Chapter 43: The Arrival of a True Genius

The oppressive aura in the distance sent chills down Lin Yun's spine. He steadied his breathing, wiping the sweat from his brow as he turned toward the source of the disturbance. The trembling ground and swirling Qi in the air signified one thing—**a powerful cultivator had arrived**.

The trial grounds, once silent except for the echoes of Lin Yun's battles, were now filled with an unsettling pressure. He had faced Core Formation Realm cultivators before, but this was something entirely different. Whoever this was, they were stronger. Much stronger.

Lin Yun took a cautious step forward, hiding his exhaustion. His body was bruised, and his internal Qi reserves were not at their peak, but he couldn't afford to show weakness now.

A figure emerged from the dust.

A **young man**, no older than Lin Yun himself, dressed in elegant black robes with golden embroidery, walked toward him with an air of absolute confidence. His long dark hair was tied neatly behind him, and his sharp, piercing eyes scanned Lin Yun as if evaluating his worth.

Lin Yun instantly recognized the emblem embroidered on the young man's chest—**The Soaring Phoenix Sect**.

One of the **four great sects** of this continent.

And judging from the intensity of his aura, he was at least at the **late stages of the Core Formation Realm**—far beyond Lin Yun's current level.

The young man smirked, folding his arms. "So you're the one who's been causing a stir in this trial ground?" His voice was smooth but carried an unmistakable arrogance.

Lin Yun said nothing, simply watching and analyzing. He could tell this wasn't an opponent he could brute force his way through.

The young man continued, his smirk widening. "I've been watching for a while. You're different from the usual weaklings that try their luck here. But do you really think your tricks will work against me?"

Lin Yun narrowed his eyes. This wasn't just some arrogant sect disciple—he was a **true genius**, someone nurtured by a top-tier sect, with resources and techniques far superior to what Lin Yun had access to.

**A direct confrontation was not an option.**

But he also couldn't afford to back down without a fight.

The young man took a step forward, his Qi surging as he casually extended his hand. A gust of force exploded outward, sending cracks through the stone beneath them. "I am Bai Ziyan, an inner disciple of the Soaring Phoenix Sect. I suggest you remember my name, because if you continue to stand in my way, I will make sure you regret it."

Lin Yun remained calm. **Bai Ziyan.** The name was unfamiliar, but his strength was undeniable.

"You talk too much," Lin Yun finally said, his tone composed.

Bai Ziyan's eyes flashed with amusement. "Oh? A sharp tongue. Good. I prefer my opponents to have some fire before I crush them."

Without warning, Bai Ziyan **vanished.**

Lin Yun's instincts screamed at him. He barely had time to react before a **palm strike** came hurtling toward his chest. He twisted his body at the last second, avoiding a direct hit, but the residual force sent him skidding backward.

**Fast!**

Lin Yun barely had time to stabilize himself before Bai Ziyan struck again. A flurry of rapid palm strikes rained down on him, each carrying enough force to shatter bone. Lin Yun dodged and deflected as best as he could, using his superior footwork to weave between the attacks.

But the gap in power was obvious.

Each time Bai Ziyan struck, Lin Yun felt the difference in their cultivation. Even with his techniques, even with his ability to fight above his level, this was not an opponent he could defeat right now.

He needed to **change the battlefield**.

Lin Yun suddenly leaped backward, landing on the uneven terrain of the trial ground. The environment here was rough, filled with jagged rocks and uneven footing. Perfect.

Bai Ziyan chuckled. "Running already?"

Lin Yun smirked. "Just making things more interesting."

Bai Ziyan narrowed his eyes. He didn't immediately charge in. He wasn't an idiot—he knew Lin Yun was planning something.

Lin Yun took the brief moment to **steady his breathing**. He couldn't afford to waste energy. He needed to find an opening—**one moment to turn the fight in his favor**.

Bai Ziyan made his move, dashing forward with **lightning speed**, his palm glowing with golden Qi.

Lin Yun sidestepped, barely dodging the first strike.

But this time, Bai Ziyan **anticipated** it.

With a twist of his body, he **redirected** his momentum mid-air and delivered a spinning kick aimed directly at Lin Yun's ribs.

**Too fast!**

Lin Yun crossed his arms in defense, but the impact still sent him flying. He crashed into a rock, pain shooting through his body.

Bai Ziyan landed gracefully, dusting off his sleeves. "You fight well for someone of your level, but in the end, talent and strength decide everything. You're not ready to face someone like me."

Lin Yun coughed, wiping blood from his lips. His body ached, but his mind was **clearer than ever**.

This wasn't a battle he could win. But that didn't mean he had lost.

"I'll remember this fight," Lin Yun said as he pushed himself up. His gaze was sharp, unwavering. "And next time we meet, you won't be standing above me."

Bai Ziyan raised an eyebrow. Then, he **laughed**.

"Good. That's the kind of spirit I like to see. Don't disappoint me, Lin Yun."

And with that, Bai Ziyan turned and walked away, his aura slowly fading.

Lin Yun remained standing, his body burning with exhaustion. But his mind was already working—already thinking about what he needed to do next.

**This world was vast, and he was still far from the peak.**

But one day, he would **stand among the true geniuses.**

And Bai Ziyan would no longer look down on him.