Three days later. The Bloodwood Arena.

  Thunderclouds rolled above, casting long shadows over the arena. Despite the gloom, the stands were packed. Everyone knew what was coming.

  Li Xuan, now the rising storm within the outer sect, was about to face Tang Yuan—ranked fourth, master of the Twin Saber Style, known for his brutal speed and blinding precision.

  “I heard Tang Yuan once crippled a challenger in under ten breaths.”

  “They say even inner disciples hesitate to spar with him.”

  “And this rootless nobody wants to take him on?”

  Yet there Li Xuan stood. Calm. Silent. Watching the clouds, as if asking the heavens themselves to bear witness.

  Tang Yuan entered the arena, sabers flashing like lightning in his hands. He smirked. “You’ve beaten some trash. But I’m no outer disciple flunky.”

  Li Xuan said nothing.

  [Duel Initiated: Defeat Tang Yuan – Optional Bonus: Deflect Both Sabers Simultaneously. Reward Multiplier x3]

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  The bell rang.

  Tang Yuan moved like a storm. Twin sabers blurred through the air, each stroke sharp enough to slice spirit stone. The audience saw only flashes of silver.

  Li Xuan’s body weaved between death.

  Clang. Clang. Clang.

  Sparks danced as his hands, glowing with Qi, clashed against blade after blade.

  Tang Yuan gritted his teeth. “Why aren’t you breaking!?”

  [Trait Activated: Unshaken Heart – Mind Clarity Maintained Under High-Speed Assault]

  Li Xuan stepped forward instead of back, a dance of defiance.

  The twin sabers crossed for a lethal strike.

  Li Xuan raised both arms. Caught them.

  Gasps erupted.

  He twisted—energy coiling up his arms—and redirected both blades outward. Tang Yuan lost footing.

  And then—Li Xuan’s elbow drove into his chest.

  Bones cracked.

  Tang Yuan collapsed, blood on his lips.

  Silence.

  [Bonus Objective Completed – Reward Multiplier x3]

  [Rewards: Phantom Step Manual (High Grade), Wind Affinity +1, Speed +2, Reputation +120]

  Lin Qingxue rose to her feet on the high balcony.

  Another elder beside her muttered, “He deflected both blades. With bare hands.”

  She didn’t answer. But her gaze was locked.

  That night, Forgotten Peak.

  Li Xuan stood before a system panel of glowing text.

  [Three Ranked Disciples Defeated. Main Task Completed.]

  [Reward: Invitation to Inner Pavilion Trials – Received]

  [Side Task Unlocked: Choose Your Path – Sword, Body, or Soul]

  He stared at the final line, fists tightening.

  “Sword? Body? Soul?”

  Each would define his future path.

  He closed his eyes.

  And chose.