The heart-pounding and thrilling battle between Lin Chen and Ye Wushuang finally concluded with Lin Chen's narrow and hard-fought victory. He had successfully advanced to the finals of the Martial Arts Tournament as he wished, yet at this moment, his heart felt not the slightest bit of ease or joy.
Following the near-death struggle against Ye Wushuang, Lin Chen's body was covered in numerous horrifying new wounds, and his old injuries had worsened once again due to the intensely fierce combat. Every slight breath felt as though countless steel needles were piercing deeply into his body, accompanied by waves of sharp pain from his wounds, like millions of ferocious ants gnawing away at him mercilessly.
Returning to his quarters, Lin Chen collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted as if all his strength had been drained away. He knew very well that very little time remained until the finals, while his physical condition was in an abysmal state. Yet within his eyes, there was not even a shred of retreat or fear; what remained was only unwavering determination and an indomitable will.
Just then, a soft and rhythmic knock came from outside the door. Gritting his teeth and forcing his aching body to rise slowly, Lin Chen opened the door to see his good friend Li Feng standing outside, clutching a bottle of extremely precious healing pills.
"Lin Chen, I went through all kinds of trouble to finally get these pills for you. They should be a huge help for your current injuries." Li Feng's face was filled with concern, and his tone was anxious yet sincere.
Filled with gratitude, Lin Chen took the pills, a warm current instantly surging through his heart. "Li Feng, thank you so much."
Li Feng gave Lin Chen's shoulder a heavy pat. "Between brothers, there's no need for such formalities. I've always believed that you will surely shine brilliantly in the finals and astonish everyone."
After taking the pills, Lin Chen immediately sat cross-legged and began channeling his energy to heal his wounds. The miraculous power of the pills slowly spread through his body, gradually soothing his unbearable pain little by little. But that alone was far from enough; he had to adjust his condition to its absolute peak before the finals arrived.
In the days that followed, Lin Chen practically stayed indoors, throwing himself into cultivation day and night. He refined his martial arts techniques over and over again, not letting a single minor flaw slip by, attempting to break through his own limits within this extremely limited time.
Elders from his family also came to visit him one after another, offering him endless encouragement and steadfast support with warm words. They brought various rare cultivation resources unseen in the world, providing Lin Chen with an unbreakable and powerful backing.
"Lin Chen, you have always been the pride and hope of the family. Don't carry any psychological burden; just let go and fight with all your might," an elder of the family said earnestly, his gaze filled with anticipation and trust.
With a solemn expression, Lin Chen nodded. "Rest assured, Elder. I, Lin Chen, will definitely give it my all and will never disgrace the family or let everyone down."
During this intensely critical period of preparation, Lin Chen's state of mind also underwent a profound and quiet transformation. He knew deeply that he was no longer fighting merely for personal glory, but for the supreme dignity of his family and for the loved ones who had supported him steadfastly and trusted him unconditionally from beginning to end.
On the eve of the finals, the water-like moonlight gently spilled across Lin Chen's window. He stood there quietly, gazing up at the bright moon in the sky, his thoughts surging and fluctuating like the tide.
"In this battle, I can only win; failure is not an option," Lin Chen swore silently in his heart, a resolute and unquenchable light flashing in his eyes.