Chapter 76 - An Impossible Training Regime
The group moved cautiously through the winding, decaying hallways of the ruined castle, the echoes of their steps muted by the debris littering the floor. The air carried a strange mix of mildew and something metallic, a faint reminder of battles long past. Each member of the team had their own thoughts as they followed Park Zhen. Some, like Chloe, were visibly fascinated by the grandeur that the ruins still hinted at. The crumbled marble columns, now cloaked in vines, and the shattered chandeliers lying forgotten in corners spoke of a time when this place was undeniably majestic. Others, like Gregor and Nikolai, remained focused, their eyes scanning every cranny due to their usual uneasiness.
Li, however, walked with a lightness in his step, his expression uncharacteristically cheerful. His mind was preoccupied with the Hidden Subplot they had just unlocked.
“Two Dons down, one to go.”
He mused, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. Though he kept his thoughts to himself, the idea of completing such a complex mission thrilled him. He couldn't help but imagine the rewards they’d receive once they succeeded.
In contrast, Adam, Drake, and Kazue walked together, their conversation more practical but laced with curiosity. Katya trailed behind Kazue, her hand gripping the tip of her friend’s sleeve. Her arms stretched slightly to allow space for Kazue to talk with the boys, but she made no move to let go. It was a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.
Drake tilted his head toward Adam and muttered under his breath.
“Is it just me, or is that… unusual?”
Adam glanced briefly at the scene, his analytical mind already ticking.
“I don’t know, I guess?”
Before either could comment further, Kazue turned her head slightly, offering them a reassuring smile.
“Oh, don’t worry. It’s normal between friends… I think.”
She added with a small laugh.
“Maybe she’s just nervous after everything she shared earlier.”
Drake and Adam exchanged a glance, their concern lingering but unvoiced as they continued their discussion.
“So, this Hidden Subplot… it’s linked to Park Zhen, right? I wasn’t expecting that twist. How does that even work?”
Kazue’s tone brimmed with curiosity, her enthusiasm evident. Adam’s voice took on a lecturing tone, his mind dissecting the pattern.
“Based on what we’ve seen in previous scenario, these subplots appear to be tied to significant figures in each world. Remember how Isaac and Thaddeus were the triggers last time? And now Jianfeng and Park Zhen? It’s logical to assume that in future scenarios, we’ll need to focus on prominent characters again.”
Drake nodded thoughtfully, his calm demeanor steady.
“Makes sense. They’ve been central to every conflict or event we’ve encountered.”
Kazue grinned, her excitement building.
“That’s actually kind of awesome. It feels like unraveling a mystery every time! And now we’re ahead of schedule, right? Two Dons down already!”
“Let’s hope the last one doesn’t complicate things too much.”
Adam replied, his tone measured but with a hint of caution.
After several more minutes of winding through the castle’s labyrinthine corridors, they arrived at a small chamber. At the center stood a bed, eerily reminiscent of the one Adam had been confined to during his earlier captivity. On it lay the unconscious form of Abbess Xinhui.
The team froze at the sight of her, their reactions ranging from wariness to outright dread. It seemed that Abbess’s transformation into a Jiang Shi had not been entirely reversed. Her ash-gray skin seemed lifeless, her once-blonde hair now jet black, cascading over her shoulders. Her figure retained the unnatural enhancements from her transformation, her curves accentuated in ways that drew fleeting, uncomfortable glances from Li and Nikolai. Her hands, tipped with elongated, razor-sharp claws, rested unnervingly still at her sides.
Adam instinctively stepped back, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. His breathing hitched, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. The memories of his time as Abbess’s experiment flooded back in vivid detail—the searing pain, the endless humiliation, the psychological torment. Though he clenched his fists to ground himself, the resentment in his eyes was unmistakable.
The rest of the team mirrored his unease but for different reasons. For many of them, Abbess Xinhui was the embodiment of near-death. Her relentless pursuit and the sheer strength she had wielded in their previous encounter had left scars on all of them, both physical and emotional.
Park Zhen didn’t waste any time. His commanding presence filled the room as he motioned Chloe and Emir to his side. Both of them quickly approached, curiosity and apprehension evident on their faces.
