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The days following their father's announcement were a whirlwind of activity for Feng Yusheng and Feng Lingxi. The Feng family spared no expense in preparing them for the Azure Dragon Sect trials. Training intensified, and the siblings found themselves pushed to their limits—both physically and mentally.
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Feng Yusheng stood in the family's library, surrounded by ancient scrolls and dusty tomes. The library was a treasure trove of knowledge, filled with cultivation manuals, martial arts techniques, and historical records of the Realm of Murim. For Feng Yusheng, it was a place of solace and discovery.
He unrolled a scroll titled 'The Fundamentals of Qi Manipulation' and began to read. The text was dense, filled with complex diagrams and esoteric terminology, but Feng Yusheng's analytical mind quickly grasped the concepts. In his past life, he had been a scientist, and this world's cultivation techniques were not so different from the experiments he had once conducted. Both required precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the underlying principles.
As he practiced the techniques described in the scroll, he felt a subtle shift in the flow of his qi. It was a small improvement, but it was progress. Feng Yusheng knew that mastery came not from grand gestures but from countless small steps.
"Brother, you're going to turn into a scroll if you keep this up," Feng Lingxi's voice interrupted his thoughts. She leaned against the doorway, her arms crossed and a teasing smile on her face. "Come on, let's spar. I need someone to test my new technique on."
Feng Yusheng set the scroll aside and raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I'll be your test dummy?"
"Because you're the only one who can keep up with me," she replied, her tone light but her eyes challenging.
Feng Yusheng considered for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But don't complain if you lose."
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The training ground was empty except for the two siblings. They stood facing each other, the air between them crackling with tension. Feng Lingxi moved first, her body a blur as she closed the distance between them. Her fist glowed with a faint light as she unleashed a powerful strike.
Feng Yusheng sidestepped the attack with ease, his movements fluid and precise. He countered with a series of quick jabs, forcing Feng Lingxi to retreat. But she was relentless, her attacks growing faster and more unpredictable with each passing moment.
"Is that all you've got?" she taunted, her voice filled with mockery. "I thought you were supposed to be the prodigy."
Feng Yusheng didn't respond, his focus entirely on the fight. He could see the flaws in her technique—the slight hesitation in her movements, the way she overextended with each strike. But he also saw her potential, her raw talent and determination.
With a sudden burst of speed, Feng Yusheng closed the distance between them and landed a light tap on her shoulder. "You're too reckless," he said, his tone calm but firm. "If this were a real fight, you'd be dead."
Feng Lingxi scowled but didn't argue. She knew he was right, but admitting it was another matter entirely. "Fine, you win this time. But don't get too comfortable. I'll surpass you soon enough."
Feng Yusheng allowed himself a small smile. "I look forward to it."
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As the siblings left the training ground, they were approached by Bai Yunfei, who had been watching the spar from a distance. He leaned against a tree, his arms crossed and a lazy grin on his face. "Not bad, you two. But if you really want a challenge, you should spar with me."
Feng Lingxi rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You'd be lucky to last five seconds against me."
Bai Yunfei chuckled, his tone light but his eyes sharp. "Confident, aren't we? But confidence without skill is just arrogance."
Feng Yusheng stepped in before the banter could escalate. "Enough. We have more important things to focus on. The Azure Dragon Sect trials are in three months, and we need to be ready."
Bai Yunfei's grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "You're right. But don't worry—I've got your backs. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
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Meanwhile, in a hidden chamber deep within the Feng estate, a figure watched the siblings through a scrying mirror, lips curved into a cold smile as he observed their progress. His plans were already in motion, and the Feng siblings were key to his ultimate goal.
"Grow stronger," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Climb higher. The closer you get to the peak, the harder you'll fall."
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