Swordmaster's Youngest Son: The Immortal Cultivator

Chapter 3: The First Step Toward Strength

The night air was cool as Rian sat cross-legged in his quarters, his hands resting on his knees. The faint glow of a single candle flickered beside him, casting shadows along the stone walls. He could feel the energy within him now—a steady pulse, quiet yet undeniable. The Immortal Cultivation System had begun to take root in his body, and though he had only scratched the surface of its potential, he knew this was the path he was meant to follow.

But power alone was not enough. The Runcandel family valued results, not hidden potential. If he wanted to change his fate, he needed to prove himself.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Rian," Kael's voice called out, muffled through the thick wood. "Are you awake?"

Rian hesitated before answering. "Yes, come in."

Kael stepped inside, his expression serious. He closed the door behind him before speaking. "There's something I need to talk to you about."

Rian tilted his head. "What is it?"

Kael leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "You're different lately. You don't complain as much. You don't get frustrated after training, and… your eyes. They're not the same."

Rian's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his face calm. "What do you mean?"

Kael studied him before sighing. "I don't know. But I do know one thing—you need to stop holding back."

Rian frowned. "Holding back?"

Kael scoffed. "Don't play dumb. You've been training harder than before, haven't you? I can see it. You might not be as strong as Jin, but there's something in you now. Something different."

Rian remained silent.

Kael stepped forward. "Tomorrow morning, let's have a match. You and me."

Rian's grip tightened on his robes. "What are you trying to prove?"

"I want to see it for myself," Kael said, his voice firm. "Whatever it is that's changing inside you—I want to be the first to face it."

Rian hesitated, but then nodded. "Fine."

Kael grinned. "Good. Don't disappoint me."

As his younger brother left, Rian exhaled slowly. He knew this match wouldn't be like the others. He couldn't rely on his cultivation yet—his control was too weak. But he also couldn't afford to be the same Rian everyone knew.

Tomorrow, he had to take his first real step forward.

---

The Duel at Dawn

The sun had barely begun to rise when Rian arrived at the training grounds. Kael was already waiting, his wooden sword resting on his shoulder. A few other family members had gathered, curious about the unexpected match.

Jin stood among them, watching with mild interest. Their father was absent, but Rian knew that word of this match would reach him soon enough.

Kael smirked as Rian approached. "You're not going to back out, are you?"

Rian shook his head. "No."

They took their positions, standing a few meters apart. The training grounds fell silent.

Kael moved first, his sword flashing through the air as he lunged. His attacks were quick and precise—he wasn't holding back.

Rian barely dodged the first strike, shifting to the side as Kael pressed forward. His instincts screamed at him to retreat, but something inside him refused.

Calm. Breathe. Focus.

His body moved almost on its own, guided by the steady rhythm of his cultivation. For the first time, he wasn't just reacting—he was controlling the flow of battle.

Kael swung again, but Rian parried, the impact sending a jolt up his arm. He gritted his teeth. His strength still wasn't enough.

Kael saw the opening and pressed harder. "You're improving, but it's not enough."

Rian exhaled.

And then, something shifted.

His senses expanded, and the world seemed to slow. The faint pulse of energy inside him surged, aligning with his movements.

Kael's next strike came faster—but this time, Rian was ready.

He dodged with a fluid grace he had never possessed before. His sword flashed up, aiming for Kael's exposed side. Kael twisted, barely blocking in time, his eyes widening in shock.

Jin, watching from the sidelines, raised an eyebrow.

The match continued, their swords clashing in a rapid exchange. Rian could feel it—the cultivation energy weaving into his movements, making him more precise, more controlled. He wasn't just fighting with his body anymore.

He was fighting with his spirit.

Kael suddenly stepped back, breathing heavily. "You—" He stopped, a slow grin forming. "You really have changed."

Rian lowered his sword, his own breath steady. "Not enough. But soon."

Kael chuckled. "Yeah. I believe it."

The match was over, but something had shifted.

The others who had been watching murmured amongst themselves. They had expected the usual outcome—Rian struggling against Kael. But today had been different.

Even Jin was watching him now.

And in the shadows, an unseen figure had observed it all.