The Sparring Challenge

Now, it was time to see how far he had come.

As he stepped into the sparring ring, the onlookers whispered among themselves.

Who was this young outsider?

And could he match a disciple of the White Tiger Clan?

The moment Luo Zheng stepped into the sparring ring, a tense energy spread through the watching disciples. The training ground, an open circular space paved with smooth stone, was surrounded by eager White Tiger Clan members, curious about the young outsider's abilities.

Luo Zheng's opponent, Bai Heng, was a well-built disciple with a scar across his cheek and sharp, confident eyes. His presence radiated strength, and from the way he carried himself, it was clear he was an experienced fighter.

Bai Xue stood at the edge of the ring, acting as the referee. "This is a friendly spar. No lethal attacks, but holding back is not necessary. Begin!"

The moment the word left her lips, Bai Heng exploded forward, his body a blur of motion.

Boom!

His fist came crashing toward Luo Zheng like a hammer. Luo Zheng reacted instantly, twisting his body to the side, narrowly dodging the attack. The sheer force of Bai Heng's strike cracked the ground where Luo Zheng had been standing just moments ago.

He's fast and strong! Luo Zheng thought, his muscles tensing.

Not giving Luo Zheng time to counter, Bai Heng unleashed a flurry of rapid punches, each carrying the ferocity of a tiger's strike. Luo Zheng bobbed and weaved, his instincts guiding him as he narrowly evaded each blow

Suddenly, Bai Heng spun on his heel, delivering a powerful kick aimed at Luo Zheng's ribs.

Luo Zheng lifted his arm to block—

Thud!

The impact sent a shockwave through his bones, forcing him back several steps.

He's just a little weaker than me in raw strength, but his technique is refined, Luo Zheng analyzed.

Bai Heng smirked. "You're fast, but let's see how you handle this!"

Suddenly, his spiritual energy surged. The air around him trembled as his fists glowed with a faint, white energy—White Tiger Energy.

Luo Zheng's eyes narrowed. So he's finally using his true power.

Bai Heng roared and dashed forward, his energy-infused fist shooting forward like a cannonball.

Luo Zheng responded instantly.

He stepped into the attack instead of dodging.

Just as Bai Heng's punch neared, Luo Zheng's foot twisted slightly, shifting his stance. His left hand deflected Bai Heng's incoming fist at an angle, while his right shot forward like a spear, targeting Bai Heng's exposed shoulder.

BAM!

Bai Heng staggered back, eyes wide in shock. Luo Zheng's counterattack had disrupted his balance.

The crowd gasped.

Bai Heng's eyes flashed with determination. He regained his stance and rushed forward again, this time unleashing a Tiger Claw Strike, his fingers curved like claws, aiming for Luo Zheng's chest.

Luo Zheng reacted instantly.

He leaned back just enough to avoid the strike, feeling Bai Heng's fingers graze the fabric of his clothes. Then, with a burst of power, he launched himself forward.

His fist shot out like lightning—

"Meteor Strike!"

BOOM!

Luo Zheng's fist connected with Bai Heng's abdomen, sending a shockwave rippling through the air. Bai Heng's feet skidded backward, leaving deep marks in the stone floor as he struggled to stay upright.

He gritted his teeth, his breath heavy. His eyes locked onto Luo Zheng, but after a moment—he let out a slow exhale and relaxed his stance.

"…I concede."

Silence fell over the training ground before the White Tiger disciples erupted in cheers and murmurs.

"Did you see that?! His counterattacks are too sharp!"

Bai Heng's one of our stronger disciples, but that outsider matched him blow for blow!"

Bai Xue nodded approvingly. "That was a solid victory."

Luo Zheng took a deep breath, his body pulsing with excitement. The fight had been short but intense.

Bai Heng walked up to him and extended a hand. "You're strong. I haven't fought someone like you in a while."

Luo Zheng clasped his hand firmly. "You're strong too. I can see why you're respected here."

Bai Heng chuckled. "You should stay a little longer. There's a lot you could learn from our techniques."

Luo Zheng nodded, considering the idea. The White Tiger Clan held strong warriors, and their battle techniques were fierce and well-refined. Perhaps staying for a few more days wouldn't be a bad idea…

As he looked around at the gathered disciples, a thought crossed his mind—

Luo Zheng then went to his room and rested for a day, After some chatting with bai xue the next day, Bai xue told luo zheng that if he wanted the white tiger clan's fighting techniques, he must defeat the three powerful disciples of the white tiger clan, 

Luo Zheng thought about it for a while and then agreed, if Luo Zheng could find a powerful fight technique in the White Tiger Clan, he would be able to face more powerful enemies and survive as well,

Luo Zheng then headed towards the White Tiger Clan's arena, 

Luo Zheng stood at the center of the White Tiger Clan's vast martial arena, his gaze fixed on the grand stone platform where the elders sat. Before him, a large inscription glowed on the ground, marking the official dueling stage.

