The Gathering Storm

The morning of the outer sect trial arrived with an air of anticipation. The entire Four Seasons Sect buzzed with activity as disciples gathered near the sect's massive stone arena, an ancient battleground where countless hopefuls had tested their strength before. This trial wasn't just about proving oneself—it was a stepping stone, separating the weak from the worthy.

Li Yuan stood amidst the crowd of outer disciples, his arms crossed as he observed the grand stage ahead. It was a massive platform carved from black stone, the edges marked with intricate runes that flickered with faint golden light. These formations would prevent anyone from being mortally wounded during combat, ensuring that the trial remained a test of skill rather than survival.

A loud voice boomed across the field.

"All outer disciples participating in the trial, step forward!"

An elder with graying hair and a stern expression stood at the edge of the platform. His aura was commanding, radiating a level of pressure that made the younger disciples unconsciously straighten their postures.

"This trial will determine who is worthy of advancing within our sect," the elder continued. "Those who succeed will gain access to better resources, cultivation techniques, and even the chance to be taken in by an inner sect elder. Those who fail…" His gaze swept over the crowd. "Will remain stagnant, left to struggle at the bottom."

Murmurs spread among the disciples. The competition was fierce. Everyone wanted a better future, but few would make it through.

Lin Xue appeared at Li Yuan's side, her expression as unreadable as ever. "You ready for this?"

He smirked. "I don't really have a choice, do I?"

She chuckled, but her gaze sharpened as she scanned the competition. "Be careful. There are more than just arrogant disciples here. Some people have been preparing for this moment for years."

Before Li Yuan could respond, another voice cut through the air.

"The rules are simple," the elder announced. "Each participant will fight in one-on-one matches. Victory is determined by surrender or incapacitation. The last twenty standing will pass the trial."

A surge of excitement rippled through the crowd. The number of participants was easily over a hundred, meaning most of them would fail.

A large board floated into the air, names appearing on its surface in golden light.

Li Yuan's eyes scanned the list. His opponent… was someone named Gao Shen.

He didn't recognize the name, but judging by the whispers around him, Gao Shen was a known figure among the outer disciples.

"Gao Shen?" Lin Xue mused. "That guy's got a decent martial spirit. Earth affinity, I think. He's got a reputation for overwhelming his opponents with brute strength."

"Sounds fun," Li Yuan said, rolling his shoulders.

Lin Xue gave him a dry look. "You say that now."

One by one, matches began. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing metal, the roars of martial techniques, and the occasional cries of pain. Each fight ended quickly—some in mere seconds, others stretching for several minutes.

Then, finally, Li Yuan's name was called.

He stepped onto the platform, facing his opponent. Gao Shen was a tall, broad-shouldered youth with a solid build. His dark eyes glinted with confidence, his stance relaxed but ready.

"You're the one who's been making waves lately," Gao Shen mused, cracking his knuckles. "Li Yuan, right? I heard you've got some tricks up your sleeve."

Li Yuan smirked. "Why don't you find out for yourself?"

The elder raised his hand. "Begin!"

Gao Shen wasted no time. With a stomp of his foot, the ground beneath them trembled, cracks forming as a wave of energy surged toward Li Yuan.

"Earth Tremor Fist!" Gao Shen roared, launching forward with a punch aimed directly at Li Yuan's chest.

Li Yuan's instincts screamed at him to dodge. His body, already honed by the Blood Tempest Art, reacted instantly. He twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike as the force of the blow shattered the stone beneath him.

Gao Shen grinned. "Not bad."

Li Yuan didn't reply. Instead, he surged forward, his speed a blur as he closed the distance. He struck out with a precise palm strike aimed at Gao Shen's ribs.

But Gao Shen was ready. His body suddenly glowed with a faint yellow hue—his martial spirit's earth affinity reinforcing his defense. Li Yuan's strike landed, but it felt like hitting solid rock.

"Tough, huh?" Li Yuan muttered.

Gao Shen's grin widened. "Let's see how long you can keep dodging!"

With a roar, he unleashed a flurry of attacks, each one carrying enough force to crack stone. Li Yuan evaded as best as he could, weaving through the barrage of strikes. But even with his speed, it was clear that Gao Shen had experience dealing with agile opponents.

A sudden feint caught Li Yuan off guard—a sweeping kick that knocked him slightly off balance.

In that instant, Gao Shen's fist shot forward.

It was too fast to dodge completely. Li Yuan twisted his body at the last moment, but the blow still clipped his shoulder, sending a sharp pain shooting through his arm.

He stumbled back, breathing heavily.

Gao Shen didn't press forward immediately. Instead, he tilted his head. "You're quick, but your attacks don't have enough force. If this keeps up, you'll lose."

Li Yuan clenched his fists. He was right. His current level of Yuan Qi wasn't enough to break through Gao Shen's defenses with direct strikes.

But he had another way.

He exhaled, activating the Blood Tempest Art once more. His veins burned with energy, his movements becoming sharper.

When Gao Shen charged again, Li Yuan didn't dodge outright. Instead, he met the attack head-on, allowing the force to push him back just enough to redirect it.

Gao Shen's eyes widened as Li Yuan twisted his body, using the momentum to launch a powerful counterstrike—one aimed not at his solid chest, but at a joint.

A precise hit to the side of the knee.

Gao Shen's stance faltered. His balance broke for a split second.

That was all Li Yuan needed.

In one smooth motion, he shifted his weight, launching a spinning kick to the side of Gao Shen's head. The force of the impact sent the larger disciple stumbling back, his expression momentarily dazed.

The crowd murmured in surprise.

Gao Shen shook his head, regaining focus. His expression turned serious. "Alright. Maybe you're not just talk."

But Li Yuan wasn't done. He pressed forward, his strikes becoming relentless. Each attack was calculated, aimed at weak points—joints, pressure points, anywhere Gao Shen's earth defense couldn't fully shield him.

The balance of the fight shifted. Gao Shen, once in full control, now found himself struggling.

With one final strike, Li Yuan aimed a palm strike at Gao Shen's chest, gathering every ounce of force he could muster. The impact sent Gao Shen skidding backward, nearly falling to one knee.

Silence fell over the arena.

The elder watched carefully, then raised his hand. "Match over! Winner—Li Yuan!"

A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.

Li Yuan exhaled, relaxing his stance.

Gao Shen wiped the sweat from his brow, then let out a laugh. "Damn. Guess I underestimated you." He extended a hand. "Nice fight."

Li Yuan took it, shaking firmly.

As he stepped off the platform, Lin Xue was waiting for him, arms crossed. "Not bad."

He smirked. "You almost sound impressed."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't get cocky. The trial's not over yet."

Li Yuan glanced at the names still on the board. More matches to come. Stronger opponents waiting.

But for the first time since arriving at the Four Seasons Sect, he truly felt like he belonged.

And he wasn't stopping here.