Chapter 48: The Price of Power

Lin Yun staggered, his chest rising and falling rapidly. The last attack had drained more energy than he expected. He could still feel the power from the **jade tablet** coursing through his body, but something felt… **off**.

The silver-robed cultivator wiped the blood from his lips, his eyes flashing with cold fury. "You've surprised me, boy," he admitted, his voice laced with anger. "But don't think this fight is over."

Lin Yun clenched his fists, trying to steady his breathing. His body was **burning**, not from pain, but from something deeper—something unnatural.

Suddenly, his vision blurred. His heart pounded erratically, and an unbearable **heat** spread through his veins. His body **convulsed**, his knees buckling under him.

"Damn it…" Lin Yun muttered, barely keeping himself upright.

The silver-robed cultivator narrowed his eyes. "So that's the price," he murmured. "That power you're using—it's not yours, is it?"

Lin Yun gritted his teeth. He could feel it now—this wasn't just exhaustion. The **jade tablet had forcefully unlocked a power his body wasn't ready for**, and now, it was tearing him apart.

The cultivator smirked. "No wonder you're so reckless. You're borrowing power that doesn't belong to you."

Lin Yun forced himself to stand. "Even if it's borrowed," he said, "I'll still use it to defeat you."

The silver-robed cultivator laughed. "Foolish," he sneered. "I was only testing you before, but now… I'll end this properly."

He raised his sword, and the air trembled as a wave of **Qi surged around him**. The temperature dropped, and Lin Yun instinctively knew—**this was a killing move.**

Lin Yun's hands trembled. He could barely circulate his own Qi. His **Qi Core was still shattered**, and his body was rejecting the jade tablet's power. If he fought in this state…

He might not survive.

**I need to think… Fast.**

Then, an idea struck him.

He couldn't fight him head-on anymore. But… **he didn't have to.**

---

The moment the cultivator slashed forward, Lin Yun moved. Instead of dodging backward, he lunged **straight toward the attack**.

The cultivator's sword **whistled through the air**, but just as it was about to connect, Lin Yun twisted his body at the last second, barely slipping past the blade.

"Fool!" the cultivator barked, shifting his sword for a follow-up strike.

But Lin Yun had already moved. **Flowing Shadow Steps**—a movement technique designed for unpredictable footwork—allowed him to slip into the cultivator's blind spot.

**Nine Heavens Breaking Palm!**

Lin Yun struck with everything he had, aiming for the cultivator's ribcage. His palm **connected**, and a shockwave **erupted** from the impact.

The cultivator **staggered**, his eyes widening in shock. "You—"

Lin Yun didn't stop. He followed up with a **low sweeping kick**, catching the cultivator off balance.

The silver-robed man **fell backward**, crashing into the ground with a loud **thud**.

Lin Yun leaped back, barely keeping himself standing. He was **at his limit**.

The cultivator groaned, but when he lifted his head, his expression had changed.

"You…" he murmured, sitting up slowly.

Lin Yun's breathing was ragged. "What? Want to keep going?"

To his surprise, the cultivator chuckled. "No," he said, shaking his head. "I was mistaken about you."

Lin Yun frowned. "What are you talking about?"

The cultivator stood up, dusting off his robes. "You're weak," he said bluntly. "But you're not just some reckless fool throwing around stolen power."

Lin Yun didn't respond. His body was aching too much to argue.

The cultivator sighed. "This wasn't a fight to the death," he said. "I only came here to test you."

Lin Yun's eyes narrowed. "Test me?"

The silver-robed cultivator smiled faintly. "You'll understand soon enough."

With that, he turned and **vanished** into the shadows, his presence fading as if he had never been there.

Lin Yun stood frozen. He didn't understand what just happened, but one thing was clear—**this wasn't over.**

As the wind howled around him, Lin Yun clenched his fists. His journey had just begun, but the road ahead…

**Would only get harder.**