Chapter 14: Grinding the Edge
Lin Xuan stood in the mission hall, scanning the outer posting board.
Most disciples took a single mission at a time — enough to meet their monthly quota. Lin Xuan selected five without hesitation.
> Wild Claw Rabbit Nest – Clear Out
Spirit Vine Harvest – Deep Forest
Boar Hunt – Southern Ridge
Wind Serpent Core Collection – Mid-tier Beasts
Scouting Mission – Frost Gully
It wasn't about the rewards. It was about experience.
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Sharpening the Arts
For the next two weeks, Lin Xuan lived in the field.
Against the Wind Serpents, he drilled the timing of Heavenstorm Lance's spatial skips, until his spear strikes could appear exactly where he intended — even while dodging midair attacks.
The Spirit Vine Harvest mission forced him to maintain Aegis of Shifting Skies under sustained assault from vine-wrapped beasts, constantly shifting elemental layers to counter toxins, constriction, and corrosive sap.
The boars tested his movement art; the scouting mission tested his stealth; the rabbits… well, they didn't test much, but they kept his reaction speed sharp.
Each battle pushed his skill proficiency forward:
> Heavenstorm Lance – Initial → Beginner
Aegis of Shifting Skies – Initial → Beginner
Void Phantom Steps – Proficient → Approaching Mastery
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The Challenge
On the evening of his return from Frost Gully, a figure stepped into his path just outside the sect gates.
The young man wore inner disciple robes and carried a saber at his hip. His smile was polite — his eyes were not.
"Lin Xuan, right? I've heard you've been making waves."
Lin Xuan's senses sharpened immediately. "And you are?"
"Zhao Renkai. My master would like to see what all the fuss is about."
The way he said my master told Lin Xuan everything. He didn't know for sure who was behind this, but only one person in the alchemy council had shown that kind of interest in him — Elder Qiu Wansheng.
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The Fight
Zhao didn't wait for an answer. His saber flashed, qi flaring in a wave that cut a groove in the dirt between them.
His cultivation aura hit like a hammer — Qi Condensation Stage 3, an entire realm above Lin Xuan's own stage 2.
Lin Xuan's Aegis of Shifting Skies snapped into place just in time, shifting to earth-aspect to absorb the blow. The barrier shuddered but held.
He countered with Heavenstorm Lance, lightning-fire qi coiling along the spear as he tore a spatial seam toward Zhao's chest.
The saber swept up, sparks flying as the two weapons clashed. Zhao was fast, his attacks heavy, each blow sending shockwaves through the air.
Lin Xuan relied on Void Phantom Steps to evade, striking in short, vicious bursts whenever Zhao overextended. Twice he barely dodged saber arcs that would have split him open.
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The fight dragged on — Lin Xuan's barrier shattering twice, his body aching from the strain of absorbing heavy hits.
Finally, Zhao committed to a downward slash, qi roaring down the blade. Lin Xuan stepped inside the arc, skipping space to appear at Zhao's flank, and drove the spear into his ribs.
Zhao staggered back, clutching his side, and gave a single, sharp laugh. "Not bad. I see why my master is interested."
Then he turned and walked away without another word.
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Aftermath
Lin Xuan stood alone in the fading light, his breathing steadying.
He had won — but only just. Against someone a full realm higher, his victory had been razor-thin.
That told him two things:
1. His combat techniques were good enough to bridge gaps others couldn't.
2. Someone was testing him deliberately.
He didn't have proof it was Qiu Wansheng, but the suspicion was strong enough to set his instincts on edge.
Back in his courtyard, he set his spear down beside the Evervault helmet and looked out over the moonlit sect grounds.
If they were hunting him, they would try again.
And next time, they might not send someone willing to walk away.