First Confrontation

Chapter 6: First Confrontation

The sun had already started its descent, casting a golden hue across the bustling streets. Yin Zhao felt a sense of accomplishment, having successfully refined several medicinal pills at the Alchemist Association. He walked out of the association with Xiao Tang and Mei Ling, his newfound senior sister, feeling confident and ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Thank you for your help today, Mei Ling," Yin Zhao said, smiling at her. "Your guidance was invaluable."

Mei Ling returned the smile, her eyes sparkling. "I'm glad I could help, Yin Zhao. You're a quick learner, and you have a lot of potential."

Xiao Tang, walking beside them, watched the exchange with a hint of unease. She couldn't help but feel a bit of jealousy seeing how well Yin Zhao and Mei Ling got along.

As they made their way through the market, Xiao Tang decided to break the silence. "So, Yin Zhao, what did you manage to refine today?"

Yin Zhao grinned, holding up a small pouch filled with pills. "I managed to refine several batches of medicinal pills, including some using high-end herbs like Dragon Blood Grass and Nine Yin Dew. My success rate has improved significantly."

"That's impressive," Xiao Tang said, forcing a smile. "I'm glad to see your hard work paying off."

Just then, a familiar figure stepped into their path. It was Yu Chen, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Yin Zhao and his companions. Yu Chen's cultivation level was at the **Immortal Ascension, 3rd Stage**, making him a formidable opponent.

"Well, well, if it isn't Yin Zhao," Yu Chen sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I heard rumors of your return, but I didn't believe them. Now I see it's true."

Yin Zhao's expression hardened. He had been expecting a confrontation with Yu Chen sooner or later. "Yu Chen, I didn't expect to see you here."

Yu Chen's eyes flicked to Xiao Tang and Mei Ling, a smirk playing on his lips. "I see you've surrounded yourself with lovely companions. Tell me, Yin Zhao, do you think you can hide behind them?"

Xiao Tang stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "Yu Chen, leave him alone. Yin Zhao has done nothing to you."

Yu Chen chuckled, his gaze shifting back to Yin Zhao. "You're right, Xiao Tang. It's not him who has wronged me—yet. But he's still a thorn in my side, and I intend to deal with him."

Yin Zhao took a deep breath, his resolve firm. "Yu Chen, if you have a problem with me, let's settle it here and now."

A crowd had begun to gather, sensing the tension in the air. Yin Zhao and Yu Chen faced each other, their auras crackling with energy. Xiao Tang and Mei Ling watched in deep breath, ready to intervene if necessary.

Without warning, Yu Chen launched himself at Yin Zhao, his fists glowing with Qi energy. Yin Zhao met him head-on, their blows colliding with a force that sent shockwaves through the air. The onlookers gasped in awe, witnessing the clash of two powerful cultivators.

Yin Zhao's training had paid off. His movements were swift and precise, his strikes infused with the power of the **Heavenly Dragon's Breath** technique. Yu Chen, though skilled, found himself struggling to keep up with Yin Zhao's newfound strength.

The skirmish was intense, with both fighters trading blows and counterattacks. Yin Zhao felt his confidence growing with each successful strike, his determination unwavering. He couldn't let Yu Chen intimidate him or undermine his progress.

In a moment of desperation, Yu Chen unleashed a powerful technique, a swirling vortex of Qi that threatened to engulf Yin Zhao. But Yin Zhao was ready. He channeled his energy into a focused strike, cutting through the vortex and landing a decisive blow on Yu Chen's chest.

Yu Chen staggered back, his expression one of shock and disbelief. "This isn't over, Yin Zhao," he spat, clutching his chest. "You will pay for this."

Yin Zhao stood tall, his breathing steady. "You can try, Yu Chen. But remember, I'm not the same person I was before."

With that, Yu Chen retreated, the crowd parting to let him pass. The onlookers murmured among themselves, clearly impressed by Yin Zhao's display of strength.

Xiao Tang rushed to Yin Zhao's side, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay, Yin Zhao?"

