Chapter 3: The Test of Resilience

Li Xin's days in Tranquil Breeze were plagued by the relentless bullying of his cousin, Li Mu, and his friends. Li Mu had reached the third stage of Mortal Awakening, while his friends were at the second stage. Their superiority in cultivation made their attacks more formidable, and Li Xin's lack of qi made him an easy target.

On this fateful day, Li Xin found himself cornered in a narrow alleyway. Li Mu's eyes glinted with malicious intent, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Well, well, if it isn't Li Xin. Come to entertain us again, have you?"

Li Xin clenched his fists, a mix of anger and determination in his eyes. "I've had enough of your bullying, Li Mu. Today, I won't back down."

Li Mu sneered, circling Li Xin with his friends in tow. "You? Defeat us? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing but a weakling."

Undeterred, Li Xin stood his ground, his body tense with anticipation. He had grown tired of being the victim, tired of being seen as weak. He was determined to prove his worth.

Li Mu lunged forward, his fist aimed at Li Xin's face. Li Xin swiftly dodged the blow, his body moving with unexpected agility. With a quick counterattack, he landed a solid punch on Li Mu's side, causing him to stagger.

Li Mu's friends watched with wide eyes, unsure how to react. This wasn't the Li Xin they had come to know—a timid and easily defeated target. Li Xin's determination had ignited a fire within him, fueling his every move.

As the fight raged on, the onlookers couldn't help but be captivated by the scene unfolding before them. The atmosphere crackled with tension as each strike, each dodge, and each expression on the combatants' faces told a story of their own.

Li Xin's movements became more fluid, his attacks precise. Despite his lack of qi, he relied on his speed, agility, and impeccable timing to outmaneuver his opponents. Every punch and kick was executed with unwavering focus.

The alleyway echoed with the sound of grunts and the shuffling of feet as the battle intensified. Li Xin's determination inspired whispers of awe among the spectators, who had never witnessed such a display of resilience from someone with no cultivation.

However, Li Mu and his friends, initially filled with arrogance, refused to admit defeat. They exchanged glances, silently communicating their intention to overpower Li Xin with sheer numbers.

But just as they were about to launch a coordinated attack, a stern voice reverberated through the alley. "That's enough!"

The combatants froze as their eyes turned toward the source of the authoritative voice. It was Master Zhang, the town's renowned martial arts instructor. His presence commanded respect, and everyone held their breath in anticipation.

Master Zhang's gaze swept across the scene, his eyes settling on Li Xin. His expression was a mix of sternness and curiosity. "Li Xin, your fighting spirit is commendable. It seems you possess a determination that transcends mere cultivation levels."

Li Mu and his friends shifted uncomfortably, their arrogance deflated in the face of their instructor's stern gaze.

Master Zhang approached Li Xin, his voice firm yet gentle. "You have shown potential, Li Xin. While I cannot take you as my personal disciple, I will offer you an invitation to the martial arts academy's entrance exam. It will take place in two months. Prove your worth there, and you may find the guidance and training you seek."

Li Xin's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. Though it wasn't a direct acceptance as a disciple, the invitation represented an opportunity—a chance to break free from the shackles of his current circumstances.

With a determined nod, Li Xin accepted the invitation, his resolve burning brighter than ever. He knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face any obstacle that stood in his way. This was his chance to rewrite his story and prove that one's worth was not solely defined by their cultivation level.

As Li Xin walked away from the alley, his steps were filled with renewed purpose and determination. The two months leading up to the entrance exam would be crucial. He would train tirelessly, honing his skills and preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead.