At dawn, as the first ray of sunlight pierced the clouds, Lin Fan was already standing in the small grove behind the mountain.
He held a wooden sword, its tip angled slightly downward.
A night's rest hadn't fully restored his body. The fatigue from training at five times the usual speed clung to him like a shadow. His muscles ached, his bones felt swollen, and even the hand gripping his sword trembled faintly.
But Lin Fan's eyes were unusually bright.
He closed his eyes and recalled every detail of his fight with Chen Dahu the day before—the clumsy thrusts, the awkward sweeps, the slashes at the wrong angles. Then, one by one, he corrected those mistakes in his mind, imagining sword strikes that were more perfect, faster, and more precise.
The mind moved, and the sword followed.
That was the first line in the general outline of Gale Sword Technique.
Lin Fan hadn't understood it before, thinking it was nothing more than some mysterious-sounding phrase. But after a night of thought and reflection, he suddenly glimpsed a sliver of its meaning.
"Let the mind move with intent" didn't mean that the mind directed the body's movements. It meant that intent and movement became one. When you wanted to thrust at a certain point, the sword was already there. There was no thought or hesitation in between, only instinct.
"Let the sword follow the mind," on the other hand, meant allowing the sword's trajectory to influence the mind's judgment. Wherever the sword went, the attention followed, and the mind and sword became one.
It sounded mysterious, but in truth, it came down to three words: proficiency.
When a skill was practiced to its limits, it became part of the body's instincts, becoming a part of you. Then, the moment intent stirred, the body reacted naturally, without any need for complicated calculations in the brain.
It was like his Basic Fist Technique. After reaching Minor Accomplishment Level, many of its moves came naturally to him. He no longer had to think about how to throw a punch or how to apply his strength.
"Sword techniques... should be the same."
Lin Fan opened his eyes and drew a deep breath.
The opening stance.
Then, thrust!
First move, Gale Stab!
There was none of yesterday's stiffness or awkwardness. The thrust flashed like lightning, the wooden sword ripping through the air with a sharp whistle. Its tip traced a perfectly straight line in the morning light, moving so fast its path was almost impossible to see.
[Gale Sword Technique proficiency +3]
The number on the Status Panel had risen more than it had yesterday.
Not because of training at five times the usual speed, but because this thrust was better—straighter, faster, steadier.
Lin Fan didn't pause. He immediately moved into the second technique.
Gale Sweep!
The wooden sword swept sideways, stirring up a flurry of fallen leaves. The blade stayed as straight as a ruler, its path as smooth as an arc. Strength flowed from his waist to his arm, then to the tip of the sword, all in one fluid motion.
[Gale Sword Technique proficiency +3]
Third move, Gale Sweep.
Fourth move, Gale Slash.
Fifth move, Gale Parry.
Sixth move, Gale Return.
He performed all six moves in a smooth, flowing sequence.
They were still far from perfect, and many details needed polishing, but compared to yesterday's awkward, clumsy movements, they were worlds apart.
[Gale Sword Technique: Proficient Level (521/1000)]
In one night, he had gone from 417 points at the Beginner Level to 521 points at Proficient Level.
If other students found out about this speed, their jaws would surely hit the floor.
But Lin Fan wasn't satisfied.
Proficient Level was only the beginning, and the bonus was a mere 10%. He wanted Minor Accomplishment Level, Major Accomplishment Level, even Perfect Level. He wanted to practice this Mortal Tier Low Grade sword technique to a level others could scarcely imagine.
"Again."
Lin Fan lowered his sword, regulated his breathing, then started over.
One move, then another.
Again and again.
Sweat soon soaked through his clothes, but Lin Fan's eyes grew brighter and brighter. He could feel himself improving a little with every strike—the angle was a fraction more unpredictable, the speed a touch faster, the force a hair smoother.
The progress, visible even to the naked eye, consumed him.
Time passed amid the rush of sword winds.
The sun climbed higher, and the temperature in the grove began to rise. The birdsong, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the clamor from the distant Training Ground—all of it faded beyond Lin Fan's awareness.
In his world, there was only the sword.
Until—
"Brother Fan! Brother Fan!"
Chen Dahu's urgent voice came from a distance.
Lin Fan lowered his sword and turned. Chen Dahu was running toward him, panting, his face caught between excitement and anxiety.
"What is it?" Lin Fan asked.
"Teacher Zhang announced that all Regular Class students have to gather at the Training Ground in half an hour. He's going to announce the specific rules for the monthly sparring tournament!" Chen Dahu panted. "And... and I heard the rewards this time are better than in previous years!"
