Trial match

Sect Leader Murong Jing of the Shadowmoon Reaper Sect stood alongside Kong Sunmu, the deputy leader, and Wu Ji, the assistant leader. Seated nearby were the four senior members—Zhen Yi, Luo Tuo, Xiao Yi, and Wei Li—all gathered in a spacious, tightly sealed room. The room had numerous openings, designed to allow ventilation and visibility of everything inside. 

Through these openings, they observed four young men standing in the center, their upper bodies bare, each gripping a weapon. This was the final selection match—an event that drew the full attention of everyone present. 

Murong Jing's gaze rested on Xin Long, studying the way he held his sword, lost in thought. 

In every test battle so far, Xin Long had always wielded his sword with his right hand. Yet now, he held it in his left. Why? 

Not only that, but his right hand held no weapon at all—a peculiarity that caught Murong Jing's attention. However, upon closer observation, he noticed a dagger tucked at Xin Long's waist. Understanding dawned upon him, and a knowing smirk crossed his lips. 

"It seems my expectations for him weren't misplaced after all," he thought, satisfied. 

… 

Arena Grounds… 

At present, Xin Long fixed his unwavering gaze on the young men around him—on his left, on his right, and directly ahead— waiting as the signal rang out. 

A trial where only one could leave alive. Every competitor was an enemy. Every enemy was a competitor. In the end, only victory would determine survival. 

With that thought firm in his mind, he steeled his resolve and focused on the opponent standing directly in front of him— Ah Yun. 

Ah Yun gripped a axe firmly in his right hand. Like Xin Long, he was a warrior who had defeated countless opponents before. His face radiated absolute confidence. 

Xin Long's gaze flickered toward the two competitors standing on either side. Both wielded blades, each grasped firmly in their right hands. Just like Ah Yun, their expressions showed nothing but unshaken confidence… 

One of these weapons would be coated in a deadly poison. A single wound, even the slightest cut, would mean death. 

And he knew… 

The audience was watching. Though the room was enclosed, countless tiny openings had been carved into the walls, allowing unseen eyes to witness their battle. 

Then— 

"DONG!" 

The deep, resonant sound of a war drum rang through the air. 

Xin Long reacted instantly. He gripped his blade lightly in his left hand, dashing toward the opponent on his right, moving in a swift arc. 

"Shff!" 

At the same time, his opponent mirrored his movement, circling toward him at full speed. 

From the corner of his eye, Xin Long saw Ah Yun charge forward, but not toward him—toward the enemy on his left. 

No hesitation. No room for mistakes. 

A single misstep meant death. 

Mid-sprint, Xin Long suddenly dropped to his knees, sliding forward. It was a precise, calculated move—one he executed flawlessly. 

Even as he slid, he reached behind him, drawing the hidden throwing dagger strapped to his back. In one smooth motion, he hurled it toward his rapidly approaching opponent. 

"Clang!" 

The unexpected attack forced the enemy to block, throwing him off balance. 

In that split second, Xin Long switched his grip. With a flick of his wrist, he transferred the sword from his left hand to his right. 

Then, as his opponent closed in— 

A sharp slash. 

His sword cut deep into the man's abdomen. 

A feint. A trap. 

Xin Long had deliberately held his weapon in his left hand, luring his opponent into thinking his real attack would come from that side. But in the end, it had always been his right hand that delivered the fatal blow. 

"Shff!" 

Blood sprayed across the stone floor. 

Xin Long, while sliding on his knees, leaped forward and grabbed the throwing dagger that his opponent had just discarded, quickly making his way toward the side where Ah Yun stood. 

He didn't even need to glance back at his opponent. He trusted his instincts. That's why he circled toward Ah Yun's side. 

In truth, he could have stood back and observed the ongoing fight between Ah Yun and his opponent, waiting for only one of them to remain. But instead, he charged forward, aiming to avoid being drawn into a prolonged confrontation. 

As he charged, he witnessed Ah Yun falter with a painful grunt, falling to the ground. He also saw Ah Yun's axe buried deep in his opponent's abdomen. 

But even though the axe was embedded, Xin Long noticed that the young man had halted, waiting for his moment to strike. This made him smile slightly. 

He realized the blade his opponent had been wielding had been coated with poison. 

As Xin Long rushed forward, he aimed the dagger in his left hand toward his opponent's back, striking with precision, the blade sinking in. 

Then, continuing his charge, he faced his opponent, holding his own weapon steady, and drove the dagger deep into his opponent's chest. 

"Thud!" 

As the opponent blocked with his saber, he stepped back and, with a swift motion, launched a front kick, sending the opponent flying backward. While still mid-air, he caught the dagger with his left hand and, without hesitation, threw it straight at the opponent's head, aiming precisely. 

"Thud!" 

The opponent attempted to deflect the blade that was aimed at his head, but as he did so, Xin Long had already reached the back of the opponent. With a quick twist, he thrust the sword backward. 

"Shff!" 

The sound of the blade piercing the body echoed in his ears. Every time he heard such a sound, his blood seemed to stir even more, louder and wilder. He winced slightly and pulled the sword free. 

Then, as he turned around, he looked at the two opponents who had fallen, their bodies lifeless. As he had suspected, Er Yun had succumbed to the poisoned wound, dying in front of his eyes. This made Xin Long tighten his jaw in anger. 

"Bai Luo…" He silently cursed inwardly, watching as the blood poured from his fallen opponent's body. 

With a swift motion, he kicked the opponent aside and pulled the saber from the stomach, wiping the blood off. The blood poured from his body, staining his hands and his surroundings, but Xin Long couldn't help but smile slightly as he tossed the sword aside. He raised his arm and shouted in victory. 

"This ends now…" 

He muttered to himself, stepping toward the door and pausing to wait. 

"Creak…" 

The sound echoed, followed by applause. 

"I am proud of you, Xin Long. Tomorrow morning, you'll be given permission to leave the world outside as a member of the sect. What would you like to request for your celebration?" 

The sect leader, Mu Yun, entered through the door, clapping and smiling with satisfaction as he asked. 

Xin Long gave him a focused gaze, then replied… "Wei Wei." 

His response was immediate. He had chosen this name because he wanted to be known as someone who had been enchanted by the magic of seductress Wei Wei. 

As Xin Long spoke, Murong Jing's smile became more lively. Then, with a piercing gaze, he fixed his eyes on Xin Long, silently urging him to leave with a simple gesture. 

After answering, Xin Long headed out, moving toward the area near the doghouse… 

Murong Jing watched as Xin Long left, contemplating that the young man had been utterly captivated by the illusions of the seductress Wei Wei, believing him to be lost in her charms. A satisfied smile crept onto his face as he thought that it was now the perfect time to prepare a final move. After that, he exited the room to witness the upcoming trials. 

End - 4