Chapter 25: The Next Step
Jin sat cross-legged on the edge of a cliff, his robes rustling softly in the highland wind. The training field behind him was quiet, bathed in the orange hue of the setting sun. He had just returned from his bout with Tavren, and though victorious, his thoughts were heavy.
He replayed the duel in his mind over and over. Tavren of the Blazing Phoenix Sect had been tenacious, composed, and technically refined. Jin realized that if he hadn't possessed a superior grade of elemental affinity or slightly stronger cultivation, he might have lost that battle. Tavren's footwork, the seamless transitions between offense and defense, the clever timing—these were things Jin had never focused on. It had been brute strength and overwhelming elemental force that won him the fight.
"If I don't sharpen my techniques," he muttered to himself, "next time, I won't be so lucky."
That thought burned deep into his heart. He closed his eyes and began meditating, but not to cultivate. Instead, he tried to recall every movement of his fight, analyzing it the way a strategist would dissect a battle. He realized how often he left himself open, how much essence he wasted, and how Tavren manipulated tempo to control the field.
The next morning, Jin began a new routine. After his usual cultivation session, he dedicated time to refining his movements. He watched other duels among travelers and local cultivators and spent hours mimicking footwork, parries, and evasive maneuvers. He practiced combining elemental attacks with misdirection and timing, slowly building an arsenal of techniques.
Two days later, while training near a riverbank, he was interrupted by a group of travelers heading to a nearby town. They spoke of the upcoming regional trials hosted jointly by the three major southern sects: Blazing Phoenix Sect, Howling Storm Sect, and Luminous Peak Sect. It was a competition not only of power but of potential. Winners often received personal tutelage from elders or even invitations to enter the sect directly.
Jin's eyes glinted. "That's it. That's how I get noticed."
But this meant he had to move fast. The trials were set to begin in less than a week in a town called Redstone, located on the border of the southern region. He packed up his belongings and set off at dawn the next day, his thoughts clear and focused.
The journey to Redstone was not without peril. On the third night, while camping in a forest clearing, Jin sensed a disturbance. Shadows darted between trees. He stood calmly, ready.
A trio of men stepped out—mercenaries, from the look of them. All carried weapons, and one had the faint glimmer of essence surrounding him, indicating he was at least Initiate Realm.
"That your fire crystal there, kid?" the leader, a burly man with a hooked nose, sneered.
Jin remained silent. He knew better than to waste words.
The first move came quickly—a sword slash aimed at his side. Jin dodged, sweeping his leg low and knocking the attacker off balance. With a flick of his wrist, a stream of fire surged forward, forcing the others back.
They regrouped, flanking him.
"This ain't your first fight, is it?" one of them muttered.
Jin didn't answer. Instead, he launched a sudden burst of flame upward, illuminating the trees and blinding them momentarily. He darted forward and knocked one of the men unconscious with a precise blow to the temple. The other two backed off.
"He's not worth it," the leader spat, dragging the unconscious man away.
Jin watched them go, then turned and continued his journey, a little more cautious now.
When he finally arrived in Redstone, the town was alive with energy. Flags bearing the insignias of the three sects hung from posts and buildings. Cultivators of all ages crowded the streets, some flaunting their elemental talents, others quietly watching. There were stations set up for registration, sparring rings, and merchant stalls selling rare herbs and talismans.
Jin made his way to the registration station.
"Name?"
"Jin. No sect affiliation."
The man looked him over, scribbled something, and handed him a jade token. "You're in bracket seventeen. First round is tomorrow at midday."
Jin nodded and walked away, studying the token. Around him, discussions buzzed about anticipated matchups, powerful young cultivators, and sect elders rumored to be observing personally.
That night, as Jin lay in the modest inn he'd found, he couldn't help but feel the pressure. This trial could change his future. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"I need to prove myself," he whispered. "Not just for me... but for everyone who thought I wouldn't survive."
The morning sun rose over Redstone. Jin arrived early at the trial grounds of elimination, a sprawling courtyard surrounded by high walls and elevated seats for spectators and elders. He watched the earlier brackets, analyzing how different fighters moved, how they used terrain and elemental techniques.
Then his bracket was called.
Jin stepped into the ring. His opponent was a tall youth with sharp eyes, dressed in the robes of the Howling Storm Sect. Wind essence already flowed around him, creating a breeze that whipped through the courtyard.
"Let's see what the no-name can do," the youth smirked.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
The wind-user attacked first, sending slicing gusts toward Jin. But Jin had trained for this. He ducked low, rolling to the side, and responded with a concentrated fireball that forced the other youth to leap back.
They exchanged several attacks, Jin using smaller, controlled bursts of flame rather than his usual overpowering waves. He focused on conserving energy and creating openings.
When his opponent rushed in with a wind-enhanced dash, Jin sidestepped and launched a flame-coated elbow strike to his gut, knocking him off balance. He followed up with a low sweep, sending the youth crashing down.
The referee called the match. "Winner: Jin!"
Applause broke out. Some were surprised, others intrigued.
From the elevated platform, a pair of elder eyes narrowed. "Interesting," muttered Elder Rowan of Luminous Peak.
Jin stepped down, his heart racing but his face calm.
One match down. The road was still long, but he had taken the first step.