Yin Zhao nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Xiao Tang. Thanks for your support."

Mei Ling stepped forward, her expression one of admiration. "That was incredible, Yin Zhao. Your training has truly paid off."

As they continued their walk through the market, the tension began to ease. They stopped at a small tea shop to rest and recover from the confrontation. Yin Zhao ordered a pot of fragrant herbal tea, hoping to soothe their frayed nerves.

Xiao Tang, still feeling the sting of jealousy, couldn't help but notice the way Mei Ling looked at Yin Zhao. She tried to focus on the tea, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the scene in the market.

"So, Mei Ling," Xiao Tang began, trying to sound casual, "how long have you been studying under Elder Han?"

Mei Ling smiled warmly. "I've been his disciple for about three years now. He's taught me so much about alchemy and cultivation."

Xiao Tang nodded, feeling insecured. She knew she shouldn't let her jealousy get the best of her, but it was difficult seeing Yin Zhao and Mei Ling getting along so well.

Just then, Yin Zhao noticed a familiar figure approaching their table. It was the young man from the market who had bumped into him earlier. The young man's expression was one of contrition as he approached.

"Hey, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier," the young man said, his voice sincere. "I was having a bad day, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry."

Yin Zhao appreciated the gesture and offered a small smile. "It's alright. We all have our moments. Let's start over."

The young man introduced himself as Li Wei, a fellow cultivator at the **Qi Transformation Realm, 1st Stage**. He had been struggling with his training and felt overwhelmed by the pressure.

Yin Zhao saw an opportunity to help. "Li Wei, if you're interested, I can share some of the techniques I've learned. It might help you with your cultivation."

Li Wei's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing. Thank you, Yin Zhao."

As the group continued to chat, Xiao Tang felt her jealousy start to fade. She realized that Yin Zhao's kindness and willingness to help others were part of what made him so special.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Elder Han. He had heard about the confrontation in the market and was concerned for his new disciple.

"Yin Zhao, are you alright?" Elder Han asked, his voice filled with concern.

Yin Zhao stood and bowed respectfully. "Yes, Elder Han. I'm fine, thanks to Xiao Tang and Mei Ling's support."

Elder Han nodded, relieved. "I'm glad to hear that. It's important to have strong allies by your side."

As the sun began to set, Yin Zhao and his companions decided to head back to the Alchemist Association. Elder Han led the way, sharing stories of his own experiences as a cultivator and alchemist.

Back at the association, Elder Han introduced Yin Zhao to a few more members, including his fellow disciples. Yin Zhao felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the group.

Later that evening, as they were about to part ways, Mei Ling pulled Yin Zhao aside. "Yin Zhao, I want to thank you for standing up to Yu Chen today. You showed great courage and strength."

Yin Zhao smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "Thank you, Mei Ling. I couldn't have done it without your support."

As they stood there, Xiao Tang watched from a distance, her emotions conflicted. She knew she had nothing to worry about, but seeing Yin Zhao and Mei Ling together still stirred something within her.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Xiao Tang approached them. "Yin Zhao, can we talk for a moment?"

Yin Zhao nodded, sensing the urgency in her voice. "Of course, Xiao Tang."

As they walked away from the group, Xiao Tang struggled to find the right words. "Yin Zhao, I know it's silly, but I feel a bit... jealous when I see you with Mei Ling."

Yin Zhao stopped and turned to face her, his expression gentle. "Xiao Tang, you have nothing to worry about. Mei Ling is a great friend and senior, but you are incredibly important to me. Your support means the world to me."

Xiao Tang felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Yin Zhao. I just needed to hear that."

They shared a moment of understanding before heading back to the group. Yin Zhao felt a renewed sense of determination and purpose. With his friends by his side, he knew he could face any challenge that came his way.

As the night grew darker, Yin Zhao looked up at the stars, feeling a sense of hope. His journey was far from over, but with the strength he had gained and the support of his companions, he was ready to take on whatever the future held.

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