Lin Fan's eyes lit up.
It was finally here.
The tournament he'd been waiting for was finally about to begin.
"Let's go back and get ready." Lin Fan put away the wooden sword and strode toward the Training Ground.
Chen Dahu hurried after him, speaking as they walked. "Brother Fan, I just heard some news. This tournament seems to be about more than next month's resource allocation. It also has something to do with... a special spot."
"A special spot?" Lin Fan stopped.
"Yeah." Chen Dahu lowered his voice. "I heard it from someone in the Genius Class. The top three in this tournament will have a chance to enter the Starry Secret Realm for a trial!"
The Starry Secret Realm?
Lin Fan's heart stirred.
He had seen the name in the academy's records. It was a small secret realm controlled by Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy. They said the spiritual energy inside was more than ten times denser than in the outside world. It also contained many rare medicinal herbs, and there was even a chance of finding treasures left behind by ancient Martial Artists.
But spots in the secret realm were extremely limited. In past years, only the top ten students in the Genius Class had qualified to enter. Regular Class students could only dream of it.
And now they were opening it to the Regular Classes?
"Is the news reliable?" Lin Fan asked.
"It should be." Chen Dahu replied, "Zhou Ming told me. That guy's slippery, but his information is always good."
Zhou Ming, the bespectacled fellow who was always smiling, the academy's information broker.
Lin Fan remembered him. On the first day of school, Zhou Ming had approached him, offering to sell him "inside information about the academy." Lin Fan had politely declined. Later, he'd seen Zhou Ming several times at the Mission Hall. Each time, he mingled with the crowd, ears pricked and eyes darting as he gathered all sorts of information.
If the news had come from Zhou Ming, it was probably somewhat reliable.
"Looks like this tournament matters more than we thought." A trace of gravity flashed in Lin Fan's eyes.
If it were just a contest for ordinary resources, he wouldn't feel too much pressure. But with secret-realm spots on the line, the competition would be fiercer than ever. Those who usually hid their strength, those backed by Lineages, and those willing to pay any price to advance would all bring out their full arsenals.
And then there was Wang Chao...
Wang Chao's cold face flashed through Lin Fan's mind.
With Wang Chao's personality, he wouldn't let this opportunity pass. He would use every means at his disposal to make sure his people got the spots—and to kick Lin Fan, the "ungrateful" fool, out of the running.
"Sounds interesting." Lin Fan's lips curved into a faint smile.
The greater the pressure, the stronger the drive.
The stronger the opponent, the greater the reward for defeating them.
Wasn't that exactly what he wanted?
"Dahu, pick up the pace." Lin Fan quickened his steps. "I want to get in a few more rounds of sword practice before we assemble."
"You're still going to practice?" Chen Dahu's eyes widened. "Brother Fan, you've been at it all morning!"
"It's not enough." Lin Fan shook his head. "The tournament's in four days. I want to raise Gale Sword Technique to Mastery Level."
"Mastery Level?!" Chen Dahu sucked in a breath. "Four days to go from Beginner to Mastery? Brother Fan, that's a Mortal Tier sword technique, not a basic fist technique!"
"I know." Lin Fan kept walking. "That's why I need to make the most of my time."
Chen Dahu watched Lin Fan's back. He opened his mouth, then finally said nothing.
He knew that once Brother Fan had made up his mind, no one could change it.
Besides, after everything that had happened, Chen Dahu had come to trust Lin Fan almost blindly. If Brother Fan said he could do it, then he would.
By the time the two of them returned to the Training Ground, quite a few students had already gathered there.
The Regular Classes had five classes of fifty students each, for a total of two hundred and fifty. The Training Ground was now packed with people, a sea of heads amid a clamor of chatter and discussion.
"Did you hear? The top three in the tournament get to enter the Starry Secret Realm!"
"Really? Isn't the secret realm an exclusive perk for the Genius Class?"
"Absolutely! My cousin's in the Genius Class. He told me himself."
"Then we'll have to fight for it! A single trip into the secret realm is worth half a year of hard training outside!"
"Fight for it? With what? Look over there. Zhao Gang, Li Long, Sun Hu, and those other tough guys are already chomping at the bit. They're all 2nd Grade Martial Artists, and their martial skills are at least Mortal Tier Top Grade. What are we 1st Grade Martial Artists supposed to do, just go and make up the numbers?"
"That's true... Sigh, it's a rare opportunity, but we're not strong enough."
