Lin Feng paced the corridor outside the courtyard, jaw working. Damn it, he murmured, I want to see her again. He pictured the clan master daughter's face and felt a stubborn grin form.
"Sir," the Sect Master's easy laugh floated down the hall. "She'll arrive in six days. Conveniently, the Core Disciples Ranking Match begins in six days as well. Remember — you must reach the Legend grade realm to qualify."
Lin Feng rubbed his chin and smiled, half to himself. "Then I'll be ready. Time to impress her."
---
At the First Elder Peak, the morning mist clung to the pines like silk. Lin Feng's master led Sun Mei aside beneath an ancient pine whose needles whispered in the wind.
"You have a Nine-Star talent and an Ice Exquisite Body," his master said quietly, producing a small lacquered box. "Take this treasure — it will conceal your talent so predatory experts in the Lower Realm cannot sense or covet it."
Sun Mei's fingers trembled as she accepted it. "Thank you, Master," she whispered, eyes bright.
The master smirked and jabbed at Lin Feng's ribs. "You listen well, but you're no comparison to your rascal husband." He said it teasingly, and Sun Mei's cheeks flamed at the nickname.
"Ai — that rascal is here," someone called, and Lin Feng popped up, grinning.
"Master, your precious disciple has returned!" Lin Feng shouted from below.
"She's my disciple, not yours," the master shot back with a laugh.
Lin Feng grew serious. "Master — I'm close to breaking into the Legend grade realm."
"Perfect timing," the master replied. "The inner region of the Black Forest has just opened. There you'll find golden pills and other precious treasures — and you'll meet geniuses from other continents."
Lin Feng's eyes glittered. "I'm curious to see those geniuses. Maybe that will explain why our continent's peak talents don't always measure up."
"Don't underestimate anyone," the master warned.
Lin Feng shifted his tone, hopeful. "How about Sun Mei joins me and Fatty on the expedition? I'll protect her."
"No," the master answered immediately. His face softened, then tightened. "She has no experience. It would be dangerous."
"I promise I'll protect her with my life. She will also gain experience." Lin Feng's voice was steady.
Sun Mei looked at the master, pleading. "Master, I would like to go with Senior Brother Lin Feng."
The master hesitated, then sighed. He knew Lin Feng's penchant for trouble — and knew how dangerous it could be for an inexperienced girl. "If she insists… very well. But be careful."
"Thank you, Master. I promise to keep her safe," Lin Feng said earnestly.
"Tomorrow you leave," the master said shortly.
"Understood." Lin Feng bowed.
Before they parted, the master pressed a folded talisman into Sun Mei's palm. "In case of emergency."
"Thank you, Master," she whispered.
The master glanced at Lin Feng with mock solemnity. "I have nothing else to give you except—" He paused, and Lin Feng braced for some grand gift.
"Good luck." The master's grin was dry, and Lin Feng couldn't help but laugh and groan at the simplicity.
---
The next day the fighting arena vibrated with excitement. Banners snapped overhead; the air smelled of incense, sweat, and heated qi. Lin Feng nudged Fatty. "I need some purple crystals."
"Alright, boss," Fatty replied.
Whispers followed Lin Feng as he walked onto the sand-strewn floor. "What's Lin Feng doing here?" someone asked.
"Maybe he wants the Core Disciples ranking."
"He's going to cause a ruckus again," another muttered.
Lin Feng climbed the dais, eyes sweeping the crowd until silence fell like a dropped stone. He smirked and announced, loud enough for the whole arena to hear, "I challenge any core disciple ranked ten and below."
The murmur swelled into an uproar.
"Lin Feng's bold," a spectator hissed. "After he defeated Wang Yu with one move, who would doubt him? He can face rank-ten core disciples."
"Five million? One million purple crystals on the line," someone shouted, and others began to call their wagers. Wealth glittered as loudly as steel; legend-grade experts were notoriously wealthy sponsors.
"Are you all cowards?" Lin Feng called, pacing like a caged tiger. "One million purple crystals — who's brave enough to step up?"
The arena crackled. A dozen low-ranked core disciples shifted in their seats, pride and greed warring in their faces. The challenge was not just a test of strength; it was a spectacle, a promise of glory — and an irresistible chance at sudden wealth.
Around them, Sun Mei watched from the stands, an unreadable expression on her face. Lin Feng's eyes flicked to her for the briefest second, then to the contestants below. He flexed his fingers, feeling the pressure coil into something like focus.
The first challenger rose slowly, the arena breath holding as two destinies began to step toward each other.