Lin Feng's hands were still trembling from the sparring match as he stepped back, taking in the circle of disciples who had gathered to watch him. The sharp sting of adrenaline coursed through his body, making him feel both alive and acutely aware of just how out of place he was. But the old man's words rang in his mind, pushing him forward.
You've got potential… but don't get cocky.
Lin Feng could feel his heart hammering in his chest, but he didn't let it show. He needed to prove himself, not just to these people, but to himself. The new world he had found himself in was unforgiving, and if he wasn't careful, he'd be swallowed up by it.
"Alright, enough watching," the old man called out, his gravelly voice cutting through the air. "Lin Feng, you've shown you can hold your own. But that was just the beginning. Now, it's time for you to face the real test."
Lin Feng's breath hitched. He wasn't sure what that meant, but the way the old man said it left no room for doubt. It wasn't going to be easy.
The old man nodded toward the other disciples. "Line up. All of you. It's time for the Trial of Fire."
The disciples broke into movement, some nodding to Lin Feng with mild interest, others with disdain, but none offering him any help or advice. They formed a line in front of the training ground, standing at attention as if waiting for something to happen.
"Trial of Fire?" Lin Feng asked, stepping toward the old man.
The old man grinned, revealing yellowed teeth. "You're in the Azure Sky Sect now. This isn't a school where you get coddled and taught step by step. The Trial of Fire is a test of your courage, your skills, and your will to survive. You'll be thrown into a situation, and you'll have to fight your way out. Fail, and you'll be sent back to your hometown, dismissed from the sect. Succeed, and you'll prove you have what it takes to climb the ranks."
Lin Feng's stomach twisted. The words fight your way out echoed in his mind. He didn't know what kind of test this would be, but it was clear: failure wasn't an option. The thought of being sent away, back to a world he barely understood, terrified him more than anything.
The old man continued, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "The trial begins now. Prepare yourself."
Without further warning, a loud crack split the air. Lin Feng's eyes widened as a wall of fire erupted before him, stretching high into the sky. It wasn't just a simple flame; it was a fiery barrier that surrounded the entire training ground, trapping them all inside. The heat was immediate, oppressive, and Lin Feng could feel sweat beading on his brow as the temperature soared.
The disciples standing in line remained stoic, but Lin Feng could feel their energy. Some were excited, others nervous. But all of them were prepared for what came next.
"You have one hour," the old man said, his voice now low and steady. "The fire will keep you inside for that long. If you survive, you pass the trial. If you fail… well, we'll see you back at your hometown."
Lin Feng swallowed hard, his thoughts racing. There was no time to waste. He had to focus, to survive. He glanced at the disciples around him. Some were already sprinting toward the fire wall, while others stood frozen, unsure of how to proceed. But Lin Feng knew that his path would be different. His instincts, honed by a lifetime of survival, told him to stay calm.
He stepped forward, the heat from the flames licking at his skin. The fire was fierce, crackling with energy, but he couldn't let that deter him. If this was the first challenge, then it was only the beginning. He had no idea what awaited him beyond the wall, but there was no turning back.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Feng approached the flames, his mind working in overdrive. He didn't just want to survive; he needed to grow stronger, to master this world. The system had unlocked the Azure Sky Sword Technique within him, but there was so much more he needed to learn. And the first step was to pass this trial.
With a determined glance at the fire, Lin Feng stepped into the flames.
The world around him seemed to explode as the intense heat washed over him. His skin tingled, as if the fire was alive, seeking to burn him, to test him. But Lin Feng pressed on, drawing on the strength within his body. The power from the system surged through him, helping him push past the initial shock.
He could feel the energy of the flames twisting around him, but instead of panicking, Lin Feng focused on the strange, foreign sensation. The fire, in all its destructive glory, was like an external force that could be controlled. The technique he had learned, the Azure Sky Sword Technique, was based on control, precision, and flow. The same principles applied here.
He focused on his breathing, letting his mind clear. Slowly, he began to move, his steps light but purposeful. The fire parted around him, almost as if it was following his movements. For the first time, he felt a connection to this world's energy, the flow of power that ran through everything.
Behind him, he heard the other disciples struggling, some cursing as they stumbled into the flames and quickly backed out. Their movements were erratic, panic setting in. Lin Feng, however, moved with purpose, stepping carefully but decisively. He was not going to let fear control him.
The fire began to intensify, as if testing his resolve. It shot up in sharp bursts, trying to consume him, but Lin Feng was faster, more agile than he'd ever been before. He ducked under a pillar of flame, then leapt over a sudden surge, landing lightly on the other side. Sweat dripped from his forehead, his heart racing, but he kept going.
As he neared the center of the trial grounds, the fire grew more intense. The air itself seemed to hum with energy, and the temperature soared to unbearable levels. Lin Feng's skin burned, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward. He wasn't going to stop now.
And then, just as suddenly as it had started, the fire erupted in one final, massive explosion. Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat as the flames shot up into the air, surrounding him. The ground beneath him cracked and crumbled, but he stood firm, his eyes locked on the center of the flame.
With a final surge of strength, Lin Feng leapt forward, through the heart of the fire, and landed on solid ground. His body was scorched, his clothes singed, but he was alive.
The fire faded away, leaving behind a scorching silence. The disciples who had failed were kneeling or crawling, trying to catch their breath. Lin Feng stood tall, though he could feel the pain in his muscles, the burn of the flames that had seared his skin.
The old man appeared from the shadows, his eyes gleaming. "Not bad, kid. Not bad at all. You passed the Trial of Fire."
Lin Feng collapsed to his knees, exhausted but triumphant. He had made it.
But he knew this was only the beginning. There would be many more trials, many more dangers to face. And if he wanted to survive, he would need to become stronger than he had ever been before.