“This will require both of you, Emir, you’ll take the lead. Chloe, you’ll assist him. Listen closely.”
Park Zhen began, his voice calm yet firm, the kind of tone that demanded unwavering attention. The boy shifted nervously but nodded. The man continued, his eyes locking onto Emir’s.
“You must first focus. Eliminate every stray thought. Your mind must be as still as a lake without ripples. Understand?”
“I... I think so.”
Emir stammered.
“Good. Now, place both of your hands near the woman’s body, palms facing downward but not touching her. Feel the energy within you and channel it outward. Let it flow steadily, without breaks or hesitation. Since your Ki aligns with the element of void, it will naturally begin to draw energy from her. However, we need precision.”
Chloe raised an eyebrow, curious.
“And that’s where I come in, right?”
Park Zhen gestured to her.
“Yes, your skill will monitor the process. Keep your eyes on the woman’s condition. When the status [Brainwashed] begins to fade, you will be the one to confirm it. the kid’s job is to absorb the negative energy, but we cannot allow him to draw in anything vital.”
Emir frowned, his young face tightening with concentration.
“Negative energy? How do I even know what that is?”
Park Zhen leaned in slightly, his usually stern expression softening into something almost resembling patience.
“Imagine her body surrounded by an oppressive, dark aura. Focus on that darkness, and picture it flowing into your hands. But you must also imagine it disappearing as soon as it touches you.”
Emir hesitated, glancing at Chloe, who gave him an encouraging nod.
“Okay.”
He said, his voice uncertain but determined. Park Zhen stepped back slightly and observed Emir’s positioning.
“No, no. That’s not quite right.”
He said, stepping forward again. He placed a hand gently on the boy’s shoulders.
“Relax your posture. Straighten your back. Yes, like that. Now, your breathing—slow and steady, through your diaphragm. Watch me.”
Park Zhen demonstrated a deep, rhythmic breath, his chest rising and falling with controlled precision. Emir mimicked him, albeit shakily at first.
“Good. Now maintain this flow. Begin.”
The room grew silent, save for the faint sound of Emir’s breathing and the soft hum of energy starting to circulate. Everyone watched intently. Sebastian’s mechanical bird, Falk, tilted its head as if analyzing the scene.
“This energy manipulation is fascinating, I’d love to study this phenomenon in detail when this is all over.”
The bird commented, its mechanical voice tinged with wonder.
Meanwhile, Nikolai leaned against the wall, arms crossed and eyes half-closed.
“Wake me when something actually happens.”
He muttered, his tone dripping with boredom.
Minutes passed, and nothing seemed to change. Emir’s face glistened with sweat as he focused intently, his small hands trembling slightly from the effort. Chloe kept her gaze fixed on the floating screen that only she could see, her brows furrowing in concentration.
Just as doubt began creeping into the room, Chloe suddenly gasped.
“Wait!”
Everyone’s attention snapped to the girl. Chloe pointed at the screen in front of her.
“Look! The status is degrading.”
Though no one else could see the screen, her tone alone was enough to spark a ripple of hope. She read the notifications aloud:
⌠Status effect [Brainwashed] has begun degradation.⌡ ⌠Current progress: 0.01%⌡ ⌠Estimated time: 15 hours⌡
A hushed wave of surprise swept through the room. Even Park Zhen’s usually stoic face softened into a genuine smile.
“Excellent, you’re doing well. However, it seems this process will take time. Interrupting it could have unpredictable consequences for Abbess, so we must see it through to the end.”
He said, but Emir’s eyes widened.
“Fifteen hours? I don’t know if I can—”
“You can.”
Park Zhen interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“And you will. But I understand the strain this will put on you. I will remain here and transfer my own Ki to both of you to ensure you do not tire. You have my word.”
Chloe nodded, her expression serious.
“Understood.”
Emir gulped but managed a small smile.
“I’ll do my best.”
Park Zhen crossed his arms and looked at them both with something that almost resembled pride.
The group stood still in the eerie quiet of the room, the weight of the moment settling upon them as they continued to process what had just transpired. Everyone seemed to be waiting for something, unsure of what to expect next. The tension was palpable, like the air before a storm. For a while, nothing changed, until Li broke the silence, his voice cutting through the stillness.
