Six days passed in blur of intensive training.
Lin Feng stood at the tournament arena entrance, his body refined through relentless preparation, his mind focused with absolute clarity. The final preparation week had been brutal but productive—formation deployment now approached instant speeds, consciousness division had achieved stable five-stream capability, and his combat techniques had integrated seamlessly with new formation mastery.
More importantly, yesterday's final extended dao synchronization session with Yun Qingxue had pushed him to the very edge of Divine Domain Level 5. He could feel the breakthrough threshold so close it was almost tangible—perhaps one intense combat would catalyze the advancement.
But can't force it. Grand Elder Bingxin's wisdom: breakthrough comes through recognition, not desperation. If it happens during the match, excellent. If not, Level 4 with perfect foundation is sufficient for competitive performance.
The Frozen Sky Sect's tournament arena was smaller than the Jade Lotus grounds but more impressive—ice-crystal construction that refracted light into rainbow patterns, formation barriers sophisticated enough to contain Cloud Transformation combat, seating for five thousand sect members and honored guests.
Every seat was filled.
Lin Feng could feel thousands of eyes on him as he walked through the preparation tunnels. The mysterious guest disciple. The Ice Goddess's acknowledged Dao Companion. The void cultivator who'd somehow earned recognition from one of the continent's most powerful sects.
Constant observation. Constant evaluation. Welcome to my life now.
Through the Dao Thread, Yun Qingxue's presence carried both encouragement and concern: How are you feeling?
Ready. Nervous. Determined. Lin Feng checked his sword one final time—the blade had been maintained meticulously during preparation week. Wei Chen is formidable opponent, but I've prepared specifically for his style.
You have. Your formation disruption is tournament-elite level now. Your offensive deployment is fast enough to pressure even Level 5 cultivators. And your dao comprehension has deepened remarkably. Her emotions through the bond showed fierce confidence. Win or lose, you've proven yourself worthy through preparation alone. Now go demonstrate that in combat.
The announcement echoed through preparation areas: "Fourth match, opening round: Lin Feng, guest disciple, versus Wei Chen, inner disciple. Competitors to arena."
Lin Feng drew a deep breath, centering himself through meditation techniques refined over the past week. Then he walked through the tunnel into brilliant afternoon sunlight and the roar of five thousand voices.
Wei Chen waited at the arena's opposite side—a man in his late twenties with spiritual signature radiating Divine Domain Level 5 clearly. Three years at that level meant absolute consolidation, zero weakness from recent advancement. His presence felt immovable, patient, designed for extended combat rather than quick exchanges.
The referee—an elder at Immortal Emperor Level 4—stepped between them. "Standard tournament rules. Victory by surrender, incapacitation, or referee judgment. Lethal techniques forbidden, permanent injury results in disqualification. Competitors acknowledge understanding."
"Acknowledged," both replied simultaneously.
"Take positions."
Lin Feng walked to his starting mark, settling into ready stance. His preparation week had culminated in this moment—every formation drill, every sparring session, every dao synchronization practice building toward this first tournament match.
Through the viewing sections, he could sense multiple powerful presences watching. Patriarch Bingfeng, evaluating whether her approval decision was justified. Grand Elder Bingxin, curious about his dao comprehension application. Elder Xuanbing, hoping to see him fail and validate his opposition. And Yun Qingxue, supporting him through the Dao Thread with unwavering confidence.
No pressure at all.
"Competitors ready!"
Wei Chen assumed defensive stance, spiritual energy already coiling into protective formations. As expected—endurance specialists started every match by establishing defensive advantage.
Lin Feng activated the Spirit Condensation Pill he'd saved from the Jade Lotus Tournament—still one remaining from Patriarch Cloud Heaven's gift. The enhancement flooded through his meridians, temporarily boosting his capabilities by fifty percent. Not enough to match Level 5 power, but enough to make the differential manageable.
"Begin!"
Wei Chen immediately manifested his domain—"Eternal Glacier"—and Lin Feng felt the overwhelming environmental pressure instantly. Temperature plummeted toward absolute zero, ice formations sprouted across the arena floor, ambient spiritual energy became hostile to non-ice cultivation. Within that domain, Wei Chen's defensive capabilities effectively doubled while Lin Feng faced constant drainage.
Expected this. Prepared for this. Domain warfare is his strength—don't fight it directly. Undermine it through formation disruption.
Lin Feng deployed his defensive barrier using instant formation technique—the array manifested in under one second, creating protected space that significantly reduced domain pressure. Simultaneously, he activated Shadow Veil for positional uncertainty and began consciousness division for formation analysis.
Five awareness streams—his maximum reliable capability—each one examining different aspects of Wei Chen's domain structure. Looking for geometric nodes, structural weaknesses, places where void energy application would collapse the environmental control.
There. His domain has three primary foundation points maintaining stability. Disrupt those simultaneously and the entire Eternal Glacier collapses.
But the nodes were protected by defensive formations that Wei Chen refreshed constantly. Lin Feng would need to breach those defenses before targeting domain foundations—two-layer assault requiring sequential execution under combat pressure.
