"You're more interesting than I expected," he said. "But make no mistake—you're still weak."
Li Feng clenched his fists. He knew the truth: he was outmatched. If he fought head-on, he would lose.
But a fight wasn't won by strength alone.
Hunter blurred, reappearing behind him.
He's too fast!
Li Feng barely twisted in time to avoid a direct strike, but Hunter's knee crashed into his ribs, sending him skidding across the pavement. Pain flared in his side.
If this keeps up, I'm dead.
As Hunter stepped forward, Li Feng made a split-second decision—a gamble.
He charged straight at him.
Hunter raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? You still have some fight left?"
Li Feng's eyes burned with determination. He had only just awakened his power, but his instincts told him—there was something inside him, something deeper.
As he ran, he focused inward.
The Eternal Star Legacy… unlock it!
His jade pendant trembled.
Suddenly, the world slowed.
Hunter's movements, once too fast to follow, became clear. The air itself seemed heavier, charged with energy. Li Feng could feel it.
So this is… cultivation.
A technique surfaced in his mind—Starfall Strike.
Hunter moved to intercept him, but Li Feng twisted his body at the last second, his fist glowing faintly as he drove it forward—straight into Hunter's chest!
BOOM!
Hunter staggered backward. A faint mark appeared on his robe—a sign that Li Feng's attack had landed.
For the first time, Hunter's expression darkened.
Li Feng panted, feeling his energy drain rapidly. That one strike had pushed his body beyond its limits.
But he had done it. He had injured Hunter.
Hunter looked down at his robe, then back at Li Feng.
"...Interesting." His voice was calm, but his aura sharpened, like a blade unsheathed. "I was going to let you live. But now, you've made me curious."
Li Feng's heart pounded. Damn it. I provoked him.
Hunter cracked his knuckles. "Let's see how long you last."
Just as he prepared to strike—
A sudden gust of wind swept through the alley.
A voice, ancient and powerful, echoed in the air.
"That is enough."
Both men froze.
A figure descended from the rooftops, landing gracefully between them. He was an old man in simple gray robes, but his presence was overwhelming—stronger than Hunter, stronger than anything Li Feng had ever felt.
Hunter's face darkened. "...Elder Mo."
Li Feng's breath caught. Who was this man?
The old man glanced at Li Feng, his eyes sharp yet unreadable. "You have potential," he said. "But potential alone won't keep you alive."
Then, he turned to Hunter. "Leave. You know the rules—no killing before the trials begin."
Hunter exhaled slowly before stepping back. "...Fine. He's not worth the effort anyway." His gaze flickered to Li Feng one last time. "You got lucky. But next time, luck won't save you."
With that, he vanished into the shadows.
Li Feng collapsed to his knees, exhaustion crashing over him.
The old man watched him carefully.
"Tell me, boy," he said. "Do you wish to live?"
Li Feng looked up, determination blazing in his eyes.
"More than anything."
Elder Mo nodded. "Then come with me. Your true journey begins now."