The sun rose over the forest, its golden rays filtering through the canopy of trees and casting dappled patterns on the ground. Lin Feng stood shirtless in a clearing, his body drenched in sweat. His breath came in steady, measured intervals as he held the iron sword in his hands, the blade glinting faintly in the light.
He had spent weeks in this forest, away from the prying eyes of the sect, training relentlessly. The Flame Lotus Sword lay untouched nearby, its crimson hue muted under a cloth cover. Lin Feng had deliberately distanced himself from its power, determined to grow stronger on his own terms.
But no matter how hard he trained, a gnawing doubt remained in his heart. Could he truly bridge the gap between himself and those born into power? Bai Ren's taunts still echoed in his mind, a bitter reminder of his humiliation.
Lin Feng sheathed the iron sword and exhaled deeply. "Running away won't help," he muttered to himself. His gaze shifted toward the horizon, where the towering gates of the sect awaited. "It's time to face them."
---
The sect grounds were alive with activity as Lin Feng made his way through the familiar cobblestone paths. Disciples sparred in the training fields, their techniques precise and their spiritual energy controlled. Elders watched from elevated platforms, their keen eyes appraising every movement.
Lin Feng's plain appearance allowed him to pass unnoticed at first. His simple robes and unremarkable aura blended into the background, a stark contrast to the other disciples clad in vibrant robes that signified their clans and accomplishments.
But his anonymity didn't last long.
"Well, well, if it isn't the runaway swordsman."
The voice was unmistakable, dripping with mockery. Lin Feng turned to see Bai Ren striding toward him, his spear resting on his shoulder. A smirk played on Bai Ren's lips, and a crowd began to gather, their curiosity piqued by the confrontation.
"I thought you'd left for good after I embarrassed you last time," Bai Ren sneered. "What's the matter? Finally realized you can't run from your failures forever?"
Lin Feng's expression remained calm, though his fists clenched at his sides. "I've been training."
"Training?" Bai Ren's laugh was sharp and derisive. "With what? That rusty blade on your back? Or perhaps you've been relying on your little trinket again?" His eyes flicked toward where the Flame Lotus Sword used to be, though Lin Feng had purposefully left it behind.
Lin Feng said nothing, his silence unnerving Bai Ren slightly.
"Fine," Bai Ren said, stepping closer. "Let's see if your so-called training amounts to anything. A sparring match, here and now. Or are you still too scared to face me?"
The crowd murmured in anticipation, their whispers blending into a low hum. Lin Feng could feel their eyes on him, their doubt like a weight pressing down on his shoulders.
"I accept," Lin Feng said, his voice firm.
The crowd gasped, and even Bai Ren seemed momentarily taken aback by the boldness of his reply. But the smirk returned quickly enough. "You'll regret this," Bai Ren promised.
---
The sparring arena was a circular platform of smooth stone, its surface worn by countless battles. Lin Feng stepped into the arena, his iron sword strapped securely to his back. Across from him, Bai Ren twirled his spear with practiced ease, his spiritual energy crackling faintly along its length.
The elder presiding over the match raised his hand, signaling for silence. "This is a formal sparring match. No life-threatening techniques are to be used. Begin!"
Bai Ren wasted no time, lunging forward with a burst of speed. His spear struck with the precision of a serpent, aiming directly for Lin Feng's chest.
Lin Feng sidestepped just in time, the tip of the spear grazing his robes. He drew his iron sword in one fluid motion, the dull blade looking almost laughable compared to Bai Ren's polished weapon.
"Pathetic," Bai Ren sneered, launching a flurry of attacks. Each strike was faster and more powerful than the last, forcing Lin Feng to retreat.
The crowd watched with bated breath as Lin Feng parried and dodged, his movements deliberate but strained. Unlike Bai Ren, he had no spiritual energy to enhance his attacks or fortify his defense. All he had was his experience and the countless hours he had spent honing his technique.
"Why don't you just give up?" Bai Ren taunted, his spear slashing through the air. "You'll never be able to match me, no matter how much you train."
Lin Feng didn't respond. He focused on Bai Ren's movements, studying the rhythm of his strikes and waiting for an opening.
Minutes passed, and the tide of the battle began to shift. Bai Ren's attacks grew more aggressive, his frustration evident. He overextended in one particularly powerful thrust, leaving himself wide open.
Lin Feng seized the opportunity. With a swift sidestep, he closed the distance between them and delivered a sharp strike to Bai Ren's wrist. The spear clattered to the ground, and Lin Feng followed up with a second strike that sent Bai Ren sprawling.
The crowd erupted into murmurs, their disbelief palpable.
"How?" Bai Ren gasped, clutching his wrist as he glared up at Lin Feng.
Lin Feng stood over him, his iron blade steady despite the strain in his arms. His voice was calm but firm as he said, "You underestimated me."
The elder stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the end of the match. "Lin Feng is the winner."
Bai Ren's face twisted with rage and humiliation. "This isn't over," he spat before storming off, leaving the crowd to disperse in a flurry of whispers.
---
That evening, Lin Feng returned to the grove where the Flame Lotus Sword rested. He sat down beside it, his hand resting on the hilt of the iron blade he had used in the match.
"I defeated him without you," Lin Feng said softly, his voice filled with a mix of pride and doubt. "But I still don't know if I'm ready."
The Flame Lotus Sword remained silent, its aura faint but present. Lin Feng closed his eyes, letting the quiet of the grove envelop him.
His victory over Bai Ren was a step forward, but it was only the beginning. To truly surpass his limits, he needed to understand not just his own power but the forces that shaped the world around him.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Lin Feng was determined to walk it—no matter where it led.
---