Chapter 29: The Cloaked Spectator
The mysterious figure lingered in Lin Yun's mind long after the second round. Even as the crowd dispersed and the other competitors mingled, he could still feel the weight of that stranger's gaze. It wasn't the look of idle curiosity—it was something sharper, darker.
"Do you think he's after me?" Lin Yun asked Yu Xian as they walked through the busy market square, the noise of bartering merchants and chatting villagers filling the air.
"He didn't look like a simple spectator," Yu Xian admitted, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. "But don't let it distract you. If he's a threat, we'll deal with him when the time comes."
Mei, walking a few paces behind, snorted. "You're assuming he's not waiting for the perfect moment to strike. If he wanted to kill you, Lin Yun, he wouldn't do it in broad daylight."
Lin Yun frowned. "Comforting."
"Just be prepared," Mei added with a smirk. "Your fights aren't confined to the arena, after all."
---
The next morning, Lin Yun stood in the arena again, the sun casting long shadows across the stone stage. The third round's matches promised to be even more intense, as only the strongest competitors remained.
"Lin Yun versus Hei Rong!" the announcer's booming voice declared.
A large man stepped forward, his size and presence intimidating. Hei Rong carried no visible weapon, relying instead on his massive fists and iron-like skin. His upper body was bare, revealing muscles as thick as tree trunks.
"So, you're the one who's been making waves," Hei Rong said, his voice deep and gravelly. "Let's see if you can handle someone like me."
Lin Yun tightened his grip on his sword. He had fought opponents stronger than him before, but Hei Rong exuded an air of invulnerability that made him hesitate.
---
The match began with Hei Rong charging forward like an unstoppable force. His fists came down like hammers, each strike causing the ground to tremble. Lin Yun dodged nimbly, his movements fluid and precise, but Hei Rong's sheer power left no room for error.
"He's like a mountain," Lin Yun thought, his mind racing. "I can't match his strength head-on. I'll have to outsmart him."
Using his speed, Lin Yun darted around Hei Rong, aiming quick strikes at his opponent's exposed sides. But each time his blade connected, it bounced off Hei Rong's iron-hard skin with barely a scratch.
Hei Rong laughed, the sound booming across the arena. "Is that all you've got? You'll need more than that to bring me down!"
Lin Yun's mind worked furiously. "His skin's tough, but no one's invincible. There has to be a weak point…"
---
As Hei Rong swung again, Lin Yun ducked under the blow and rolled to the side, his eyes scanning his opponent's body. That's when he noticed it—a faint scar running along Hei Rong's left ribcage, just below his heart.
"That's it," Lin Yun realized.
Feigning another evasive maneuver, Lin Yun baited Hei Rong into overextending. As Hei Rong's fist came down, Lin Yun sidestepped and pivoted, channeling his Qi into his blade. With a precise thrust, he struck the scarred area, pouring all his energy into the attack.
Hei Rong roared in pain as Lin Yun's blade pierced his defenses, blood seeping from the wound. The crowd erupted into cheers as Hei Rong stumbled back, clutching his side.
"You… got lucky," Hei Rong growled, his voice strained.
"Maybe," Lin Yun replied, his tone calm. "But luck favors those who prepare."
Hei Rong sank to one knee, the announcer declaring Lin Yun the victor.
---
After the match, Lin Yun returned to the waiting area, his body aching from the effort. He had won, but the strain of fighting opponents stronger than him was beginning to take its toll.
Yu Xian handed him a medicinal pill. "Take this. You'll need it for recovery."
Lin Yun nodded, swallowing the pill without hesitation. Its cooling energy spread through his body, soothing his fatigue.
As he rested, the cloaked figure appeared again, this time standing just outside the waiting area. Lin Yun met his gaze, his hand instinctively moving to his sword.
The man pulled back his hood, revealing a sharp, angular face and piercing eyes. "You've done well to come this far, Lin Yun," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "But strength alone won't carry you to the end."
"Who are you?" Lin Yun demanded.
The man smiled faintly. "Just an observer… for now. But soon, we'll see if you truly have what it takes to survive in this world."
Before Lin Yun could respond, the man turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind only questions.
---
That night, Lin Yun lay awake in the small inn they had rented, his mind racing. Who was the cloaked man? And why did his words carry such weight?
"Strength alone won't carry me…" Lin Yun repeated to himself. He clenched his fists, determination hardening in his chest.
"If I want to protect myself and the people I care about, I need more than strength. I need wisdom, strategy, and resolve."
The path ahead was uncertain, but Lin Yun knew one thing for sure: he couldn't afford to stop now. The world of martial arts was vast and unforgiving, but he would carve out his place in it—no matter the cost.