The First Fight

The roar of the crowd faded behind me as I stepped into the arena's center. The heavy air was thick with anticipation, and my heart hammered fiercely in my chest.

Across from me stood the beast—a massive boar, its bristled fur coarse and eyes burning with wild fury. Steam curled from its nostrils as it pawed the earth, preparing to charge.

No cultivated qi flared around me. No grand techniques.

Just the body I had been forging day by day with the True Martial Body.

The beast lunged with terrifying speed.

I dropped low, rolling beneath its snapping jaws, feeling the rush of air as they slammed shut behind me. I sprang to my feet, launching a solid punch into its flank. The impact jarred my bones, but I held firm.

The boar swung its tusks, grazing my arm. Pain shot through me, but I grit my teeth and pressed on.

Every dodge, every strike, every breath was raw, primal survival.

Drawing on the months of grueling body tempering—the thickened skin, the hardened muscles—I matched the beast's ferocity with sheer stubbornness.

With a roar of my own, I struck the boar's shoulder, sending it stumbling.

It charged slower now.

Seizing the moment, I grabbed a fallen branch, tripping the creature. It crashed down hard.

Without hesitation, I delivered a final barrage of blows until it lay still.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Breath ragged, I barely registered the elder's nod as he approached and handed me a small vial.

"The lowest grade Body Refining Pill. Your reward."

I bowed, clutching the vial with trembling hands.

The sun climbed high as the crowd dispersed. Muscles aching, chest swelling with a fierce new pride, I made my way back to my room.