That morning, the wind carried the scent of spiritual flowers from the inner garden of Duskwind Sky Academy. The sun had just risen behind the mountains, casting a soft reflection across the jade stones and small ponds.
Li Yun sat cross-legged by the training river, regulating his breath and reciting energy patterns. The spiritual flow within his body was becoming more stable. Since his victory over Fang Lie, many students had begun to notice him—some with respect, more with envy and caution. But Li Yun remained focused on one thing: cultivation.
"Your body is starting to adapt to absorbing energy from the outside world. But to break through to the Second Foundation Stage, you need a deeper breathing technique," Tian Luo spoke from within the pendant.
"Then when will you teach me that technique?" Li Yun asked, opening his eyes.
"Today. But... it seems someone is approaching."
Soft footsteps emerged from behind the purple spiritual bushes. A girl appeared—dressed in white with a black sash, her long white hair flowing elegantly, and her gaze seemed to look at the world through a misted veil.
Li Yun immediately stood. Her expression was calm, yet somehow, it made his heartbeat unsteady.
"Li Yun," the girl greeted flatly, though her tone wasn't cold. "My name is Yan Zhiya."
That name made Li Yun's body tense for a moment.
The Yan Clan.
The very clan rumored to be involved in the downfall of the Li Clan two decades ago.
Yet the girl's expression held no hostility at all. In fact, there was something... curious in her eyes?
"If you're here to talk about our family history, I'm not interested," Li Yun said, keeping his voice even.
Zhiya raised an eyebrow, then gave a faint smile. "Straight to the point, huh? No... I just wanted to see for myself the so-called dead-clan boy who defeated Fang Lie."
Li Yun sighed. "Well? Satisfied now?"
Zhiya tilted her head slightly. "Not quite. I'm not here as a member of the Yan Clan... but as a senior student. I'd like to offer you a little duel."
"A duel?" Li Yun looked at her suspiciously. "To prove what?"
Zhiya looked him in the eyes, clear and unwavering. "To see your limit."
Li Yun knew he could refuse, but a spark of curiosity and fighting spirit lit within him. He nodded.
They stood in the center of the quiet training garden. No audience, no teachers—just two students and the crisp morning air.
Li Yun took a defensive stance.
Zhiya didn't. She merely stood, one hand behind her back, the other hanging loosely by her side.
"Begin," she said calmly.
Li Yun attacked first. Activating the Flame Origin Step, he vanished into shadow, reappearing behind her and striking with the same technique that had taken down Fang Lie.
But—
SLAM!
Before he could touch her, his body was thrown back by an invisible barrier. His breath hitched.
Zhiya hadn't moved at all. She remained in place.
"...What was that?" Li Yun muttered.
Zhiya gave a small smile. "A mid-tier protection formation. Small, but enough to repel you... for now."
Li Yun clenched his teeth. He attacked again, this time at double speed. Punches, kicks—all aimed with precision.
Yet every strike failed to pierce the space around Zhiya.
It was like striking hardened air that casually brushed him away.
After ten attacks, Li Yun stopped, panting heavily. Sweat dripped from his brow.
Zhiya stepped closer, now just a spear-length away.
"First Foundation Stage, yet you already have meridian control like an intermediate cultivator. You're not an ordinary boy," she said softly. "But still far from touching the real world."
Li Yun stared at her sharply. "Then... how strong are you really?"
Zhiya looked up at the sky for a moment. "If I showed you my true strength, you'd lose your will to fight. That's why... to you, I'm just another student."
Li Yun fell silent. Her words held no arrogance. Just a cold statement from someone who lived far above.
Zhiya turned to him and smiled faintly.
"I'll be watching you. Don't bore me."
Then she walked away, her steps light as falling leaves. Li Yun remained where he stood, his breath slowly calming.
"You just met someone who could crush you with a flick of her finger... yet she held back everything," whispered Tian Luo.
"I know," Li Yun murmured.
And for reasons he couldn't quite explain... he didn't feel humiliated. On the contrary.
There was a challenge in Zhiya's gaze. Something that urged him to climb higher.
And for the first time, Li Yun wanted to chase someone—not out of love, not out of hatred, but out of... respect.