637. The Mock Duel Between Lie Fan & Ma Chao

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Lie Fan's lips curved into a faint smile, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Very well. Adaptability is the mark of a great warrior. Choose your horse, and we shall begin."

Ma Chao selected a sturdy black stallion, its muscles rippling beneath its coat as it snorted impatiently. Lie Fan mounted a chestnut mare, her movements graceful and controlled. Together, they rode to the center of the training grounds, the eyes of the advisors, generals, and soldiers following their every move.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the air thick with the unspoken weight of what this duel represented. For Ma Chao, it was a chance to prove his worth, to show that the Ma Clan was more than just a pawn in the game of warlords.

For Lie Fan, it was an opportunity to assess the man who sought his alliance, to determine whether Ma Chao was suitable to become his subordinate in the future or a mere tool to be used.

As they took their positions, the world seemed to narrow to the space between them. The noise of the city faded into the background, replaced by the rhythmic pounding of their horses' hooves and the steady cadence of their breathing. Ma Chao tightened his grip on his spear, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it, the moment he had been preparing for.

Lie Fan raised his halberd, his expression calm but focused. "Begin," he said, his voice carrying across the training grounds.

With that, the duel commenced. Ma Chao urged his horse forward, his spear aimed with precision. Lie Fan met him head on, his halberd moving with a fluidity that belied its size. The clash of their weapons echoed through the air, the sound sharp and resonant.

The two warriors circled each other, their movements a blend of power and finesse. Ma Chao's strikes were swift and relentless, each one aimed with deadly accuracy. But Lie Fan was no less formidable, his defense impenetrable and his counterattacks calculated and precise.

As the duel progressed, it became clear that this was no ordinary mock battle. It was a test of skill, strategy, and endurance. The onlookers watched in rapt attention, their breaths held as the two warriors pushed themselves to their limits.

The duel between Lie Fan and Ma Chao was a spectacle of raw skill, strategy, and unyielding determination. On horseback, the two warriors clashed with a ferocity that left the onlookers breathless.

The rhythmic pounding of hooves against the packed earth of the training grounds echoed like war drums, setting the tempo for their deadly dance. Ma Chao, though clearly at a disadvantage, held his ground with a tenacity that spoke volumes of his reputation as one of the fiercest warriors of his time. Yet, it was equally evident that Lie Fan was in a league of his own.

Lie Fan's mastery of the halberd was nothing short of awe inspiring. Each swing of his weapon was calculated, each movement precise and deliberate.

His offense was relentless, a storm of steel that forced Ma Chao to constantly adapt and react. Yet, despite the overwhelming pressure, Ma Chao's spearwork was a testament to his skill. He parried and countered with agility, his strikes swift and accurate, though they often found themselves deflected or dodged by Lie Fan's impeccable defense.

The two warriors circled each other, their horses snorting and stamping as they maneuvered for the upper hand. Ma Chao's black stallion was a powerful beast, its muscles rippling with every movement, but Lie Fan's chestnut mare moved with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly. The mare responded to Lie Fan's slightest command, turning and pivoting with a fluidity that gave him an edge in positioning.

At one point, Lie Fan feinted a high strike, causing Ma Chao to raise his spear in defense, only to sweep low with the halberd's blade. Ma Chao barely managed to pull his horse back in time, the tip of the halberd grazing the stallion's flank.

The near-miss sent a ripple of tension through the onlookers, but Ma Chao recovered quickly, countering with a thrust that forced Lie Fan to lean back in his saddle.

The duel continued in this manner, a back-and-forth exchange of blows that showcased the strengths and strategies of both warriors. Lie Fan's offense was relentless, his strikes coming from unexpected angles, while Ma Chao's defense was a testament to his adaptability and quick thinking. Though Lie Fan clearly held the upper hand, Ma Chao's resilience was undeniable. He refused to be overwhelmed, his determination shining through even in the face of Lie Fan's superior skill.

After what felt like an eternity, Lie Fan raised a hand, signaling for a pause. Both men were breathing heavily, their horses lathered with sweat. The onlookers, who had been holding their breaths, finally exhaled, the tension in the air momentarily easing.

"You fight well, Lord Ma Chao," Lie Fan said, his voice calm but carrying a note of respect. "But let us see how you fare on foot."

