Clash of Wills
Chapter 18: Clash of Wills
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The air between Kai and the Martial Saint grew so thick with tension that even the crowd of onlookers could feel it. Whispers echoed through the gathering townsfolk.
"Is that really her brother?"
"Does he have a death wish challenging a Martial Saint?"
"He's brave, I'll give him that… but bravery won't save him."
Kai stood firm, his gaze locked with the sharp, calculating eyes of Jirohan. The Martial Saint's aura swirled around him like a brewing storm, each movement of his robes creating faint ripples in the air. Despite the suffocating pressure, Kai remained still.
Yami's eyes narrowed as she stepped forward, standing just behind Kai. Her aura seeped into the surroundings, subtle but undeniable. Her golden eyes met Jirohan's for a brief moment. The weight of two EX-Rank presences began to settle on the area.
Jirohan's gaze flickered to Yami, and for the first time, his eyes showed a glimmer of realization. His calm demeanor shifted as he let out a low chuckle.
"Two of them?" he muttered to himself. "An interesting boy, indeed."
Selene's presence followed from the shadows, her multiple glowing eyes peeking from the alley beside them. The sharp sensation of being watched sent chills down the spines of the townsfolk.
"Master," Selene's voice echoed in his mind. "Shall I intervene?"
"Not yet," Kai replied. "Let's see how far he's willing to go."
---
[Kai's Perspective]
Kai's heart pounded, but not from fear. His eyes remained focused on Jirohan. The old man was undoubtedly strong, but Kai had faced worse in the realm. He had faced the Dark One and survived. Compared to that nightmare, the aura of a Martial Saint was just another storm to endure.
"Your pride blinds you, old man," Kai said, his tone even. "You see only what you expect to see. But if you want to measure me, be ready to face the truth."
The crowd gasped at his words.
"He's crazy!" someone muttered.
"Who talks to a Martial Saint like that?"
Jirohan raised an eyebrow, his amusement growing. "Bold words for a boy with no cultivation presence. If you wish to stand on pride alone, I will shatter it." He raised his hand, his fingers curling into a claw-like shape. "Let's see if that tongue of yours is as sharp as your courage."
A faint glow surrounded Jirohan's hand as spiritual energy gathered, forming an orb of condensed energy in his palm. The sheer pressure of it was enough to make the weaker townsfolk stumble backward.
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System Notification
> Combat Detected: Opponent — Martial Saint Jirohan
Difficulty: SS-Rank
> New Objective Added
Survive the Martial Saint's Test
Bonus Objective: Force Jirohan to Retreat
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"Master, I don't like this game," Yami whispered, her voice dripping with venom. "Shall I crush him?"
Kai's eyes shifted slightly, meeting Yami's gaze. "No. If he makes a move, I'll handle it myself."
"How bold of you, Master," Yami teased, but her grin remained sharp and ready.
---
[Combat Begins]
Jirohan thrust his hand forward, the glowing orb of energy streaking toward Kai like a comet. The ground cracked beneath its force, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
But Kai didn't flinch.
"Selene," he said calmly.
The air shimmered, and from the shadow at Kai's feet, Selene's form emerged. Her legs moved with inhuman precision, each step a calculated movement. She raised one of her long, slender legs, and with a single swipe, she cut through the energy orb, dispersing it like mist.
The crowd fell silent.
Jirohan's eyes widened slightly, his hand still raised mid-motion. "Hoh? A precise cut like that… she severed the core of the technique." His gaze shifted to Selene. "An EX-Rank beast, no doubt. But how does a boy like you have two of them?"
"You're quick to notice," Kai said, stepping forward. His eyes glowed faintly as he activated his system's passive scanning ability. "But you're still not seeing the full picture."
---
System Display: Kai
Role: Beast Master
Beasts:
Selene (EX-Rank)
Unnamed Serpent (EX-Rank)
[Stats]
Strength: A+
Agility: A+
Intelligence: A+
Vitality: A+
Spiritual Energy: S
[System Objectives]
1. Survive the Martial Saint's Test (Active)
2. Bonus Objective: Force Jirohan to Retreat
---
Jirohan's eyes locked onto Yami now. "This one..." His voice dropped to a near whisper. "This presence… a bloodline of Yamata no Orochi?"
The air became deathly still.
Yami tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. Her smile grew predatory. "How sharp of you, old man. But knowing that won't save you."
Her words were as cold as frost.
The realization struck the crowd hard. "Yamata no Orochi? The legendary beast from folklore?"
"That girl is an Orochi?!"
Jirohan's eyes focused entirely on Kai. His grin faded into a serious, battle-hardened look. "Interesting. Very interesting. If I were a lesser man, I'd retreat. But I am not one to flee from potential." He rolled his shoulders, a faint glow of power emanating from him. "Show me, boy. Show me what makes you think you can stand before a Martial Saint."
"With pleasure," Kai said with a grin. "Selene. Yami. Suppress him."
---
[Combat Escalation]
Selene's form vanished, reappearing directly in front of Jirohan. Her front leg slashed downward, aiming for his shoulder. Jirohan raised his arm to block, but the sheer speed of her attack forced him back several steps.
"Fast," Jirohan muttered, shaking his arm. "That strike had intent."
Before he could reposition, the air shifted. Purple mist seeped into the surroundings, and with it came the sound of soft hissing.
Jirohan's eyes darted around. "Poisonous mist?"
"Don't breathe it in, old man," Yami said softly, her voice echoing from all directions. "Or you'll find your lungs heavier than stone."
Jirohan stomped his foot, releasing a shockwave that cleared the mist temporarily, but his breathing had already grown heavier. "A deadly combination," he admitted. "But two beasts alone won't be enough to make me retreat."
"Two beasts?" Kai raised a brow, his grin widening. "That's where you're wrong."
Suddenly, Jirohan's eyes widened. His instincts kicked in, and he spun around just in time to see a shadowy figure lunging at him from the side—Selene's clone. She struck with deadly precision, but Jirohan redirected the blow.
"He forced me to react..." Jirohan muttered, realization dawning on him. He glanced at the boy, his eyes sharp as ever. "You're playing a dangerous game, boy."
"Games are for children," Kai replied coldly, stepping forward. "This is a warning."
---
System Display: Combat Summary
> Objective Complete: Survive the Martial Saint's Test
Bonus Objective: Force Jirohan to Retreat — Complete
> Rewards
1,500 Experience Points
Martial Saint's Acknowledgment (Title Earned)
---
Jirohan exhaled deeply, retracting his aura. "I see now." He glanced at Kai, his eyes filled with something beyond respect—recognition. "You're not just a boy playing at power. You're a beast of your own."
He stepped back, turning his gaze to Kai's sister. "It seems you have strong protection, girl. I'll take my leave."
Kai watched as Jirohan disappeared into the distance.
Yami stepped beside him, her smile sharp. "Did I do well, Master?"
"You did," Kai said softly, eyes still focused ahead. "But this isn't over yet."
End of Chapter 18