Eternal Flamez

Opportunities within the Clear Spring Sect were rare and fiercely contested. When Elder Huo announced the opening of the Spirit Spring Cavern, a sacred site brimming with pure spiritual energy, Lin Xue knew she had to seize it. The cavern was reserved for the top-performing outer disciples, and the competition would be brutal.

The matches to earn entry were announced, and Lin Xue found herself pitted against some of the sect's strongest disciples. Her peers laughed at the idea of her competing.

"She's barely mid-stage Qi Condensation. She won't last a single round."

But Lin Xue refused to back down. In her first match, she faced an opponent two levels higher than her. The odds were stacked against her, but Lin Xue relied on cunning over brute force. She used the terrain to her advantage, luring her opponent into a confined space where his large techniques were less effective.

By the end of the match, Lin Xue had pushed him to his limit. Though she lost by a narrow margin, her performance caught the attention of Elder Huo.

"Your cultivation level is lacking," he said, his tone measured. "But your determination and ingenuity are rare. You've earned your place in the Spirit Spring Cavern."

Lin Xue bowed deeply, her heart swelling with gratitude.

In the weeks leading up to her entry, Lin Xue prepared herself rigorously. She meditated for hours each day, refining her Qi to ensure it was as stable as possible. She also gathered herbs to create a crude pill that could enhance her energy absorption during her time in the cavern.

When the day finally came, Lin Xue stepped into the cavern with both trepidation and resolve. The pure spiritual energy within was overwhelming, but she knew this was her chance to solidify her foundation and prepare for the challenges ahead. Her journey was far from over, but she was ready to face it head-on. In the silent embrace of the Spirit Spring Cavern, Lin Xue vowed to let nothing hold her back.