The First Battle

The air crackled with tension, the once serene valley now filled with the clash of spiritual energy and the hum of imminent violence. Li Wei's heart raced as he stood by Xuan Tian, watching the masked figure, Li Jun, prepare for battle. His instincts screamed at him to run, but his body was already moving before he could consciously decide.

Xuan Tian's calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the intensity of the situation. The masked man before them was no ordinary cultivator—his aura radiated with the cold, calculating power of someone who had seen countless battles.

"You don't know what you're getting into, Li Jun," Xuan Tian said softly, as if this were just another conversation. "You'd best leave now before you regret this."

Li Jun's laughter was low, like a growl. "Regret? Oh, Xuan Tian, I don't think you understand. I don't fear you anymore. And as for the boy, I've been ordered to take him. Your protection of him is a mistake."

With a sudden, swift motion, Li Jun's hand shot forward, and a surge of energy exploded from his palm. It was a force that seemed to distort the air around it, and the sheer power made the ground tremble beneath Li Wei's feet.

"Be careful!" Xuan Tian's voice was sharp, and in the blink of an eye, he stepped forward, intercepting the blast of energy with a swift flick of his hand. The two forces collided in mid-air, sending a shockwave that rocked the valley.

Li Wei's body was thrown back by the force of the explosion, and he struggled to regain his balance. His heart pounded in his chest as he scrambled to his feet, trying to make sense of what was happening. His mind raced—this was his first real fight, and it was against someone far stronger than him.

"Li Wei!" Xuan Tian's voice broke through his panic. "Focus! Stay calm, and use your training!"

Li Wei took a deep breath, trying to block out the fear gnawing at him. He closed his eyes for a moment, centering his thoughts. The energy of the valley was still swirling around him, and though he couldn't control it yet, he could sense it, feel it vibrating beneath his skin.

Opening his eyes, he looked at Xuan Tian, who was already in combat with Li Jun. The two figures were moving like blurs, their strikes and blocks too fast for Li Wei to follow. Each exchange sent shockwaves through the air, and the ground beneath their feet cracked and splintered from the intensity.

Li Jun's power was undeniable, and the masked cultivator was clearly experienced in combat. He moved with the grace and precision of a master, his attacks calculated and cold, aimed to overwhelm Xuan Tian.

But Xuan Tian wasn't just any cultivator—he was far stronger than Li Wei had originally thought. His movements were fluid, effortless, and every strike seemed to carry the weight of someone who had long surpassed mortal limits.

"Your skills have become sloppy, Xuan Tian," Li Jun taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "But it doesn't matter. This time, you won't escape."

With a sudden, powerful lunge, Li Jun unleashed a barrage of dark energy, sending wave after wave of destructive force toward Xuan Tian. The older cultivator sidestepped and countered, but Li Jun was relentless, pressing him harder with each attack.

Li Wei's thoughts raced. He had to do something. He couldn't just stand here and do nothing while Xuan Tian fought for both of them. He had no experience in direct combat, but something inside him stirred. The pressure, the need to act—it forced him to take a step forward.

"Focus," he muttered to himself. "Focus on the energy. Use it."

His hands trembled slightly, but he held them out, feeling the faintest stirrings of spiritual power within him. He had trained his body and mind for days now, but had he truly learned enough to control this power?

"Li Wei, get back!" Xuan Tian shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the roar of energy as Li Jun's assault continued.

Li Wei felt the ground beneath him shake again, the valley seeming to come alive with the rising tension. His breath hitched in his chest, and then, just as quickly as it came, a surge of energy exploded from within him. The raw, untamed force blasted outward, pushing back against the wave of Li Jun's attack.

Li Wei staggered from the sheer intensity of his own power. He hadn't expected it to feel so overwhelming. The energy was like a flood, something he barely had control over, yet it felt familiar, like it was always a part of him.

Xuan Tian's voice came sharply, "Good, Li Wei! Keep it controlled!"

Li Wei clenched his fists, trying to steady the wild energy coursing through his veins. He felt it—the spiritual power of the valley responding to his will, as though it was lending him its strength. For the first time, he felt a glimmer of control over the flow of energy.

But his brief surge of power wasn't enough to turn the tide of the battle. Li Jun's grin widened as he saw the energy dissipate. "So, the boy has a little spark," he sneered. "Not enough to stop me, though."

He launched himself toward Li Wei with blinding speed, his hand outstretched, prepared to strike down the young cultivator. The air hummed with the force of his attack, and Li Wei's heart pounded in his chest. He couldn't dodge it. He couldn't outrun it.

"Li Wei!" Xuan Tian shouted, his voice filled with urgency.

In that split second, something inside Li Wei snapped. His mind cleared, his vision sharpened, and the energy surged within him once again—this time, he controlled it. With a quick motion, he raised his hands, focusing all the power he could muster into one concentrated blast.

The air crackled and snapped with raw power as Li Wei pushed every ounce of spiritual energy into his attack, a burst of light that collided with Li Jun's outstretched hand.

The explosion rocked the valley, sending dust and debris flying in all directions. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, the heavy, stagnant air filled with tension. Li Wei stood, panting, his body trembling from the exertion.

When the dust settled, Li Jun was gone.

Xuan Tian stood beside him, his expression unreadable as he studied the place where Li Jun had been standing moments before. "You've done well, Li Wei," he said, his voice calm despite the chaos. "But this is only the beginning. Many will come for you, and next time, you won't be so lucky."

Li Wei looked at his mentor, his breath coming in shallow gasps. "What… what was that?"

Xuan Tian's expression hardened. "That was the beginning of your true test. The path you walk now is fraught with danger, and enemies will grow in number. But as long as you can harness your power, you can survive."

Li Wei nodded, his resolve hardening. There was no going back now. He had a destiny to fulfill—and he wouldn't let anything stand in his way.