Wei Chen attacked then, not with overwhelming force but with measured techniques designed to probe defenses. Ice constructs shaped like spears struck from multiple angles, testing Lin Feng's barrier formation and evasion capabilities.
Lin Feng defended efficiently, his instant formation deployment countering each attack while consuming minimal spiritual energy. The preparation week's intensive drilling showed immediately—his formations manifested reflexively, his void manipulation countered ice techniques naturally, his tactical positioning optimized automatically.
Good start. Establishing that I'm not easy target. Now escalate—show him I'm not just defending.
He launched counter-assault with offensive formations deployed at unprecedented speed. Ice-blast arrays manifested in 1.2 seconds—not quite instant but fast enough to surprise Wei Chen and force genuine defensive response. The attacks weren't powerful enough to breach Level 5 defenses directly, but they disrupted Wei Chen's rhythm and prevented him from settling into comfortable endurance pattern.
"Impressive formation speed," Wei Chen acknowledged, his defensive arrays absorbing the attacks. "But ultimately insufficient against proper defensive specialist. Let me demonstrate."
He manifested additional protective layers—"Glacier Fortress Technique"—creating formations so complex that Lin Feng's single-node or even three-node disruption would be completely ineffective. This was tournament-elite defensive capability, the reason Wei Chen had seventeen consecutive victories through attrition.
This is the test. Can I breach defenses that stopped seventeen previous opponents? Do my six days of intensive preparation translate to capability that exceeds established inner disciples?
Lin Feng activated five-stream consciousness division fully, each awareness center targeting different nodes in Wei Chen's defensive structure. His void energy split into five independent streams, each one precisely controlled, all striking simultaneously at geometric foundations supporting the Glacier Fortress.
The formation collapsed.
Not gradually—instantly. One moment impenetrable defenses stood between Lin Feng and his opponent. The next moment, five nodes disrupted simultaneously created cascading failure that brought down the entire structure.
Wei Chen's eyes widened in genuine shock. "Five-node simultaneous disruption? That's Immortal Emperor level technique—how are you executing it at Divine Domain Level 4?"
"Void cultivation advantages combined with intensive consciousness division training." Lin Feng didn't waste the opportunity—he immediately deployed offensive formation targeting Wei Chen directly, the ice-blast array manifesting in one second flat and striking before new defenses could form.
The attack connected, forcing Wei Chen backward and drawing first blood in tournament scoring. Not serious damage but psychologically significant—the endurance specialist had been breached in the match's opening phase.
Don't let him recover. Press advantage before he adapts.
Lin Feng unleashed combination assault—Void Step for impossible positioning, offensive formations deployed at multiple angles, void-enhanced physical strikes whenever openings appeared. The six-day preparation week had refined his technique integration perfectly—every movement flowed into the next, every formation supported subsequent attacks, every void manipulation created tactical advantages.
Wei Chen defended desperately, his experience and power level preventing complete overwhelm. But for the first time in eighteen tournament matches, he was on the defensive early rather than weathering assault comfortably.
Three minutes into the match, the momentum was clearly in Lin Feng's favor. His formation capabilities exceeded Wei Chen's expectations. His offensive pressure prevented establishment of endurance pattern. His void manipulation countered ice techniques more effectively than anticipated.
Then Wei Chen changed strategy.
"You've forced me to actual effort. Congratulations—most opponents don't achieve that." His spiritual energy flared, consolidating rather than spreading. "Let's see how you handle genuine Divine Domain Level 5 power."
He abandoned defensive specialist tactics entirely, transitioning to pure offensive assault. "Avalanche Strike!"
The technique was overwhelming—massive ice constructs carrying destructive power far beyond anything Wei Chen had demonstrated previously. Not endurance fighting but desperate attempt to end match quickly before Lin Feng's formation advantages accumulated further.
He's going all-in. Betting that raw power can overcome my technical superiority before I breach his defenses completely.
Lin Feng met the assault with everything he'd developed. Defensive formations manifesting instantly to absorb initial impacts. Void Step creating spatial displacement that made targeting difficult. Formation disruption collapsing Wei Chen's supplementary attack arrays. Shadow Veil generating enough uncertainty that even overwhelming power struggled to land decisively.
The exchange was spectacular—void against ice, technique against power, preparation against experience. The crowd erupted as both fighters demonstrated capabilities that exceeded normal inner disciple levels.
Five minutes into the match, Lin Feng felt it—the breakthrough pressure that had been building for days suddenly crystallized. His perfect foundation, refined through intensive preparation and combat stress, recognized advancement opportunity.
Divine Domain Level 5.
The breakthrough happened mid-combat, spiritual energy density doubling in seconds, meridian capacity expanding dramatically, dao comprehension deepening through crisis pressure. Lin Feng didn't stop fighting—couldn't stop—but the advancement transformed his capabilities immediately.
His defensive formations became stronger. His offensive arrays carried more power. His void manipulation achieved greater precision. Even his physical speed increased as spiritual energy enhancement reached new levels.
