Shadows of the Past

The next morning, the Four Seasons Sect buzzed with anticipation. Today's battles would determine which outer disciples would qualify to challenge the top-ranked disciples. For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the inner sect and rise above mediocrity.

Li Yuan stood in the training field, stretching his arms as the morning sun cast long shadows over the arena. His fight against Sun Yi had spread like wildfire, making him the dark horse of the competition. He could feel the eyes of countless disciples on him, some curious, others envious, but most wary.

"You really stirred up a storm, huh?" A familiar voice came from behind him.

Turning, Li Yuan saw Luo Xin, the cheerful yet sharp-witted disciple he had met earlier. She stood with her hands on her hips, a smirk playing on her lips. Today, she wore a light blue martial robe, her twin swords strapped securely to her waist.

"Guess I did," Li Yuan replied with a chuckle.

Luo Xin rolled her eyes. "Modesty doesn't suit you. You should've seen the way some of the senior disciples reacted when they heard about your win. You've made some… let's just say, 'dangerous' people very interested in you."

Li Yuan's smile faded slightly. "Dangerous, huh? Who exactly?"

Luo Xin crossed her arms. "Jiang Hao, for starters. But also some of the more secretive figures in the sect. There are rumors that some of the inner sect elders have taken notice of you as well."

That was unexpected. He had thought his fight had only made waves in the outer sect, but if inner sect figures were paying attention, things were bound to get even more complicated.

"Well, nothing I can do about that now," Li Yuan said, exhaling. "I just have to keep winning."

Luo Xin gave him an appraising look. "Good. Because you're up against one of Jiang Hao's lackeys today—Gao Fei. He's a peak Qi Condensation cultivator and specializes in brutal, overwhelming attacks. Be careful."

Li Yuan nodded. "I'll manage."

Luo Xin shook her head, muttering, "Cocky bastard," but there was no malice in her words.

A loud gong resounded, silencing the murmurs of the crowd. An elder stepped onto the stage and began announcing the matchups.

"Li Yuan versus Gao Fei!"

---

The arena was a large circular platform surrounded by hundreds of disciples. Gao Fei, a towering figure with thick muscles and a brutish face, cracked his knuckles as he stepped forward. His black martial robes bore the insignia of Jiang Hao's faction, and the sneer on his lips made it clear he wasn't just here to fight—he was here to make an example out of Li Yuan.

"I heard you got lucky against Sun Yi," Gao Fei said, his voice like grinding stone. "But luck won't save you today."

Li Yuan smirked. "Neither will brute force."

The elder raised his hand. "Begin!"

Gao Fei wasted no time. His figure blurred as he charged forward, his fist wrapped in golden Yuan Qi. The sheer force of his punch sent a shockwave through the air, cracking the stone beneath him.

But Li Yuan had already moved.

Ducking under the strike, he twisted his body and delivered a sharp kick to Gao Fei's ribs. The impact was solid, but Gao Fei barely flinched. Instead, he grabbed Li Yuan's leg with monstrous strength and swung him like a ragdoll, slamming him into the ground.

The crowd gasped.

Li Yuan coughed, feeling the sting of the impact, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. Rolling away just as Gao Fei's foot came crashing down, he regained his footing.

"You're faster than I expected," Gao Fei admitted, cracking his neck. "But that won't matter."

He stomped the ground, sending cracks rippling outward. A wave of force exploded beneath Li Yuan's feet, throwing him off balance. Gao Fei lunged, his fist aimed directly at Li Yuan's chest.

Li Yuan reacted instantly, twisting midair and using the force of the explosion to propel himself away. As he landed, he focused his Yuan Qi into his palm, manifesting a flicker of crimson energy.

The crowd murmured. A martial technique?

Gao Fei scowled. "So you have some tricks. Let's see if they matter!"

He rushed forward again, his fist glowing brighter with concentrated Yuan Qi.

Li Yuan inhaled sharply. Timing was everything.

As Gao Fei's fist neared, Li Yuan dodged at the last possible second and slammed his own energy-infused palm into Gao Fei's side. A loud boom echoed as Gao Fei stumbled back, his body trembling from the force of the impact.

For the first time, his expression showed surprise.

"You…" he gritted his teeth, wiping blood from his lips. "You've been holding back!"

Li Yuan didn't answer. He simply steadied his stance.

Gao Fei roared in frustration and charged again. But this time, Li Yuan was ready.

With precise footwork, he dodged every attack, weaving through the onslaught like a shadow. Then, in one swift motion, he channeled all his gathered energy into a final strike.

His fist connected with Gao Fei's chest.

A shockwave erupted from the impact, sending Gao Fei flying across the stage. He landed in a heap, groaning in pain.

Silence.

Then—cheers erupted from the audience.

The elder stepped forward, his voice carrying through the arena.

"Winner—Li Yuan!"

---

As Li Yuan stepped off the platform, Luo Xin appeared at his side, whistling. "That was beautiful. But you should've seen Jiang Hao's face—he looks like he's ready to murder someone."

Li Yuan glanced toward the higher-ranked disciples, where Jiang Hao stood watching. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, an unspoken challenge passed between them.

Jiang Hao smirked.

"You're next," his eyes seemed to say.

Li Yuan exhaled. The real battle was yet to come.

But as he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was at play.

And that feeling only grew stronger when, later that night, a mysterious letter arrived at his doorstep.