“Then what are we supposed to do for all this time?”
Li asked, his tone surprisingly light despite the gravity of the situation. His eyes were focused on Park Zhen, a slight frown on his face.
“You’re expecting us to just stand here?”
Park Zhen didn’t flinch at the question. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, a polite but calculating smile appearing on his face. His eyes, however, held an almost imperceptible flicker of amusement.
“Don’t worry, you will have company.”
He said smoothly, his voice calm, yet carrying an underlying sharpness that sent a slight chill through the group. His words were accompanied by a quick snap of his fingers, sharp and deliberate.
Before anyone could react, a voice—soft, deep, and unexpected—spoke from right beside the group, causing everyone to jump. They hadn’t even noticed the figure approaching. A man, well into adulthood, stood there as if he had always been part of the room. His presence was unsettling, and his sudden appearance seemed almost unnatural.
The man’s attire was impeccable: a formal black suit, a crisp white shirt underneath, and a black tie that matched his shoes. His skin was pale, and his features were rough, his jawline squared and sharp. His short, dark hair was neatly combed, and his piercing gaze hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, as if he belonged in the shadows rather than in the room with them. A long sword—its hilt decorated with intricate engravings—was strapped to his waist, a katana-like weapon that seemed to hum with a quiet menace.
The group exchanged glances, startled by the man's sudden presence. Their expressions mirrored their surprise, as no one had noticed his approach. His entrance was so quiet that it almost felt like he had materialized out of thin air.
Park Zhen, noticing their shock, did not attempt to mask his satisfaction. He gestured toward the man with a slight nod.
“This is Shu Rong, my most trusted lieutenant, as well as my strongest disciple.”
He said, his tone still smooth and controlled.
“He is already aware of everything that is happening here, and he will be in charge of you for the time being. He will see to your needs—food, water, and anything else you might require. He will also begin your instruction before the execution of the plan.”
Adam, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow.
“Instruction? What do you mean by that?”
He asked, his voice edged with curiosity and concern. Park Zhen chuckled softly, a low, almost amused sound.
“Don’t worry, Shu Rong will explain everything to you, and I suggest you listen to him carefully. Time is of the essence. We have, at most, three days to prepare. Make the most of it.”
He said, his eyes narrowing just slightly. The group didn’t look entirely convinced, but the situation gave them little choice. They exchanged hesitant glances before nodding in agreement, their minds turning over the possibilities of what they were being led into. Except for Chloe and Emir, who remained with Park Zhen in the room, the others reluctantly followed Shu Rong as he began to move toward the door.
The man’s movements were smooth, almost fluid, as he led the group through the ruinous hallways of the palace. His footsteps made no sound, and the way he carried himself exuded a quiet authority. The group trailed behind him, unsure of what to expect. As they walked deeper into the ruins, Adam began to understand what might be coming.
They reached an open space within the palace—a large, sprawling area that was completely devoid of any roof, columns, or other obstructions. The place felt like a forgotten arena, the kind that was built for a singular purpose: to watch battles unfold. Adam’s mind clicked into place. He had seen this type of layout before in training grounds and sparring arenas, where the only focus was on the fighters and their movements. The more he observed, the clearer it became. This was where they would train.
“Looks like we’re here to fight.”
Adam thought to himself, his eyes narrowing slightly as he scanned the area. The sheer size of the space, and the lack of anything that could block or interfere with their movements, made it obvious that the objective was combat. His mind told him this wasn’t going to be a simple training session. The stakes were too high for something as basic as sparring.
Once everyone had gathered, Shu Rong turned to face them. His presence seemed to command the attention of the entire group, his tall, imposing figure standing straight and unyielding as he took in each of them with a sharp, calculating gaze.
He cleared his throat before speaking, his voice calm, but the weight of it settled heavily in the space.
“I am Shu Rong, the first disciple of Don Park Zhen.”
he began, his words precise, deliberate. He then paused for a moment, allowing the group to absorb his words.
“It has been entrusted to me to personally oversee an intensive training course for all of you, so that you may at least have a basic understanding of what you are about to face.”
