Chapter 27: the wolf bows
The forest was dark. Mist covered everything. The last test had begun.
Disciples were nervous. Some held their swords tightly. Others looked ready to run.
A loud roar shook the trees. Leaves fell. Birds flew away in fear.
BOOM... BOOM... BOOM...
A giant wolf walked out of the mist. Its fur was black with silver stripes. Its eyes glowed red. Each step made the ground shake.
"Silver Fang Wolf!" someone screamed.
"It’s at the Foundation Stage!"
"We can’t fight that!"
Disciples panicked. Some tried to escape.
But Li Ming? He just took out a bun. He bit into it and chewed slowly. "Mmm... a little dry. Needs sauce."
Everyone stared at him.
"Is he crazy?!"
"That thing will eat him!"
Lan Yue, calm but alert, held her sword. "This wolf is too strong. Even inner disciples would struggle."
Li Ming grinned. "Good. Finally, a fight worth the buns I ate."
The wolf roared and rushed forward. Its claws tore the earth. Trees broke like sticks.
Disciples screamed and ran. But Li Ming walked forward.
The wolf slammed its claw down at him.
Li Ming raised his fist. BOOM! The ground split. Dust flew everywhere.
When it cleared, Li Ming was still standing. The wolf staggered back, shocked.
The disciples froze. "He... blocked it?"
Li Ming smirked. "Big dog, I’ve eaten tougher meat than you."
The wolf growled, silver light building in its mouth. A blast of energy shot out.
Li Ming popped a pill in his mouth. His jade slip glowed. His aura shot up like fire.
Gasps filled the forest.
"He’s growing stronger again!"
"He’s only fifteen! What monster is he?!"
Li Ming’s fists glowed gold. He ran forward and punched the beam. CRASH! The blast broke apart, exploding in the sky.
The wolf howled in pain. It leapt at him again, claws glowing.
Li Ming laughed. "Now this is fun!"
He punched again and again. BAM! BAM! BAM! Each strike shook the ground. The wolf roared, blood flying.
Finally, Li Ming jumped into the air. His aura burned bright. Both fists glowed like suns.
"Meteor Bun Fist—Final Bite!"
BOOOOOOM!
His fists slammed into the wolf’s head. The beast crashed into the ground, dust exploding everywhere.
When the air cleared, the wolf was on the ground, groaning. It tried to stand... but then lowered its head.
The wolf... bowed.
Silence.
Every disciple’s mouth dropped open.
"It... submitted?"
"A Foundation beast... bowed to him?"
"Is he human or monster?!"
Li Ming landed, stretched his arms, and yawned. "Hah... not bad. But still not worth two buns."
Lan Yue’s lips curved just a little. "You’re reckless... but you are strong."
High above, elders on the jade platform watched in silence.
One elder whispered, "The wolf bowed. That beast has never bowed to anyone."
Another muttered, "Even inner disciples can’t do this. This boy... is different."
The sect master stood with his hands behind his back. His voice was calm but heavy. "Li Ming has shown enough. He is not only an inner disciple... he is a storm that will shake the sect."
The other elders nodded, though many still looked worried.
Down below, disciples whispered to each other.
"Even inner disciples can’t match him."
"He’s terrifying."
"From today... I’ll never mess with him."
Li Ming finished his bun and looked around. "Alright, who’s next?"
No one answered.
Everyone—outer and inner alike—knew one thing.
From now on, they had to respect Li Ming.
To be continued...