The morning sun burned over Azure Sky Sect's training plaza. Disciples gathered in a circle, whispering with excitement.
At the center stood Wu Jian, veins bulging, face twisted with fury.
"LI MING!" he roared, pointing a finger like a spear. "I challenge you to a duel! Right here, right now!"
The crowd gasped.
"It's finally happening!"
"Wu Jian was humiliated twice already. If he doesn't beat Li Ming now, he'll be the sect's laughingstock."
"But can Li Ming really win? Wu Jian is already at Body Tempering, third stage!"
Li Ming rubbed the back of his neck, nervous. "Uh… can we talk about this first? Maybe over lunch?"
Wu Jian's aura flared, a fiery pressure slamming into the plaza. Dust swirled, disciples stepped back, and even the stone tiles cracked under his strength.
"No more excuses, chicken boy! Today, I'll crush you!"
The crowd roared with anticipation.
Li Ming sighed. Figures… I knew he'd snap sooner or later. He glanced at Wu Jian, then at the jade slip glowing faintly in his sleeve. The Heavenly Breathing Method pulsed in his veins, begging to be unleashed.
His lips curled into a grin. "Fine. You want a duel? You'll get one."
The disciples froze. For the first time, Li Ming didn't look clumsy or goofy. His eyes sharpened, his messy black hair swayed in the wind, and the aura around him flared like a storm.
"He… he looks different."
"Is this really the same fool from yesterday?"
"His presence… it's terrifying!"
Wu Jian hesitated, but quickly sneered. "Hmph! Tricks won't save you!" He charged forward, fists blazing with energy.
BOOM!
His punch slammed toward Li Ming's chest like a cannonball.
But Li Ming inhaled sharply, activating the Heavenly Breathing Method. Mist swirled around him, spiraling like a dragon. He raised his hand—calm, steady—and caught Wu Jian's fist with his bare palm.
CRACK! The ground beneath them shattered from the force.
Gasps erupted.
"He caught it?!"
"Barehanded?!"
"Impossible!"
Wu Jian's eyes widened in horror. "You—"
Li Ming smirked, his voice low and confident. "You've been underestimating me, Wu Jian. I'm not trash. I'm the future Heavenly Emperor."
Before Wu Jian could react, Li Ming twisted his wrist, sending a surge of energy through his arm.
BOOOOM!
A shockwave exploded outward, blasting Wu Jian off his feet. He flew across the plaza, crashing into the training post with a loud CRASH! The post splintered, rubble falling everywhere.
Silence.
Then—
"...He… he destroyed Wu Jian in one move."
"What kind of monster is Li Ming?!"
"Is he secretly a hidden genius chosen by the heavens?!"
The crowd erupted in chaos.
Li Ming stood tall, mist still swirling around him, his black hair flowing in the wind. For a moment, he looked untouchable—like a young war god descending from the heavens.
Wu Jian groaned, spitting dirt, too humiliated to stand.
Instructor Zhao appeared, his sharp eyes narrowing at Li Ming. For once, his cold face softened. "Not bad, boy. You may be a fool… but your strength is real."
Li Ming turned to the crowd, flashing a cocky grin. "Remember this, everyone. From today onward… I'm no chicken boy. I'm the one who will soar above all of you."
The disciples went wild, cheering and shouting his name.
"Li Ming! Li Ming! Li Ming!"
Li Ming clenched his fists, his heart pounding. This time, there was no accident. No slip. No luck.
This time… he had been truly cool.
And deep inside, he promised himself—this was only the beginning.
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