Chapter 11 - Battle Against QI Condensation

As he walked toward the training area, Wang Lin couldn't hide his fascination with the size of the sect. Everywhere he looked, he saw disciples practicing their techniques, some wielding swords with deadly precision, others brandishing spears that seemed to pierce the air itself. He also noticed those who didn't use weapons, relying entirely on their own fists and bodies, like him.

Arriving at the vast training area, Wang Lin was momentarily lost. It was a gigantic space, divided into several arenas and platforms, where dozens of duels were happening simultaneously. Some disciples exchanged fierce blows while others gathered around, watching the battles with eager expressions.

After a few minutes of observing, Wang Lin noticed a young man catching his attention. He was a short boy, carrying a long sword on his back. His posture was low-key, almost shy, but there was something about the way he moved that revealed his hidden confidence. Wang Lin couldn't help but be curious and whispered to the system,

"System, evaluate."

[ASSESSMENT]

NAME: HA YIFENG

CULTIVATION LEVEL:?????

SKILLS:Sword combat expert.

The system's incomplete response left Wang Lin frustrated. He narrowed his eyes, trying to understand what was causing the system to be unable to fully evaluate him.

"System, why can't I see his level?"

[SYSTEM RESPONSE]

"The current assessment ability can only identify individuals with a cultivation level up to one level higher than yours. To unlock a more accurate analysis, you must reach the Qi Condensation stage."

The system's words caused Wang Lin to ponder. **"So he is at the Qi Condensation stage."**

Still, Wang Lin didn't hesitate. He walked toward the boy with determination, his reinforced gloves shining faintly in the light. As he approached, he raised his voice so that everyone around could hear,

"My name is Wang Lin. I want to challenge you."

Silence filled the area. Distracted by the sounds of fighting around them, the disciples now turned their attention to Wang Lin and the young swordsman. The challenge caused an immediate uproar.

"He's challenging someone from Qi Condensation?"

"What kind of idiot would do that?"

"This Wang Lin is tired of living!"

The short boy slowly turned around, his cold eyes sizing Wang Lin up. He tilted his head, surprised by the statement. "You want to challenge me? Someone from Body Refinement?"

Wang Lin didn't back down. "Yes. I want to test my strength against you."

The boy gave a faint smile, almost unnoticeable. "My name is Han Yifeng. Since you insist, I will accept your challenge. I hope you won't regret it."

As the two of them took their stance, the disciples formed a circle around them. Murmurs filled the air, most of them betting that Wang Lin would be defeated in a matter of seconds.

"Let's see how far this foolish boy can go."

Han Yifeng drew his sword in an elegant motion, a long, shining blade that seemed to dance in the light. Wang Lin, on the other hand, flexed the fingers of his reinforced gloves, feeling the energy pulsing within them.

"Come, show me what you can do," Han Yifeng said, his eyes shining with confidence.

The surroundings fell into absolute silence, the tension between the two combatants carrying the air. Wang Lin and Han Yifeng were ready to fight, and all the spectators expected a quick and humiliating outcome for the Body Refinement challenger.

Han Yifeng raised his sword elegantly, an icy glint reflecting off the blade as he took his stance. "If you're ready, come," he said with an almost arrogant calm.

Wang Lin, without hesitation, charged forward like a wild beast. His right fist, covered by the reinforced glove, rose and struck straight at Han Yifeng. Han Yifeng blocked with his sword, but the impact of the blow caused the blade to vibrate and knocked him back a few steps, his eyes widening.

"This power…" Han Yifeng muttered.

"Did you think it would be easy because I'm in Body Refinement?" Wang Lin said in a firm voice, charging forward again.

Han Yifeng tried to counterattack with a horizontal slash, but Wang Lin skillfully dodged and spun his body, landing a fierce kick on the swordsman's abdomen. Han Yifeng staggered, but managed to stabilize himself. The surrounding audience began to murmur in surprise.

"He's forcing Han Yifeng to retreat?"

"How is this possible? He's in Body Refinement!"

Wang Lin didn't give Han Yifeng a chance to recover, closing the distance with a roar. His fists swung like hammers, delivering brutal blows. Han Yifeng blocked as best he could, but each blow caused his arms to tremble and his body to shiver.

Even with the advantage in cultivation level, Han Yifeng felt the pressure. Wang Lin, with his overwhelming physical strength, could make up for the lack of Qi with pure raw power.

"Impressive,"** Han Yifeng said with a tight smile. **"But not enough."

With a quick movement, Han Yifeng swung his sword, releasing a wave of wind that pushed Wang Lin back a few feet. "Enough holding back."

Wang Lin, panting but determined, charged forward again, but Han Yifeng was now more serious. He began using his speed, moving like a shadow around Wang Lin. Each strike from the swordsman seemed more precise and deadly, but Wang Lin didn't back down. With one leap, Wang Lin managed to land a direct blow on Han Yifeng's shoulder, causing him to falter.

"You have a lot of strength, Wang Lin," Han Yifeng said, massaging his shoulder. **"But let me teach you why those at Qi Condensation are on another level."**

Suddenly, the pressure on the battlefield changed. Han Yifeng raised his sword and Qi began to flow around it, forming a blue aura. The air seemed to grow heavy, and Wang Lin felt his body slow down.

"Is this Qi?" Wang Lin thought, feeling the overwhelming difference.

"We Qi Condensation cultivators don't just rely on physical strength," Han Yifeng said. "We use Qi to amplify our power. With it, every strike can be devastating."

Han Yifeng charged forward, his sword now filled with Qi. He struck out vertically, and Wang Lin barely managed to dodge. The ground where the strike landed cracked, showing the destructive power of the attack. Wang Lin tried to counterattack, but Han Yifeng was now much faster and stronger.

With one fluid motion, Han Yifeng struck Wang Lin with the side of his sword, sending him crashing to the ground. Wang Lin tried to get up, but Han Yifeng was already on top of him, pointing the sword at his chest.

"You are strong, Wang Lin. Stronger than many I have faced. But there is a limit to how much brute strength can reach. To overcome that limit, you will need to master Qi."

The audience fell silent, awed by this display of power. Some whispered to each other, admiring Wang Lin's courage and Han Yifeng's skill.

Han Yifeng put away his sword, looking at Wang Lin with respect. "Keep training. One day, perhaps, you will surpass me."

Wang Lin knelt down, breathing heavily, but his eyes shining with determination. "Qi…" he muttered to himself. "I will achieve that too."