Dozens of disciples stood in the surrounding area, murmuring among themselves. Some watched with mild curiosity, while others regarded him with open hostility.

A voice boomed from the platform above.

"The rules are simple," an elder announced. "Defeat three of our disciples, and you will have the right to choose one technique from our White Tiger Clan's treasury. If you fail, you leave with nothing."

Luo Zheng remained silent, his expression calm. He already knew this wouldn't be easy. The White Tiger Clan had many skilled warriors, and as an outsider, he had no allies here.

An elder gestured toward the first challenger.

"Step forward."

From the crowd, a young warrior leaped onto the stage. He was tall and muscular, with a confident smirk. His arms bore faint scars, likely from past battles.

"My name is Bai Ling," the man said, cracking his knuckles. "I'll be your first opponent. Let's see if you even deserve to be here."

Luo Zheng unsheathed his sword, gripping it tightly.

Begin

Bai Ling wasted no time, dashing forward with a sudden burst of speed. His fists shimmered with a faint white glow, a sign of internal energy coursing through his limbs.

Luo Zheng stepped back, narrowly dodging the first strike. The ground where he had just stood cracked under Bai Ling's force.

Without hesitation, Luo Zheng countered with a swift horizontal slash.

Bai Ling raised his arm in defense, and the blade met his skin with a sharp clang—his body was reinforced with a technique that hardened his flesh like stone.

"You think you can cut me?" Bai Ling laughed, throwing a heavy punch toward Luo Zheng's ribs.

Luo Zheng twisted his body, dodging the attack and delivering a precise kick to Bai Ling's knee. The impact staggered him, creating an opening.

Taking advantage of the moment, Luo Zheng adjusted his stance and thrust his sword forward.

The blade pierced Bai Ling's shoulder, forcing him back.

Bai Ling growled in frustration, blood dripping down his arm. He clenched his fists, but the elders raised their hands.

"Enough! The first match goes to Luo Zheng."

Bai Ling's face darkened, but he accepted his loss and stepped down.

Luo Zheng exhaled, keeping his breathing steady. 

His next opponent stepped forward.

Qiao Shan was a lean fighter, dressed in light armor. His movements were fluid, his eyes sharp.

"I specialize in speed," he said. "Let's see if you can keep up."

The moment the elder signaled the start, Qiao Shan vanished.

Luo Zheng's instincts screamed danger.

A shadow flickered behind him.

Reacting instantly, he spun around, raising his sword just in time to deflect a lightning-fast kick. The impact sent vibrations up his arm.

Qiao Shan didn't stop. His movements were relentless, appearing from unpredictable angles and launching rapid strikes.

Luo Zheng's defenses were being tested.

If I focus too much on defense, I'll lose.

Gritting his teeth, Luo Zheng changed tactics. He deliberately left an opening.

Qiao Shan took the bait, lunging forward.

At that moment, Luo Zheng pivoted, twisting his body mid-air and slashing downward with full force.

A sharp cut appeared on Qiao Shan's chest.

The speed fighter froze, eyes widening in shock.

Then, he staggered back and fell to one knee.

Winner, Luo Zheng!" an elder declared.

The crowd murmured. Two victories in a row—it was unexpected.

But Luo Zheng knew the real challenge had just begun.

The final opponent stepped forward.

Bai Wei.

Unlike the others, Bai Wei was calm. He was slightly older, his posture firm and disciplined.

"You've done well," Bai Wei admitted. "But this is where it ends."

The elder raised his hand.

"Begin!"

Luo Zheng barely had time to react.

Bai Wei's sword flashed like a bolt of lightning, striking at an impossible speed.

Luo Zheng blocked, but the impact sent a shock through his body. Bai Wei's strength was immense, his strikes refined.

Luo Zheng countered with a downward slash, but Bai Wei effortlessly sidestepped, responding with a precise thrust toward Luo Zheng's shoulder.

A sharp pain erupted as Bai Wei's sword grazed his skin, drawing blood.

He's faster and stronger…

Luo Zheng tightened his grip on his sword.

He couldn't afford to hold back.

Summoning all his strength, Luo Zheng shifted his stance and attacked with a relentless barrage of strikes.

Their swords clashed, sparks flying in all directions.

Bai Wei parried each attack with expert precision, but Luo Zheng noticed something—

A pattern.

Bai Wei always deflected to the right.

Luo Zheng suddenly changed his movement, twisting his sword at an unexpected angle.

Bai Wei's eyes widened as the blade grazed his side.

Taking the opportunity, Luo Zheng delivered a forceful palm strike to Bai Wei's chest.

Bai Wei staggered back, his balance breaking.

Without hesitation, Luo Zheng raised his sword for the finishing blow.

