C11 I'll Let You Have Three Moves

Within the Firetalons Sect's code, there was a rule that allowed for conflict resolution through challenges. If two members could not reconcile their differences, one could issue a challenge to the other, who had the option to accept or decline. Zhao Lin had been a part of the Outer Sect for several days but felt like an outsider since no one seemed interested in engaging with him.

It wasn't until he encountered a few individuals who had taken the assessment on the same day that Zhao Lin realized the path to the Outer Sect for service disciples wasn't fraught with numerous tests. The final hurdle was the test of wakan. Reflecting on various matters, Zhao Lin resigned himself to the fact that his entry into the sect, facilitated by Xie Ling's assistance, had made him the adversary of the sect's entire younger generation.

One morning, as Zhao Lin stepped out of his hut, he was approached by several disciples. Their haughty expressions gave away their intentions. "Zhao Lin, Senior Brother Zhang Yun has summoned you!" they declared, their tone far from friendly.

"Senior Brother Zhang Yun? Who's that? I don't know him," Zhao Lin replied with a nonchalant shrug, sidestepping the group. "Zhao Lin, you dare defy him?" they shouted, incensed by his audacity. "No time!" Zhao Lin retorted dismissively, striding away.

"Zhao Lin, you're digging your own grave. Senior Brother Zhang Yun is a master of the Foundation Building stage. Cross him, and you'll struggle to take a single step!" they yelled, constrained by the sect's rules from taking any direct action. Zhao Lin's response was to simply ignore them.

"That fool is really asking for trouble. Now we'll get to see Senior Brother show his strength once more!" The disciples, initially furious, now seemed to take pleasure in the prospect of Zhao Lin's comeuppance. After spending the day poring over various records, Zhao Lin returned to his hut, massaging his stiff neck. As he entered, his expression subtly shifted. Having survived alone in the forest for years, he had developed keen instincts. Instantly, he could tell someone had been in his room during his absence.

A pristine desk now bore an unexpected addition—a letter, explicitly marked for Zhao Lin's eyes only. Upon reading the contents, Zhao Lin allowed himself a slight smile before the letter was reduced to dust with a flick of his wrist. "Zhang Yun, if it's a game you're after, I'm game," he mused. The letter was, in fact, a challenge.

Having freshened up, Zhao Lin settled into a cross-legged position and began his cultivation practice with the Qi Condensation Scroll. He had reached the late stages of the Nascent Soul Realm but was not yet ready to advance to the Foundation Building Realm. The transition to Foundation Building was critical, a milestone that could define one's life. The Firetalons' ancient texts underscored the importance of a solid foundation in the Nascent Soul Realm, promising greater benefits upon advancing.

Another key to breaking through to Foundation Building was the Foundation Building Pill. Typically, disciples at the appropriate stage could claim three such pills from the sect at no cost. However, Zhao Lin's conspicuous arrival at the sect had earned him some ill will, and he was denied the resources readily available to others.

"You want a battle? Fine. But it comes with a price," Zhao Lin said with a knowing smile. He couldn't obtain what he needed from the sect, but if someone was willing to deliver it, that suited him just as well—he relished the satisfaction of a fair exchange. The night passed uneventfully, and the following afternoon, after lunch, Zhao Lin found himself encircled by the same individuals from the day before, demanding he answer the challenge.

With a calm smile, Zhao Lin laid out his terms. If Zhang Yun accepted, he would face him; if not, he would decline. The sect's code had no mandate to accept every challenge issued. The messenger returned swiftly, his expression betraying a hint of schadenfreude, confirming Zhang Yun had accepted Zhao Lin's terms.

The challenge would take place on an open stretch of land designated for Outer Sect duels. As Zhao Lin and his companions arrived, they observed pairs of disciples honing their skills. A young disciple, no older than eighteen, approached them. "Impressive, you're the first to set terms for me. But let's be clear—you stand no chance of winning these ten Foundation Building Pills," Zhang Yun murmured to Zhao Lin before striding onto the field.

Upon Zhang Yun's arrival, those who were practicing immediately sensed something was about to unfold and quickly stepped aside. Zhao Lin put on an innocuous smile and said, "Senior Brother Zhang Yun is aware that I'm on the cusp of breaking through to the Foundation Building realm, yet I lack Foundation Building Pills. He has graciously allowed me to challenge him, promising ten Foundation Building Pills should I emerge victorious. I implore my fellow Senior Brothers, do not accuse Senior Brother Zhang Yun of picking on the newcomer."

As Zhao Lin spoke, the onlookers, well aware of his difficulty in obtaining Foundation Building Pills, glanced at Zhang Yun and shook their heads, clearly doubting Zhao Lin's chances. Initially, Zhang Yun looked pleased, but his expression darkened the moment Zhao Lin finished his statement. Zhao Lin's plea for others not to claim he was being bullied was clearly sarcastic.

"Senior Brother Zhang Yun, I'm grateful for the pills and apologize for any offense," Zhao Lin said, maintaining his harmless demeanor. This left the crowd puzzled—was this the same person who had clung to Xie Ling's leg to enter the sect? Could there be more to that story than met the eye?

"Hmph, so you're suggesting I might not honor my word? Fine, I'll settle this now to prevent any hard feelings after your defeat," Zhang Yun huffed, tossing a jade bottle to Zhao Lin. "Oh, how could I accept this? The battle hasn't even begun!" Zhao Lin said, feigning modesty, yet his hands were lightning-fast as he snatched the jade bottle and slipped it into his Spatial Pouch, all while Zhang Yun looked on in astonishment.

"Let's fight!" Zhang Yun was eager to begin. "Please go easy on me, Senior Brother; I am no match for you," Zhao Lin said, bowing respectfully. "Enough with the chatter. I'll give you three moves, and that's it!" Zhang Yun retorted. "Thank you, Senior Brother; you are truly kind!" Zhao Lin responded immediately, seizing the opportunity. Zhang Yun's face fell as he sensed trouble brewing.

"Since you've allowed me three moves, Senior Brother, please stand still and receive them," Zhao Lin called out just as Zhang Yun was about to act. "Despicable! Who ever heard of such a concession?" Now, it wasn't just Zhang Yun who was taken aback; the spectators also found Zhao Lin's audacity and lack of honor astonishingly brazen.

"What are you all talking about? Senior Brother Zhang Yun is a master of the Foundation Building realm. It's not just about giving me three moves; even if he allowed me ten, how could I possibly harm him? Senior Brother Zhang Yun is simply considering my feelings by doing this. If you don't get it, then there's no need to cause a fuss." Unbeknownst to them, Zhao Lin had already steered everyone's thinking. Even Zhang Yun secretly thought, "He's no match for me at the Nascent Soul level, so after letting him have three moves, if I then take him down, won't I achieve three goals at once?"

"Alright, I'll stay right here and take three moves from you, Junior Brother!" Zhang Yun was confident that his Foundation Building strength was far superior to the Nascent Soul stage, yet he was oblivious to the fact that a slight edge in realm doesn't always guarantee victory.

"Senior Brother, you truly embody the spirit of a senior brother with your generous heart. Junior Brother is about to strike!" Zhao Lin chuckled and threw a punch at Zhang Yun.