Chapter 15: The Dueling Platform

 with a clarity reserved for momentous days. Crimson and gold spilled across the horizon like a banner of war, and the inner courtyard buzzed with anticipation.

At the heart of it all stood the Outer Ring Dueling Platform—a wide circle of smooth jade tiles, inscribed with faint formation lines that shimmered with defensive runes and qi-containment spells. It was a place meant to test talent and resolve, and today, it had become a crucible for fate.

Lin Feng stood alone at the edge of the platform, robes simple, back straight. The light breeze tugged at his sleeves, but his eyes—calm and unyielding—were fixed ahead.

Dozens of disciples lined the perimeter, whispering and pointing. Most of them had written him off as a temporary phenomenon, a bug in the system of cultivation that would soon be squashed beneath the boot of reality.

But others watched with wariness—those who had seen the spark of something dangerous and unpredictable in him.

Above, the seated elders and Inner Disciples observed from a shaded terrace. Among them was Elder Jian, arms crossed and expression unreadable, and Xu Qingling, who sat with her chin resting in her palm, eyes narrowed with subtle amusement.

The platform's outer array pulsed with energy.

A voice rang out across the field—measured, official.

"By decree of the Mistwind Sect, the challenges for entry into the Inner Disciple Trials will now commence. Lin Feng, as the challenged, you will face your opponents in succession unless otherwise unable."

Lin Feng exhaled slowly.

Let it begin.

Challenge One: Mu Jian (Qi Condensation Stage 4)

Mu Jian stepped onto the platform, a wiry youth with a sneer stretched across his face.

"Don't worry, cripple," he said, drawing his blade with a flourish. "I'll make it quick."

Lin Feng offered no reply.

The array flared.

Mu Jian lunged, sword like a serpent. His movements were clean—well-practiced. For most, they would be difficult to follow.

Lin Feng moved like smoke.

He weaved past the thrust, planted his foot, and struck Mu Jian squarely in the ribs with a burst of concentrated qi. The other disciple tumbled backward and slid across the jade surface, coughing blood.

Silence.

"Mu Jian is unable to continue. Lin Feng is victorious."

One breath.

One strike.

The whispers began to shift.

Challenge Two: Li Ru (Qi Condensation Stage 5)

A tall, broad-shouldered disciple with an earth affinity, Li Ru charged in with brute force, encasing his fists in thick stone gauntlets.

Lin Feng activated Flowing Wind Step—a footwork technique he had earned during a system quest three days prior. His movements became like water around rocks, impossible to grasp.

He darted in, struck three pressure points, and pivoted out of range.

Li Ru roared and charged again—only to find his legs numb.

He collapsed face-first.

"Li Ru is unable to continue. Lin Feng wins."

Two down.

Challenge Three: Zhou Wei (Qi Condensation Stage 5)

Zhou Wei was faster. Sharper. He fought with dual daggers and a technique that blurred his form.

Lin Feng had no choice but to draw a technique from his system inventory.

[Skill Activated: Astral Blooming Palm – Rank: Rare]

He unleashed it mid-dodge, sending a ripple of starlight-infused force outward. It collided with Zhou Wei's strike, shattered it, and sent the disciple reeling.

Zhou Wei fell to one knee, clutching his shoulder.

He surrendered without another word.

By the time the seventh duel ended, sweat lined Lin Feng's brow. His breathing was measured, but fatigue was starting to creep in. Even with the system's enhancement and refined control, he was fighting successive battles without rest.

The audience had grown quiet. There was awe now—hesitation. No one could deny it.

Lin Feng was not just surviving.

He was dominating.

Then came the final challenger.

The only one whose name had been marked in red ink on the jade slip.

Jin Taro – Foundation Establishment Stage One.

A ripple ran through the spectators. Foundation Establishment! An honorary outer disciple with noble ties, someone who had never taken official trials because of his family's patronage.

And more importantly—someone Lin Feng couldn't possibly beat.

Right?

The man stepped onto the platform slowly. He was older—perhaps twenty—his presence heavier than any Lin Feng had faced. Clad in elegant black robes with golden trim, Jin Taro wore his confidence like armor.

"You've had your fun," he said. "But this is where it ends."

Lin Feng adjusted his stance but said nothing.

Inside, his mind raced. The gap between Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment was not just a step—it was a chasm.

The moment the duel started, Lin Feng would be at a disadvantage.

Unless…

He opened his interface in a blink of thought.

[Emergency Quest: Overcome a Foundation Stage Opponent]

Reward: Breakthrough Opportunity – Qi Condensation Stage 6]

Accept?

Yes.

[Accepted.]

Temporary Buff Activated: Reflexes +50%, Perception +30%, Qi Recovery +20% (10 minutes)]

The formation flared.

Jin Taro moved with terrifying speed, palm glowing with pure spiritual energy. He launched a direct strike toward Lin Feng's chest—a blow that would shatter his bones.

But Lin Feng was already moving.

Astral Perception activated. He saw the qi threads in the air shift as the attack came. He slid sideways at the last second, grazing the edge of the blast.

The impact cracked the jade tiles.

Cheers and gasps echoed.

Lin Feng used the moment of overextension to retaliate—Blooming Palm glowing with condensed astral force.

It landed clean on Jin Taro's side.

He grunted, eyes narrowing.

"A decent hit," he admitted. "But not enough."

He unleashed a wave of spiritual pressure. Lin Feng dropped to one knee, struggling to breathe. The difference in stage was real. Tangible.

His vision blurred.

[Breakthrough Opportunity Triggered.]

The system roared to life within him.

Qi surged violently. His dantian expanded, spinning wildly as spiritual energy raced through his body like a tempest. His meridians groaned under the pressure, but he endured it.

Then—

[Qi Condensation Stage 6 – Achieved.]

Lin Feng stood again, eyes glowing faintly. His aura had changed. Sharpened.

He charged.

What followed was a clash of pure will.

Fist met palm.

Qi met qi.

And in a final, explosive strike, Lin Feng unleashed everything in a single blow—the system's strength, his rising cultivation, and his own determination.

Jin Taro reeled backward, blood on his lips.

Then, with narrowed eyes, he gave a single nod—and stepped off the platform.

A collective gasp followed.

Surrender?

No. Recognition.

"Jin Taro has forfeited. Lin Feng is the victor."

The crowd was stunned.

The elders whispered amongst themselves.

Elder Jian stood slowly. "With ten consecutive victories," he said, voice amplified, "Lin Feng is granted official access to the Inner Disciple Trials."

Cheers erupted, louder than before.

But Lin Feng barely heard them.

He was still staring at his hands, his body trembling from strain. He had crossed a threshold today—of strength, of recognition, and of fate.

But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.

The system's warning still echoed in his bones.

You are the Fifth. The last. Do not fail.