Chapter 6:The Challenge of the Hidden Master

The cold winds of the morning swept across the Lin family's courtyard as Lin Yun stood at the center, his fists clenched and his focus sharp. He had spent the past few weeks refining his body through the Body Refining Realm's basic exercises, and despite not having a Qi Core, he could still feel subtle changes in his body. His muscles were denser, and his reflexes quicker, yet a hollow emptiness remained where his Qi should have been. His connection to the energy of the world was severed.

"Focus, Yun," a voice broke through his concentration. Lin Mei stood at the edge of the courtyard, watching him.

Lin Yun nodded but didn't turn to face her. He knew she worried for him, but this path he walked was one of hardship and solitude. If he wanted to become strong, if he wanted to rise, he had to push himself beyond normal limits.

"Will you be at the family meeting later?" Lin Mei asked, her voice a little softer.

"I'll be there," Lin Yun replied, still not looking at her. "But I need to complete these drills. I need to keep moving forward."

Lin Mei sighed softly. "Don't forget to take care of yourself, Yun. We only have one body." Her words lingered in the air as she left, and Lin Yun allowed himself a small breath before returning to his training.

Later that afternoon, the Lin family meeting was held in the grand hall, where family members and high-ranking officials gathered to discuss the latest developments in martial affairs. As Lin Yun entered the hall, he felt the weight of the room's stares. The family members were polite, but there was no hiding the pity in their eyes. He had once been one of the promising youths of the family, a future martial arts prodigy. Now, he was a shadow of that potential, crippled by Shen Kai's malicious actions.

His father, Lin Zhen, sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable as usual. Lin Yun bowed respectfully, but his father didn't acknowledge him with more than a brief glance. It was obvious that the Lin patriarch still held hope for Lin Yun's future but was unsure whether it was possible for him to return to his former glory.

The meeting began as usual, filled with talk of alliances, trade, and power struggles. But Lin Yun's attention was elsewhere. His thoughts drifted to the words his father had spoken just days ago when Lin Yun had asked about his future.

"You must find your own path, Yun," Lin Zhen had said. "The family's support can only go so far. At some point, you must prove that you can stand on your own."

Lin Yun understood. The world of Murim was ruthless, and family ties, while important, would only carry him so far. If he wanted to carve out his own future, he would need to find a way to regain his strength, not as the Lin family's heir, but as an individual.

"Young Master Lin," a voice snapped Lin Yun out of his thoughts.

He turned to see a man, dressed in the armor of a distant ally, standing before him. This man was tall, his features sharp, and his eyes exuded confidence.

"Ah, Zhang Wei," Lin Yun greeted him, his tone polite but cautious. Zhang Wei was known to be a martial artist of exceptional skill. He had been a guest at the Lin family estate for several weeks now, discussing trade agreements and alliances.

Zhang Wei smiled, but there was something in his gaze that Lin Yun didn't quite trust. "I've heard of your misfortune, Young Master. It is truly tragic to lose such potential."

Lin Yun stiffened. He had heard rumors that Zhang Wei had been sent by the Shen family as a subtle test of the Lin family's strength. There were whispers that Zhang Wei had been instructed to assess Lin Yun's abilities, though no one spoke of it openly.

"I appreciate your concern," Lin Yun said evenly, keeping his tone neutral.

Zhang Wei's smile didn't falter, but there was an edge to his words. "I heard you've been training very diligently despite your… situation. I wonder, could you possibly demonstrate your skills? I would like to see how well you've recovered, even without your Qi Core."

Lin Yun's gaze narrowed slightly. It was clear that Zhang Wei was testing him, perhaps trying to provoke a response or gauge his resolve. The martial world was filled with such subtle challenges, and Lin Yun was no fool.

"You wish to see my skills?" Lin Yun asked, his voice low. "I can show you. But know this—I do not fight for your entertainment."

A few family members exchanged curious glances. There had been no formal challenge issued, but Zhang Wei's arrogance was apparent, and they were all aware of his reputation. A fight between Lin Yun and Zhang Wei could mean serious consequences, but Lin Yun was tired of hiding behind his crippled status. If he was to move forward, he needed to prove that he still had power, even without his Qi.

"Very well," Zhang Wei said with a chuckle. "Let us see how much the young master of the Lin family has truly learned. Come, let's step outside."

The courtyard was quiet, save for the distant sounds of the servants tending to the estate. Lin Yun stood opposite Zhang Wei, his stance relaxed but alert. He had no Qi to rely on, no secret techniques to fall back on. All he had were the skills he had honed with his body.

Zhang Wei's eyes gleamed as he assessed Lin Yun. "I have heard of your body's strength, Young Master. I wonder how it compares to my own."

Without warning, Zhang Wei surged forward, moving with a speed that Lin Yun could barely track. A blur of motion, his fist aimed at Lin Yun's chest.

Lin Yun's reflexes kicked in immediately. He sidestepped, the air around him heavy with tension as Zhang Wei's fist sliced through the space where he had been standing. Lin Yun's body felt the familiar weight of pressure, and in that moment, he trusted in his training. He wasn't relying on Qi or mystical power. He was relying on his instincts.

"Impressive," Zhang Wei said, pausing for a moment. "But how long can you keep dodging?"

Lin Yun didn't answer. He waited, watching Zhang Wei's movements carefully. He could see the opening now, the subtle shift in his opponent's footwork. With a sudden motion, Lin Yun launched a counterattack, his fist aimed directly at Zhang Wei's exposed side.

Zhang Wei blocked the strike with ease, but Lin Yun's speed had taken him by surprise. The two exchanged several more blows, a dance of martial skill that showcased Lin Yun's progress, though he still had much to learn.

Finally, Zhang Wei stepped back, his expression thoughtful. "You've improved more than I expected. It seems the rumors were true."

Lin Yun wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, his breath heavy but steady. "I don't fight for approval," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I fight to survive."

Zhang Wei studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Indeed. You may yet surprise us all, Young Master."

As Lin Yun stood there, the weight of Zhang Wei's words settled on him. This fight wasn't just about proving his strength; it was a glimpse of what lay ahead. The world of Murim was unforgiving, and only those who could rise above their circumstances would survive. Lin Yun wasn't ready to give up—not yet. He still had much to learn, and the road ahead was long, but one thing was certain: his journey had just begun.