Lin Feng didn't respond immediately to the senior disciple's praise. His body was still trembling from the battle, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His opponent had been strong—stronger than anyone Lin Feng had fought in the past—but the fight had triggered something inside him, a hidden power he hadn't known existed. The Flame Lotus Sword felt alive in his hands, as though it had been waiting for him to unleash its true potential.
The senior disciple raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Lin Feng's sudden surge of strength. He observed the younger recruit carefully, as if weighing his next words.
"Not bad for a beginner," he finally said, his voice less dismissive than before. "You've passed your first trial. But don't get too cocky. This was just a warm-up. The real tests are still to come."
Lin Feng nodded silently, wiping the sweat from his brow. He wasn't foolish enough to think that one victory meant he was ready for anything. The sect had its own system, and he had seen enough of the disciples' abilities to understand that he had a long road ahead of him.
As the recruits were dismissed, Lin Feng made his way out of the arena, his thoughts swirling. He had won, but barely. His victory wasn't because he was stronger—it was because he had pushed past his limits. That surge of power had been unpredictable, but it had allowed him to do something that seemed impossible moments before.
Back in the quiet of the training hall, Lin Feng found himself staring at the Flame Lotus Sword again, his fingers lightly tracing the worn hilt. What was it about this sword? Why had it resonated with him so strongly during the battle?
He was still pondering these questions when he was approached by another recruit—a young woman with dark, braided hair and a calm but determined expression. She was not much taller than him, but there was a quiet confidence about her that made her stand out.
"You fought well," she said simply, offering him a small nod of approval. "Most recruits would have been knocked out in the first few strikes."
Lin Feng glanced at her, surprised by the compliment. She didn't seem like someone who would give praise easily. "Thanks. You were watching?"
The young woman gave him a slight smile. "I watch everyone. It's how I learn."
Lin Feng wasn't sure what to say to that. He had never thought of himself as someone who would be watched by others, especially not someone who had spent most of his life struggling in the shadows. But here, in the Azure Sky Sect, things were different. Every movement, every breath, was part of a larger game—a game where strength was everything.
"Well," Lin Feng said, straightening his back. "I still have a lot to learn. I'm sure you're far ahead of me."
The woman laughed softly, a genuine smile breaking her normally serious demeanor. "I wouldn't say that. But we'll see how things play out."
Before Lin Feng could ask her more about her background, the senior disciple from earlier reappeared at the front of the training hall. He clapped his hands loudly, signaling the recruits to gather.
"Everyone, listen up!" the disciple called, his tone sharp. "The trials are not over. You've all proven that you're capable of surviving the first round, but it's not enough. Tomorrow, you will be sent to the Peak of Trials, a place where you will face real challenges. Prepare yourselves. This is where you will either rise or fall. No one is coddled here. The weak will be weeded out."
Lin Feng felt a chill run down his spine. The Peak of Trials—he had heard rumors about it. It was a place where recruits had to face not only other disciples but also dangerous beasts and treacherous terrain. Only those who survived it were allowed to stay in the sect. Failure meant being cast out with no second chances.
He looked around the hall, noticing the expressions of the other recruits. Some of them were nervous, others determined, but all of them seemed to be preparing for what was to come. The stakes had just been raised.
As Lin Feng left the hall and walked back to his quarters, his thoughts remained clouded. He had succeeded in the first trial, but it hadn't been easy. He had barely kept up with his opponent's strikes. The Flame Lotus Sword had awakened something within him, but he wasn't sure how to harness it. His body was still weak, his cultivation still far from reaching the Xiantian realm. He knew that if he didn't get stronger, the Peak of Trials would be his grave.
Later that night, as Lin Feng sat alone in his room, he meditated, his legs crossed in the traditional posture. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of spiritual candles. He focused inward, trying to feel the energy within his body. The sword's power had come to him unexpectedly, but he couldn't rely on that alone. It was clear that he needed to cultivate, to strengthen his body and mind in ways he had never considered before.
His thoughts drifted to the swordswoman, the mysterious woman who had helped him in his earlier battle. The memory of her standing beside him, her movements graceful and precise, lingered in his mind. He had yet to fully understand her power, but it was obvious she was far beyond him. Her cultivation was locked at the Nascent Soul realm, but her strength was still unmatched. She was a silent presence in his life, and Lin Feng couldn't help but wonder what her true story was.
But for now, he had to focus on his own path. He had no time for distractions, not when the Peak of Trials awaited him.
The next morning came faster than Lin Feng expected. The Azure Sky Sect was alive with energy as recruits gathered for the next round of trials. Lin Feng, fully armored and prepared for whatever lay ahead, stood in line with the other recruits. His heart raced in his chest as they were led toward the Peak of Trials. What awaited them beyond the gates of the sect was unknown, but one thing was certain—Lin Feng would fight with everything he had.