Chapter 5: The First Test of Strength
The sun had barely risen when Wang Lin left the dense forest behind, his sword securely at his side. His training had reached a new level; the Sword God Physique inside him thrummed with energy. Each strike, each movement, felt more fluid, more powerful. Yet, despite the strength he had gained, a nagging feeling of uncertainty lingered in the back of his mind. Power was not enough. He had to learn control.
As he walked along a narrow path winding through the mountains, Wang Lin thought back to the words of Zhao Wei: *"Power without wisdom is nothing but a dangerous toy."* The words haunted him as he reflected on the path ahead. He had been reckless before—he would not make the same mistake again.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the unmistakable sound of hooves against stone. The clattering grew louder until a group of men on horseback appeared around the corner. At their head was a man in black robes, his eyes sharp and calculating. He looked like a cultivator, but there was something else about him—a sense of arrogance and power.
The group slowed as they approached Wang Lin, their horses coming to a stop just a few feet away. The leader, a tall man with a long scar running down his face, sized Wang Lin up with a glance.
"Are you lost, boy?" the scarred man asked with a sneer. His voice was deep and taunting.
Wang Lin did not flinch. He had grown used to the contempt of others since his fall from grace in the Azure Cloud Sect. His grip tightened on his sword, but he kept his voice calm. "I'm not lost. What's your business here?"
The man's smirk grew wider. "We're headed to the village at the foot of these mountains. But it looks like you're the one in the way."
Wang Lin's eyes narrowed. He had no time for games, but he could sense the hostility in the air. There was something about this group that didn't sit right. They weren't just ordinary travelers.
One of the men behind the leader laughed cruelly. "This one thinks he's important, huh? Look at him—nothing more than a beggar with a sword."
Wang Lin's expression remained cold. These were no ordinary bandits; they were cultivators, though their cultivation seemed low compared to what he had encountered in the past. Even so, the group exuded an air of confidence that made Wang Lin wary.
The leader of the group took a step forward. "You don't know who I am, do you?" he asked, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I am Zhao Fei, a disciple of the Dark Wolf Sect. It seems you don't recognize true power when you see it."
Wang Lin's eyes flashed with recognition. The Dark Wolf Sect was notorious for its ruthlessness and its control over the nearby regions. It was one of the more sinister factions in the area—known for exploiting weaker cultivators and taking advantage of anyone who couldn't defend themselves.
"Zhao Fei, huh?" Wang Lin said quietly. "I don't care who you are."
Zhao Fei's eyes hardened at the defiance in Wang Lin's voice. He raised a hand, signaling for the others to dismount. "Since you're so confident, how about a little test, boy?" he said, his grin widening. "I'll show you what real power looks like."
Before Wang Lin could respond, Zhao Fei's men quickly encircled him, cutting off his escape. The tension in the air grew thick with the promise of violence.
Wang Lin didn't back down. The Sword God Physique surged within him, and the familiar sensation of Sword Qi pulsed through his body. The desire for revenge had been tempered by the lessons he'd learned in recent days. This wasn't just about beating them—it was about controlling the overwhelming strength within him.
With a swift motion, Zhao Fei raised his palm and sent a surge of dark energy toward Wang Lin. The attack was swift, like a bolt of lightning, but Wang Lin was ready. He raised his sword and met the incoming blast head-on.
The Sword Qi in his blade responded instantly, rippling through the air in a shining arc. The dark energy clashed against Wang Lin's Sword Qi, and there was a violent explosion of energy, sending a shockwave through the surrounding trees.
Wang Lin stumbled back slightly, but his feet remained firm. His body thrummed with power, and the Sword God Physique guided him, allowing him to stay balanced despite the force of the attack.
Zhao Fei's smirk faltered. He had expected the boy to be blown away by the sheer force of his attack, but Wang Lin had not only endured—it seemed that his sword had deflected it.
"You're stronger than I thought," Zhao Fei muttered, narrowing his eyes. "But it's still not enough."
He lunged forward, his hand glowing with dark energy. Wang Lin could feel the intent to kill in his movements. This wasn't just a test—it was a fight for survival.
As Zhao Fei's attack came crashing down, Wang Lin did not hesitate. He took a deep breath, focusing his mind. The world around him seemed to slow as his senses sharpened. He could feel the Sword Qi humming inside his body, waiting for his command. This time, he was not just reacting—he was controlling the flow of energy.
In one fluid motion, Wang Lin slashed his sword upward, his movements precise and calculated. The Sword Qi in his blade erupted with a violent force, and the world seemed to tremble. The attack met Zhao Fei's, and the collision sent a shockwave that rattled the earth beneath them.
Zhao Fei's dark energy faltered, and for a brief moment, Wang Lin could see the surprise in his eyes. That moment of hesitation was all Wang Lin needed. With another strike, he cut through the remaining energy and sent Zhao Fei stumbling back.
The group fell silent. Zhao Fei's men had watched in shock as their leader struggled to maintain his footing. Wang Lin's sword gleamed in the sunlight, still crackling with Sword Qi. The power was immense, but Wang Lin controlled it with grace, his focus unwavering.
Zhao Fei growled in frustration, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You're lucky, boy," he spat. "But don't think this is over."
Without waiting for a reply, Zhao Fei signaled to his men. "We're leaving," he muttered. "This boy is more trouble than he's worth."
The group retreated, leaving Wang Lin standing alone in the silence of the mountain pass. His sword lowered, but his heart was pounding. The first real test of his strength had been passed, but Wang Lin knew that this was only the beginning. His control over the Sword God Physique was still in its infancy, and he had much to learn.
As he watched the Dark Wolf Sect retreat into the distance, Wang Lin felt a spark of determination deep within him. No matter how many powerful enemies he would face in the future, he would not fall. He would rise—stronger, wiser, and more dangerous than ever.
But for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest. The path ahead was still long.
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End of Chapter 5