Lin Fan listened to the crowd's discussion, his expression calm.
He found a seat in the corner and closed his eyes to rest, while continuing to work out the sword techniques in his mind.
The angle of Gale Stab could be a little more unpredictable, the force behind Gale Sweep could flow a little more smoothly, and the timing of Gale Sweep could be a little more precise...
Every detail was worth turning over again and again.
"Brother Fan, look over there." Chen Dahu suddenly nudged Lin Fan's arm.
Lin Fan opened his eyes and looked in the direction Chen Dahu was pointing.
A group of people walked in through the Training Ground entrance.
At the head was a tall young man, around eighteen or nineteen years old, with short hair, a square face, thick brows, and big eyes. His muscles bulged beneath his academy uniform, stretching it tight. He walked with a swagger, his imposing aura parting the crowd as students hurriedly stepped out of his way.
"Zhang Kuanghu." Lin Fan recognized him.
He was one of the most influential figures in the Regular Classes, a 2nd Grade Peak Martial Artist said to be only a hair's breadth from the 3rd Grade. He practiced his Lineage's martial art, Fierce Tiger Fist, a Mortal Tier Top Grade technique with a fierce, domineering force. During an earlier class test, he'd struck the Strength Testing Monument so hard that it registered a terrifying three thousand catties, stunning the whole field.
More importantly, he was one of Wang Chao's most loyal followers and belonged to the outer circle of Sword Pavilion.
Seven or eight people followed behind Zhang Kuanghu, all skilled students in the Regular Classes. Even the weakest was an early-stage 2nd Grade Martial Artist. They crowded around Zhang Kuanghu, swaggering arrogantly and looking down on everyone.
"I heard Zhang Kuanghu's already announced he's taking first place in this tournament," Chen Dahu whispered. "He's privately 'talked' to several capable students, telling them to 'cooperate' with him during the tournament. If they don't, he threatens to go hard on them in the matches."
Lin Fan's eyes turned cold.
The same old tricks.
Throw your weight around because you have strength and backing, bully everyone else, and monopolize the resources.
"And he also said..." Chen Dahu hesitated.
"What did he say?"
"He said he'd break your legs with his own hands in the ring." Chen Dahu clenched his teeth. "Brother Fan, he's after you. Wang Chao put him up to it."
Lin Fan was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled.
"Then let's see him try."
His tone was calm, yet filled with unshakable confidence.
Looking at Lin Fan's profile, Chen Dahu suddenly felt that the boy who'd worried over his younger sister's medicine money in the Slum District was gone for good. Now Brother Fan had light in his eyes, fire in his heart, and a strength that made people feel safe.
"Brother Fan, I believe in you." Chen Dahu nodded firmly.
Just then, several people stepped onto the raised platform at the front of the Training Ground.
Teacher Zhang led them, still wearing his Gold-rimmed Glasses and looking every bit the refined scholar. But the people behind him made the students hold their breath.
On the left stood a middle-aged man with a shaved head and a scarred face, a full two meters tall, with muscles bulging like iron blocks. He stood there like an iron tower. His fierce gaze swept over the crowd, and many students lowered their heads instinctively, afraid to meet his eyes.
Vice Principal Liu Batian.
On the right stood an aloof, beautiful woman around thirty, dressed in black with her long hair tied in a high ponytail. Her eyes were sharp as knives. She stood there, and the temperature around her seemed to drop several degrees, sending chills down everyone's spine.
Han Bing, an instructor in the Genius Class.
Behind them came several Regular Class homeroom teachers, as well as several of the academy's elder stewards.
This lineup made everyone realize that this tournament was no ordinary event.
"Silence."
Teacher Zhang spoke. His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried clearly to every person there.
The Training Ground fell instantly quiet. You could have heard a pin drop.
"I've gathered you all today to announce the specific rules for this month's 'monthly sparring tournament.'" Teacher Zhang pushed up his glasses and swept his gaze across the crowd. "First, I want to emphasize one thing: this tournament concerns every one of your futures, as well as the academy's allocation of resources. Everyone must give it their all. No slacking."
After a pause, he continued, "This tournament will use a 'knockout arena format.' All two hundred and fifty students from the academy's five Regular Classes will participate. The tournament will have three stages: the preliminary round, the advancement round, and the finals."
"In the preliminary round, students will be divided into groups of five, with each group fighting a round robin. The two students with the most victories will advance. Deliberately crippling or killing an opponent is forbidden during this stage. Violators will be disqualified and severely punished by the academy."
