Lowly Disciple vs Core Disciple

It was nearing noon. The sky above the Qinlin Sect was beginning to brighten completely. White clouds drifted slowly behind the tall mountains, and a cool breeze rustled the pine needles growing on the cliffs surrounding the sect. However, this tranquility contrasted with the fiery atmosphere in the Main Training Arena.

In the center of the arena stood a young man in a dark blue core disciple robe, decorated with silver thread around the edges—a sign of high status among the disciples.

Su Baijun.

His gaze swept around the arena, searching for someone who had yet to appear.

Several disciples had gathered on the circular stone seats surrounding the arena. Among them, the graceful figure of Qin Chang'er sat in the seat of honor, her brows slightly furrowed.

More than an hour had passed. Su Baijun was beginning to lose his patience.

"Huh, as I thought… he's a loser," he muttered, holding his chin high. "If you hadn't shown up, Miss Qin would have been mine. You would have forever been a shadow behind us."

His mocking laughter began to echo.

However, the atmosphere suddenly changed when footsteps entered the arena, accompanied by a firm and cold voice.

"I'm here."

All eyes immediately turned to the voice. A fine dust cloud rose as a young man walked slowly but surely, with strides brimming with confidence.

Lu Xian.

His sharp gaze pierced Su Baijun's.

"And who are you calling a loser? I was only a moment late, and you're already making noise like a starving dog. Are you already scared before the fight even begins?" he continued.

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

"Scared?" Su Baijun snorted. "Just looking at your lowly self makes me feel like a god oppressing a mortal."

"We'll see... who's really the lowly one," Lu Xian replied.

At that moment, a reddish-gold aura began to surround Lu Xian's body. The sound of energy rippling echoed, indicating an unusual power. Some of the watching disciples even gulped.

"Demonic energy? So you're actually using a forbidden power against a core disciple?" Su Baijun sneered. "Foolish."

Without further ado, Su Baijun drew his sword engraved with the Qinlin Sect's symbol. He lunged forward with lightning speed, his sword aimed directly at Lu Xian's face.

However...

CLANG!

The sword was caught with just one hand by Lu Xian. In an instant, Su Baijun's body was thrown like a sack and hit the ground hard with the sword. BRAKKK!

Several disciples exclaimed in surprise. But Su Baijun laughed softly.

"Good... good... This is what I've been waiting for," he said, standing up and brushing the dust off his robes.

His body then rose and floated in the air, his spiritual aura surging sharply.

"The sword is the sacred symbol of the Qinlin Sect. But don't forget, a sword can also devour its own master. Now, I will show you... the ultimate technique of a core disciple!"

Five swords appeared and surrounded his body, each emitting a sharp, sacred light.

"Five Sacred Swords!"

The five swords shot simultaneously toward Lu Xian. He dodged four with swift, fluid movements, but the fifth sword struck his face and cut a gash on his left cheek.

Blood dripped.

Lu Xian wiped it gently.

"So you want to play tricks? Fine," he said calmly. He stabbed his sword into the ground. A golden shield instantly formed, protecting his entire body.

"Hiding behind a shield? Are you at your wits' end?" Su Baijun taunted.

But Lu Xian only smiled faintly.

"It's too early to laugh, Su Baijun."

Suddenly...

Whoosh...

Dozens of blood-red swords shot out from the shield, shooting out at incredible speed. Su Baijun was shocked and tried to dodge, but two of the swords penetrated his defense—one pierced his shoulder, the other his abdomen.

"Cunning Demon Sword Shield."

Su Baijun fell to the ground, his face stiff, blood dripping from the corner of his lips.

But before he could fully recover, Lu Xian dashed forward and struck him in the stomach, sending him flying backwards. Su Baijun lay on the ground, his breathing erratic.

Lu Xian walked slowly, his sword aimed directly at his opponent's face.

"Now tell me... who's the despicable one? A Qi Creation stage brat... or an arrogant, empty-mouthed core disciple?"

The tip of his sword was just an inch from Su Baijun's face.

"Say you surrender, and I'll end this."

But Su Baijun remained silent.

The aura around Lu Xian began to rage. The demonic energy in his body began to churn, growing stronger with his anger. His eyes turned red, and the sound of his aura rippling loudly.

Qin Chang'er stood up in panic.

She jumped into the arena and shouted, "Lu Xian! Stop! I beg you, don't let the demonic energy overwhelm you!"

Su Baijun still had time to taunt, "Lowly brat... can only rely on demonic energy..."

"Shut up! YOU'RE GOING TO DIE!"

Lu Xian raised his sword high. In a split second, it slashed down towards Su Baijun's face.

But...

CLANG!

Qin Chang'er blocked the sword with her own. The sound of the impact echoed throughout the arena.

"LU XIAN!" she cried, her voice trembling. "I beg you... end this fight. The more your emotions escalate, the deeper the demonic energy will grip your soul. You could lose control... lose yourself!"

Lu Xian fell silent. His breathing was heavy, his eyes bloodshot, and his body trembling slightly from the inner struggle against the influence of the dark forces.

Several minutes passed in silence.

Finally, he took a deep breath... then put away his sword.

He stared coldly at Su Baijun.

"This isn't over yet. But I've taught you enough. As for the promise of prostrating yourself five times, I don't want to demand it. But listen carefully... don't ever have anything to do with me again."

Lu Xian then looked at Qin Chang'er.

"Senior Qin... I'm leaving now."

Without looking back, Lu Xian walked slowly out of the arena. His silhouette was swallowed by the hot midday sun. The disciples could only stare in awe as the young man's retreating back—a young man who, despite being only a Qi Creation stage disciple, possessed the strength and determination of a true warrior.

He had won. But for him, the real battle was just beginning.

He knew... his path to becoming the strongest of the strong, the highest of the highest, was still long. But he had already begun. And he wouldn't stop.