CHAPTER 7: RISING TENSION
----------------------------------------
A Growing Threat
The tournament progressed with increasing intensity. Huo Yuhao’s performance in the first round drew attention not just from the spectators but also from the other competitors. Some admired his skill and resourcefulness, while others viewed him as a rising threat.
In the second round, Huo Yuhao faced a competitor named Lin Kai, a soul master specializing in speed. Lin Kai’s martial soul, the Swift Wind Sparrow, granted him incredible agility, making him a difficult opponent to pin down.
“Let’s see how you handle someone you can’t catch,” Lin Kai said with a smirk as the match began.
Huo Yuhao activated his Spirit Eyes, his spiritual detection honing in on Lin Kai’s rapid movements. Though Lin Kai’s speed was impressive, Huo Yuhao’s enhanced perception allowed him to track every step.
Lin Kai darted around the arena, launching quick, precise attacks. Huo Yuhao deflected most of them with his White Tiger Dagger, but a few strikes grazed him, leaving shallow cuts.
“You’re fast,” Huo Yuhao admitted, wiping a trickle of blood from his cheek. “But speed alone won’t win this.”
He activated the Ghost Shadow Needle Launcher, firing a barrage of needles in Lin Kai’s path. The sudden assault forced Lin Kai to alter his trajectory, giving Huo Yuhao the opening he needed. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his dagger gleaming as it caught the light.
In one fluid motion, Huo Yuhao disarmed Lin Kai and pressed the blade to his neck. The referee declared him the winner, and the crowd erupted in applause.
----------------------------------------
A Shadow in the Arena
As Huo Yuhao walked off the battlefield, a chill ran down his spine. That same ominous presence he had felt before lingered in the air, stronger this time. He glanced around, his Spirit Eyes scanning the crowd, but he couldn’t pinpoint the source.
“Skydream, do you feel that?” he asked mentally.
“Yeah, kid,” Skydream replied, its tone uncharacteristically serious. “Someone’s watching you, and they’re no ordinary soul master. Be careful.”
Huo Yuhao nodded, his senses on high alert.
----------------------------------------
Confrontation
That evening, as Huo Yuhao returned to the resting quarters with Tang Ya and Beibei, a group of competitors intercepted them. At the forefront was a tall, broad-shouldered boy with a smug expression. His martial soul, the Ironback Bear, radiated brute strength.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“I’ve been watching you, Tang Sect boy,” the boy sneered. “You’re not bad, but don’t think you’ll get past me in the next round.”
Tang Ya stepped forward, her eyes flashing. “If you have something to say, say it in the arena. Or are you afraid you’ll lose?”
The boy laughed. “Big words from a washed-up sect. Let’s see if your little protégé can back them up.”
Beibei placed a hand on Tang Ya’s shoulder, calming her. “We’ll settle this tomorrow. Let’s go, Yuhao.”
Huo Yuhao glanced at the boy, his Spirit Eyes glowing faintly. “I’ll be ready.”
----------------------------------------
The Third Round
The next day, the third round began, pitting Huo Yuhao against the Ironback Bear soul master, Zhao Kun. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager to see how the young Tang Sect fighter would fare against such a powerful opponent.
Zhao Kun stepped onto the battlefield, his body encased in a layer of shimmering iron-like armor. “Let’s see if your fancy tricks can pierce this,” he taunted.
Huo Yuhao remained calm, activating his Spirit Eyes. As the match began, Zhao Kun charged forward, his heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Each swing of his massive fists carried enough force to shatter stone.
Huo Yuhao dodged the first strike, his agility keeping him just out of Zhao Kun’s reach. He countered with a flurry of attacks using his hidden weapons, but Zhao Kun’s iron armor deflected them easily.
“You’ll need more than that to beat me!” Zhao Kun roared, slamming the ground with both fists. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, knocking Huo Yuhao off balance.
----------------------------------------
Turning the Tide
Huo Yuhao quickly regained his footing, his mind racing. He analyzed Zhao Kun’s movements, noting the slight delays in his attacks due to the weight of his armor.
“Skydream, any advice?” Huo Yuhao asked mentally.
“Yeah, kid. His strength is his armor, but it’s also his weakness. It slows him down. Use your speed and precision to target the joints—those are the weakest points.”
Huo Yuhao nodded, formulating a plan. He darted around Zhao Kun, using his spiritual detection to anticipate the next attack. As Zhao Kun swung at him, Huo Yuhao slipped under the blow, aiming for the joint in his opponent’s shoulder.
The dagger struck true, piercing the gap in Zhao Kun’s armor. The Ironback Bear soul master roared in pain, his movements faltering. Huo Yuhao seized the opportunity, launching a barrage of hidden needles at Zhao Kun’s knees, forcing him to the ground.
With a final leap, Huo Yuhao pressed his dagger to Zhao Kun’s throat. The referee raised his hand, declaring Huo Yuhao the victor.
----------------------------------------
A Growing Reputation
As Huo Yuhao left the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers. His name was on everyone’s lips, and whispers of the Tang Sect’s revival spread like wildfire.
Tang Ya and Beibei greeted him with proud smiles. “You’ve done it again, Yuhao!” Tang Ya exclaimed. “The Tang Sect’s name is shining brighter with every match.”
Beibei nodded. “You’ve proven yourself, little brother. But stay focused—there are still more rounds to go.”
Huo Yuhao smiled, his determination unwavering. “I’ll keep pushing. For the Tang Sect, for my mother, and for myself.”
As he prepared for the next challenge, the ominous presence he had felt earlier lingered in the back of his mind. The tournament was far from over, and Huo Yuhao knew that the greatest battles—and dangers—were yet to come.