Chapter 7: Seeds of Power

With the crystal flower safely tucked in her pouch, Mei Lan made her way back to the edge of the forest, her heart racing. She had completed the trial despite Ming Tao's interference, and as she emerged from the trees, she was greeted by a mixture of surprise and grudging respect from the other disciples. Even Elder Wen raised an eyebrow as Mei Lan presented the rare flower, though she maintained her usual stern expression.

"Well done, Mei Lan," Elder Wen acknowledged, her voice devoid of the usual edge she reserved for younger disciples. "You continue to exceed expectations."

Mei Lan nodded respectfully, aware of the hostile glares from Ming Tao and his followers. She knew this would only fuel their resentment, but it also solidified her reputation within the sect. The disciples could no longer dismiss her as an ordinary cultivator.

Later that night, back in her quarters, Mei Lan allowed herself a moment of relief. She was still alive, and her strength had grown. Each trial, each mission, had sharpened her skills and prepared her for the dangers ahead. She felt her cultivation space calling her, and she couldn't resist entering it to continue her training.

Once inside, she approached the area where she had planted seeds from various spiritual herbs she'd collected over the past few weeks. The fields glowed softly under the ethereal light, and she could feel the potent energy radiating from the plants. The Golden Spirit Ginseng had grown considerably, its leaves shimmering with a golden hue that spoke of its immense qi potential.

But tonight, her focus was on a different plant—Moonshadow Vine, an herb known for enhancing one's ability to conceal qi. It was a challenging plant to grow, requiring precise conditions, but she had managed to nurture it with care. She harvested a few leaves and set about refining them into a powder.

As she worked, she couldn't help but think of the dangers that lay ahead. The Forest of Echoes had been a test, but it was clear that Ming Tao and his followers wouldn't stop until she was removed from the sect—or worse. She would need every advantage she could create.

Hours later, Mei Lan emerged from her cultivation space with a small vial of the Moonshadow Powder. She knew that with this, she could mask her qi temporarily, making it harder for others to detect her. It was a small but invaluable tool, one she hoped would keep her safe in the turbulent days to come.

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The following week, the sect announced an upcoming event—the annual Duel Tournament, where disciples would compete to showcase their skills and rank up within the sect. This was an opportunity for the strongest to prove themselves, and Mei Lan knew that Ming Tao would be participating, likely with the intent to humiliate her.

The day of the tournament arrived quickly, and Mei Lan joined the crowd of disciples gathered around the arena. The elders observed from raised platforms, their expressions expectant as they watched the disciples prepare for their matches.

"Disciple Mei Lan versus Disciple Ming Tao," a voice called out.

A murmur rippled through the crowd as Mei Lan stepped into the ring opposite Ming Tao. She could see the smug grin on his face, and the satisfaction in his eyes. This was his chance to expose her, to prove to everyone that her success was a fluke.

As they took their positions, Mei Lan focused her thoughts, centering her mind and drawing on the qi reserves she had carefully cultivated. She couldn't afford to lose—not to Ming Tao, and not with the eyes of the entire sect upon her.

The duel began with a flash of qi as Ming Tao launched a powerful strike, his energy crackling in the air. Mei Lan dodged, using her agility to evade his attacks, but she knew she couldn't rely on defense alone. She would need to strike back.

Drawing on her reserves, Mei Lan gathered her qi and released it in a swift, calculated counterattack. Her movements were fluid, each strike aimed with precision. She could see Ming Tao's surprise as she matched him blow for blow, her strength and skill evident in every movement.

The crowd watched in silence, their anticipation growing as the duel escalated. Mei Lan was holding her own, her every move a testament to her training and determination. But she knew Ming Tao was waiting for her to tire, to make a mistake.

Then, without warning, Ming Tao released a powerful surge of qi, a technique she hadn't anticipated. Mei Lan barely managed to dodge, the force of the attack grazing her arm and sending a sharp pain through her body. She stumbled, feeling her strength waver.

Ming Tao smirked, sensing his advantage. "Is that all you have, Mei Lan?"

Gritting her teeth, Mei Lan reached for the Moonshadow Powder she had prepared. She knew this was a risk, but she had no other choice. In a swift movement, she released a small cloud of the powder, masking her qi and confusing Ming Tao's senses. For a brief moment, she disappeared from his perception, giving her the opening she needed.

Seizing the opportunity, Mei Lan gathered her remaining strength and launched a decisive strike, her fist connecting with Ming Tao's side and sending him sprawling. The impact echoed through the arena, and the crowd gasped as Ming Tao hit the ground, stunned.

A murmur of astonishment rippled through the spectators. Mei Lan had won.

She stood there, breathing heavily but victorious, her gaze steady as she looked down at Ming Tao. She had proven herself, not just to him, but to everyone watching.

Elder Wen nodded approvingly, her eyes meeting Mei Lan's with a hint of respect. "Well done, Disciple Mei Lan."

Mei Lan bowed, her heart racing with a mixture of relief and pride. She had survived yet another challenge, and her strength had been acknowledged. But she knew this victory would only deepen Ming Tao's resentment and fuel his desire for revenge.

As she left the arena, Mei Lan could feel the weight of her success settling on her shoulders. She was no longer an overlooked disciple. She had made her mark, and with it came the promise of more trials, more dangers.

But Mei Lan was prepared. She would continue to cultivate, to grow stronger, and to protect the secrets of her power. For she knew that in a world where strength was everything, only the truly powerful could carve their own path.