"In the advancement round, one hundred students will be paired by drawing lots in a single-elimination tournament. The matches will continue until the top ten are decided. Weapons may be used at this stage, and serious injuries are permitted to a certain extent, but the judges have the right to stop a match if it becomes dangerous."
"During the finals, the top ten will fight a ranking tournament. Each student must fight all nine of the others, and their final ranking will be determined by the number of victories. The top three will receive special rewards."
Teacher Zhang paused.
Every student in the crowd pricked up their ears, waiting for him to continue.
"The top ten in this tournament will receive double the cultivation resources next month. The top three will receive additional rewards as follows—"
Teacher Zhang's voice suddenly rose:
"Third place: five hundred Academic Credits, one Mortal Tier Top Grade Body Tempering Pill, and their choice of one Earth Tier Low Grade martial skill!"
"Second place: eight hundred Academic Credits, one Mortal Tier Top Grade Qi Gathering Pill, and their choice of one Earth Tier Middle Grade cultivation technique!"
"First place: one thousand Academic Credits, one Earth Tier Low Grade Breakthrough Pill, and their choice of one Earth Tier Top Grade martial skill!"
The crowd erupted.
The rewards were astonishing!
Earth Tier martial skills! Earth Tier cultivation techniques! Earth Tier pills!
These were things Regular Class students normally wouldn't even dream of! Even in the Genius Class, only a handful of the very best had the right to practice Earth Tier cultivation techniques and martial skills!
And on top of that, there was a rare pill like the Breakthrough Pill, which could help someone advance to the next level!
"Quiet." Teacher Zhang raised a hand and pressed down. "Also, as decided by the academy's senior leadership, the top three in this tournament will receive one additional reward—"
He swept his gaze across the crowd and said, word by word:
"Enter the Starry Secret Realm and undergo a three-day trial."
Although rumors had been circulating for some time, hearing Teacher Zhang confirm it in person still caused an even greater commotion.
The Starry Secret Realm! It really was the Starry Secret Realm!
"Silence!" This time, Liu Batian spoke.
His voice boomed like thunder, making everyone's ears ring.
"Look at yourselves!" Liu Batian glared, his eyes wide with anger. "You hear about a few rewards and get this excited? The path of martial arts depends on strength! Without strength, even the best rewards won't be yours!"
He pointed at the students below. "I'm telling you, this tournament won't go easy on you just because you're freshmen! On the arena, fists and feet have no eyes! If you're afraid of getting hurt or losing face, you can quit right now! The Martial Arts Academy doesn't raise dead weight!"
The entire field fell silent. No one dared make a sound.
Liu Batian's fearsome reputation was known throughout the academy. They said that back when he served in the military, he had fought three 4th Tier Demonic Beasts alone, drenched in blood from head to toe, and ultimately killed them all. After retiring, he became an instructor, renowned for his strictness and harsh standards. Plenty of students had wailed and begged under his tutelage, but they also made the fastest progress.
"That concludes the rules." Teacher Zhang took over. "The tournament will be held four days from now, on the fifteenth of this month, at the academy's main arena. All classes are suspended for the next four days. You may arrange your time as you see fit and prepare for the tournament."
"Also, there are a few points I need to emphasize." Teacher Zhang pushed up his glasses. "First, the use of any prohibited drugs, talismans, or forbidden devices is strictly banned. Anyone caught will be expelled immediately."
"Second, you may not deliberately attack your opponent's vital points during a match, nor continue attacking after they surrender. Violators will be severely punished."
"Third, you may use any martial techniques or weapons you've mastered during a match, but you may not use external forces beyond your own realm."
"Fourth, the academy's medical team will be on standby throughout the tournament to ensure that injured students receive prompt treatment."
After announcing the rules, Teacher Zhang looked at the students below. "Any questions?"
A student raised his hand. "Teacher Zhang, how will the preliminary-round groups be decided?"
"By random draw," Teacher Zhang replied. "The draw will be held publicly at the Training Ground tomorrow morning. Everyone must be there. Anyone who doesn't show up will be considered to have forfeited."
Another student asked, "Teacher Zhang, wouldn't it be unfair if we draw a group with really strong opponents?"
"The path of martial arts has never been absolutely fair." Han Bing was the one who answered.
She looked coldly at the student. "Luck is part of strength, too. If you can't even handle an unfair group draw, you'd better give up on martial arts sooner rather than later."
The student's face went pale, and he didn't dare ask anything else.
"Any other questions?" Teacher Zhang asked.
Silence fell over the students.
