The crowd in the Martial Arena was deathly silent. Lin Xuan had accepted the challenge.
No hesitation. No fear.
Lei Qian smirked. "Bold. But foolish."
The supervising elder stepped forward. "This is an officially sanctioned duel. Both sides agree to fight under sect rules. Once the battle begins, interference is forbidden. If either party dies… it will be deemed fate’s will."
The moment those words were spoken, a formation activated around the arena. A shimmering golden barrier sealed them inside.
This was a battle with no escape.
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ZHAO FENG’S WORRY
Outside the arena, Zhao Feng clenched his fists. "This bastard Lei Qian… he planned this from the start. A public duel? That means even if he kills Lin Xuan, the sect won't punish him."
A nearby disciple muttered, "Of course. Lei Qian is one of the top-ranked Inner Sect disciples. The elders favor him."
Another added, "Lin Xuan is strong, but… Lei Qian is at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. His combat experience is terrifying. Can Lin Xuan really win?"
Zhao Feng gritted his teeth. Lin Xuan had to win.
But could he?
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THE BATTLE BEGINS
Lei Qian took a single step forward.
BOOM!
A powerful aura erupted from his body, pressing down on the arena like a crushing wave. The stone beneath him cracked from sheer force. His robes fluttered as a violent storm of qi surged around him.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"I’ll give you one chance, Lin Xuan," Lei Qian said calmly. "Kneel and admit your mistake. I might spare your life."
Lin Xuan’s expression remained unreadable. His black hair swayed gently in the wind of Lei Qian’s pressure.
Then, he raised his hand.
Golden light flickered at his fingertips. A strange, ancient power rippled in the air around him.
Lei Qian’s eyes narrowed. "So that’s the power you got from the inheritance."
Lin Xuan didn’t answer.
He vanished.
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A CLASH OF TITANS
In an instant, Lin Xuan appeared right in front of Lei Qian, palm glowing with golden runes.
Lei Qian reacted instantly. He raised his arm—CLANG!—blocking Lin Xuan’s strike with a qi barrier.
But the moment their energies collided—
CRACK!
The barrier shattered like glass. A powerful shockwave sent ripples through the arena.
Lei Qian’s expression darkened. "Not bad."
He retaliated.
His right hand glowed as he launched a palm strike infused with thunder qi!
BOOM!
Lightning roared as his attack tore through the air toward Lin Xuan. The sheer force was enough to make the surrounding disciples step back.
Lin Xuan’s eyes gleamed. Instead of dodging, he stepped forward.
With a single motion, he extended his fingers, and golden runes formed a rotating barrier around his palm.
BANG!
Their attacks met, sending a massive shockwave outward. Sparks of golden and violet energy clashed mid-air.
Lin Xuan slid back slightly, but his stance remained firm.
Lei Qian frowned. "You’re stronger than I expected."
Lin Xuan simply exhaled. The power of the inheritance was still adapting to his body. He was still learning.
But that also meant…
He was only getting stronger.
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THE TURNING POINT
Lei Qian’s aura surged to its peak. His hands formed a seal, and the sky darkened.
"Enough games," he said coldly. "I’ll show you the true difference between us!"
Lightning gathered around him. His ultimate technique was forming.
But at that moment—
Lin Xuan smiled.
Lei Qian’s instincts screamed. Something was wrong.
The golden runes around Lin Xuan’s hands shifted. For the first time, they glowed with a different light.
Not just gold.
Crimson.
Lei Qian’s pupils shrank. "What… is that?"
Lin Xuan raised his palm. The energy condensed, forming a swirling, chaotic power. It was unstable… but terrifying.
"You talk too much," Lin Xuan said softly.
Then, he struck.