The air was heavy with anticipation. Word of Li Xuan's challenge had spread across all seven peaks. Today, the Bloodwood Arena would host a battle none dared miss.

  Li Xuan stood at the center, robes fluttering. Opposite him was Wu Fan—broad-shouldered, scarred, and gripping an iron staff nearly as tall as he was. Ranked ninth among outer disciples, he had crushed dozens with his brutal, relentless style.

  Wu Fan grinned. “Three moves, huh? I’ll break your legs with the first.”

  Li Xuan didn’t respond.

  [Duel Initiated – Objective: Defeat Wu Fan within 3 moves. Reward Multiplier Active.]

  The crowd fell into silence.

  The judge elder raised a hand. “Begin!”

  Move One.

  Wu Fan roared and charged. The staff whistled through the air, aimed at Li Xuan’s ribs. The force would’ve shattered bone.

  But Li Xuan stepped in—not back—dodging with razor precision. His palm struck Wu Fan’s shoulder, displacing his momentum.

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  Wu Fan stumbled, eyes flashing.

  Move Two.

  Recovering, Wu Fan swung the staff in a wide arc. Dust flew. Spectators shielded their eyes.

  Li Xuan ducked low and struck again—an open-handed blow to the ribs. A sharp crack echoed. Wu Fan grunted, feet skidding across the arena.

  The crowd murmured. “Two clean hits already... Is this real?”

  Move Three.

  Li Xuan took a single breath. His body shimmered faintly—Crimson Qi igniting in his meridians. He surged forward.

  Wu Fan raised his staff in defense.

  Too slow.

  Li Xuan’s fingers formed a claw. He gripped the staff’s haft, twisted—then drove his knee into Wu Fan’s chest.

  A dull boom.

  Wu Fan flew backward like a broken puppet, crashing into the stone wall.

  Silence.

  [Challenge Complete: Target Defeated in 3 Moves. Rewards Multiplied.]

  [Rewards: Ironwood Qi Tempering Manual (Advanced), Strength +2, Reputation +80]

  Elder Mo stood in the shadows, arms crossed, nodding slowly.

  On a higher balcony, Lin Qingxue watched with narrowed eyes. “Precise. Efficient. Cruel. He’s learning too fast.”

  Another inner disciple beside her frowned. “Should we intervene?”

  She shook her head. “Let him rise. He’s not ours to stop—yet.”

  That evening, back on Forgotten Peak, Li Xuan stood beneath the moonlight, shirtless, his body steaming from cultivation.

  [New Target Unlocked: Disciple #4 – Tang Yuan, Twin Saber Style, Qi Refining Late-stage]

  [Optional Bonus: Deflect both sabers simultaneously – Reward Multiplier x3]

  He exhaled slowly.

  “Number four next... Twin sabers?”

  He smiled. “Let’s make it interesting.”