Ma Chao nodded, his chest heaving but his spirit unbroken. He dismounted, his movements deliberate as he adjusted his grip on the spear. Lie Fan did the same, his halberd resting lightly against his shoulder as he stepped onto the packed earth of the training grounds.

The transition from horseback to foot changed the dynamics of the duel entirely. Without the added mobility of their steeds, the two warriors were forced to rely solely on their own strength, agility, and tactical prowess. The crowd leaned forward, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them.

Lie Fan was the first to move, his halberd sweeping in a wide arc as he closed the distance between them. Ma Chao sidestepped the strike, his spear darting forward like a viper's tongue. Lie Fan deflected the thrust with the shaft of his halberd, the impact sending a sharp crack through the air. The two warriors circled each other, their movements measured and deliberate.

Ma Chao's strikes were swift and precise, each one aimed at exploiting the slightest opening in Lie Fan's defense. Yet, Lie Fan's experience and skill were evident in every move he made. His defense was impenetrable, his counterattacks calculated and devastating. Each time Ma Chao thought he had found an opening, Lie Fan would effortlessly deflect or evade, his movements almost preternatural in their precision.

The duel on foot was a test of endurance as much as skill. The two warriors exchanged blow after blow, their weapons clashing with a force that reverberated through the training grounds. Ma Chao's spear was a blur of motion, its tip seeking any weakness in Lie Fan's defense. Yet, Lie Fan's halberd was equally relentless, its blade cutting through the air with deadly accuracy.

At one point, Ma Chao feinted a high strike before sweeping low, aiming for Lie Fan's legs. Lie Fan leaped back, the spear's tip grazing the fabric of his trousers. Before Ma Chao could recover, Lie Fan countered with a powerful overhead strike, forcing Ma Chao to raise his spear to block. The impact sent a jolt through Ma Chao's arms, but he held firm, his muscles straining under the force of the blow.

The two warriors broke apart, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Sweat dripped from their brows, their clothes clinging to their bodies. Yet, neither man showed any sign of backing down. If anything, the intensity of the duel only seemed to fuel their determination.

Lie Fan's lips curved into a faint smile, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "You are a formidable opponent, Young Lord Ma Chao," he said, his voice carrying across the training grounds. "But let us see if you can keep up."

With that, he launched into a series of rapid strikes, each one faster and more precise than the last. Ma Chao met him head on, his spear moving with a speed and precision that belied his exhaustion. The two warriors moved in a blur of motion, their weapons clashing with a ferocity that left the onlookers in awe.

The duel continued for what felt like hours, though in reality, it was only a matter of minutes. Each bout was a test of skill, strategy, and endurance, with neither warrior willing to yield. Ma Chao's resilience was matched only by Lie Fan's mastery, and the two men pushed themselves to their limits in their quest for victory.

Finally, after a particularly intense exchange, Lie Fan stepped back, lowering his halberd. "Enough," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You have proven your worth, Young Lord Ma Chao. There is no need to continue."

Ma Chao lowered his spear, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. He looked at Lie Fan, his expression a mixture of exhaustion and respect. "You are a formidable opponent, Lord Lie Fan," he said, his voice steady despite his fatigue. "I am honored to have crossed blades with you."

Lie Fan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "The honor is mine, Young Lord Ma Chao. You have shown not only skill but also the heart of a true warrior. It is rare to find someone who can match me blow for blow."

The onlookers erupted into applause, their cheers echoing across the training grounds. The duel had been a spectacle unlike any they had ever seen, a testament to the skill and determination of both warriors. Even the advisors and generals, who had seen countless battles, were visibly impressed.

As the crowd began to disperse, Lie Fan turned to Ma Chao, his expression serious. "You have proven yourself worthy, Young Lord Ma Chao. But the true test lies ahead. If you wish to align yourself with me, you must understand that it will not be an easy path. The road to power is fraught with danger, and the challenges we face will be greater than any duel."

Ma Chao met his gaze, his eyes burning with determination. "I understand, Lord Lie Fan. I am ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The Ma Clan will not falter, and neither will I."

Lie Fan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Very well. Then let us discuss the future and how we can achieve it together."

With that, the two warriors walked off the training grounds, their steps firm and purposeful. The duel had been a test, but it was only the beginning. The true battle, for power, for survival, for the future, was yet to come. And Ma Chao knew that, with Lie Fan by his side, he and the Ma Clan had a fighting chance.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 33 (200 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0