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Feng Yusheng stood in the center of the family's private training ground, his breathing steady as he practiced the basic cultivation techniques he had learned. In his past life, he had been a man of science, but here, in the Realm of Murim, the rules were different. Here, strength was measured not by knowledge but by the ability to harness the spiritual energy known as 'Qi'.
As he moved through the forms, he felt a familiar presence approaching. Feng Lingxi leaned against a nearby tree, her arms crossed and a playful smile on her face. "Still practicing the basics, Brother? You're such a perfectionist."
Feng Yusheng didn't stop his movements. "The basics are the foundation of everything. If you neglect them, you'll never reach the higher realms."
Feng Lingxi rolled her eyes but didn't argue. She knew her brother was right, but she had always been more impatient, more eager to push the boundaries. "Well, while you're busy perfecting your forms, I've been experimenting with something new. Watch this."
She stepped forward and raised her hand, a faint glow surrounding her fingers. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a burst of energy toward a nearby training dummy. The dummy shattered into pieces, the force of the attack sending a shockwave through the air.
Feng Yusheng paused, his expression unreadable. "Impressive, but reckless. You're still not controlling your Qi properly. If you're not careful, you'll hurt yourself."
Feng Lingxi shrugged, clearly unbothered. "I'll figure it out. Besides, isn't that what cultivation is all about? Pushing your limits, breaking through barriers?"
Before Feng Yusheng could respond, a voice interrupted them. "Yusheng, Lingxi, your father wishes to see you."
They turned to see a servant bowing respectfully. Feng Yusheng nodded, his expression calm, while Feng Lingxi groaned. "What does he want now? Another lecture about family honor?"
The servant didn't answer, and the siblings exchanged a glance before heading toward the main hall. As they walked, Feng Yusheng couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. He didn't know what it was, but he could feel it in the air—a sense of anticipation, of destiny waiting to unfold.
---
In the main hall, their father, Feng Jian, sat on a raised dais, his expression stern but not unkind. He was a tall man with an imposing presence, his aura radiating the power of a high-level cultivator. Beside him stood an elderly man with a long white beard and kind eyes—Elder Zhang, one of the family's most trusted advisors.
"Yusheng, Lingxi," Feng Jian said, his voice deep and commanding. "I have called you here to discuss your future. You are both talented, but talent alone is not enough. If you wish to truly excel, you must leave the comfort of this estate and seek out greater challenges."
Feng Lingxi's eyes lit up with excitement, while Feng Yusheng remained calm, though his mind was already racing. "What do you mean, Father?" he asked.
Elder Zhang stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm. "The Azure Dragon Sect is holding its initiation trials in three months. It is an opportunity for young cultivators to prove themselves and learn from the best. We believe you are ready to take this step."
Feng Yusheng nodded, his expression thoughtful. The Azure Dragon Sect was renowned throughout the realm, and joining it would be a significant step in his cultivation journey. But it would also mean leaving behind the safety of the family estate and venturing into the unknown.
Feng Lingxi, on the other hand, was practically bouncing with excitement. "Finally! I've been waiting for this. Just wait, Brother—I'll surpass you before you even know it."
Feng Jian's lips twitched in what might have been a smile, but his tone remained serious. "Do not underestimate the trials ahead. The Azure Dragon Sect is not for the faint of heart. Many have entered its gates, but few have emerged as true masters."
Feng Yusheng bowed his head. "We will not disappoint you, Father."
As they left the hall, Feng Lingxi turned to her brother, her eyes gleaming with determination. "This is it, Yusheng. Our chance to show the world what we're made of. Let's make the most of it."
Feng Yusheng nodded, but his thoughts were already far ahead. The Azure Dragon Sect was just the beginning. Beyond it lay the seven realms, the mysteries of cultivation, and the shadowy figure, whose schemes were already beginning to take shapes