Chapter 17: The Asura's Ascendance

In the months leading up to the anticipated showdown, Leo, now endowed with an indestructible and potent body, tirelessly imparted his unparalleled expertise to the younger generation of martial disciples. Alongside Shin, the martial prodigies of the Li family were immersed in the secrets of the Asura's technique—a formidable legacy destined to transcend generations.

The secluded training grounds echoed with the resonance of Leo's teachings, a fusion of wisdom acquired over lifetimes and the unparalleled strength borne from the Asura Body. Leori, his young heir, was gently introduced to the arcane intricacies of the Asura Body technique—a privilege reserved for the destined leader of the Li family. Leo, cautious of Leori's burgeoning potential, guided him gradually, unveiling the secrets that would shape his destiny.

As the fateful day approached, the Li family compound buzzed with anticipation. Leo, alongside the Seven Kings and Shin, awaited the arrival of the West's formidable delegates in the grand arena. A panoramic setting unfolded before them, a sprawling amphitheater filled with thousands of spectators reveling in the electrifying ambiance—cheers, bets, and the fragrance of anticipation hung thick in the air.

The Western delegates emerged, a coterie of seven swordmasters and mages, their formidable auras and palpable bloodlust unapologetically on display. Leo, flanked by the Seven Kings, assumed his position in the arena—a battlefield poised for a clash of titans.

The opening salvo commenced as Sword King, representing the East, faced off against Maestro, a swordmaster of the 12th level peak of humanity. Their initial exchanges painted a deceptive picture, with Maestro seemingly toying with his adversary, mocking the perceived inferiority of Eastern sword techniques.

However, the Sword King, fueled by the calculated rage ignited by Maestro's taunts, unleashed a surprising counterattack, slicing a fragment of Maestro's face. The arena roared in response to this unexpected turn of events. Maestro, his demeanor shifting from cocky to furious, retaliated with a relentless onslaught, pummeling the Sword King without mercy.

The tumult reached a crescendo when the Wind King, a master of air manipulation, intervened. A hurricane materialized in the middle of the arena, carrying with it an enigmatic laughter. Within the tempest, the Wind King's voice resonated, politely requesting the release of his "old friend."

Maestro, now bewildered, begrudgingly complied, releasing the battered Sword King. In a moment of unexpected camaraderie, Maestro acknowledged the decency he found in the East. The hurricane dissipated, leaving the arena to reckon with the aftermath of a clash that transcended mere physical prowess.

As the Divine Physician rushed to tend to the injured Sword King, the arena reverberated with a complex interplay of emotions—shock, admiration, and a lingering sense of impending conflict. The Asura, Leo, stood undeterred, his gaze fixed on the unfolding drama, fully aware that this clash marked but the beginning of a far more intricate dance with destiny.