《Peaks of the Spirit Realm: The Dawn of Lin Chen》

"Unexpected Awakening"

In an ordinary high school in Lingdu, Lin Chen finished his day’s classes as usual. He was an average student, with moderate grades and an introverted personality, rarely drawing attention. But today was destined to be different.

After school, Lin Chen was walking home alone when the sky suddenly darkened, and a storm rapidly formed. As he hurried along, a deafening crash erupted beside him. Turning around, he saw an out-of-control truck barreling toward the sidewalk, where a little girl stood frozen in terror.

Lin Chen's heart raced. Without hesitation, he dashed forward. At that critical moment, he felt an unprecedented surge of power coursing through his body, as if every cell was instantly activated. With remarkable speed and strength, he reached the girl, scooped her up, and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the truck's path.

The surrounding tension was palpable, followed by an eerie silence. Lin Chen lay on the ground, clutching the girl, his heart pounding. He couldn’t believe what he had just done.

“Are you okay, big brother?” The girl’s voice, though faint, broke the silence.

Lin Chen slowly released his hold, ensuring the girl was unharmed, and then sat up, his eyes filled with confusion and shock. “I… I’m fine.”

At that moment, several people in traditional martial arts attire emerged from the crowd, their gaze fixed intently on Lin Chen. Leading them was a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze and measured steps.

“Young man, I’m Li Dong, an elder of the Li family. The power you displayed was extraordinary, and we’re quite interested. Would you be willing to come with us and explore your potential?” Li Dong's tone was calm but carried an undeniable authority.

Lin Chen felt a pang of anxiety. He had never encountered such a situation before. Instinctively, he sensed that these people were not ordinary, but he also realized he might be facing something extraordinary.

“I… I need to tell my parents,” Lin Chen said, trying to stay composed.

Li Dong smiled slightly, “Of course. We’ll have someone accompany you. Tonight, we hope to see you at our estate.”

Lin Chen hesitated but eventually nodded. He knew his life might change from this moment.

On the way home, Lin Chen's emotions were a tangled mix of fear, anxiety, curiosity, and excitement. He realized he might have just stepped into a new and mysterious world.

Back at home, Lin Chen's parents were shocked and worried after hearing about the day’s events. His father, deep in thought, said, “Lin Chen, whatever you decide, we’ll support you. But you must be careful; this world is more complex than you think.”

His mother hugged him tightly, tears in her eyes, “Son, you must protect yourself.”

After dinner, Li Dong’s representative arrived at Lin Chen’s home. Wang Ming, a young disciple of the Li family, appeared around Lin Chen’s age but with a worldly and resilient demeanor. Wang Ming smiled at Lin Chen, “Lin Chen, follow me. Our car is waiting outside.”

During the drive, Wang Ming tried to chat with Lin Chen to learn more about him, but Lin Chen remained nervous and reserved. Wang Ming didn’t press, instead explaining some basics about Lingdu and the martial arts families.

Upon arriving at the Li estate, night had fully descended. The estate was grand and elegant, with the name "Li Family" engraved in gold on the archway. Two uniformed guards checked the visitors before allowing entry.

Li Dong personally greeted them, his gaze lingering on Lin Chen before leading them down a long corridor to a spacious training ground.

“Lin Chen, today we’ll just perform a preliminary test of your abilities. Please give it your best effort,” Li Dong said, signaling for the test to begin.

Nervous but determined, Lin Chen stepped into the center of the training area. A robust training partner approached, looking strong and formidable. Wang Ming whispered to Lin Chen, “Don’t worry, just do your best. They won’t hurt you.”

The training partner didn’t attack immediately but signaled Lin Chen to make the first move. Lin Chen took a deep breath, recalling the sensation of saving the girl earlier, and tried to relax and harness that strange power within him. At that moment, his punches seemed faster and heavier than ever before.

The training partner was clearly surprised by Lin Chen’s performance and was pushed back a few steps. The observing Li family members murmured among themselves, impressed by Lin Chen’s abilities.

Li Dong watched with a raised eyebrow but soon smiled, “Impressive, Lin Chen. You truly have talent.”

After the test, Li Dong addressed Lin Chen and Wang Ming, “Lin Chen, you’ve shown your potential today. The Li family is willing to train you to become a true martial artist. Of course, it requires your willingness.”

Despite his exhaustion, Lin Chen’s excitement was overwhelming. “I… I’m willing to try,” he finally said, his voice small but resolute.

Li Dong nodded in satisfaction, “Excellent. From today, you are a member of the Li family. Wang Ming will oversee your initial training. We hope you adapt quickly.”

When Lin Chen returned home, it was late at night. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but he felt more anticipation and excitement about the future. He knew his life was about to become extraordinary.