Chapter 43

The Duel of Fate

Xiang's body hit the ground, lifeless and still. The battle had drained her completely, leaving her vulnerable amidst the chaos. Before anyone could react, the Prince emerged from the shadows, his presence silencing the battlefield. He knelt beside Xiang, his gaze softening as he gently lifted her in his arms. Yet, beneath his calm demeanor, a storm brewed. As he carried her to safety, a thought took root in his mind—one he couldn't ignore. Could he truly be the son of the God of Heaven?

The Prince laid Xiang down in a safe corner before turning to face the battlefield. His eyes fell upon Wen Shia, standing tall with his sword drawn. Something in the Prince's soul ignited, a deep calling he couldn't resist. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.

"Wen Shia," the Prince called out, his voice calm but commanding. "I cannot ignore this any longer."

Wen Shia raised an eyebrow, confused but intrigued. "What are you talking about? Step aside. This is no place for you."

But the Prince ignored him. With a flick of his wrist, he unsheathed his blade. The crowd gasped as he advanced.

The Hidden Master Revealed

As the fight began, it became immediately clear that this was no ordinary duel. The Prince, known for his quiet demeanor and seemingly average abilities, moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior. His strikes were precise, his defense impenetrable. It was as if he had been hiding his true skills all his life.

Wen Shia was no stranger to battle. His swordsmanship was unmatched, and he had defeated countless foes. Yet, for the first time, he found himself struggling. Every move he made was countered with equal, if not greater, skill. The crowd stood in stunned silence, unable to believe what they were witnessing.

"How is this possible?" Wen Shia muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he studied the Prince. "You've always acted as though you don't know how to fight. Who are you, really?"

The Prince didn't answer. Instead, he advanced with a flurry of strikes, each one more powerful than the last.

The Turning Point

The fight grew more intense, with both warriors pushing their limits. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, their movements a blur to the untrained eye.

The first blood was drawn when Wen Shia's sword grazed the Prince's arm, leaving a shallow cut. The Prince didn't flinch. Instead, he retaliated with a swift and calculated strike, his blade slicing across Wen Shia's abdomen.

The crowd gasped as Wen Shia staggered, clutching his wound. But before anyone could react further, a sudden twist changed everything. The Prince's mask, dislodged during the clash, fell to the ground.

All eyes turned to his face, and the crowd fell into stunned silence. His face was breathtakingly beautiful, but that wasn't what left everyone in shock. Wen Shia's expression darkened as realization dawned.

"Doming," he whispered, his voice trembling. "It's you."

The Prince didn't deny it. His piercing gaze met Wen Shia's, and in that moment, the truth was undeniable.

Xiang Awakens

Xiang stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she regained consciousness. She sat up, her vision blurry, and saw the two men locked in combat. Panic surged through her as she stumbled to her feet.

"Stop this!" she cried, her voice desperate. "Both of you, stop!"

But her pleas went unheard. The fight had become too dangerous, too personal.

Wen Shia, his voice filled with disbelief and anger, shouted, "How could you associate with these people, Prince? I thought you were different. Did you kidnap Xiang?"

Doming, now fully revealed, stood tall. "I did not kidnap her," he said firmly. "She came to us of her own free will."

Xiang, confused by their words, stepped forward. "What are you two talking about? It sounds like you've known each other for a long time."

Wen Shia glanced at her, his eyes softening for a moment. "How can you not remember? We met once, a long time ago."

"I don't remember anything," Xiang replied, her voice trembling.

The God of Heaven Intervenes

Before anyone could say more, a divine presence descended upon the battlefield. The God of Heaven appeared, his aura radiating power. With a wave of his hand, he rendered Xiang unconscious once again.

Wen Shia, seizing the moment, lunged at Doming. His blade found its mark, and Doming staggered, blood staining his robes. Yet, to everyone's astonishment, he didn't fall. Despite his injuries, he stood unyielding, his gaze defiant.

The God of Heaven turned to Wen Shia. "We must end this now. If we don't kill him, he will strike again."

But before they could act, Doming's soldiers arrived. Their presence was overwhelming, forcing the God of Heaven and Wen Shia to retreat. Doming was carried away, his soldiers vowing vengeance if anyone dared to pursue them.

The Prophecy of Destruction

With Xiang in their care, the God of Heaven and Wen Shia returned to the celestial realm. They placed her in a sacred chamber, unsure of what to do next.

As they deliberated, an old sage entered the room. His voice was grave as he spoke:

"On the first day of the full moon, the powers of the Element Stone must be sealed within Soul Mountain. If this is not done, the balance of the world and heaven will be destroyed. Everything will descend into chaos."

The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in.

The God of Heaven, though calm, revealed his determination. "This is why I have sought the Element Stone. Its powers must be contained. If not, all will be lost. The signs of destruction are already appearing. We must act quickly, or devastation will be upon us."