Chapter 48: The Inescapable Fate

As the breath of the lifeline flowed, Dustin Li discerned that this outer sect elder was somewhat weaker than Seth Lu and Hezekiah, likely at the early stage of Spiritual Refinement. The exact level was difficult to determine, but he could feel the difference. The great realm was meticulously divided into nine levels, each more challenging than the last.

The first three levels constituted the early stage, the middle three formed the middle stage, and the final three comprised the later stages. The final leap—the transition to the ninth level—marked a clear watershed in strength.

In the realm of Energy Gathering, the third level was merely the peak of the early stage, where the internal energy was powerful but still not fully refined. The fourth level marked a qualitative shift, where the internal energy turned into a liquid state—this was the true middle stage. Masters of the Martial Path were rare in Xandoria County, but the Salmoris Outer Sect had many such individuals. Elders from the outer sect were often skilled masters in the realm of Spiritual Refinement.

At the peak of Spiritual Refinement, a powerful master, like the sect leader Seth Lu, was considered a grandmaster. The inner sect disciples, however, all cultivated within the Innate realm, and their law guardians were typically at the Spiritual Refinement level.

Dustin Li had learned from Maeve that these inner sect disciples were all cultivators in the Innate realm, with the law guardians being Spiritual Refinement masters. The teaching elders focused on imparting martial skills, internal cultivation techniques, and various combat strategies. Maeve, being older and wiser in her cultivation path, had learned a great deal from such teachings, and now she was ready to resume her training.

"I have reached the Energy Gathering realm before, but due to the Fire Yang Dead Vein, my cultivation stagnated. Now that it's gone, I must catch up with my progress," Maeve said with a smile, winking at Dustin Li mischievously. "You may be younger, but I can't fall behind in cultivation."

Despite not revealing her cultivation level to Dustin Li, Maeve's level was not hidden from his discerning eyes. Through his connection with the lifeline, Dustin Li could easily tell she was at the fifth level of Energy Gathering. At twenty-one years old, Maeve was close to the critical age of twenty-five, where the chance to enter the inner sect would be lost if she didn't break through to the Innate realm.

Dustin Li had heard about Maeve's extraordinary progress as a child, where she reached the Energy Gathering realm by age ten, the seventh level by thirteen, and the ninth level by eighteen. However, after encountering the Endless Vein, her progress stalled, and her cultivation regressed to the second level. She left Xandoria County for Novaridge Martial Palace for four years, the reasons for which she never disclosed.

On the way back, Dustin Li was interrupted by two young men. One of them, a dark-haired youth, sneered as he approached.

"You're Dustin Li, the one who topped the entry test?" he asked, his tone dripping with disdain.

Dustin Li frowned. "What do you want?"

The young man in white, standing by his side, remained aloof, giving Dustin Li an imperious look. "Just wanted to inform you to stay away from Miss Lu," the dark-haired youth said with a sly smile.

Dustin Li had anticipated this. His association with Maeve had already made him a target. He had retreated to cultivate in isolation for a while, but the moment he stepped out, others were quick to challenge him.

"It's none of your business," Dustin Li replied coldly.

In the Outer Sect of Salmoris, fights between disciples were not uncommon. The strong dominated, and if there was enough animosity, they could request a deathmatch where life and death were determined in the arena.

"You're so arrogant," the dark-haired youth muttered as his smile vanished, his expression turning cold. "Being first in the entry test doesn't mean much. You're just a second-level Energy Gathering cultivator. You're at the bottom of Salmoris."

Dustin Li sneered. "And you're just a sixth-level Energy Gathering cultivator. You're no better."

Through his perception of lifeline energy, Dustin Li could tell the young man in black was at the sixth level of Energy Gathering. While this was a significant achievement for many, to Dustin Li, who had faced stronger foes, it was no more than a minor challenge. His own cultivation had reached the third level of Energy Gathering, and his martial skills and techniques had improved significantly.

The dark-haired youth's face darkened with fury. "You're asking for it."

At that, he moved, delivering a powerful strike. His Thunderbolt Fist—a fifth-tier martial technique—crackled with lightning-like energy, and the air vibrated with power.

Dustin Li was faster. Without hesitation, he used the Quick Sword Art's force-generating technique, striking like a lightning bolt.

"Slap!" A loud noise echoed as his hand connected with the young man's face. The dark-haired youth was knocked off his feet, spinning through the air before crashing to the ground.

Nearby disciples, watching the scene unfold, murmured in awe. "That was fast—he's the first in the entry test, and now we see why."

The young man in white, known as "Young Master Yun," was taken aback by Dustin Li's swift actions. He had expected the confrontation to be easy but was now faced with a formidable opponent.

Dustin Li continued walking without a second glance at his fallen adversary. "Move out of my way."

Young Master Yun, enraged by the humiliation of watching his companion fall, summoned a sword of energy. With a battle cry, he unleashed his attack, his sword style majestic and intense.

"Soaring Dragon Style!" Dustin Li sidestepped, leaving behind only an afterimage. With a rapid motion, he countered, his fists like a dragon soaring into the sky, crashing against Yun's energy sword.

The energy clash was fierce, but Young Master Yun stumbled back. His perfect Liantian swordsmanship, honed to mastery, faltered against Dustin Li's quick movements.

Dustin Li's power didn't just lie in speed but in his ability to read the flaws of his opponent's moves and exploit them. After exchanging blows, Yun took several steps back, his expression darkened. He had expected to dominate but was forced to retreat.

In the crowd, murmurs spread: "This Dustin Li… is a monster. To push Yun back… he's only at the third level of Energy Gathering!"

As the crowd gathered, the fallen dark-haired youth—Mack.

A follower of Young Master lester—rose, seething with anger. "You think you've won? I'll show you what it means to mess with me."

He charged forward, his body glowing with energy. However, before he could land a blow, Dustin Li struck once again—without moving. A swift kick sent Mack flying across the air, leaving him writhing in pain.

"You're not worth my time," Dustin Li remarked indifferently as he turned his attention back to Young Master Yun.

The onlookers whispered in disbelief. "To be able to defeat someone at the seventh level with such ease... this is unreal."

Furious, Young Master Yun unleashed his full energy. "You won't get away with this, Dustin!" His challenge was clear: "I'm calling you out to the death stage."

Dustin Li narrowed his eyes. The death stage, where disciples settled scores for real, was a place where one either fell or triumphed.

"Do you dare?" Yun's voice rang out with menace.

Dustin Li's response was simple: "Why wouldn't I?" He accepted the challenge without hesitation.

He knew that in a world where power ruled, the only way to ascend was through battle. There could be no mercy, no hesitation—only victory or death. This was the inevitable fate of anyone who sought to become strong.