Chapter 5: The Library

Maddox Lu sneered, his confidence radiating arrogance. "Hah! You think I'm afraid to fight back? I, Maddox Lu, will show you just how vast the gap is between the fourth and fifth levels of Body Refinement!"

Like Miguel Hui, Maddox had thrown his lot in with Jude Zhang, hoping to earn a place in the intermediate class under the Zhang family's patronage. Many students followed the same path, knowing their martial talent was mediocre at best. The intermediate class was their ceiling—advancement to the elite ranks was a pipe dream. But even after graduation, serving the Zhang family promised security and status.

That was why Maddox and Miguel had worked so hard to block Dustin Li from entering the library. They saw him as an easy target, a nobody who could be pushed around to gain favor.

Their commotion had drawn a crowd of students eager to enter the library. Whispers filled the air, a mix of concern and anticipation.

"Maddox Lu is a fifth-level body refiner in the intermediate class. Dustin Li's only in the elementary class. How can he possibly resist?"

A loud crack rang out.

Maddox Lu's fist met Dustin Li's open palm—and in that instant, Maddox froze. His face drained of color, his lips trembling as a sharp, agonized scream tore from his throat. He staggered back, his right arm hanging limp, his hand grotesquely misshapen. Bones shattered.

"Maddox!" Miguel Hui's expression twisted in shock. He hadn't expected his companion—a full level above Dustin Li—to be crushed so easily.

Maddox writhed in pain, his body convulsing from the sheer agony of his broken hand.

Dustin Li remained expressionless. "Breaking the Martial Hall's rules and blocking my entrance to the library—you brought this on yourself."

His cold gaze shifted to Miguel Hui. "Do you still want to stop me?"

Though Miguel was technically stronger, an unsettling chill crawled up his spine under Dustin's stare. He barely recognized the boy in front of him. Dustin Li had changed—become something else.

But Miguel had Jude Zhang behind him. That thought steadied his nerves. With a furious snarl, he roared, "Dustin Li, you dare?! Not only do you try to force your way into the library, but you also injure a fellow student? I'll cripple you myself!"

Miguel lunged, his fist enveloped in a swirling aura of refined qi. Unlike Maddox, he didn't intend to underestimate his opponent. He unleashed his full strength from the start.

"A second-rank martial skill!" someone in the crowd murmured. "How will Dustin Li defend against that?"

"Maddox must've lost because he got careless," another speculated. "Miguel won't make the same mistake."

"The strength of a fifth-level body refiner is monstrous. If Dustin takes a direct hit, he'll either die or be crippled!"

Dustin met Miguel's charge head-on. His roar echoed through the courtyard. "Get out of my way!"

He used the same martial technique—Reckless Bull Fist. But this time, no one dared call it reckless.

The two fists collided.

CRACK!

Miguel's scream tore through the air.

He staggered back, clutching his shattered hand, his face twisted in agony. The moment his bones broke, the pain was so intense that his legs nearly gave out.

Silence gripped the spectators.

"Maddox and Miguel… both at the fifth level… both defeated…"

"How the hell is Dustin Li's fist so strong?"

"Reckless Bull Fist is just a first-rank technique. How did he overpower a second-rank martial skill?"

The whispers only deepened the tension. No one could explain what had just happened.

Dustin stepped forward. "Are you still going to stop me?"

Maddox and Miguel, clutching their ruined hands, stumbled back in fear.

Miguel gritted his teeth. "Dustin Li… you think this is over? You dare offend Young Master Zhang? You'll regret this!"

Dustin scoffed. I'm the arrogant one? Weren't you the ones acting like tyrants first?

His voice was cold. "Get out of my way, or I'll break your other hand."

"You—"

"Enough noise."

Dustin lashed out with a kick.

Miguel and Maddox scrambled aside, barely avoiding his strike. Dustin didn't give them another glance as he strode toward the library doors.

Seated cross-legged before the entrance was an old man with flowing white hair and a beard. Throughout the entire altercation, he had kept his eyes shut, unmoved.

The unspoken rule of the Martial Hall was clear—survival of the fittest. Unless a student was killed, the elders would not interfere.

Dustin's gaze sharpened as he observed the old man. A powerful, vibrant blue light emanated from his lifeline.

An Innate Realm master…

Dustin's breath hitched slightly. The energy radiating from this elder far surpassed that of Teacher Maeve, an Energy Gathering cultivator.

He lowered his head in respect. "Junior student Dustin Li greets the elder. I have reached the fourth level of Body Refinement and wish to enter the library to select a second-rank martial skill."

The elder finally opened his eyes, glanced at Dustin, and gave a small nod. "Go in."

"Thank you, Elder."

Without another word, Dustin stepped through the doors.

Inside, towering shelves lined with ancient scrolls and tomes stretched into the distance. It was said the highest-ranking martial arts stored here reached the legendary fourth rank—treasures only the finest students could access.

For now, Dustin was limited to the first floor, where first- and second-rank techniques were stored. He could select one internal technique, one martial art, and one movement technique.

He scanned the shelves.

Internal Techniques: Most were first-rank, but among the few second-rank options, Tendon-Elevating and Bone-Building Art caught his eye.

Martial Arts: He needed something powerful yet practical. His choice—Dragon Tiger Fist. It was renowned for its explosive strength, a top-tier second-rank technique.

Movement Skills: He settled on Inch Step, a nimble technique for quick, precise footwork.

As he finalized his selections, a soft, familiar voice called his name.

"Dustin Li?"

He turned to see a girl in a flowing blue dress watching him.

"Miss Liu." He smiled politely.

Emery Liu had once been the object of his admiration. But back then, she had been a sixth-level refiner, while he had been stuck at the second level. She had seemed untouchable. Now, standing before her, he felt none of the nervousness he once had.

Emery looked at him curiously. "You're already at the fourth level? Just a few days ago, you were only at the second."

He chuckled. "Just lucky, I suppose."

Her smile was gentle. "The assessment is in three months. If you don't reach the fifth level by then, what's your plan?"

Before he could answer, she continued, "If you have nowhere to go, come to my family's estate. I could arrange for you to be a bodyguard."

Dustin paused. He understood what she meant. She believed he would fail the assessment, and she was offering him a way out.

In the past, he might have considered it.

Now?

He smiled faintly. "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Liu, but I'll pass the assessment."

There was quiet confidence in his voice that made her blink in surprise.

A cold, mocking voice interrupted them.

"You? Reach the fifth level in three months?"

A young man in a white robe stepped forward, his lips curling in disdain.