The scorching sun baked the earth. The training ground's gravel burned underfoot, and the hot wind carried the stench of scorched air. The stone stage was etched with blade marks, radiating heat, thick with the mingled scent of sweat and smoke.
Lin Yuan stepped onto the stage. His plain robe fluttered in the breeze, and a confident smirk curled at his lips.
His comeback in Yun Town had silenced the petty and the proud. The responsibility of guarding the Heaven Vein scroll had reignited his fighting spirit. With the system in hand, defying heaven was no longer impossible.
So what if I have crippled meridians? Defying fate is the path I choose! Lin Yuan's eyes blazed.
Today, the Lin Clan elders had sent Lin Feng to test the waters over his pendant. But he would sweep the stage and shake the entire Cloud Sect!
At the edge of the arena, Zhang Tie leaned on his iron hammer. His second-stage Qi Trainee aura was wild and brash. He shouted, "Lin Yuan, my brother! That dog Lin Feng dares to challenge you? I'll smash him with my hammer!"
He had stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Lin Yuan back in Yun Town. Fiercely loyal, he showed up without hesitation.
Lin Yuan grinned. "Thanks, Zhang Tie. But Lin Feng is mine. Just enjoy the show!"
Zhang Tie slapped him on the back with a loud laugh. "Alright! Knock all his teeth out!"
Disciples crowded all around, the noise thunderous.
"Why's a blacksmith getting involved?"
"Crippled meridian challenging Lin Feng head-on? Is he insane?"
Lin Feng stood proudly in his embroidered robe, blade glinting with chilling light. A cruel grin stretched across his face. "Lin Yuan, you cripple! Hand over the pendant, and I might spare your worthless life!"
The spectators jeered, "Lin Feng's blade art is unmatched! That cripple is finished!"
Lin Yuan sneered coldly. "Lin Feng, even a cripple can make you kneel. That trashy blade technique? Go home and practice."
"Courting death!" Lin Feng roared. "I'll cut you down where you stand!"
Lin Yuan chuckled lowly, "Swinging at air? The old grandpa at the village gate swings better than you."
Zhang Tie chimed in, "Lin Yuan, crush him! My hammer's itching for round two!"
Lin Yuan mocked again, "That blade technique—what is that? A circus act?"
Laughter broke out among the disciples.
"Damn, that cripple's mouth is vicious!"
Just then, the system's voice popped up, oozing street swagger:
"Yo, host, this arena's like an oven! New mission: Beat Lin Feng down. Reward: Spiritual Power Compression—+50% burst power. You in?"
Lin Yuan smirked. "Let's show him some fireworks. System, what's Lin Feng's weak spot?"
The system's tone turned wicked, "Lin Feng's swordplay is like interpretive dance. Wide open at the right rib. One hit—lights out."
Lin Yuan's fighting spirit ignited. "Good. The path of rebellion starts with you! Think he has a chance at a comeback?"
"Comeback?" the system snorted. "With that IQ, even pigs would disown him."
Lin Yuan muttered, "System, give me something even nastier!"
The gravel scorched. The sun dazzled. Dust swirled around the stone stage. Sweat and heat mixed in the air.
Lin Feng's spiritual energy surged as his blade slashed down like a waterfall. The stone stage split open—burnt dust filled the air.
"Gale Blade! Lin Feng's going all out!" someone shouted.
Lin Yuan narrowed his eyes. With the system's boost, I'll end this fast.
He growled, "Wind Wolf, come forth!"
The pendant flashed, and a silver-furred Wind Wolf burst forth. Its blood-red eyes locked onto Lin Feng as it tore through the dust. Its claws slashed wind and stone alike, kicking up rubble.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
"A puppet beast? From a cripple?! That thing's brutal!"
Lin Yuan stayed calm. "The wolf is fast, but Lin Feng's blade is fierce. System, how do I use this Spiritual Power Compression?"
The system snapped, "Host, if you go any slower, Lin Feng'll be sipping tea! Target the right rib—blast it!"
Lin Yuan summoned his energy. The system chimed:
"Spiritual Power Compression: Activated!"
Energy surged. Wind Blades formed like rainbows. Lin Yuan grinned. This skill's vicious. Lin Feng's done.
He teased, "Hey system, can this wolf tank a few hits?"
"Tank? What is this, a fantasy RPG?" the system quipped. "Just hit him hard. Wind Blade—break his sword!"
Lin Yuan chuckled, "Got it. Let's go even bigger!"
Lin Feng roared, "Gale Slash!"
Blade light formed a deadly net. Burn marks spread across the platform, dust thickening.
The Wind Wolf lunged—its claws tore into Lin Feng's right rib. Blood sprayed.
Lin Feng clenched his teeth and countered. His blade grazed the wolf's fur, sparks flying.
Lin Yuan's energy exploded. Wind Blades ripped through the air, piercing Lin Feng's chest. The blade net shattered.
Lin Feng staggered, slashing toward the wolf again. The stone stage cracked.
But the Wind Wolf dodged nimbly and slammed its paw into his shoulder, knocking him back three steps.
Lin Yuan smirked coldly. "Still standing? Watch this!"
He gathered energy once more. Spiritual Power Compression burst again. Wind Blades, sharper than ever, slammed into Lin Feng's chest.
Boom!
The platform shattered. Lin Feng screamed and collapsed to his knees, blood streaming down his chest.
"H-How… is a cripple this strong?!"
The Wind Wolf loomed at his throat, murderous aura rising.
Lin Yuan sneered. "Kneel? Lin Feng, you go first. Next time, learn how to wield a blade."
The arena erupted.
"Lin Yuan!"
"King of the Outer Sect!"
"Cripple turned monster!"
Zhang Tie laughed heartily. "Brother! You're a beast! Drinks are on me!"
The sun blazed overhead. The gravel steamed with heat. The stone platform smoked from blade scars.
Lin Feng clutched his chest, hatred in his eyes. "The Lin elders will kill you!"
Lin Yuan grinned. "Then tell them—Lin Yuan, the cripple, is back! The Lin Clan? They're nothing. I've got the system on my side!"
The crowd shouted, "A comeback! The pride of Cloud Sect! The whole sect will shake!"
Zhang Tie clapped Lin Yuan's shoulder so hard he nearly toppled over. "Brother, that was glorious! Aunt Yun says the Liu Clan's working with the Lin Clan, hiding forbidden artifacts. Even demonic shadows have been spotted. Talk to her!"
Lin Yuan nodded. The Liu Clan's scheme… the forbidden grounds… there's a bigger game being played. But with the system on my side—what's there to fear? Crippled or not, I'll defy fate and crush them all!
The system's voice turned low and serious:
"Host, the Lin and Liu Clans are playing with fire. Demons have their eyes on the forbidden zone. Your next enemy—Liu Clan's shadow—is coming fast."
Then, with its usual swagger:
"I'm the #1 golden finger in the universe. I'll carry you all the way! Lin Feng? Crushed. You? Unstoppable. Even demons should be shaking!"
Lin Yuan turned, battle intent surging like a blaze.
Crippled meridians?
No longer.
He would defy fate—and dominate everything in his path.