Legacy of the Forgotten Qi

The announcement of the final trial spread like wildfire among the disciples. It wasn't just another skirmish in the labyrinth or a test of endurance. This was a challenge of skill, strategy, and the sheer will to win. Each participant knew that this trial could cement their place in the Demonic Sect—or end their aspirations entirely.

Jin Mu-Yeon stood at the edge of the gathering, his cold gaze fixed on the raised platform in the center of the arena. The elders' seats loomed above, with Elder Seong-Won and the ominous Elder Wraith seated side by side. Both men radiated authority, their presence suffocating the air with an almost tangible weight.

Elder Seong-Won's voice boomed across the field. "This is no ordinary trial. You will face not only your peers but also warriors trained to test your resolve. Only the strong will emerge victorious."

At his words, murmurs rippled through the crowd. Warriors trained to test them? This was a twist no one had expected.

Jin felt a twinge of unease but pushed it aside. He glanced at Do Hyun, who stood nearby, arms crossed and aura burning faintly crimson. The boy's confidence was unshaken, his smirk unwavering. Chae Rin was quieter, her eyes scanning the competitors with a calculating intensity.

"The first matches will pit you against each other," Elder Seong-Won continued. "But the final rounds will test you against opponents chosen by the sect."

Jin's first match was quick and decisive. His opponent, a brash boy armed with twin daggers, relied too heavily on speed and feints. Jin's calm, precise strikes dismantled the boy's attacks, ending the fight with a swift disarm.

Chae Rin followed, her battle equally efficient. Her throwing knives found their marks with uncanny precision, forcing her opponent to yield before the fight could escalate.

Do Hyun, however, stole the show. His raw power overwhelmed his opponent, a burly disciple who wielded a massive war hammer. With a single strike infused with his crimson Qi, Do Hyun shattered the hammer and sent the disciple sprawling.

As the trio regrouped between rounds, Jin couldn't help but feel a growing tension in the air. The elders were whispering among themselves, their eyes lingering on him.

"You feel that?" Do Hyun asked, his voice low.

Jin nodded. "They're planning something."

The final round began with a twist. Elder Seong-Won rose to his feet, his voice cutting through the noise. "For the last battle, you will face a member of the sect—someone who will determine whether you are truly worthy."

Gasps erupted as a figure stepped onto the platform. He was tall and imposing, with a lean build and an air of deadly confidence. His name was Kang Il-Joon, a Second Rate disciple and a rising star in the sect. His reputation as a fierce and merciless fighter was well-known among the younger disciples.

Jin's stomach tightened. He had heard stories of Kang Il-Joon, of how he had defeated opponents stronger than himself with a combination of skill and cunning. This would not be an easy fight.

"Jin Mu-Yeon," Elder Seong-Won announced, "you will face Kang Il-Joon."

The arena fell silent as Jin stepped onto the platform. Kang Il-Joon stood across from him, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. He drew his blade, its edge shimmering faintly with Qi.

"I've heard about you," Kang said, his voice smooth. "The quiet prodigy with the cold eyes. Let's see if you live up to the rumors."

Jin didn't reply. Instead, he raised his sword, his stance firm and unwavering.

The gong sounded, and Kang moved first. His speed was breathtaking, his blade slicing through the air in a flurry of attacks. Jin barely managed to parry the strikes, his arms trembling under the force.

"You're too slow," Kang taunted, his strikes relentless.

Jin gritted his teeth, stepping back to create distance. He knew Kang was testing him, probing for weaknesses. But Jin wasn't just defending—he was studying.

Kang lunged again, his blade aiming for Jin's shoulder. This time, Jin sidestepped and countered with a swift slash aimed at Kang's ribs. The older disciple twisted away, but not before Jin's blade nicked his side.

Kang's smile widened. "Not bad. But can you handle this?"

He unleashed a burst of Qi, his movements becoming even faster and more aggressive. Jin was forced to retreat, his mind racing. Kang's technique was flawless, his attacks leaving little room for error.

As the battle raged on, Jin's body screamed in protest. He blocked another heavy strike, his feet sliding across the platform from the impact. Blood dripped from a shallow cut on his arm, but his grip on his sword never wavered.

Kang's laughter echoed. "You're persistent, I'll give you that. But persistence alone won't save you."

Jin's eyes narrowed. He had been waiting for this moment—Kang's overconfidence was his opening. As Kang launched another powerful strike, Jin stepped into the attack, redirecting the blade with a sharp twist of his wrist.

Before Kang could recover, Jin drove his elbow into the older disciple's chest, forcing him back. Seizing the advantage, Jin followed with a flurry of strikes, each one calculated and precise.

Kang staggered, his breathing labored. "You…" he muttered, his tone filled with disbelief.

Jin didn't respond. He raised his blade, ready to deliver the final blow.

But Kang wasn't finished. With a roar, he unleashed a desperate surge of Qi, his blade glowing with a fierce light. The attack was wild and unrefined, but its sheer power was undeniable.

Jin's heart raced. He could feel the weight of Kang's attack bearing down on him, threatening to overwhelm him. But instead of retreating, he stood his ground, focusing all his energy into one decisive strike.

The two blades collided, the impact sending shockwaves through the arena. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Then, with a sharp crack, Kang's blade shattered. The force of Jin's strike sent the older disciple sprawling, his weapon reduced to fragments.

The arena was silent as Jin lowered his sword, his chest heaving. Kang lay on the ground, defeated but alive.

Elder Seong-Won rose to his feet, his expression unreadable. "Jin Mu-Yeon is victorious."

Cheers erupted from the crowd, but Jin barely heard them. His gaze remained fixed on Kang, who struggled to his feet.

"You've earned my respect," Kang said, his voice quiet but sincere. "But don't get too comfortable. The sect is full of people stronger than me."

Jin nodded, his cold demeanor unbroken. He knew Kang's words were true. This victory was just the beginning.