His eyes and look were a mystery behind those shades, but it most certainly was locking onto the group with an intensity that made each person feel as if they were being measured.
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“This time, it’s not just Lord Varek you will be facing. This time, Don Sung Ja-In will also be there, along with the dozens of disciples of the defeated Dons, who will undoubtedly be seeking vengeance for the deaths of their masters.”
The weight of his words hung in the air, a grim reminder of the enemies they were about to face. The group stood in silence for a moment, the implications of Shu Rong’s statement settling over them like a dark cloud. They were about to step into a battle far more dangerous than any they had encountered before.
Li was the first to break the silence. His voice was firm, but there was a hint of frustration in it as he spoke.
“I understand that we need a plan, but it doesn’t make sense to call us like we’re useless when we’ve already defeated Bai Huolong. Adam even managed to defeat Abbess Xinhui on his own. We’re more than ready to take on at least the next Don.”
He said, his eyes narrowing slightly, his words hanging in the air for a moment, a challenge to Shu Rong’s authority. The others glanced at each other, some of them nodding in agreement with Li’s assessment. They had already faced two of the Dons and come out victorious, and it seemed reasonable to believe they could take on another one.
Shu Rong did not seem angered by the interruption, though. He simply sighed, his expression one of understanding rather than irritation. He waited for Li to finish speaking before responding, his tone measured and calm.
“I understand your confidence.”
He began, his voice soft but steady.
“And yes, the defeats of Bai Huolong and Abbess Xinhui are indeed impressive feats. But you must understand that those victories happened under very specific circumstances, and those circumstances will not repeat themselves.”
He stepped forward slightly, his posture unwavering as he continued.
“First of all, Don Bai Huolong was given clear orders not to kill any of you, not to mention that, according to Don Park Zhen’s observations, your victory was not only a miracle, but also because something inexplicable occurred that left Bai Huolong in a state of weakness—one that the rest of you were able to exploit. And let’s not forget that you had resistance leader Jianfeng with you at the time, something that is no longer an option.”
Li’s expression darkened slightly as Shu Rong continued, but he remained silent, listening intently.
The man in a suit took a breath before continuing.
“As for young Adam’s victory over Don Abbess Xinhui… That was also a matter of circumstance. According to Master Park Zhen, it was not an outcome that could be easily repeated.”
At this, Shu Rong turned his gaze toward Adam.
“Tell me, is it possible for you to exhibit the same power you used during your fight with Don Abbess Xinhui? Can you tap into that strength again?”
Adam met his gaze and, without a word, glanced down at his hand, flexing his fingers. He already knew the answer. The power he had used during that fight had come from somewhere deep within, something that he couldn’t summon at will. It had been a moment of desperation and the intervention of an otherwordly entity, definitely it wasn’t something he could replicate on command.
“No…”
Adam said finally, his voice quiet but firm.
“I can’t. I can’t reach that state again on my own.”
Shu Rong gave a small nod, acknowledging Adam’s response without judgment. He took a deep breath before continuing.
“And finally, you must understand that when you fought Don Bai Huolong and Don Abbess Xinhui, you did so without facing their disciples. Their disciples are their strongest warriors—their executives—those who surpass you in strength tenfold.”
He said, his voice taking on a more serious tone and letting the words hang in the air, each one a heavy weight upon their shoulders.
“You were lucky to face them without their disciples, but that will not be the case next time. This time, you will face both the Dons and their disciples, and the numbers will be against you.”
The group was silent, each of them processing the magnitude of Shu Rong’s words. The implications of what they were about to face were becoming clearer by the second. However, Li stood there, his jaw clenched as the man's words reverberated in his mind. He could understand the point that Shu had made, but it left a bitter taste in his mouth. They had just been told that their victories were nothing more than coincidences, that their strength had been downplayed to the level of mere luck. The frustration bubbled up inside him, threatening to spill over. After all, hadn’t they defeated two of the mighty Dons, the very beings who were supposed to represent the pinnacle of power in this world? Li had felt the weight of that victory; it had been hard-earned, and now it felt as if it had been trivialized in a single breath. He couldn't keep it inside any longer.
