An azure crystal soared toward Ishin from across the Golden Arena’s stage. He turned his head to the side, avoiding the projectile by mere centimeters.
These ranged techniques are annoying.
Ishin’s opponent—a short, sturdy disciple from the Red Burning Comet School—unleashed another volley of blue crystals. Ishin dodged four of them and used his spear to block the remaining two.
Their fight had gone on for almost five minutes, the two stuck in a stalemate. Ishin couldn’t close the gap under the constant barrage of crystals, and his opponent was incapable of landing an attack.
Can’t be much longer now.
The Red Burning Comet disciple threw another series of crystals that were again dodged and blocked. When his opponent tried to summon another pair of crystals, Ishin knew his plan had worked.
“Come on,” his opponent complained, flicking his wrists in frustration.
“You’re out of qi,” Ishin observed, beginning his advance.
“I’m not,” came the empty protest.
Ishin was on him in moments. Even without qi, his opponent was still a disciple from one of the three Martial Schools. He evaded Ishin’s first thrust, but Ishin turned the attack into a swing that caught him on the shoulder.
That still didn’t finish the fight.
Eventually, Ishin drove him to the edge of the stage. When the Red Burning Comet disciple dodged one final time, he fell off the stage, disqualifying himself.
“Victory! Ro Ishin from the Eight Oaths Resolve School!” Elder Song announced.
Despite how many times he heard the applause, it never got old.
This is what it feels like to be recognized.
After the Daihu Tribe learned of his inability to cultivate, they’d ignored him no matter how hard he tried. This felt good.
If only Bin and Na could see me now.
He thought back to his duel against Pan Feng months ago. If I fought that groveling sycophant now, I’d destroy him.
Exiting the stage, he saw the approving nod of Bo and Lei’s wide grin.
“Excellent work!” Lei cheered.
“Thank you,” Ishin said with a bow. Their fight was next, and he didn’t envy them.
“Don’t look so grim,” Lei insisted. “You won!”
“Focus on your path,” Bo suggested. “Don’t worry about us.”
They’re right. And at least I earned my elixir. But these two...
“I look forward to watching your fight,” Ishin finally said.
“Our next match is a battle between two disciples of the same school,” Elder Song began.
“I’ll wait for both of you here,” Ishin said quickly.
“Hailing from the Eight Oaths Resolve School are Wan Bo and Hou Lei!”
Lei shook with excitement. “That’s us!”
“Please head on first,” Bo said, extending a hand.
Needing no further encouragement, Lei ran onto the stage, waving at the cheering crowd.
* * *
Hou Lei was thrilled. Here he was—on the stage, adored by thousands. Best of all, he was about to fight one of his best friends. Not only that, but someone he deeply admired.
He turned to see the more stoic Wan Bo step onto the stage. Bo seemed uninterested in the roar of the crowd, but Lei knew better. This was the furthest Bo had made it last year. No doubt it was dredging up old memories.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Lei remembered watching Bo’s fight from the stands back then, full of admiration. This year, he got to face him himself.
A true blessing from the Heavens.
Bo took his position fifty feet away, shields strapped to both arms—those same shields that had always been the bane of Lei’s existence.
Lei pressed his spiked knuckles together and gave a deep bow. “I’ve looked forward to this for a year, Brother Bo.”
Returning the gesture, Bo replied, “As have I, Brother Lei.” He rose with a faint smile. “Now let’s see if you can finally defeat me.”
If Lei was excited before, now he was ecstatic.
“Begin!”
Lei executed his Flowing Red Current technique and sprinted at his friend. When he was fifteen feet away, he leaped into the air, descending on Bo. Bo brought up his shield and met Lei’s punch with a loud echo.
I can do more!
Lei cycled more qi into his arm, pressing harder. Bo grunted as he began to bend under Lei’s superior strength.
One more!
Lei slammed his other fist against Bo’s shield, causing another metallic clang. But Bo didn’t give in.
