Chapter 6: The Rival's Challenge
Opening Scene: Morning Training
Luo Feng wakes up early and begins his daily training. He practices the Basic Breathing Technique, focusing on absorbing spiritual energy from the environment.
Granny Wen watches from a distance, offering guidance:
"Focus on your breath, child. Feel the energy around you, like a gentle breeze. Let it flow into your body and gather in your dantian."
Luo Feng struggles at first, but with Granny Wen's encouragement, he begins to feel subtle warmth in his chest. This is the first sign of spiritual energy entering his body.
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The Amulet's Guidance
As Luo Feng continues his practice, the black jade amulet begins to glow faintly. The glow synchronizes with his breathing, guiding him to absorb energy more efficiently.
Granny Wen explains:
"The amulet is a treasure, child. It enhances your connection to spiritual energy and helps you cultivate faster. But remember, true power comes from your own effort."
Luo Feng feels a surge of energy flowing through his meridians, completing his first cultivation cycle.
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The Clan's Mockery
Luo Feng decides to test his newfound strength by practicing the Body Refinement Technique. He performs a series of martial arts moves, channeling spiritual energy to enhance his speed and strength.
Luo Chen and his gang arrive, mocking Luo Feng:
"Look at the monster, pretending to be a cultivator! Let's see how strong you really are!"
Luo Feng remains calm, focusing on the energy flowing through his body.
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The Sparring Match
Luo Chen challenges Luo Feng to a formal sparring match in front of the entire clan. The other disciples gather around, eager to see Luo Feng humiliated.
Luo Feng hesitates, knowing that Luo Chen is stronger and more experienced. However, the memory of his victory in the forest gives him confidence. He accepts the challenge, saying:
"I may not look like much, but I won't back down from a fight."
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The Battle
The match begins, and Luo Chen attacks with a series of quick, aggressive strikes. Luo Feng uses the Body Refinement Technique to enhance his speed and agility, dodging Luo Chen's attacks with ease.
Luo Chen grows frustrated and channels his spiritual energy into a powerful technique called Flaming Fist. His fists glow with a fiery aura as he launches a barrage of punches at Luo Feng.
Luo Feng counters with the Asura's Wrath Technique, channeling the energy from the black jade amulet into his strikes. The two techniques collide, creating a shockwave that sends both fighters flying.
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The Turning Point
Luo Feng lands on his feet, his body trembling from the impact. He feels a surge of energy flowing through him, stronger than anything he has experienced before. The amulet glows brightly, guiding his movements.
Luo Chen, however, is not so lucky. He crashes to the ground, his body bruised and battered. He struggles to stand, his pride shattered.
The other disciples watch in stunned silence, unable to believe what they have just witnessed. Luo Feng, the outcast, has defeated the young master of the Luo Clan.
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Granny Wen's Wisdom
After the match, Granny Wen approaches Luo Feng with a proud smile. She tells him:
"You have shown great courage today, child. But remember, true strength is not just about defeating others. It is about understanding yourself and your place in the world."
She then gives Luo Feng a spiritual pill made from the Golden Spirit Grass he collected in the forest. The pill enhances his cultivation, helping him reach the peak of the Qi Gathering Stage.
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Foreshadowing the Future
That night, Luo Feng dreams of the golden serpent again. This time, the serpent speaks to him:
"You have passed another trial, child. But the journey has only just begun. The path ahead will be difficult, but with perseverance, you will achieve greatness."
The dream ends with Luo Feng standing on a vast, starry plain, the serpent coiled around him like a protector.