within him flared softly, a reminder of the power he could call upon if needed.
Li Feng raised his hand. "Chen Rong, you're first."
Chen Rong cracked his knuckles and stepped forward, his grin widening. "Try not to embarrass yourself, Lin Xuan."
Lin Xuan took his stance, knees bent, his sword steady in his hands. The world narrowed to the space between them, the sounds of the other disciples fading to a distant hum.
"Begin!" Li Feng commanded.
Chen Rong charged, his fists a blur. Lin Xuan barely had time to react before the first punch came hurtling toward his face. He ducked, feeling the air whistle past his ear, then rolled to the side to avoid the follow-up strike. Chen Rong's strength was like a battering ram, each blow aimed to break through defenses.
Lin Xuan parried a punch with his practice sword, the force of the impact jarring his arms. He gritted his teeth and slid back, recalculating. He's strong, but not fast. If he could stay out of range, he might find an opening.
Chen Rong lunged again, his fist aiming for Lin Xuan's midsection. Lin Xuan sidestepped, sweeping his sword low. The blade connected with Chen Rong's calf. He grunted in pain but didn't falter. Instead, he spun, his elbow snapping toward Lin Xuan's temple.
Lin Xuan's body moved before he thought, ducking under the strike. He twisted, bringing his sword up in a sharp arc. The tip of the practice sword tapped Chen Rong's shoulder.
"Point to Lin Xuan!" Li Feng called out.
Chen Rong's grin faded, replaced by a scowl. "Lucky shot."
He stepped back, fists clenching. Lin Xuan exhaled slowly, his heart pounding. The first bout was his, but the real test was far from over.
"Wu Lei, you're next," Li Feng said.
Wu Lei stepped forward, the twin daggers glinting in his hands. His eyes gleamed with mischief. "Let's dance."
Lin Xuan steadied himself. This fight would be different. Wu Lei was quick, agile, his daggers deadly in close quarters.
The moment Li Feng gave the command, Wu Lei disappeared. Lin Xuan's eyes widened — no, he hadn't vanished, he was just fast. A flash of silver came at him from the right. He twisted, barely avoiding the blade. Another strike came from the left, then the right again, each one a blur.
Lin Xuan's pulse quickened. I can't keep up like this.
The cold energy in his core pulsed, whispering of untapped potential. He let it seep into his limbs, a chill spreading through his muscles. Time seemed to slow just enough. Wu Lei's movements became clearer, each step, each strike illuminated in sharp detail.
Wu Lei lunged, his daggers flashing toward Lin Xuan's chest. Lin Xuan pivoted, his sword snapping out to intercept. The blades clashed, sparks flying. He pushed back, his strength bolstered by the cold energy, and Wu Lei stumbled.
Seizing the moment, Lin Xuan stepped forward, the tip of his sword pressing lightly against Wu Lei's throat.
"Point to Lin Xuan!" Li Feng announced.
Wu Lei's eyes narrowed, his lips curled into a reluctant smile. "Not bad, kid."
Lin Xuan pulled back, his breath ragged. Two down, two to go. He couldn't afford to falter now.
"Jiang Mei," Li Feng said.
Jiang Mei strode forward, her spear twirling gracefully in her hands. Her eyes were calm, her movements fluid. Lin Xuan knew this would be his hardest challenge yet. The spear's reach was greater than his sword's, and Jiang Mei wielded it with practiced ease.
"Begin!"
Jiang Mei's spear shot forward like a viper. Lin Xuan dodged, but the tip grazed his shoulder, drawing a line of pain. He grit his teeth. He couldn't close the distance without risking a direct hit.
He circled her, looking for an opening. Her stance was impeccable, her guard flawless. His mind raced. He needed a way to disrupt her rhythm.
The cold energy pulsed again, urging him forward. He feigned a step to the left. Jiang Mei adjusted her stance — and that's when he moved. He lunged right, slipping past the tip of her spear. His practice sword snapped up, tapping her side.
"Point to Lin Xuan!"
Jiang Mei's eyes widened briefly before she nodded. "Well done."
Lin Xuan's chest heaved, exhaustion clawing at him. Only one opponent remained: Han Xu. The calmest, the most unreadable of them all.
Han Xu drew his sword and stepped forward, his expression serene. He nodded to Lin Xuan. "I will not go easy on you."
Lin Xuan tightened his grip. "I wouldn't want you to."
Li Feng raised his hand. "Begin!"
Their blades met with a clash of steel, and the world fell away.