Chapter 13: First Real Spar
The training hall of the Cultivation Association buzzed with noise. Dozens of new cultivators practiced techniques, their Qi flickering weakly in the air. Wooden dummies shook under clumsy strikes, while some beginners collapsed from overexertion.
Luo Shin stepped into the hall calmly. His aura, though faint, carried a steadiness that caught a few gazes. Qi Refraining Level 5 was already above most newcomers.
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The Challenge
"Hey, you."
Shin turned. A broad-shouldered youth with a scar on his cheek pointed at him. His aura pulsed at Qi Refraining Level 4, unstable but aggressive.
"I've seen you train quietly every day. Let's spar. Unless you're afraid?"
The hall went quiet. Beginners loved challenges; it was the fastest way to prove themselves.
Shin sighed. "If you insist… but don't regret it."
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Sparring Match
The two faced each other in the sparring ring.
Ding!
[Status Scan activated]
[Opponent Realm: Qi Refraining Level 4]
[Spiritual Energy: 350/400]
[Technique: 〈Stone Fist〉 (Minor Success)]
Shin smirked inwardly. "His Qi control is rough. A few exchanges should be enough."
"Begin!"
The opponent charged, his fist glowing faintly with earthy Qi. Shin stepped aside, letting the punch crash into the ground with a dull thud. Cracks spread across the floor.
Shin countered with 〈Qi Palm Surge〉, a burst of Qi slamming into the youth's shoulder. The opponent staggered but didn't fall.
"Tch… not bad!" the youth growled and came again.
This time, his fist clipped Shin's side—but the Defensive Amulet around Shin's neck pulsed with light. The impact dulled, the damage reduced. Shin barely felt it.
The crowd gasped. "A treasure? He already has one?"
Shin's eyes narrowed. "My turn."
He circulated Qi, combining 〈Circulating Qi Palm〉 and 〈Qi Palm Surge〉. His strike landed squarely on the youth's chest. The shockwave sent the boy tumbling across the ring, coughing.
The match ended in silence.
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Aftermath
The youth struggled to his feet, clutching his chest. He looked at Shin with a mix of fear and respect. "You're strong… stronger than I thought."
Shin offered a faint smile. "You have power, but your Qi leaks with every strike. Fix your control, and you'll improve."
The spectators whispered among themselves. For the first time, many began to see Shin not as just another beginner, but as someone different.
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Back at the Hut
That night, Shin sat quietly in his hut. The Rusted Dagger rested on the table, useless in its current form. Yet he found himself staring at it longer than usual.
> "The system doesn't give without reason. Even trash may have its turn."
He placed it back in the wooden box and closed his eyes.
His panel glowed softly:
Realm: Qi Refraining Level 5
Spiritual Energy: 460/500
Techniques:
〈Circulating Qi Palm〉 (Major Success)
〈Qi Palm Surge〉 (Intermediate)
Spiritual Root: Middle
Soul: Infant
Treasure: Common-Grade Defensive Amulet, Rusted Dagger (Trash)
Shin smiled faintly. "This is just the beginning. Soon, I'll meet stronger cultivators… and I'll be ready."
The path of the Absolute Anomaly stretched endlessly before him, filled with battles, mysteries, and treasures—both divine and trash.
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✨ End of Chapter 13 ✨