“I get what you're saying, but you’re still underestimating us. We took down Bai Huolong and Abbess Xinhui. Those are not small feats. How can you say that wasn’t enough? That we couldn’t face the next Don?”
He spoke out, his voice sharp, the irritation clear. Shu Rong paused for a moment, his face unreadable. He took a deep breath before responding, clearly not taken aback by the interruption. He wasn't angry, nor did he seem defensive. He just seemed... resigned to the situation, as if he'd expected this reaction.
He sighed softly, the sound barely audible.
"If that’s how you feel then you can prove it."
Shu said quietly, his tone level and controlled. His eyes were steady as he looked at Li, a slight glimmer of challenge in his gaze.
"A fight, you against me in a real environment."
He proposed, his voice calm but firm. There was a subtle shift in the air. The group around them grew still, watching as the tension in the space thickened. Li didn’t miss the way Shu phrased it. It was more than just a simple duel.
“The only rule is that there will be no concern for your opponent’s well-being. We have a good supply of ‘Jade Sage Pills’. They’ll even heal broken bones and internal wounds in moments, so you can go all out.”
He let the words sink in, his gaze unflinching.
“If you manage to defeat me, or even if you can land a good blow, I’ll tell Master Park Zhen myself that a training session is unnecessary.”
Li's heart raced at the proposition. The stakes had just been raised. This wasn’t just about proving themselves anymore; this was about standing their ground. He met Shu’s gaze, unwavering.
“And if I win, then you’ll follow the orders of my team, because we’ll have proven that we’re stronger than you.”
It made sense in Li’s mind. They weren’t just some group of amateurs anymore. They had fought side by side with an immortal warrior to defeat a Don. They had bested powerful warriors, and they had done so without much problems. Li believed that this one-on-one situation with Shu, especially with the stakes clearly set, was no different. One student, even one as skilled as him, should not stand in their way.
Shu nodded, his acceptance of the terms unhurried, unperturbed.
“Very well.”
He said quietly. He took his place at the center of the improvised arena, a calm figure standing amidst the gathering storm.
The group began to move to the edges of the arena, giving the two combatants space, but they stayed close enough to witness what was about to unfold. There was a tense silence as everyone adjusted, their gazes fixed on the two opponents who were about to engage.
Sebastian, standing with the others, glanced over at Drake, who had his arms crossed and an expression that betrayed more than a little disapproval.
"I just hope this doesn't go too far. I don’t think the young man meant to antagonize anyone."
Sebastian murmured, his voice low but filled with concern. Drake exhaled sharply, his usual calmness replaced with a hint of frustration.
"I don’t like how he’s been treating them, how sir Li treats the inhabitants of this world. But… at the same time, watching this fight will be interesting."
Adam, standing slightly apart from the group, his gaze fixed on the distance between Shu and Li, spoke up thoughtfully.
"The distance between them actually gives Li an advantage, he’s got long-range spells, and that means Shu’s going to have to close the gap before he can land a hit.”
He remarked, his voice calm and analytical. The others nodded, acknowledging Adam's observation, though each of them had their own thoughts swirling around in their minds. They couldn’t deny the stakes of what was about to happen. This wouldn’t just be a fight between two individuals; it was about proving a point, about showing where they truly stood.
Shu's movements were deliberate and fluid. Slowly, he removed his jacket, folding it neatly before setting it down on the ground next to his sword. With calm precision, he loosened his tie, pulling it free from around his neck and letting it dangle loosely. His sunglasses followed soon after, each piece of his attire being placed carefully beside his blade.
Li watched all of this with growing irritation. His fingers tightened as he opened his hand, ready to summon his book, his gaze hardening as he took in the sight of Shu’s nonchalance. The calmness, the precision—everything about it seemed like a calculated move, a silent challenge. His lips twisted in a frown, and the words escaped him before he could stop them.
“Don’t tell me you’ll complain later, saying you could’ve beaten me if you had your sword.”
Li muttered under his breath. Shu looked at him, an eyebrow slightly raised in a subtle expression of amusement.
“I don’t need it, and the last thing you should be worried about is that your opponent has fewer tools. Focus on yourself.”
