Chapter 24: The Unseen Hand

The air in the training grounds was thick with tension. Jiang Cheng stood in the center, his robes fluttering in the wind as disciples formed a wide circle around him. Across from him, a tall, broad-shouldered figure stepped forward—Wei Long, a senior disciple known for his brutal methods.

"You think just because you defeated a few nobodies, you can stand at the top?" Wei Long sneered, cracking his knuckles. "Let me show you the difference between a stray dog and a true disciple!"

Jiang Cheng remained silent, his gaze steady. He had faced countless challenges in his journey so far, but this was different. This wasn't just about proving strength—it was about making a statement.

The First Strike

Wei Long didn't waste time. With a stomp of his foot, he propelled himself forward, his fist cutting through the air like a cannonball. Boom! The ground cracked beneath his force, but Jiang Cheng sidestepped at the last moment, avoiding the attack by mere inches.

"Fast," Jiang Cheng noted internally. But not fast enough.

Before Wei Long could react, Jiang Cheng thrust his palm forward, aiming straight for his opponent's ribs. Pa! The strike connected, sending Wei Long stumbling backward.

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"He actually landed a hit on Senior Wei?"

Wei Long's expression darkened. "You're dead!"

His spiritual energy surged, forming a golden aura around his body. His cultivation was at the Core Formation Realm, a level above Jiang Cheng's current strength. But Jiang Cheng wasn't shaken. He had faced overwhelming odds before.

Wei Long launched himself forward again, this time faster and with more power. His palm strike carried the force of a collapsing mountain, threatening to crush Jiang Cheng where he stood.

The Hidden Power

Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly. Instead of dodging, he lowered his stance and met the attack head-on. Just before impact, he twisted his body, redirecting Wei Long's force past him.

Boom!

Wei Long's strike slammed into the ground, creating a deep crater. Dust filled the air. Before he could recover, Jiang Cheng counterattacked.

Dragon's Fang Strike!

Jiang Cheng's fist, infused with vibrating qi, slammed into Wei Long's chest. A ripple of energy spread outward, and with a shocked gasp, Wei Long was sent flying across the training grounds. He skidded to a stop, coughing violently.

Silence.

Then, an explosion of murmurs.

"Did he just… defeat Wei Long?"

"Impossible! Wei Long is in Core Formation!"

Jiang Cheng slowly lowered his fist. He could feel the eyes of every disciple on him, but he ignored them. This was just the beginning.

An Unseen Enemy

As the excitement settled, an elder in dark robes stepped forward—Elder Mo, his piercing gaze locked onto Jiang Cheng.

"You have skill, but arrogance leads to downfall," Elder Mo said, his voice cold. "Don't think you can break the hierarchy so easily."

Jiang Cheng's eyes narrowed. He could feel it—a killing intent hidden beneath Elder Mo's calm demeanor. This wasn't just a warning. It was a threat.

"I understand, Elder," Jiang Cheng replied, his tone respectful but firm. "Strength determines hierarchy, does it not?"

Elder Mo's lips curled slightly. "Then prove it."

The elder raised his hand, and suddenly, three masked figures appeared beside him. Their robes bore no insignia, but Jiang Cheng could tell—they were assassins.

"Since you're so confident, let's test you," Elder Mo said. "Defeat them, and you can claim your spot."

Jiang Cheng clenched his fists. He had just finished one battle, and now he was being forced into another. But he wasn't afraid.

"Come," he said, taking his stance.

The first assassin vanished from sight, reappearing behind Jiang Cheng with a blade in hand. But Jiang Cheng had already anticipated it. He spun, grabbing the assassin's wrist and twisting. Crack! The assassin screamed as his arm was dislocated.

The second attacker lunged, aiming for Jiang Cheng's throat. Jiang Cheng sidestepped, caught the attacker's elbow, and slammed his knee into their ribs. The assassin coughed blood and collapsed.

The third was smarter. Instead of attacking directly, he unleashed a barrage of qi-infused daggers.

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath. His spiritual energy surged, and with a flick of his fingers—Bang! Bang! Bang!—he deflected each dagger mid-air. The final assassin barely had time to react before Jiang Cheng closed the distance and struck him in the chest with a powerful palm.

The assassin crashed into the ground, unconscious.

A stunned silence fell over the crowd.

A Dangerous Game

Elder Mo's expression remained unreadable, but Jiang Cheng could sense the danger behind his eyes. This wasn't a test—it was a warning.

"Impressive," Elder Mo finally said. "But do not grow complacent. Power is a fleeting thing."

Jiang Cheng held his gaze. "So is authority."

For a moment, the two locked eyes, a silent battle of wills raging between them. Then, Elder Mo turned and walked away.

Jiang Cheng exhaled. This was no longer just about strength. He had just made an enemy in high places.

And he knew—this was only the beginning.

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