Chapter 10

Chapter 10: The Emperor's Challenge – Battle Against the Iron General The Imperial Court – A Duel to Prove Worth

Xiao Ran stood in the center of the grand hall, his crimson robes swaying as he faced General Wei, a mountain of a man clad in golden armor.

The court was silent, all eyes fixed on the disgraced prince who had suddenly risen from his debauched ways.

The Crown Prince smirked, arms crossed.

"This will be over quickly."

Xiao Ran, however, remained calm. He rolled his shoulders, loosening his muscles.

General Wei unsheathed his massive warblade, its edge gleaming under the throne room's golden light.

"You're no warrior, Prince," Wei said, his voice like thunder. "You're a spoiled brat playing at strength."

Xiao Ran's lips curled into a smirk.

"Then come and test me."

The Emperor raised his hand.

"Begin."

Clash of Power – The Prince vs. the General

Wei moved first, his giant warblade cutting through the air with terrifying force.

BOOM!

The tiles beneath them shattered as he swung down, aiming to split Xiao Ran in half.

But Xiao Ran vanished.

Wei's attack hit nothing but air.

WHOOSH!

The court gasped as Xiao Ran appeared behind Wei, his sword gliding toward the General's exposed neck.

Wei barely turned in time, blocking with his gauntlet.

CLANG! Sparks flew as their weapons clashed.

Wei grinned, pushing forward.

"You're fast," he admitted. "But strength decides battles."

Xiao Ran didn't reply. He merely channeled his Qi, his crimson aura flaring to life.

His body became lighter, his movements sharper.

Wei came again, but this time, Xiao Ran met him head-on.

BOOM!

Their swords collided, sending shockwaves through the throne room.

The Emperor's eyes narrowed.

"This boy… His cultivation is different."

The Power of Demonic Cultivation

As their battle raged, Xiao Ran felt something awaken within him.

His blood boiled, his senses sharpened, and his Qi surged darkly.

This wasn't normal Qi refining… this was demonic cultivation.

Wei swung once more, but Xiao Ran, now faster than before, stepped into the attack.

His sword twisted like a serpent, bypassing Wei's defenses—

SLASH!

A deep gash opened across the General's side.

The court gasped.

Wei staggered, his eyes wide.

"You…!"

Xiao Ran smirked, flicking the blood off his blade.

"I told you," he murmured. "I'm not the same prince you once knew."

Wei growled, his Qi surging.

"This fight isn't over!"

Xiao Ran's eyes glowed red.

"No," he whispered. "It's just beginning."