"All right, then. Meeting adjourned. See you at the arena in four days." After speaking, Teacher Zhang turned and left with Liu Batian, Han Bing, and the others.
As soon as they were gone, the Training Ground erupted into noise.
"My God, Earth Tier martial techniques! Earth Tier cultivation methods! The Starry Secret Realm! They've really gone all out this time!"
"I'm done for, I'm done for. With my strength at the early stage of 1st Grade, I'd just be walking in there to get served up on a platter."
"Have you heard? Zhang Kuanghu has already declared he's taking first place. Anyone who dares stand in his way, he'll cripple."
"It's not just Zhang Kuanghu. Zhao Gang, Li Long, Sun Hu—which of them is a pushover? They'll definitely sweep the top ten."
"Not necessarily. Maybe there'll be a dark horse. Like Lin Fan last time, when he blew Wang Hao away with one punch."
"Lin Fan? He's got some ability, sure, but he's only 1st Grade. He's still miles behind Zhang Kuanghu and the others."
"And I heard Wang Chao has already said he'll 'take care' of Lin Fan in the tournament. Zhang Kuanghu is one of Wang Chao's men."
"Then Lin Fan's in for it..."
Amid the murmuring, Lin Fan stood up and headed for the Training Ground exit.
Chen Dahu hurried after him. "Brother Fan, where are we going now?"
"Back to sword practice." Lin Fan didn't look back.
"But Brother Fan, did you hear what they said? Zhang Kuanghu's going to go hard on you, and he's at the peak of 2nd Grade. He practices the Mortal Tier Top Grade Fierce Tiger Fist, and its power..."
"I know." Lin Fan cut him off. "That's why we need to practice even more."
Chen Dahu paused, then nodded firmly. "Right! Practice! Until we can beat him!"
The two returned to the small grove behind the mountain.
Lin Fan drew his wooden sword and took up his stance.
But this time, he didn't start practicing right away. Instead, he closed his eyes and mentally rehearsed a fight against Zhang Kuanghu.
Zhang Kuanghu: peak 2nd Grade, Mortal Tier Top Grade Fierce Tiger Fist, known for its brute force and domineering style.
His strengths: great power, explosive force, and plenty of combat experience.
His weaknesses: relatively slow speed, broad and sweeping moves, and little variation.
What strategy should he use against someone like that?
Meet force with force? No. His strength wasn't weak, but he was still a Major Realm below his opponent. He'd be at a disadvantage in a direct clash.
Keep moving? Right, keep moving. Use the speed and agility of the Gale Sword Technique to avoid Zhang Kuanghu's attacks and strike at his openings.
But what did that require? It required extreme speed, precise angles, and a sharp sense of timing.
And all of that could only be gained through extensive practice.
"Dahu." Lin Fan opened his eyes. "Train with me until sundown today."
"No problem!" Chen Dahu drew his training saber. "Brother Fan, I won't hold back today, either. Let's go all out!"
"Good." A flicker of battle intent crossed Lin Fan's eyes. "Come on."
The two clashed again.
This time, Lin Fan wasn't simply practicing his sword moves. He began trying to combine swordplay with footwork, offense with evasion, and strength with speed.
He darted like a nimble swallow through the glint of Chen Dahu's blade. His wooden sword sometimes flicked out like a venomous snake striking, aimed at vital points; sometimes it swept like a gale through fallen leaves, driving his opponent back; and sometimes it moved like a nimble ape climbing branches, borrowing force to deflect force.
[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +8] [Combat Experience +3] [Basic Footwork Proficiency +5]
The numbers on the Status Panel climbed rapidly.
More importantly, Lin Fan was beginning to find the "feel" of it.
The feeling of the sword following his heart.
The feeling of his sword arriving before his will had even fully stirred.
It was still faint, and it wasn't stable yet, but it was there.
Time ticked by, second by second.
The sun climbed overhead, then gradually slanted westward.
The two of them soaked the ground with sweat, but neither stopped.
By dusk, Chen Dahu finally collapsed to the ground, utterly exhausted, gasping for breath. "I... I can't go on, Brother Fan. I... I can't even stand..."
Lin Fan was soaked through, too, but he remained standing, his wooden sword steady as a rock in his hand.
[Gale Sword Technique: Mastery Level (1023/5000)]
In a single day, it had risen from 521 points at Proficient Level to 1,023 points at Mastery Level.
If word of that speed got out, it would be enough to scare everyone to death.
But Lin Fan knew it still wasn't enough.