Wei Chen sensed the change instantly. "Combat breakthrough? Now? You're advancing mid-match?"
"Apparently so." Lin Feng's voice carried confidence enhanced by newfound power. "Let's see how endurance specialist handles opponent who just became his equal in cultivation level."
What followed was seven more minutes of genuinely competitive combat. Wei Chen's three years of Level 5 consolidation versus Lin Feng's fresh breakthrough with perfect foundation. Experience versus innovation. Established technique versus creative adaptation.
Neither could gain decisive advantage. Wei Chen's power and experience prevented Lin Feng from overwhelming him. But Lin Feng's formation mastery and void cultivation prevented Wei Chen from establishing comfortable defensive pattern.
Twelve minutes into the match—longest opening round in tournament history—both fighters were breathing hard, spiritual energy reserves depleted significantly, accumulated minor injuries requiring medical attention after the match.
Then Lin Feng saw his opening.
Wei Chen's Eternal Glacier domain—maintained throughout the entire match—showed fatigue cracks in its structural foundation. The three primary nodes supporting the domain had weakened from constant void energy pressure and spiritual energy depletion.
One decisive strike. Five-node simultaneous targeting at the domain foundations. If it works, his environmental advantage collapses and he's vulnerable.
If it fails, I've depleted spiritual energy for desperate gambit that leaves me exposed.
Risk assessment: worth attempting. Current trajectory leads to draw or referee judgment. Need decisive action for clear victory.
Lin Feng gathered his remaining spiritual energy, channeling everything into consciousness division and void manipulation. Five awareness streams focusing with laser precision on Wei Chen's domain foundations. One moment of perfect execution required.
"Void Annihilation!"
Not a technique he'd practiced—pure improvisation born from preparation week's intensive training and combat necessity. Five void energy streams struck simultaneously at domain foundations with such precision and power that geometric nodes didn't just disrupt—they shattered.
The Eternal Glacier domain collapsed completely. Wei Chen, suddenly without environmental support that he'd relied on for twelve minutes, found himself vulnerable for critical seconds.
Lin Feng struck with Spatial Lock—immobilizing his opponent—then placed his sword edge against Wei Chen's throat.
"Yield," Lin Feng said quietly, his own spiritual energy completely depleted by the desperate final technique.
Wei Chen, defeated by opponent he should have dominated through power differential, showed wisdom to recognize reality. "I yield."
The referee's announcement carried across the suddenly silent arena: "Victory: Lin Feng, guest disciple!"
Then the crowd erupted—five thousand voices expressing shock, appreciation, and excitement at witnessing genuine upset. Guest disciple defeating established inner disciple through technical mastery and combat breakthrough. Opening round producing match quality usually reserved for finals.
As they exited the arena—both requiring medical attention—Wei Chen spoke with grudging respect: "You deserved that victory. Better preparation, better technique adaptation, better tactical execution. And the mid-combat breakthrough..." He shook his head. "That's talent and fortune combined. Congratulations."
"Thank you for the excellent match. You pushed me harder than tournament favorite did at Jade Lotus."
In the medical area, disciples treated their injuries while Lin Feng processed what had just happened. Victory in first round. Combat breakthrough to Level 5. Performance that exceeded even his own optimistic projections.
Through the Dao Thread, Yun Qingxue's presence flooded with pride and relief: That was magnificent! Breakthrough mid-combat, decisive victory, technical superiority demonstrated clearly. You've proven everything the evaluation predicted.
I nearly exhausted myself completely with that final technique. If Wei Chen had weathered it, I'd have lost to spiritual energy depletion.
But he didn't weather it. You executed perfectly and won decisively. Her emotions carried fierce satisfaction. Lin Feng, you just defeated an inner disciple who hasn't lost in eighteen matches. That's making a statement to the entire sect.
What statement? That I'm lucky?
That you're worthy. Of recognition, of resources, of your position as my Dao Companion. That the evaluation committee was right to approve unanimously.
After medical treatment concluded, Lin Feng returned to his quarters exhausted but satisfied. First tournament match complete. Level 5 achieved. Opening statement made to skeptics and observers.
But the tournament bracket continued—thirty-one opponents remained. The next match would be harder. And the match after that harder still.
One victory doesn't guarantee tournament success. Just proves I belong at this level. Now I consolidate today's advancement and prepare for round two.
But tonight, I rest knowing I've earned this moment. Proven myself through preparation and performance. Justified the trust and resources invested.
Through his window, the Frozen Sky Sect glowed with evening lights. Tomorrow would bring second-round matchups, new challenges, continued testing.
But tonight belonged to victory earned through merit.
And Lin Feng was ready for whatever came next.
TOURNAMENT STATUS:
Round 1 Complete: Victory over Wei Chen Advancement: Divine Domain Level 5 (combat breakthrough) Next Match: Round 2, opponent TBD Remaining Competitors: 32 of original 64 Lin Feng's Condition: Depleted but recovering, breakthrough consolidation needed
TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 46: CONSOLIDATION AND CONSEQUENCES