### Chapter 44: Victory Without a Fight
"Fourth Level?" Lin Yi scoffed. In an instant, he unleashed his spiritual aura—raw, unbridled, *Fifth Level Qi Refinement*. It slammed into Yu Wu like a tidal wave, sending him staggering back.
Yu Wu's face drained of color. *Fifth Level?*
A hush fell over the clearing. Every jaw dropped, every eye wide with disbelief.
Three months. From First Level to Fifth. For a Five Spiritual Roots cultivator? It was unthinkable. Even Single Spiritual Roots prodigies needed years, not months. Whispers erupted, sharp with awe and confusion.
"How is this possible?"
"Is he even human?"
"Five Levels in three months… that's a monster!"
Only Mu Rongfeng wasn't shocked—he'd already sensed it. But the confirmation twisted his gut. *What's his secret?*
Elders Guan and Huo leaned forward, their神识 probing Lin Yi. They'd dismissed the "heavenly elixir" tale when he hit Fourth Level, but Fifth? It defied all logic. Yet try as they might, they found no traces of forbidden arts or demonic energy—just a steady, unwavering cultivation base.
"Damned kid!" Steward Zhang laughed, slapping his thigh. "He's outstripped me! First place is his for the taking!" His own cultivation had stagnated at peak Fourth Level for years.
Steward Qiao smiled, relieved. Aligning himself with Lin Yi was proving wise. A core disciple ally would secure his position in the sect.
Yu Wu stared at Lin Yi, defeat settling over him like a shroud. With Fifth Level cultivation, Lin Yi outclassed him by two full ranks. No amount of talismans or tricks could bridge that gap. "Senior Brother Lin," he said, bowing deeply, "I concede. You've earned this."
"Accepted," Lin Yi nodded.
"Second match: Lin Yi wins!" Elder Guan宣布, his voice grudging but impartial.
Just moments earlier, Yu Wu had been on the cusp of victory. Now, Lin Yi stood triumphant—proof that fate could twist in an instant.
As Lin Yi stepped off the field, the same disciples who'd mocked him swarmed, grinning and slapping his back. "Senior Brother Lin! That aura—*unreal*!" "Teach us your secrets!" Lin Yi laughed, deflecting their questions with easy charm. Years of摆摊 had taught him to read people—and to keep his cards close.
His popularity soared. Even those who'd bet on Mu Rongfeng now murmured, "Fifth Level… he might beat Mu Rongfeng."
In their eyes, raw cultivation trumped skill. With Fifth Level spiritual energy, Lin Yi could outlast Mu Rongfeng, even if Mu had more experience. They had no idea how deadly Lin Yi truly was—how the *Five Spirits Body Tempering Technique* had turned his body into a weapon, how his Iron Sand Palm could crush bones with a flick. Restrained by sect rules, he'd yet to unleash his full power.
But records were already being rewritten. Lin Yi, the Five Spiritual Roots outcast, was now the outer sect's strongest—*ever*.
"The third match: Zhan Xiong vs. Mu Rongfeng!" the scribe called.
Mu Rongfeng stepped into the arena, his posture rigid, his gaze locked on Lin Yi. The cheers erupted again—louder, more狂热. "Senior Brother Mu! Show him what you've got!" "Crush him!"
Zhan Xiong stumbled forward, his face ashen. He inched toward the arena, each step heavier than the last, as if walking to his execution. It took him half an incense stick's time to cover a mere twenty feet.
Mu Rongfeng watched, his expression cold as stone.
Finally, Zhan Xiong reached the center. He took a deep breath, then bowed. "I surrender."
Three words. No fight, no fanfare—just abject defeat.
The crowd roared, but this time, it felt hollow. Mu Rongfeng's威慑 was so great, his opponent hadn't even tried.
Lin Yi's eyes narrowed. *This isn't normal.* A Fourth Level should dominate a Third, but Zhan Xiong's terror ran deeper—like he feared Mu Rongfeng would kill him, not just beat him.
*There's more to Mu Rongfeng than meets the eye.*
Mu Rongfeng's gaze flickered to Lin Yi, a silent challenge in his eyes. He raised a hand, silencing the crowd, and said, "Next."
His voice was calm, but Lin Yi saw the tension in his jaw.
The finals had barely begun, but the real battle was already brewing—between a prodigy who defied fate, and a schemer clinging to power.
And Lin Yi, for one, couldn't wait.