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A Hidden Threat
The morning sun rises over the vast, sprawling Nine Sects Alliance compound. Jiang Chen stands in the middle of a training courtyard, his sword at the ready. The clang of metal on metal fills the air as disciples of the various sects engage in sparring matches. The courtyard is bustling, full of martial artists of all levels, but Jiang Chen feels like an outsider.
He watches a group of disciples from the Tianxin Sect, known for their speed and agility. Their movements are swift and fluid, but Jiang Chen is not intimidated. He remembers Liu Xiu's words about discipline and balance.
Jiang Chen (thoughts, observing): "They are fast, yes... but speed alone is not enough. I need more than this—control, timing, and strength. I will not fall behind."
Jiang Chen's focus is broken when he feels a presence behind him. He turns around to see a young man, tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in the colors of the Xuanwu Sect. His expression is smug, his posture arrogant.
Young Man (smirking): "You're the new disciple, aren't you? Jiang Chen, wasn't it? I've heard a lot about you."
Jiang Chen (coolly, sizing him up): "I'm just here to train. Is there a problem?"
Young Man (chuckling): "No problem, just... curiosity. I'm Zhang Wei, a disciple of the Xuanwu Sect. You're here to train, but do you really think you have the talent to survive in this place?"
Zhang Wei steps closer, his imposing figure blocking Jiang Chen's view of the sparring disciples.
Zhang Wei (mocking): "You're weak. I can tell. It won't be long before you're left behind."
Jiang Chen's eyes narrow, but he doesn't let the insult affect him. Instead, he turns his gaze back to the sparring disciples.
Jiang Chen (calmly): "I'll prove you wrong."
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The Trial of Strength
Jiang Chen spends the next several days focusing on his training, pushing himself beyond his limits. His time manipulation powers are still unstable, but he practices them in secret, carefully learning to control the flow of time in brief bursts.
One morning, as Jiang Chen enters the training hall, he is met by Liu Xiu, who seems to be waiting for him. Liu Xiu has a serious expression, his eyes scrutinizing Jiang Chen's posture.
Liu Xiu (seriously): "You've been training hard, but you're not using your time manipulation properly. You're relying on it too much, and that's a mistake."
Jiang Chen (frowning, frustrated): "What do you mean? It's the only way I can keep up."
Liu Xiu (shaking his head): "Your power is an asset, but it's also a crutch. You can't depend on it to solve all your problems. Strength comes from balance—mind, body, and spirit. You need to build a foundation first before you start trying to manipulate the world around you."
Jiang Chen (quietly): "So, I need to train without relying on it. Understood."
Liu Xiu (nodding): "Exactly. Today, we'll focus on pure swordsmanship. No shortcuts. Just you, your sword, and your will."
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Later that day, Jiang Chen enters the Swordsman's Arena, a place where disciples of the Nine Sects come to prove their skill in combat. The arena is a large, circular space, with an audience of fellow disciples watching eagerly. At the center of the arena stands Zhang Wei, who waits with an arrogant expression, his sword drawn.
Zhang Wei (taunting): "I'm sure you've heard about the Trial of Strength, right? It's the rite of passage for any disciple who wishes to prove their worth in the Nine Sects. I'll make it simple for you—survive my sword strike, and you pass."
Jiang Chen (resolute, gripping his sword): "I'm not here to survive. I'm here to win."
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The Battle
The bell tolls, signaling the start of the trial. Zhang Wei charges forward with terrifying speed, his sword flashing like lightning. His movements are powerful and direct, aiming to overwhelm Jiang Chen with sheer strength.
Jiang Chen, however, remains calm. He waits for the perfect moment, feeling the rhythm of Zhang Wei's strikes. Time seems to slow as he steps to the side, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow. He doesn't rely on time manipulation—he focuses entirely on his swordsmanship, mirroring Liu Xiu's teachings.
The clash of swords echoes through the arena as Jiang Chen parries Zhang Wei's attacks with precise, calculated movements. Despite Zhang Wei's overwhelming strength, Jiang Chen's agility and reflexes allow him to dodge and counter each strike.
The battle rages on, and Jiang Chen begins to find a rhythm. He starts attacking, his strikes sharp and deliberate, pushing Zhang Wei back. The audience watches in stunned silence as Jiang Chen holds his own, his skills on full display.
Zhang Wei (gritting his teeth, frustrated): "Why can't I land a hit on you?"
Jiang Chen doesn't answer. Instead, he moves in for the final strike. With a fluid motion, he disarms Zhang Wei, sending his sword flying across the arena. Jiang Chen stands tall, his blade resting at Zhang Wei's throat.
Jiang Chen (calmly): "The trial is over. You've lost."
The arena erupts into applause as Zhang Wei stumbles backward, humiliated. Jiang Chen doesn't bask in his victory, however. He simply lowers his sword and steps away, his eyes focused on the next challenge.
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S
The Dark Secret
After the trial, Jiang Chen returns to his room to meditate and recover. As he practices his sword forms, he senses something unsettling—a presence lurking outside his door.
He opens his eyes just as a shadowy figure slips inside. It's a man cloaked in dark robes, his face obscured. The figure speaks in a low, menacing tone.
Mysterious Figure (softly): "Jiang Chen… you've proven yourself to be a thorn in the side of the powerful. But you don't know what you're getting yourself into. The Nine Sects are not as they seem."
Jiang Chen (stepping forward, unsheathing his sword): "Who are you? What do you want?"
Mysterious Figure (smiling faintly): "You will learn in time. The Nine Sects hold many secrets, and not all of them are meant to be uncovered. Be careful what you wish for, Jiang Chen. Some things are better left in the dark."
Before Jiang Chen can respond, the figure vanishes into the shadows, leaving behind an air of foreboding. Jiang Chen is left standing in silence, his sword still drawn. The mysterious encounter raises more questions than answers.
Jiang Chen (thoughts, clenched fist): "What did he mean by that? The Nine Sects… secrets? I have to be careful. There's more at play here than I realize."
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End of Chapter 3