The arena didn't calm down after Lin Feng's victory.
If anything—
It became louder.
Wilder.
More chaotic.
His name, once unknown, now echoed across the stone walls like a rising storm.
"LIN FENG!"
"LIN FENG!"
"LIN FENG!"
He hadn't even left the arena floor yet.
And already—
Everything had changed.
The Weight of Victory
Lin Feng rolled his shoulder slightly as he walked toward the exit.
The fight had been intense.
Real.
Different from anything he had experienced before.
Here—
There were no limits.
No one held back.
And that made every victory… meaningful.
He exhaled slowly.
"…Yeah."
"This is where I grow."
The Crowd's Shift
As he passed by the edge of the arena—
The same people who doubted him earlier were now staring with wide eyes.
Some with excitement.
Some with fear.
Others with calculation.
A man shouted,
"Hey! Fight again!"
Another followed,
"I'm betting on you this time!"
Lin Feng smirked faintly.
"Of course you are."
Recognition from the Arena
Back at the registration area—
The woman who had written his name earlier glanced up.
This time—
She actually looked interested.
"You're still alive."
Lin Feng leaned slightly on the desk.
"Disappointed?"
She shook her head.
"No."
She slid a small pouch toward him.
"Your winnings."
Lin Feng picked it up.
It was heavier than expected.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Not bad."
She crossed her arms.
"You caused an upset."
"A lot of people lost money."
Lin Feng grinned.
"Sounds like a 'them' problem."
Unexpected Opportunity
She tapped the desk lightly.
"You're being watched."
Lin Feng didn't react outwardly.
But inside—
He had already noticed.
The gaze from earlier.
Heavy.
Sharp.
Intentional.
"Yeah," he said casually. "I figured."
She leaned in slightly.
"If you keep winning…"
"You won't just be fighting random opponents anymore."
Lin Feng's smile widened.
"Good."
"That's exactly what I want."
A Short Rest
He stepped away from the desk and found a quiet corner within the arena's inner corridor.
The noise outside was still loud—but here, it was muted.
Controlled.
He sat down briefly.
Closed his eyes.
And breathed.
Inside him—
The Titan Core pulsed steadily.
A quiet sense of satisfaction spread through his body.
Not just from winning.
But from overcoming.
From proving.
From growing.
Subtle Growth
Without needing any screen or notification—
Lin Feng could feel it.
His strength had improved.
His control sharpened.
His instincts refined.
Fighting a true Core Condensation cultivator had pushed him forward more than days of training ever could.
He clenched his fist slowly.
"…I'm getting closer."
Second Match Offer
"Resting already?"
Lin Feng opened his eyes.
The registration woman stood nearby.
"You've got another offer."
He tilted his head.
"That fast?"
She nodded.
"You made an impression."
Lin Feng stood up.
"Who's the opponent?"
She paused briefly.
Then said—
"Another Core Condensation cultivator."
A Grin Returns
Lin Feng's eyes lit up.
"Perfect."
No hesitation.
No fear.
Only excitement.
The Arena Reacts Again
When Lin Feng stepped back into the arena—
The reaction was immediate.
"He's back?!"
"No way!"
"Another fight already?!"
This time—
The betting tables went wild.
But unlike before—
Now people were divided.
Some still doubted him.
Others believed.
The Second Opponent Appears
From the opposite side—
A figure stepped into the arena.
Slim.
Calm.
Cold.
Unlike the brute from before, this man moved with quiet precision.
His presence was different.
Sharper.
More controlled.
His eyes locked onto Lin Feng immediately.
"You're the one they're talking about."
Lin Feng shrugged.
"Guess so."
A Different Kind of Danger
The man drew a thin blade.
Not large.
Not flashy.
But—
Dangerous.
Lin Feng's instincts sharpened instantly.
This one's different.
The man smiled faintly.
"I don't rely on brute strength."
Lin Feng cracked his neck slightly.
"Good."
"Neither do I."
Above the Arena
In a private viewing area—
A figure stood silently.
Watching.
Hidden in shadow.
Beside them, another voice spoke.
"He's interesting."
The figure didn't respond immediately.
Their gaze remained fixed on Lin Feng.
"…More than interesting."
Back to the Arena
The tension built quickly.
The crowd quieted slightly.
Anticipation rising.
The bell hadn't even rung yet—
But the pressure was already there.
Heavy.
Thick.
Real.
Final Moments Before Battle
The blade-user adjusted his grip.
Lin Feng relaxed his stance.
Two completely different fighters.
Two completely different styles.
About to clash.
Cliffhanger
The bell rang.
A sharp metallic sound that cut through the tension.
The blade-user vanished.
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed.
"…Fast."
A cold presence appeared behind him.
Too close.
Too sudden.
The second fight—
Had already begun.