Those words—so dismissive, so blunt—struck a nerve deep within Li. His blood began to boil, his muscles tightening as his anger flared up. It wasn’t just the challenge in the air, it was the sheer confidence, the arrogance that came with it. Li clenched his fists, his voice low but filled with barely contained rage.
“I was planning on holding back... but now, I’ll go all in. No more hesitation.”
Shu gave him a single, measured nod, his expression never changing.
"Then I’ll let you make the first move."
Li’s eyes narrowed, a bitter smile spreading across his face. His thoughts were a mix of fury and resolve. This was it. No more games. With a sharp motion, he summoned his spellbook into his hands, the familiar weight of it grounding him for the next attack. His fingers flipped through the pages with practiced ease, searching for the right incantation. When he found it, his concentration intensified. The book began to glow with a brilliant, pulsating light as he poured his energy into it.
He raised his voice, his words coming out with explosive force.
“[Begiru Rakketen]”
As the last syllable left his lips, a series of ten missiles materialized above his head. Each one shimmered with energy, its trajectory aimed at Shu with relentless intent. The missiles launched forward at breakneck speed, leaving barely a second for the apprentice to react. The air seemed to crackle with their power, each missile trailing a streak of light as they shot toward their target.
But Shu, unfazed, moved with the grace and precision of a martial artist. His feet remained planted firmly on the ground as he raised his arms in a fluid motion, entering a stance that was both strong and poised. His hands moved like a dancer’s, each one striking with the precision of a weapon. With each missile that came at him, Shu deflected it effortlessly. His right hand swiped across the air, sending one missile veering off to the side, while his left arm moved in a circular arc to push another away. Each movement was smooth, calculated, and deliberate.
His arms and hands shifted seamlessly, guiding the missiles off course. There was no panic in his actions, only a rhythmic flow of defensive precision. The missiles, which should have exploded upon impact, instead sailed harmlessly past him, their force redirected into the air, into walls, and far into the distance. A few collided with the farthest reaches of the ruins, sending sparks and dust into the air as they exploded, but none of them touched Shu. Not a single one.
Li stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing to process what had just happened. His eyes widened in disbelief. He had anticipated at least a challenge, but this? This was beyond what he had imagined.
“What?!”
He shouted in disbelief, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and shock.
But there was no time for hesitation. Li snapped out of his stupor, his gaze immediately locking onto his book. His hands flipped through the pages, seeking the next spell. His fingers landed on the next incantation, and without hesitation, he began to chant.
“[Shin Kuria—]”
Before he could finish the spell, a sudden rush of air cut through the space. Shu had closed the distance between them in an instant, moving with such speed that Li barely had time to react. The next thing he knew, Shu was right in front of him, his arm extended with the palm facing out.
In a voice that was as calm as ever, Shu uttered:
“Pò Tian Zhang!”
The words barely left his mouth before the full force of the technique slammed into Li's chest. The impact was like nothing Li had ever experienced. Shu’s palm, imbued with an intense burst of Ki, struck him with the force of a cannonball. The shockwave from the impact rippled through the air, sending a violent tremor through Li’s body up to the entire team.
Li felt the sharp pain explode in his chest, his breath was knocked out of him. A cough escaped his lips, and with it, a spray of blood stained the air as he was thrown backward, his body propelled by the sheer force of the blow.
The sound of his collision with the wall was deafening—like a bomb going off in a confined space. The impact reverberated through the arena, shaking the very ground beneath them. Li’s body hit the stone with a brutal force, the air knocked from his lungs in a single, forceful gasp. His mind struggled to keep up with the pain, but the world around him went hazy for a moment.
Shu stood tall, his breathing steady and measured after delivering the powerful blow. His posture was relaxed, yet poised, a typical stance of a martial artist who had just completed a technique. He exhaled deeply, his eyes sweeping across the remains of the battlefield. His gaze shifted to the group of onlookers, who had been silent, watching the battle unfold in disbelief. Finally, Shu spoke aloud, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight.
“You’ve seen it for yourselves.”
He began, his words cutting through the tension.
“The two Dons you faced earlier—neither of them relied on true martial arts. They relied solely on those strange powers granted by Lord Varek. It’s an unrealistic scenario. This is Murim, the world of martial arts, and what you saw during the small tournament that Don Park Zhen organized? Those were nothing more than amateurs in comparison to true martial artists.”
