The early morning mist that blanketed Qingye Sect was thicker than usual, clinging to buildings and trees like a veil of secrets. Disciples moved about their duties with unease, sensing something unnatural in the air. Birds remained silent. Beasts in the outer forest had vanished. Even the winds that usually danced down the mountain paths seemed hesitant.
Lin Ho stood at the edge of the northern training cliff, eyes narrowed.
> "Something's coming," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
He could feel it — a subtle pressure, like the realm itself was inhaling sharply, waiting to exhale chaos.
---
Inner Disciple Arena
The news spread quickly — a sudden challenge had been issued. An inner disciple named Zhou Fan, known for his arrogance and strength, had demanded a duel with Lin Ho. His reason? Vague suspicions. Envy. Or perhaps someone whispering behind the scenes.
Lin Ho didn't hesitate. He accepted.
The arena was already packed when he arrived. Cheers and whispers filled the air. Some waited to see a new genius rise. Others waited for Lin Ho to fall.
Zhou Fan cracked his knuckles as Lin stepped onto the platform.
> "You don't belong here," Zhou sneered. "You're hiding something. Maybe today we pull that truth from your broken body."
Lin Ho's expression didn't change. Calm. Serene. Yet there was a strange pressure rising from him — subtle but undeniable.
> "Then try," he said simply.
---
The Duel Begins
The elder presiding nodded and the duel began.
Zhou Fan rushed forward, a spear of burning wind Qi tearing through the air. Lin Ho didn't move. Not until the very last moment. With a single step, he sidestepped the attack and tapped Zhou's shoulder.
The crowd gasped. Zhou stumbled back, confused — his limbs suddenly numb.
> "What... what did you do?!"
Lin Ho didn't answer. His Chaos Qi was subtle, not destructive. It worked on the principle of reversal and harmony — destabilizing Zhou's inner flow of Qi just enough to cause disarray.
Another strike.
Zhou's spear shattered.
A third movement — a palm strike to the chest.
Zhou flew off the stage, coughing blood.
Silence.
Then — an uproar.
---
Aftermath
Lin Ho turned and walked away without speaking.
From the shadows beneath the arena, two cloaked figures watched him.
> "He's further along than we thought," one said.
> "Should we intervene?"
> "No. Let him shine. The brighter the light… the deeper the shadow it casts."
---
End of Chapter 75