Chapter 16: The Battle for Recognition

Chapter 16: The Battle for Recognition

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The Battle Begins

The battle arena was deathly silent as Han Ye and his opponents faced each other.

Three inner disciples stood before him—Wu Tian, Zhao Yan, and Feng Rui. Each of them was a formidable fighter, already at the peak of the Divine Palace Realm.

Jian Wushuang and the elders sat at the high platform, observing the match. Hundreds of disciples surrounded the arena, their eyes filled with anticipation.

"Let the challenge begin!" The elder overseeing the battle announced.

Wu Tian sneered. "Since you're so eager to prove yourself, let me show you the difference between us!"

Without hesitation, he struck first.

A golden sword light flashed as he unleashed his strongest move—Raging Thunder Blade!

Han Ye's eyes sharpened. He took a step forward, gripping his Silver Moon Sword tightly.

"Heavenly Soaring Slash!"

A brilliant silver arc cut through the air, colliding with Wu Tian's attack. A shockwave exploded, sending dust flying everywhere. When it cleared, Han Ye stood firm, unharmed.

The crowd gasped.

Zhao Yan and Feng Rui wasted no time. They dashed forward, attacking simultaneously.

"Don't get cocky!" Zhao Yan roared, unleashing Flame Serpent Slash, while Feng Rui executed Wind Howl Blade.

Han Ye took a deep breath and activated his footwork technique.

"Void Step Blade Dance!"

His figure blurred. He weaved between their attacks like a ghost, his sword flashing like moonlight.

SLASH! Zhao Yan's robe tore as Han Ye's blade narrowly missed his chest.

CLANG! Feng Rui barely blocked Han Ye's next strike, staggering backward from the sheer force.

"He's this strong?!" someone in the crowd murmured in shock.

Jian Wushuang stroked his beard, a rare smile appearing on his face. "He has truly comprehended the essence of the Soaring Blade Sword Style."

The battle continued, but Han Ye remained calm, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

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The Final Strike

Wu Tian, Zhao Yan, and Feng Rui stood panting, sweat dripping from their foreheads.

Han Ye, however, remained steady. His breath was controlled, his grip on Silver Moon unwavering.

"This is the end."

He activated his strongest move.

"Moonlit Sword Domain!"

A radiant sword aura burst from his body, forming a shimmering domain around him. Inside it, his speed, power, and perception were heightened to their peak.

With a single step, he vanished.

A moment later—

SLASH! Wu Tian's sword flew out of his hand, landing far away.

SLASH! Zhao Yan's shoulder was grazed, forcing him to retreat.

SLASH! Feng Rui's armor cracked, sending him stumbling backward.

Han Ye reappeared in the center of the arena, his sword pointing at the ground.

His opponents… had all lost.

Silence.

Then—

"H-he won?!"

"Han Ye defeated three peak Divine Palace Realm disciples?!"

"He's a monster!"

The disciples erupted in cheers and whispers.

Jian Wushuang stood up, his voice booming. "From this day forward, Han Ye is officially recognized as the First Disciple of Soaring Blade Peak!"

The elders nodded in approval. Even the strongest inner disciples now acknowledged Han Ye's strength.

He had earned his place.

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The Celebration

That night, the entire peak celebrated Han Ye's victory.

Inside his courtyard, Luo Xin and Luo Jin had prepared a feast. The moment Han Ye stepped inside, they rushed toward him.

Luo Xin hugged him tightly. "Husband, you did it!"

Luo Jin smiled warmly. "We knew you would win."

Han Ye chuckled. "It wasn't easy. But now… we have truly taken the first step."

The night continued with laughter, food, and warmth.

Later, as the celebration ended, Han Ye found himself alone with his wives.

The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on their faces.

Luo Xin blushed. "Husband… tonight, let us celebrate properly."

Luo Jin whispered, "You've worked so hard. Let us take care of you."

Han Ye's heart stirred as he gazed at the two beauties before him.

He pulled them close, their bodies pressing against his.

The night was long, filled with whispers of love and passion.

In the quiet of dawn, Han Ye held them in his arms, his resolve stronger than ever.

He had won this battle—but the path ahead was still long.

And nothing would stop him.

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End of Chapter