The days following Liang Tian's remarkable performance in the assembly were a whirlwind of change. Rumours spread like wildfire throughout the Liang Clan, each version more exaggerated than the last. While some elders began to take cautious notice of his potential, others dismissed it as a fleeting spark. Among the younger generation, however, one sentiment prevailed—envy.
At the forefront of this envy stood Liang Ming. Renowned for his exceptional talent, Ming had long basked in the admiration of the clan. But Liang Tian's display had cast a shadow over his dominance, igniting a simmering rivalry.
One evening, Liang Tian found himself summoned to the martial training grounds. The message had been brief and unsigned, but he had a good idea of who was behind it. As he arrived, the flickering torches illuminated a gathering of disciples, their faces alight with anticipation.
Liang Ming stood at the centre, his arms crossed and his lips curled into a smirk. "I see you got my message," he said. "I thought it was time we had a proper exchange."
Liang Tian met his cousin's gaze, his expression calm but resolute. "What do you want, Ming?"
"To settle a dispute," Ming replied, drawing a gleaming sword from his waist. "You've been making waves lately. I think it's time we see if they're justified."
The crowd murmured in excitement, sensing the tension. A duel between two clan members was not uncommon, but a clash between rivals carried a particular weight.
Liang Tian stepped into the circle, his heart steady despite the crowd's murmurs. He understood the stakes. Ming wasn't just testing him—he was trying to crush him before he could gain any more momentum.
The rules were simple. The duel would end when one opponent conceded or was unable to continue. Weapons were allowed, but lethal force was prohibited.
"Begin!" an elder barked, and the match was underway.
Ming attacked first, his sword flashing in a series of rapid strikes. His skill was undeniable, his movements fluid and calculated. Liang Tian parried the blows, his wooden practice sword clashing against Ming's steel with sparks of energy.
"You're better than I expected," Ming sneered, his attacks relentless. "But it won't be enough."
Liang Tian didn't respond. He focused on reading Ming's movements, seeking an opening. The lessons from his father echoed in his mind: Power without control is meaningless. Watch, wait, and strike.
As Ming pressed the attack, Liang Tian noticed a subtle flaw in his technique—a slight overextension in his lunges. Timing his counter, Liang Tian sidestepped an incoming strike and delivered a swift blow to Ming's wrist. The force sent Ming's sword clattering to the ground.
The crowd gasped as Ming staggered back, clutching his wrist. But instead of conceding, his eyes burned with fury. With a roar, he unleashed a surge of qi, channelling it into his next attack.
Liang Tian braced himself, the Eternal Primordial Pearl's energy surging within him. As Ming's qi-infused strike bore down, Liang Tian executed the Blazing Steps, his figure blurring as he dodged and countered in one seamless motion. His wooden sword stopped inches from Ming's neck.
"Yield," Liang Tian said, his voice firm.
Ming froze, his expression a mix of rage and disbelief. After a tense moment, he dropped to his knees. "I yield."
The crowd erupted in murmurs as Liang Tian stepped back, his expression unreadable. He had won, but the victory brought no joy—only a deeper awareness of the challenges ahead. Ming's hatred would not fade; if anything, it had been amplified.
As the disciples dispersed, Lin Yue approached Liang Tian. "You shouldn't have held back," she said, her tone laced with concern. "Ming won't let this go."
"I know," Liang Tian replied, his gaze distant. "But this isn't the time for unnecessary conflict. I'll face him again when the stakes are higher."
Lin Yue studied him for a moment before nodding. "Just be careful. You're walking a dangerous path."
That night, Liang Tian sat beneath the moonlit sky, his wooden sword resting beside him. The duel had been a test—not just of his skill, but of his resolve. He understood now that every step forward would bring greater challenges, greater enemies, and greater risks.
But the victory had also shown him something else—a glimpse of the strength he could achieve. The Eternal Primordial Pearl pulsed faintly within him, a reminder of the boundless potential he carried.
"I will rise," Liang Tian whispered, his voice steady. "No matter what stands in my way."
The stars above seemed to shimmer in response, as if bearing witness to his vow. The journey ahead was fraught with peril, but Liang Tian was ready to face it, one step at a time.