He’s using his Iron Temple technique.
“Nice try!” Bo growled.
With renewed strength, Bo shoved Lei off. Lei flew back but landed with surprising grace.
Even with two punches I couldn’t break through. Worth a shot.
Across from him, Bo shook out his arm but seemed unfazed.
At least he felt my attacks. What to do?
But Lei didn’t have to decide—Bo came at him.
I forgot how fast he is, Lei thought as he desperately dodged. Bo’s fingers were shaped like spears—Steel Forged Finger technique.
Lei ducked beneath a blow and countered with an uppercut. Bo rotated his arm, bringing his shield up to meet it.
But Lei wasn’t done yet. He swung his right leg up, managing to clip Bo’s chin and temporarily daze him.
Now!
Lei unleashed a series of punches. Bo managed to bring up his shields, blocking strike after strike. Lei gradually aimed higher, directing the attacks at Bo’s head. Bo continued to meet them with his shields, just as Lei wanted.
Once Bo’s eyes were obstructed, Lei broke the pattern and targeted his stomach. His steel-tipped knuckles punctured Bo’s robes and flesh, blasting him across the stage.
Bo managed to steady himself, scraping his hands along the floor to keep upright, but he was clearly injured.
“I’m coming!” Lei roared. Using Flowing Red Current again, he darted toward his friend.
Bo winced, pressing a hand to his stomach. He looked so vulnerable. Lei recognized that Bo had used Iron Temple to survive the punch—otherwise his stomach would have been destroyed—but even so, it looked like the fight was over.
Lei arrived in front of Bo and cycled a torrent of qi into his fist. With Flowing Red Current and the added qi, Bo would struggle to fend off the next strike.
Bo’s shield met Lei’s knuckles, but something unexpected happened. Bo twisted his arm and Lei felt his own arm being pulled with it.
What’s happening?
He looked down. His knuckles seemed trapped against Bo’s shield.
But nothing is holding them there.
He didn’t get to ponder it long. Bo thrust his hand into Lei’s stomach. Even with Flowing Red Current’s effects, Bo’s fingers pierced his abdominal muscles, if only barely.
Lei tried to counter with his other arm but was surprised when it fell free. Bo slammed the now-free shield against Lei’s face, making him spit blood.
Lei stumbled back, trying desperately to regain focus. Black spots clouded his vision. He felt more jabs at his shoulders and hips, weakening him. He fell to his knees, panting heavily.
Bo stood over him, spear-shaped fingers ready, blood leaking from his own wound.
He’s using Iron Temple to stay in the fight. Impressive as always, Bo.
Between heavy breaths, Bo asked, “Are you done already?”
Despite the pain, Lei managed a bloody grin. “Never!”
He cycled his qi, feeling the strain in his meridians from the Flowing Red Current. It felt like pulling a muscle with every use.
“Let’s go!” he roared, launching a punch at Bo’s face. This close, with his reflexes and agility enhanced, there was no time for Bo to dodge.
Bo snapped his shields together, forming a wall. Lei’s arm vibrated from the impact, bones rattling. Bo lifted his leg and stomped on Lei’s chest, pushing him to the ground with a resounding crash.
Lei gasped desperately for air as Bo kept his foot pressed down.
“Not yet.”
Lei strained, using his natural muscular build to push back even without qi. Inch by inch, he forced Bo’s foot back.
“Your spirit never ceases to amaze me.”
Bo lifted his foot and slammed it down again with full force, empowered by Iron Temple. The collision knocked the wind out of Lei.
“If you don’t yield,” Bo panted, “I’ll render you unconscious. The choice is yours.”
With bloody teeth, Lei replied, “A true martial never surrenders.”
Sweat dripped from Bo’s forehead. “I thought so,” he said with a true smile, then slammed his shield down on Lei’s head.
“The victor is Wan Bo of the Eight Oaths Resolve School!” Elder Song’s voice rang out to thunderous applause.
