From Mortal To Immortal: Reign Of The Unyielding Chapter 7: The First Steps of Power

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the vast training grounds of the Taiyan Sect. Lin Tian stood on the outskirts, observing the disciples who were engaged in their daily practices. Their movements, though swift and practiced, lacked the fluidity and precision of a true master. They were young, eager, but inexperienced. Lin Tian could see through their postures, their stances—it was clear that none of them could compare to his level of skill.

He stood tall, his arms crossed, his expression calm, as the wind rustled through his dark hair. Lin Tian had already spent years in his past lives honing his body and mind, cultivating his martial arts, mastering energy manipulation. But this new path, in the Taiyan Sect, held new possibilities. Here, he was not just a wanderer with raw strength. Here, he was a disciple—someone who could push the limits of cultivation even further.

“Lin Tian!” a voice called from behind him.

Lin Tian turned to see Xu Jian, one of the more boastful disciples, striding toward him with an air of superiority. His sword was sheathed at his side, and his expression was a mix of determination and arrogance. He was taller than Lin Tian, with a broad frame that made him appear physically imposing. It was clear from the way he carried himself that he thought highly of his own abilities.

“I heard about your victory in the trials,” Xu Jian said, stopping a few feet away from Lin Tian. “But I’ve yet to see if you truly have what it takes to be one of us. How about a sparring match? You and me.”

Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. Xu Jian was certainly strong for his level, but Lin Tian’s cold gaze never wavered. It wasn’t arrogance—it was simply the truth. He could feel Xu Jian’s spiritual energy, faint and erratic, compared to his own controlled, powerful flow. Xu Jian may have been confident, but that confidence came from ignorance.

“Are you sure about this?” Lin Tian asked quietly, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority.

Xu Jian smirked. “I’m not afraid of you. You defeated a few weaker disciples in the trials, but that means little here. Let’s see what you’re really made of.”

Lin Tian didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he simply stepped into a neutral stance, his feet shoulder-width apart, his body perfectly balanced. His eyes never left Xu Jian’s as the latter unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming in the fading sunlight. Xu Jian’s grip on the sword was tight, but his movements were slightly erratic—there was hesitation beneath his strength. Lin Tian could tell that the sword was an extension of his ego more than an extension of his will.

Without further words, Xu Jian rushed forward, his sword aimed straight for Lin Tian’s chest. His movements were swift, fueled by a mix of pride and raw energy, but they were predictable. Lin Tian sidestepped effortlessly, his body moving as fluidly as water. He barely had to exert himself. Xu Jian’s attack whistled past his side, but before Xu Jian could recover, Lin Tian moved like a shadow.

In one smooth motion, Lin Tian struck the back of Xu Jian’s knee with a low kick, sending the disciple tumbling forward. Xu Jian’s pride couldn’t handle it. He pushed himself up immediately, anger flashing across his face.

“You’re fast,” Xu Jian growled. “But speed alone isn’t enough!”

Xu Jian’s sword flashed again, but this time, he changed his approach. The strike was no longer direct. It was a feint, followed by a low, sweeping attack aimed at Lin Tian’s legs. Lin Tian’s eyes narrowed. He could feel the attack coming before Xu Jian even moved—his heightened senses, sharpened by years of cultivation and the system he now carried, gave him an edge that no ordinary disciple could match.

Lin Tian effortlessly dodged the attack, stepping to the side and placing his palm on Xu Jian’s back. With a gentle but firm push, Xu Jian stumbled forward, completely unbalanced. Lin Tian moved with lightning speed and, in one smooth motion, grabbed the wrist holding the sword, twisted it, and disarmed him, sending the blade clattering to the ground.

Xu Jian fell to his knees, gasping for breath. His pride had been shattered, and his eyes burned with fury, but also confusion. He had underestimated Lin Tian, and now it was clear that he was not even in the same league.

“You lack control,” Lin Tian said softly, looking down at him. “Strength without control is nothing. And that’s all you have.”

Xu Jian gritted his teeth. “You think you’re better than me?”

“I know I am,” Lin Tian replied coldly.

The onlookers who had gathered to watch the match were silent. Lin Tian’s performance was flawless—he had defeated Xu Jian without breaking a sweat. Some looked impressed, others simply stunned by his sheer ability. There was no need for words. Lin Tian’s actions spoke for themselves.

“Enough,” a voice called from the crowd.

Lin Tian turned to see Zhang Zhen, the senior disciple who had warned him earlier, stepping forward. Her presence was commanding, her eyes cold as they locked onto Lin Tian.

“That’s enough sparring for today,” Zhang Zhen continued, her gaze sweeping over Xu Jian, who was now getting to his feet, nursing his wounded pride. “Lin Tian, you’ve proven your strength. But remember, this is only the beginning. Strength is important, but wisdom and restraint are what truly define a cultivator.”

Lin Tian gave a single nod of acknowledgment, his gaze meeting Zhang Zhen’s without fear. “I understand.”


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End Of Chapter 7

Chapter end