As Shu spoke, Li, still lying in the rubble where he had crashed after being blasted into the wall, began to stir. His body trembled as he slowly tried to rise, blood dripping from his mouth. His once pristine spellbook was now grasped tightly in his hands, glowing brightly despite the state of his body. Even in his weakened state, his spirit burned with an intensity that seemed to defy his broken frame. Li's breath was shallow, his mind cloudy, but his will to continue fighting was unwavering.
He struggled to speak, his words faltering as he muttered the incantation for his next spell.
“[Do-Doruku Pantser…]”
His voice cracked as the light from the book enveloped him, and when it faded, Li’s form stood tall once more. His mechanical armor, known as the ‘Atomica Armor’, enveloped him in a protective layer of black and glowing energy points. Despite the exhaustion on his face, his eyes burned with determination.
Shu watched silently, nodding with approval.
"Your tenacity is impressive, but in a real fight to the death, that won't be enough."
He said, his voice devoid of any malice. As he spoke, Shu’s body surged forward, his movement swift and precise. Li, equally determined, met him head-on, launching himself toward the apprentice with unrelenting speed.
The two fighters collided in the center of the arena, their fists meeting with a thunderous impact that sent shockwaves through the surrounding area. The force of the collision was so immense that the air itself seemed to vibrate, a loud boom echoing in the aftermath. The rest of the team, still standing at the edge of the arena, could feel the rush of air from the impact, their hair and clothing blowing back from sheer force.
From that moment, the fight became a brutal exchange of blows. Shu, relying purely on martial arts, moved with astonishing precision and speed. Each of his strikes was like a calculated move, his limbs flowing through the air with an elegance that belied their deadly intent. His agility was unmatched, his reflexes honed through years of training. With every punch Li threw, Shu dodged just inches away, his body bending and twisting in ways that seemed impossible, avoiding the powerful, yet unrefined, strikes from Li's mechanical armor. His attacks were powerful, but they lacked the finesse that a true warrior of Murim possessed, each swing of his fists carrying the weight of his armor, slow and heavy.
Li’s frustration grew with every failed strike. The clang of his armored fists hitting nothing but air filled the arena. Sweat dripped from his brow, his breath heavy with exertion. Shu’s face remained stoic as he continued to dodge, seemingly unfazed.
"You're very resilient, but something is missing."
And then, in a fleeting moment of realization, Shu found the opening he had been waiting for. Li’s movements had become even more predictable, his strikes more desperate with each passing second. The crack of his armor as it flexed with each punch echoed through the arena, but the apprentice didn’t flinch. His eyes locked onto Li’s movements, searching for the weakness.
"You have Ki, but you’re not using it... why?"
Shu said, his voice tinged with disappointment as he sidestepped another wild swing. He shook his head, a hint of frustration crossing his face.
Without another word, Shu launched himself forward, his body flowing with the same precision that had defined their entire fight. He planted his feet in a wide stance, his body coiled like a spring ready to unleash its force. With a single, fluid motion, he thrust his fist forward in a devastating strike.
"Jiu Xiao Léi Quán!"
He shouted as the punch sliced through the air, the weight of his body and the force of his Ki driving it forward.
The moment his fist made contact with Li, the force was like nothing he had ever experienced. The air around them seemed to warp, a violent shockwave radiating outward. Li’s body trembled under the impact, and despite his armor, the internal damage was devastating. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen—Li remained standing, but then the sound of cracking metal filled the air, and the true power of the blow became evident.
A horizontal tornado of Ki burst from Li’s back, swirling through the air with a ferocity that could rival the most destructive forces. The shockwave sent debris flying, and Adam and Kazue stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Drake, his eyes wide with shock, couldn’t help but comment.
"That... that was an internal damage strike."
Meanwhile, Li gritted his teeth, blood spilling from his mouth as he coughed violently. The pain was immense, and his body began to crumple under the force of Shu’s attack. His legs buckled, and for a moment, it seemed as though the fight was over. However, Li's body lurched forward, his consciousness wavering as his knees buckled beneath him. But just before he hit the ground, something shifted within him.