The 20% bonus from Mastery Level was still no match for an opponent like Zhang Kuanghu.
He wanted Minor Accomplishment Level, with its 50% bonus.
Even Major Accomplishment Level, with its 100% bonus.
"Four days..." Lin Fan murmured as he watched the sun sink in the west. "Will four days be enough?"
He didn't know.
But he would give it everything he had.
This was the path he had chosen, the martial path he was determined to follow.
"Brother Fan, are we practicing again tomorrow?" Chen Dahu struggled to sit up.
"Yes." Lin Fan sheathed his sword. "But I have to go to the draw tomorrow morning. We'll practice in the afternoon."
"Good. I'll practice with you tomorrow." Chen Dahu grinned. "I'm exhausted, but I feel like my saber skills have improved quite a bit, too. Maybe I can make the top hundred in this tournament!"
"You definitely can." Lin Fan reached out and pulled Chen Dahu to his feet.
Supporting each other, the two headed back to the dormitory.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long behind them.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious villa on the other side of the academy, Wang Chao listened to a report from one of his men.
"Zhang Kuanghu is ready. He said he'll cripple Lin Fan in the tournament for sure," a young, tall, thin man said respectfully.
"Mm." Wang Chao toyed with a jade talisman in his hand, his expression calm. "What was Lin Fan doing today?"
"Practicing swordsmanship in the grove behind the mountain. He sparred with Chen Dahu all day."
"Practicing swordsmanship?" Wang Chao scoffed. "Sharpening his spear at the last minute? Is that supposed to help?"
"It definitely won't," the tall, thin man replied hurriedly. "Zhang Kuanghu has already trained his Fierce Tiger Fist to Major Accomplishment Level. Combined with his cultivation at the peak of 2nd Grade, each punch carries more than five thousand jin of force. Lin Fan's amateur swordsmanship doesn't stand a chance."
"Doesn't stand a chance?" Wang Chao shook his head. "You're underestimating Lin Fan. He blew Wang Hao away with a single punch, which means his fist technique has reached at least Minor Accomplishment Level. If he can bring his swordsmanship up to Minor Accomplishment Level in four days, he might still be able to put up a fight."
"Minor Accomplishment Level? Impossible!" The tall, thin man declared it with absolute certainty. "A Mortal Tier sword technique takes at least three to five months of hard training to reach Minor Accomplishment. How many days has Lin Fan been practicing? Two, at most! He'd be lucky just to get the basics down in two days."
"Normally, that would be true." Wang Chao set down the jade talisman, a glint of shadow passing through his eyes. "But Lin Fan can't be judged by ordinary standards. The fact that he managed to train his Basic Fist Technique to Minor Accomplishment in a place like the Slum District already proves he has something special."
"Then... should we make any other preparations?" the tall, thin man asked tentatively.
"No need." Wang Chao rose and walked over to the window. "If Zhang Kuanghu can't handle one Lin Fan, then he doesn't deserve to follow me. Besides..."
He looked toward the mountain behind the academy, a cold smile curling his lips.
"Even if Lin Fan gets past Zhang Kuanghu, there are still Zhao Gang, Li Long, and Sun Hu. I've prepared at least five hurdles for him. How many can he get past?"
The tall, thin man hurriedly flattered him. "Boss, you're brilliant! Lin Fan won't get away this time!"
"Go on. Keep watching him." Wang Chao waved a hand.
"Yes, sir."
After the tall, thin man left, Wang Chao stood alone by the window, watching the sky grow dark.
"Lin Fan, you're not without a little interest," he murmured. "But it's a shame you chose the wrong path. In this world, talent matters, but so does your background. Without a powerful backer, even the greatest talent can only become someone else's stepping-stone."
"I'll make sure you understand that at the tournament."
Night deepened.
By then, Lin Fan had returned to the dormitory. He sat cross-legged on his bed, circulating the Basic Breathing Technique.
Vital energy flowed slowly through his body, restoring his exhausted muscles.
But his heart had already flown ahead to the arena four days from now.
Zhang Kuanghu, Zhao Gang, Li Long, Sun Hu...
The names of his opponents flashed through his mind one after another.
Then came Wang Chao's cold face.
Finally, the pale yet hopeful face of his younger sister, Lin Xiaoyu.
"I'll win." Lin Fan opened his eyes, his gaze firm as iron.
"For my sister, for myself, and for... everyone who looks down on me."
He closed his eyes again and began another round of cultivation.
In the night, the young man's breathing was long and steady.
And in the distant arena, a storm was brewing.
Before you continue