Lin Xuan stood in his courtyard, his fists clenched tightly. The challenge from Wang Renshu wasn’t just a simple fight—it was a battle for survival.

If he lost, he wouldn't just lose face. He could lose his life.

Taking a deep breath, he sat down cross-legged, focusing on the golden energy that had settled within him after the inheritance trial. It was powerful, but he hadn’t fully grasped how to control it yet.

Three days.

That’s all he had.

SEEKING GUIDANCE

Determined to grow stronger, Lin Xuan made his way toward the Sect Library, a towering building filled with ancient scrolls and techniques. He needed something to sharpen his combat skills.

As he entered, an old man with a long white beard looked up from behind the counter.

"You again?" The old man’s voice was rough but not unfriendly.

Lin Xuan cupped his fists. "Elder Gu, I need a battle technique."

Elder Gu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What kind?"

"Something fast. Something powerful. I need to defeat an Inner Sect disciple in three days."

The old man studied Lin Xuan for a moment before shaking his head. "You always get into trouble, don’t you?"

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

With a sigh, he walked toward the deeper sections of the library and returned with a dusty scroll.

"This is Shadow Lightning Steps—a footwork technique that increases speed and agility. You won’t have time to master it completely, but if you can grasp even the basics, it might save your life."

Lin Xuan took the scroll with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Elder Gu!"

"Don’t thank me yet, boy. Now go, before I change my mind!"

Lin Xuan didn’t waste a second. He rushed back to his courtyard and immediately started training.

TRAINING UNDER THE MOONLIGHT

Night fell, and the sect was quiet, but Lin Xuan remained in the training grounds. His body was drenched in sweat as he repeatedly practiced the Shadow Lightning Steps, trying to imprint the technique into his muscles.

Each time he moved, a faint trace of golden energy flickered around him. He was beginning to understand how to merge his inheritance power with his movement.

As he pushed himself further, he suddenly felt a presence behind him.

Turning quickly, he saw Zhao Feng leaning against a tree, watching him with a smirk.

"You really don’t rest, huh?" Zhao Feng chuckled.

Lin Xuan exhaled sharply. "No choice. Wang Renshu is strong."

Zhao Feng nodded. "Yeah, and he’s also ruthless. He’ll try to kill you."

Lin Xuan remained silent. He already knew that.

Zhao Feng sighed. "Alright, since you’re so serious, I’ll help you out. Let’s spar."

Without warning, he lunged forward.

Lin Xuan reacted instinctively, his body moving faster than before. He sidestepped Zhao Feng’s strike with the new footwork technique, barely avoiding the blow.

Zhao Feng whistled. "Not bad. But let’s see if you can dodge this!"

The night air was filled with the sounds of clashing blows as the two trained under the moonlight.

THE STORM APPROACHES

As dawn broke, Lin Xuan collapsed onto the ground, exhausted but satisfied. He had improved significantly in just one night.

But was it enough?

The Life-and-Death battle was only two days away.