Legacy of the Forgotten Qi

The stone arena was cold, and the air was thick with the tension of impending battles. Jin Mu-Yeon stood with his hands clenched at his sides, his heart pounding in his chest. He had made it this far, but this was no ordinary trial. The final test was simple—win, or die.

Elder Wraith's cold voice echoed through the arena. "This is the last test. Only those who prove themselves worthy will be chosen. The weak will perish. Begin!"

Jin's opponent, Lee Joo-Hwan, was already in position, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He was slightly taller than Jin, with a well-built frame. He was no stranger to battle, and his Qi felt more refined than Jin's. Still, Jin knew he had something the others didn't—his focus.

"Let's see how long you last," Joo-Hwan sneered, stepping forward.

Jin didn't respond. There was no need for words. In the Demonic Sect, actions spoke louder than any insults. He took a deep breath and focused his Qi, feeling the subtle stirrings of energy inside his body. His technique was still raw, but it was enough to get him through this battle.

"Iron Palm Technique."

Jin extended his palm, aiming for Joo-Hwan's chest. The technique wasn't particularly elegant, but it was effective in delivering a solid strike. The force behind the blow was enough to make Joo-Hwan step back, his breath catching in his throat. Jin's Qi thrummed through his arm, but it felt like a drop in an ocean compared to his opponent's.

Joo-Hwan sneered, brushing off the blow and charging at Jin with a flurry of strikes. His fists flew like hammers, each blow accompanied by a surge of Qi that Jin barely managed to avoid. He had to move quickly, sidestepping and evading, feeling his heart race. His reflexes were sharp, but his body was still untested in true combat.

Joo-Hwan followed up with a high kick aimed at Jin's head. Jin ducked just in time, the air rushing past him as the foot narrowly missed. He knew he had no time to hesitate.

"Shadow Step."

Jin focused his Qi into his legs, activating the basic technique that allowed him to move with quick, fluid steps. He darted behind Joo-Hwan, his movements a blur, before launching a strike at his back.

But Joo-Hwan wasn't completely caught off guard. With a swift spin, he raised his arm to deflect the blow, but Jin's strike was still enough to rattle him. The pressure of the punch sent a sharp pain through Jin's hand, but he didn't falter. His opponent was strong, but Jin's will was unyielding.

The audience of trainers and fellow participants watched in silence as the two clashed, the sound of their movements echoing through the cave. Jin could feel his energy draining with every dodge and strike. Joo-Hwan was relentless, pushing him to his limits.

"Crushing Fist."

Joo-Hwan's voice was cold as he launched his next attack, his fist glowing with a surge of Qi. The punch came with terrifying force, and Jin knew he couldn't dodge this one. He braced himself, gathering what little Qi he had left.

"Iron Palm Defense."

Jin met Joo-Hwan's attack with his own, his palm raised to block the crushing blow. The impact sent a shockwave through his body, and he staggered, feeling the heat of the Qi seep into his bones. His legs wobbled, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to fall.

"Is that all you have?" Joo-Hwan mocked, stepping back for a moment to gather his strength.

Jin's breathing was ragged. He could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on him. He couldn't keep this up much longer. But there was something more at stake here than just his survival. He had to win, or he would be discarded, just like the others who had failed before him.

He looked around quickly, calculating his next move. His body was battered, his Qi low, but his mind was sharp. There was one more technique he could try—one that he had barely learned but had the potential to turn the tide.

"Demonic Grip."

Jin extended his hand toward Joo-Hwan, channeling the little Qi he had left into his fingers. The air around his hand seemed to grow heavier, and for a brief moment, the atmosphere crackled with tension.

Joo-Hwan's eyes widened, sensing the change in the air. He tried to backpedal, but it was too late. Jin's fingers locked onto his chest, and the pressure from the technique forced Joo-Hwan to his knees. His Qi sputtered, as if the very energy inside him was being drained.

The audience gasped. Jin's technique wasn't perfect—far from it—but it was enough to incapacitate Joo-Hwan, at least for a moment.

"Victory goes to Mu-Yeon."

Elder Wraith's voice rang out, cold and final.

Jin stepped back, breathing heavily. His body was exhausted, his Qi depleted, but he had done it. He had survived.

Joo-Hwan lay on the ground, his body trembling as he struggled to breathe. He had lost. Jin turned his back on the fallen boy, walking calmly toward the edge of the arena. His eyes remained empty, his focus unwavering.

The fight was over, but this was only the beginning. The Demonic Sect was a place where only the strong thrived, and Jin Mu-Yeon had just taken his first step toward becoming the strongest.