His right leg shot out in front of him, catching himself mid-fall. His body wavered, shaking with the strain, but he refused to let himself collapse. The blood continued to flow from his mouth, and his armor creaked under the pressure, but Li’s eyes burned with an unyielding defiance. He was not done yet.
Shu watched as his opponent, despite the brutal force of the blow that had nearly shattered him, refused to be defeated. His body, battered and bruised, trembled with defiance. His armor, once a shield against the world, began to glow, pulsing with a violent green energy. The atmosphere grew thick with a crackling intensity. The air around Li became charged, sparks of green lightning shooting from his form.
"Enough."
Shu said, his voice steady but tinged with something resembling admiration. He had never seen such tenacity from such a weak individual. But even as he spoke, the tension in the air grew unbearable. Li’s fury was palpable, a storm contained within a fragile human shell.
"This is over, there's no more you can do."
Shu continued, his words firm. Li’s eyes, however, burned with relentless fury, and as he let out a scream of rage, the energy in his armor surged, intensifying. It was as though his very soul was feeding into the power, the green bolts of energy becoming more erratic, more destructive. Shu had to step back, narrowly dodging a bolt of raw energy that streaked past him, the force of it whipping his hair and clothes. He needed to end this fast, something that wouldn’t have to be so hard. But then, something unexpected happened. Shu felt a sharp, sudden pain in his chest. He coughed violently, blood staining his hand as he staggered back in surprise.
The constant proximity to Li’s armor had begun to take its toll on him. The effect, altered and subtle, was poisoning him. The [Radioactive] condition had begun to seep into his own body, slowly but surely. Shu grimaced, but the pain was manageable—for now.
Gripping his fist, Shu closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his focus. He gathered his Ki, directing it all into one hand. As he raised it to the sky, his body shifted slightly, a calm steadiness settling in. With a deep breath, he acted as a conductor, focusing his energy to absorb the onslaught. The raw power from Li’s armor that had been threatening to tear the air apart now rushed toward him, but Shu did not flinch. He became a human lightning rod, his Ki channeling the electric energy into the earth, dispersing it.
And in that instant, something shifted.
Two figures appeared as shadows behind Li—silent, swift, and utterly dangerous. A woman, young with sleek black hair tied into a high ponytail, wore a black formal suit, her posture confident and unwavering. By her side stood a massive man, towering and broad, with long hair flowing behind him like a dark cloak. His presence alone seemed to push the very air away.
The woman, without a word, moved with striking precision, drawing a spear with a fluid motion. She raised it high, and in a single strike, she tore into Li’s back. The force of the blow cracked through the armor, and a piece of it shattered, scattering into the air. The energy Li had been hoarding now seemed to disperse, swirling wildly before evaporating into the atmosphere.
Before Li could react, the massive man raised his hand. With a swift motion, he brought it down on Li’s back in a crushing palm strike. The power behind it was overwhelming, and Li was forced into the ground with an explosive impact, his body crumpling beneath the force. His armor, now broken and rendered useless, began to disintegrate, crumbling into ash, the magic dissipating completely. Li, finally unconscious, lay still, the last remnants of his power fading away.
Shu stood, watching with a mixture of disbelief and admiration. His breath was heavy, his chest still searing from the radiation’s effect, but his eyes never left the scene. Finally, he exhaled, a deep sigh escaping him.
"Impressive, I did not expect this level of power from him... but he still has so much to learn."
He muttered, wiping the blood from his mouth. His voice was low, more to himself than anyone else.
From the stands, Kazue's voice rang out, angry and frustrated.
"This isn’t fair! You said it would be a one-on-one duel!"
Shu’s head snapped towards her, his expression hardening. He raised his voice, not angry, but firm and authoritative.
"I never said it was a one-on-one fight, I never even said it was a sparring match! In a real fight, there are no rules. You need to understand, that when you face Lord Varek, you will be outnumbered. You will have to fight with everything you have, and everything you can get."
Kazue fell silent at his words, the harsh reality of what Shu said sinking in. Her earlier defiance faded, replaced with reluctant understanding. Katya, from beside her, patted her on the head with a small, amused smile, as if to comfort her.