The morning mist still clung to the Riverstone Regional Academy courtyard, curling around the cobblestones like restless spirits. Lin Wei moved with calm precision, weaving between students who were already gathering for the next stage of training: the Ranked Combat Trials. These trials were far more serious than the practice duels he had faced so far. They were not only tests of skill, but opportunities for students to assert dominance, make reputations, and attract attention from powerful instructors and elite families.
Lin Wei had no intention of attracting unnecessary attention. The purification system thrummed quietly in his mind, a silent ally amplifying his strength, refining his body, and adjusting his energy flow to perfection. Not a single other soul could suspect it existed. It was a secret he would guard with his life.
He was not alone. From across the courtyard, the first rival stepped forward: Lin Hao, a boy of seventeen from a prominent clan, notorious for his ruthlessness and arrogance. He had been observing Lin Wei's performance during the first trials, and though Lin Wei had not revealed the system, his extraordinary skill had already caught Lin Hao's eye.
"You're the outcast boy," Lin Hao said, his voice loud enough for nearby students to hear. "I've seen you move. Lucky, maybe, or maybe the academy is lowering its standards. Either way, today you'll learn your place."
Lin Wei's lips curved faintly into a polite smile. "I look forward to seeing your skills, Lin Hao," he replied, calm and measured. No hint of fear, no trace of arrogance—just quiet confidence.
The crowd murmured as instructors began assigning pairs for combat trials. Lin Wei was paired with Lin Hao, creating an immediate center of attention. Students whispered, some cheering for the rich and influential Lin Hao, others quietly rooting for the mysterious outcast who had dominated the previous trials.
The duel began. Lin Hao charged with raw power, swinging with brutal force that would have crushed most opponents. Lin Wei sidestepped, his body moving fluidly, almost like water flowing around a stone. Each strike Lin Hao threw met only air, redirected with subtle movements that required almost no effort. The system worked silently, refining every muscle, every tendon, every bone to perfection, yet Lin Wei's calm demeanor made it seem like he was merely relying on skill and observation.
Lin Hao's frustration grew with every failed strike. "How are you—?!" he shouted, momentarily losing focus. Lin Wei used the opportunity, applying a technique that redirected Lin Hao's energy, causing him to stumble without ever being touched. The audience gasped.
Nearby, Su Yueran observed with sharp eyes. She had been intrigued since the first trial, but now she could see it clearly: Lin Wei was not simply skilled—he was extraordinary. Yet she could not discern how he moved with such perfect balance, control, and timing. Her curiosity intensified.
At the same time, Mu Xueyi watched from the sidelines, carefully noting Lin Wei's movements. Though her attention was split by her own alchemical experiments, she felt the pull of intrigue again. There is something hidden beneath his composure, she thought. Something beyond what normal training could achieve.
The duel escalated. Lin Hao began using more advanced techniques, combining brute force with energy strikes. Lin Wei responded with patience, avoiding direct confrontation, using minimal movement, and exploiting openings in Lin Hao's attacks. Though the audience saw an incredible display of skill, no one guessed that every subtle dodge, every counter, was amplified by the purification system running silently within him.
Suddenly, a shadow moved in the corner of the arena—another student, clearly not officially part of the trial. Lin Wei caught it immediately, stepping aside, and the shadow flinched, retreating. Lin Wei's eyes flicked briefly, noting the first hints of sabotage. Someone was already trying to manipulate outcomes, targeting him indirectly. The system hummed quietly in response, his body instinctively preparing for any sudden attack.
Lin Hao, oblivious to the subtle interference, launched a desperate, powerful strike, attempting to overwhelm Lin Wei once and for all. Lin Wei countered, redirecting the force, and sent Lin Hao stumbling backward, almost toppling. The crowd erupted in astonishment. Even instructors paused, impressed by Lin Wei's poise under pressure.
After the duel, Lin Wei did not celebrate. Instead, he quietly returned to a secluded corner of the academy grounds, pulling out a small mat and meditating. His body purified itself silently, repairing minor strains, adjusting energy flow, and reinforcing muscles for maximum efficiency. Every subtle improvement, every secret refinement, happened without a single witness. The system was hidden, untouchable, and invisible to the world.
Hours later, Lin Wei returned to the main hall to observe other duels. Lin Hao, now aware of Lin Wei's skill, muttered darkly under his breath. That boy… he isn't ordinary. I'll find a way to expose him… or ruin him. His eyes glinted with the first hint of enmity that would mark the beginning of a dangerous rivalry.
Meanwhile, Su Yueran approached Lin Wei after the trials ended. "Your performance… it is unusual," she said softly. Her eyes flicked briefly toward the side, observing the subtle aura that Lin Wei naturally exuded. He smiled faintly.
"Unusual can be a dangerous thing," he replied carefully. "I have learned to keep it hidden."
Her lips curved slightly. "Perhaps. But I will be watching. The academy will reveal many things, and you… may not be prepared for all of them."
Lin Wei inclined his head politely, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Good, he thought. Let them watch, let them underestimate me. That is the advantage I need.
As dusk fell over Riverstone, Lin Wei made his way to a quiet garden behind the academy. Here, he could train without interruption. He pulled herbs from his satchel, subtly purifying some into higher-grade resources to aid in future cultivation and pill-making. Every movement was careful, deliberate, and completely hidden from prying eyes.
He allowed himself a rare moment of thought: the academy was larger and more dangerous than he had anticipated. Rivals would emerge, schemes would unfold, and the first hints of betrayal were already showing themselves. But he was ready. His body was stronger, faster, and more refined than anyone suspected, and his secret system gave him a hidden advantage that no one could guess.
The night settled over the academy, lanterns flickering across stone paths. Lin Wei lay on the mat he had rolled out, meditating, focusing inward. The purification system hummed softly, aligning his energy, refining his blood, muscles, and mind. Every obstacle he would face tomorrow, every rival, every scheme, would meet him prepared, polished, and untouchable.
Let them challenge me. Let them plot. None will see the truth behind my strength—not yet.