Chapter 27: The Path of Resolve

The fire crackled softly as Lin Yun sat cross-legged, staring at the Shadowfang Wolf's carcass. The battle still played in his mind—each strike, each motion. The thrill of success lingered, but so did the nagging realization of how close it had been.

Yu Xian tended to her blade a few feet away, meticulously wiping it clean. Mei leaned against a tree, her masked face unreadable.

"You've improved," Yu Xian said, breaking the silence.

Lin Yun glanced at her. "It didn't feel like enough. If you and Mei hadn't been there—"

"You're still learning," Yu Xian interrupted, her tone softer than usual. "Battles aren't won by strength alone. Strategy, instincts, and resolve matter just as much. You showed all three tonight."

Mei, ever the skeptic, chimed in. "Resolve alone won't save you, though. The wolf was strong, but it wasn't the worst thing out there. Far from it."

Lin Yun turned to her, his jaw tightening. "And what would you suggest, Mei? That I run from every fight?"

Mei's lips curved into a smirk. "No. I suggest you sharpen your blade and your mind. This world doesn't forgive weakness, Lin Yun. If you're serious about surviving, you'll need to adapt faster than you think possible."

---

The conversation shifted as Yu Xian crouched by the wolf, examining its massive frame. "Shadowfang Wolves are rare. Its body parts can fetch a high price or be used to craft weapons and medicine."

Lin Yun joined her, curiosity piqued. "What do we need to take?"

"The fangs and claws are prized for forging weapons," Yu Xian explained. "Its heart has medicinal properties, especially for enhancing strength temporarily. The fur can be sold to merchants or used for armor."

Mei stepped forward, a knife already in her hand. "Allow me."

Despite their suspicions of her, neither Lin Yun nor Yu Xian stopped her. Mei worked swiftly and with precision, removing the fangs and claws before carefully extracting the heart.

"Here," Mei said, handing the heart to Lin Yun. "Consider this a token of goodwill. Use it wisely—it's not something you'll come across often."

Lin Yun hesitated before accepting it, the warm organ pulsing faintly in his hands. "Thanks," he muttered.

"Don't thank me," Mei replied. "You earned it."

---

The next day, the group reached Green Hollow, a small but bustling town nestled between the forest and the mountains. Its streets were lined with merchants selling everything from weapons to rare herbs, and the air buzzed with the chatter of travelers and locals alike.

"We'll rest here for the night," Yu Xian announced. "But stay vigilant. Towns like this are often crawling with people looking to exploit outsiders."

Lin Yun nodded, his gaze wandering over the stalls. He felt a strange mix of excitement and unease. This was his first time in a town of this size since arriving in this world, and the sheer energy of the place was overwhelming.

As they moved through the crowd, a group of men caught Lin Yun's attention. They were clustered around a large board, their voices loud and animated.

"What's going on over there?" Lin Yun asked.

"Probably a bounty or tournament posting," Yu Xian replied. "It's common in places like this."

Curious, Lin Yun pushed his way through the crowd to get a closer look. Sure enough, the board was covered in parchment, each one detailing a bounty or an upcoming martial competition.

One notice, in particular, caught his eye:

**"Iron Blood Tournament: Test your skills and claim the prize of 500 gold coins!"**

Lin Yun felt his heart quicken. A tournament like this would be the perfect opportunity to test his progress and earn some much-needed funds.

"I'm entering," he said, turning to Yu Xian and Mei.

Yu Xian frowned. "Are you sure? Tournaments like these attract all kinds of fighters—many of them far more experienced than you."

"That's exactly why I need to do it," Lin Yun replied, his voice steady. "I need to know where I stand."

Mei chuckled. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But don't expect anyone to go easy on you."

"I'm not," Lin Yun said firmly.

---

That evening, Lin Yun focused on preparing for the tournament. He practiced relentlessly, honing the techniques Yu Xian had taught him while experimenting with the flow he had felt during the fight with the Shadowfang Wolf.

Yu Xian watched him silently, occasionally offering corrections or advice. Mei, on the other hand, spent most of her time observing the other fighters who had arrived in town for the tournament.

When Lin Yun finally stopped to rest, Yu Xian handed him a small pouch.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Medicinal pills," Yu Xian replied. "They'll help you recover faster and stay sharp during the fights. Use them wisely."

Lin Yun nodded, tucking the pouch into his belt. "Thanks."

"You're determined," Yu Xian said, her voice quiet. "I respect that. But remember, strength isn't just about winning. It's about knowing when to fight and when to walk away."

Lin Yun met her gaze, his eyes filled with resolve. "I'll remember that."

---

The day of the tournament arrived quickly, and Lin Yun found himself standing in the center of a large arena. The crowd roared as the announcer called the first match.

His opponent was a burly man with scars crisscrossing his arms and a wicked grin on his face.

"Don't worry, kid," the man said, cracking his knuckles. "I'll make this quick."

Lin Yun didn't respond. He gripped his sword tightly, focusing on the flow of the fight.

The man lunged, his movements powerful but predictable. Lin Yun sidestepped easily, countering with a swift strike that left a shallow cut across the man's arm.

The crowd gasped, and the man's grin faded. "You're better than you look," he growled.

Lin Yun didn't let up. He pressed the attack, using his speed and precision to outmaneuver the man at every turn. Within moments, the match was over, and Lin Yun stood victorious.

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Lin Yun barely heard them. His mind was already on the next fight, his determination burning brighter than ever.