Chapter 22: The First Duel Begins

The sun barely peeked over the mountain peaks as the sect disciples gathered in the Grand Combat Arena, an ancient structure carved into the very heart of the sect. The stone platform in the center bore the marks of countless past battles, each crack a testament to the fierce warriors who had fought here.

Jiang Cheng stood among the remaining 50 competitors, arms crossed, his eyes calm yet sharp as he waited for the matchups to be announced. Around him, tension buzzed in the air. Some disciples fidgeted nervously, while others—like Zhao Lan and Wu Fei—stood with unwavering confidence.

At the center of the platform, Elder Han, one of the sect's high-ranking elders, stepped forward. His piercing gaze swept over the young warriors.

"The elimination rounds have ended," he said, his deep voice carrying through the arena. "From now on, each match will be a true test of your strength, talent, and determination. Lose, and your journey ends here. Win, and you move forward toward the pinnacle."

He raised his hand, and a golden scroll unfurled in midair. Names etched in qi shimmered on its surface, forming the first matchups.

"First match: Jiang Cheng vs. Liu Yuan."

A murmur spread through the crowd.

Liu Yuan was notorious among the disciples—a peak Qi Manifestation Realm cultivator known for his brutal fighting style.

Jiang Cheng, however, remained unfazed. He stepped forward, his expression calm as he ascended the battle platform. On the opposite side, Liu Yuan sneered.

"I was hoping to crush a weaker opponent first," Liu Yuan said, cracking his knuckles. "But I guess breaking a so-called 'genius' like you will be even more satisfying."

Jiang Cheng didn't bother replying. His gaze remained steady, his focus absolute.

Elder Han raised his hand. "Begin!"

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The Clash of Fists

Liu Yuan launched forward, his speed surprising for someone of his build. His fist glowed with golden qi, surging with sheer force as it hurtled toward Jiang Cheng's chest.

Jiang Cheng tilted his body slightly, dodging by a hair's breadth, and countered with a swift palm strike.

Boom!

Their attacks clashed, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. The ground beneath them cracked.

Liu Yuan grinned. "Not bad, but let's see how you handle this!"

He stomped the ground, summoning a qi-enhanced afterimage technique. Instantly, three versions of Liu Yuan appeared, each attacking from a different angle.

The audience gasped.

Jiang Cheng's eyes flickered with sharpness. "Illusory Movement Steps?"

To a normal opponent, it would be overwhelming. But Jiang Cheng simply closed his eyes.

Fwoosh!

Liu Yuan's afterimages blurred forward. But Jiang Cheng moved before they even reached him.

BAM!

A single, precise palm strike shattered the illusion, striking the real Liu Yuan directly in the chest.

The impact sent Liu Yuan skidding backward, his face pale with shock.

"Impossible!" he coughed, clutching his ribs.

Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. "Your technique is strong—but it has a flaw. You rely too much on deception, not true speed."

Liu Yuan gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. With a roar, he unleashed his strongest technique—Mountain Splitting Fist.

Jiang Cheng's eyes sharpened.

As Liu Yuan charged, his golden qi forming the shape of a giant crushing fist, Jiang Cheng vanished.

"What?!"

Before Liu Yuan could react—

BOOM!

Jiang Cheng appeared right behind him, his fist already striking forward.

Crack!

Liu Yuan's body crumpled, crashing onto the platform with a resounding thud. The golden qi around him dissipated instantly.

Silence filled the arena.

"Winner: Jiang Cheng." Elder Han's voice echoed, breaking the tension.

The crowd erupted.

Jiang Cheng didn't even look back as he walked off the platform. One down. Many more to go.

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