The Duel

The red-haired man immediately halted any movement; that voice just then, though seemingly calm, was filled with deadly, subtle killing intent. Just based off of the vast power in that voice alone, the man knew that this mysterious being could kill him with but a mere thought.

"May I ask which senior is here?"

Silence. The being didn't respond.

"May I ask why you have stopped me from saving my disciple?"

Silence, again. The being didn't respond.

"May senior be so benevolent as to allow me to proceed towards my disciple?"

Silence, yet again. The being didn't respond.

"No response? Maybe this hidden senior is letting me through."

The red-haired man thought as he hesitantly took a step forward. First step. No response.

Second step. No response. Third step. Still no response.

"Hahaha! This person must have been bluffing! Just a coward hidden in the shadows. Either way, I don't have time to waste on him right now."

Upon confirming that the one hidden didn't pose any threat to him, the red-haired man hastily dashed forward towards the street in Goldcrest Town, where Wai Feng and the white-robed young man were about to engage in battle. As he brought his foot up to step forward,

"INSOLENCE!"

A powerful force suddenly struck the red-haired man, completely overpowering him despite his futile attempt to resist. He was forced dozens of meters backwards and knocked to the ground; the impact of his body on the ground injuring him even further.

"Such power…"

The red-haired man coughed and slowly rose back onto his feet. His clothing was completely torn and cuts completely covered his body.

"Ugh… My internal body has been completely damaged. It's lucky I'm still alive… that senior must have shown mercy."

His eyes scanned the surroundings, hunting for the mysterious voice's figure... But to no avail. There was nothing, just the emerald grasslands and the cool wind breeze.

"To be able to conceal himself even after launching such a powerful attack… or was that just the power of his voice? This person is someone I must definitely not provoke anymore. I'll have to watch for now."

The red-haired man hovered back into the air, his gaze placed on the scene of the battle once more.

"If that kid dares to injure my disciple, I'll hunt him down. Hmph!"

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Back on the street in Goldcrest Town

On the horizon, the sun was slowly descending with its golden rays piercing through the distance and seemingly spotlighting their location. Wai Feng sharply gazed at the white-robed young man, a fiery rage clearly evident in his eyes. "How could someone treat another human with such disdain and hate? This person... he sees others as below him. He is the true trash here. Hmph."

Wai Feng stood there, fingers nervously flexed around the hilt of Heartseeker, feet light on the ground; ready to move any moment. His gaze was locked in a dual with the white-robed young man's eyes as they both stared intently at each other.

"Aargh…"

A groaning sound came from the kid on the ground. Wai Feng looked over.

"You don't have to do this… It's my fault, I'll just apologise to the young master…"

The child on the ground started coughing. Pity revealed itself in Wai Feng's eyes.

"No. I have to do this. Even if he does let you off, what about others like yourself? What about the other people he abuses with his power?"

Wai Feng firmly gripped the hilt of his sword, drawing it out of its sheath. As though facing a mirror, the white-robed young man also drew his sword as well, a grin on his face. His sword was akin to a falchion with its curved, silver blade.

Both figures stood there.

The white-robed young man was the first to make a move, dashing forward and striking his sword down at Wai Feng. Brief shock surfaced in Wai Feng's mind for a moment, before he prepared himself to defend against the incoming strike.

He raised Heartseeker, successfully parrying the blow with the quillion. With no time to spare, Wai Feng immediately launched a counterattack, but the young man was quick on his feet; dodging backwards before impact. Wai Feng rushed forwards, pressing the attack. All of his time training with his father was finally being put to use, and it seemed simpler than he initially thought.

Before Heartseeker could deliver a blow to the opponent, the white-robed young man disappeared as he leapt into the air and landed behind Wai Feng, pouncing forward with his sword. Wai Feng turned around, countering the incoming strike as he stepped forward, placing his entire body weight into the attack.

Clang!

Both swords collided, seemingly of equal strength.

Wai Feng and the white-robed young man stepped back.

"You're much stronger than I thought, for trash that is. Let me show you the power that you'll never attain in your life."

As Wai Feng was already panting, breathless, the white-robed young man briefly closed his eyes and then reopened them.

Staring into his eyes, Wai Feng felt extremely threatened; his opponent was much more dangerous all of a sudden. Without giving him time to react, the white-robed young man pounced towards Wai Feng. Their swords clashed again, but this time Wai Feng was pushed back a couple of steps.

"What!? How could his strength increase like this?"

As their fight ensued, Wai Feng was continuously pushed back. Compared to before, he didn't have any time to exploit his opponent's openings; his strikes were too fast.

Many cuts appeared on Wai Feng's skin as the white-robed young man relentlessly slashed at him. There were a few times that Wai Feng managed to dodge, but it was obvious he was being toyed with. Such shamelessness from his opponent enraged him and, coupled with the sharp pain he was experiencing, he felt like he couldn't continue for much longer.

"Hahaha! Look at you now, 'hero'. Didn't you want to save this peasant? Come then!"

The white-robed young man kicked the child on the floor, causing him to cough up blood. Wai Feng could only look on, helpless. For the first time in his life, he felt completely powerless…

The energy throughout his body was slowly escaping him, and he could no longer support himself. His legs gave way and his body slumped to the ground. On the ground, his eyelids started to sink. The weight of being a hero truly was too much for a child like himself. Darkness engulfed his vision…

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"Child, open your eyes."

A serene voice blessed Wai Feng's ears. Following the voice's instructions, he opened his eyes.

Surrounding him, all he could see was an azure mist. Everywhere, all he could make out was this mysterious mist, stretching out as far as his eyes could perceive. Looking down, he was struck with bewilderment as he realised he wasn't even standing on anything; his body was hovering within this mist.

"Where am I?"

"Child, do not worry about where you are."

The tranquil voice echoed again. Wai Feng surveyed his surroundings, attempting to pinpoint where the voice was coming from. Yet, only the mist was present.

"Who are you?"

"Who I am is not important. All that matters is your safety. Do you want power, young one?"

Wai Feng hesitated for a moment before replying,

"Of course I do. Without power, how can I protect the weak? How can I protect those being suppressed by the strong?"

"You may be young, but your heart is definitely on the right track. Answer me this then, even in the fell clutch of circumstance, will you wince, or cry aloud?"

Wai Feng pondered for a moment.

"Neither."

"Under the bludgeonings of chance, you shall be bathed in blood, but how will you stand?"

"Firm! My head unbowed."

"Good, good. I shall aid you this one time. Try not to get into this situation again."

"Thank you, senior."

Wai Feng clasped his hands together and bowed.

"Just remember this, my boy, you are the master of your fate… you are the captain of your soul."

Wai Feng disappeared from the misty realm.

Somewhere in the misty realm, three figures were seated in a lotus position. An archaic voice sounded out from one of them, though their mouths seemed not to even move,

"Was it time?"

"It would have happened sooner or later."

A calm voice, resembling the one that had just conversed with Wai Feng, replied.

"We can't wait any longer; with each passing day, it draws nearer and nearer. If we wait any longer, I'm afraid..."

"Our vision lies with him then. Let us hope he does not disappoint."