But at the last moment, Bai Wei smirked.

His energy surged.

A powerful shockwave burst from his body, sending Luo Zheng flying backward.

Luo Zheng hit the ground hard, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

He struggled to his feet, his vision spinning.

Bai Wei was already charging toward him, ready to end the match.

Luo Zheng steadied himself, raising his sword.

He had one last chance.

As Bai Wei's attack neared, Luo Zheng focused all his strength into one decisive strike.

Their swords met in a final, thunderous clash.

A deafening silence followed.

Then, Bai Wei's sword cracked.

Luo Zheng's attack had been stronger.

With a grunt, Bai Wei dropped his weapon and fell to one knee.

The arena was dead silent.

Then, the elder stood.

"Luo Zheng is victorious!"

The White Tiger disciples watched in shock as Luo Zheng, battered and bloodied, remained standing.

He had won.

Barely.

Luo Zheng exhaled, his body trembling from exhaustion.

His journey was far from over.

But today, he had earned his place.

And soon, he would claim his reward.

Luo Zheng stood victorious but battered, his body trembling from exhaustion. His breath came in ragged gasps as blood dripped from a cut on his shoulder, and his arms felt like lead after his final clash with Bai Wei.

Bai Xue was the first to step forward from the stunned crowd. "That was reckless," she said, her voice laced with concern as she approached him. "Come with me."

Luo Zheng didn't argue. His vision wavered slightly as the adrenaline faded, and he felt the deep ache of his wounds settling in. Bai Xue grabbed his arm gently and led him away from the training grounds, through a stone-paved corridor that led to the inner residence of the White Tiger Clan.

The disciples who had watched the fight stepped aside, some nodding in respect, while others still looked skeptical. Luo Zheng had proven himself, but he was still an outsider.

They arrived at a quiet chamber. Bai Xue helped him sit on a soft mat and handed him a small jade bottle. "These are recovery pills. Take one now, and the rest later."

Luo Zheng took the bottle without hesitation. He opened it and found three small golden pills inside. The medicinal scent was strong, and he could tell they were high-quality healing pills. He placed one in his mouth and swallowed. Warmth spread through his body as the pill dissolved, hastening the healing of his wounds.

Bai Xue sat across from him, watching him closely. "You did well today," she admitted. "Few outsiders could have defeated Bai Wei. But that last attack… you nearly collapsed."

Luo Zheng smirked slightly. "Victory is what matters."

Bai Xue sighed. "Stubborn."

After a moment of silence, Luo Zheng leaned back against the wall. "The White Tiger Clan has powerful techniques. Now that I've won, I can choose one, right?"

She nodded. "Yes. When you're strong enough, having the right technique can make all the difference. Once you recover, I'll take you to the technique hall."

Luo Zheng closed his eyes and focused on absorbing the pill's effects. His wounds were already starting to heal, but he would need at least a day before he could move freely again.

The White Tiger Clan's Technique Hall

The next day, Luo Zheng felt significantly better. His injuries were not fully healed, but he could move without discomfort. Bai Xue guided him to the White Tiger Clan's Fighting Technique Hall—a grand stone building filled with ancient scrolls and manuals. The air was thick with a lingering aura of powerful martial artists who had once stood here.

Inside, an elder stood near a large stone tablet, his sharp eyes scanning Luo Zheng as he entered.

Bai Xue stepped forward. "Elder Mu, Luo Zheng has earned the right to choose a technique."

The elder, Mu Qing, gave a slow nod. "Very well. Step forward and place your hand on the selection tablet."

Luo Zheng did as instructed. The moment his palm touched the tablet, golden inscriptions lit up. Several technique names appeared before him, written in ancient script.

—White Tiger Claw Art

—Raging Tiger Step

—Tiger Shadow Blade

—Fierce Fang Strike

Each of these techniques belonged to the White Tiger Clan, and all were powerful in their own right. Luo Zheng carefully considered his choice.

Finally, his gaze locked onto one technique—Tiger Shadow Blade.

It was a movement-based sword technique, focusing on swift, unpredictable strikes while using momentum to overwhelm an opponent. Given Luo Zheng's fighting style, it seemed like the best fit.

He pressed his hand against the name. The stone tablet shone, and a scroll materialized in front of him.

Mu Qing nodded approvingly. "An excellent choice."

Luo Zheng took the scroll and bowed slightly. "Thank you."

Leaving the White Tiger Clan

Luo Zheng stayed in the White Tiger Clan for one more day, using that time to study the Tiger Shadow Blade technique. But he knew that if he wanted to reach the Marrow Stage of Body Refinement, he needed more than just techniques—he needed a secluded place to cultivate and the right pills to aid his breakthrough.

He bid farewell to Bai Xue and left the White Tiger Clan, heading toward the vast wilderness beyond.