First Real Fight

Xuefeng's plan was simple: inflict some wounds with the clone, then lure the bear toward the lake. He held his breath, approaching with painstaking stealth. But when he was two or three meters away, a twig snapped loudly beneath his foot, the sound cracking through the hush like a pistol shot.

Damn it.

He reacted on instinct, remembering Wuying's teachings about when to attack and when to run. Instead of pressing forward, he hurled himself into a backward roll—and not a moment too soon. The bear spun, growling, and brought one massive paw swinging into the spot where Xuefeng had just been crouching. Its claws shone like tempered steel, glinting with a strange metallic sheen that spread along the creature's fur.

When the paw slammed into empty air, Xuefeng felt a surge of confidence—this might be easier than he'd feared. He activated his movement technique, feeling the sudden burst of speed rush through his limbs, and dashed straight for the bear with sword raised.

This time, he wasn't worried. It's just a clone. Even if I die here, it's no different than losing an avatar in some video game. And so he thrust the blade forward, aiming to pierce the creature's eye in one swift motion.

His strike never landed. The bear jerked its head aside with shocking speed, then clamped its jaws around the sword, crunching down hard. Metal screeched and buckled. Xuefeng felt his heart lurch.

This thing is too fast for its size.

With a sickening snap, the sword shattered, reverting to a haze of Spirit Qi. The bear spat the fragments aside, glaring at Xuefeng with disdain. It felt almost like the beast was… mocking him.

"All right, Plan B." Xuefeng stuck his tongue out defiantly at the bear. "Chase me if you dare!"

He poured the bulk of his clone's Qi into his movement art and bolted for the lake, urging the beast to follow. At the same moment, the real Xuefeng opened his eyes back in the clearing.

"I'm luring a big bear over—tough one," Xuefeng warned, standing up. He summoned his Spirit Armor, letting it envelop him in a translucent, protective glow. Despite the deep twinge of nerves in his gut, excitement sparked in his eyes. This was going to be his first real fight—no illusions, no mere sparring.

Without waiting for questions, he took a few steps away from Wuying and Xiao Wen, hefting his Black Flames Slayer in both hands. A faint quiver of anticipation crawled along his spine.

In the distance, the Spirit Bear made its decision, leaving its half-eaten meal behind to pursue the taunting clone. Snarling, it thundered through the undergrowth, crashing branches underfoot. It caught sight of the lake shimmering through the trees, along with three human figures.

Wuying's breath caught in her throat as she recognized the charging beast. "That's a Rank 4 Metal Bear," she said, tightening her grip on a knife at her belt. "They can activate an inborn Metal Body ability, making them nearly as strong as a Rank 5 Spirit Beast. We should—"

Before she could rush forward, Xiao Wen laid a hand on her arm. "Let's trust him when he acts like he can handle it. If you always rush to help, he won't learn." Her face was calm, but there was a spark of curiosity there—she wanted to see what Xuefeng was made of.

Wuying hesitated, muscles coiled with tension. Finally, she forced herself to stand down, though she kept herself ready to leap in at the first sign of real danger.

The Metal Bear, unimpressed by the trio gathered at the water's edge, focused on Xuefeng. It noticed, with a flicker of confusion, that there were now two Xuefengs—one was the clone, holding a reproduced Spirit Sword, and the real one, brandishing the ominous Black Flames Slayer.

"We'll do this together," Xuefeng muttered under his breath, controlling the clone with practiced ease. The bear lunged, swinging a paw at the clone. The clone ducked—a feint—luring the beast's attention away from Xuefeng's main body.

Xuefeng sprang from behind, flames roiling off his blade like living shadows. He channeled the first Serpent move, slamming the sword across the bear's back. Fire flared, ripping into flesh and spraying hot blood. The Metal Bear bellowed in rage, spinning so fast it shredded the clone with a swipe. Xuefeng hadn't been able to divide his focus enough to protect it.

The bear's furious roar rattled through the clearing. Its eyes flared with primal wrath, and it whirled to snap at Xuefeng, maw gaping wide enough to crush his skull. He barely managed to dodge, feeling the hot stink of the creature's breath roll over him. The black flames still gnawed at its wound, stopping the regeneration process—but that wouldn't last forever.

Stay calm, he reminded himself. He had about seventy percent of his Spirit Qi left. The Black Flames Slayer devoured Qi at an alarming rate; if he wasn't careful, he'd be drained in minutes.

He activated his movement art, circling the beast. As he moved, he wrapped the blade in black, undulating coils of Spirit Qi, forming the Serpent Whip technique. Flicking his weapon from a safe distance, he landed a series of shallow cuts on the bear's flank and legs. Each time, the bear responded with a frenzied swipe, but Xuefeng slid out of reach.

"You're… not going anywhere," he hissed. With a flourish, he triggered a blue ray of light from one of his spell rings, freezing the bear's hind legs to the muddy ground. The creature roared in fury, flailing, and Xuefeng seized the opening. He dashed forward, channeling his second Serpent move. The Serpent energy slammed into the bear's skull, igniting in a small but fierce explosion.

The force blew Xuefeng backward, dust billowing around the impact site. For an instant, he thought he'd ended it—no beast could survive that kind of direct headshot. Panting, he let his guard slip. Then Ling's voice tore through his mind, cold and sharp: He's still alive—look out!

He had no time to brace. A massive paw crashed into his chest, hurling him backward like a ragdoll. He slammed into the dirt near Wuying's feet, his torso searing with agony. Blood spattered the grass, and he struggled to breathe with half-crushed lungs. Thank fate for Ling's rapid healing—already, her Fate Qi was knitting his mangled ribs back together, though it felt like being lit on fire from the inside.

Wuying bolted forward with a cry, but Xiao Wen stopped her again, though she wore a grim expression. "Wait…"

They both watched as Xuefeng slowly, shakily pushed himself up. His Spirit Armor and clothing were shredded across the torso, leaving angry red slash marks still healing in the cold air.

Across the clearing, the Metal Bear's fur blackened and rippled. Its eyes burned with a mindless hatred, and the flesh that had been torn from its skull already knitted itself back together at a terrifying speed.

It's in Berserk mode, Ling warned. Enormous strength, multiplied regeneration. You have to use your Lightning Qi or this fight is unwinnable.

Xuefeng spat blood, checking his reserves. He had barely one-fifth of his Spirit Qi left. Damn. So that's how it is.

He gritted his teeth. "All right, teach me," he growled inwardly. "How do we do this?"

Follow my instructions exactly, Ling replied. We can bring it down.