Chapter 25: Gathering Storm

The arena buzzed with anticipation as the inner disciples assembled for the next stage of the ranking tournament. The previous matches had already separated the strong from the weak, but now the true elites of the sect would face off. Among them stood Jiang Cheng, his gaze sharp as he scanned the crowd. His last fight had drawn the attention of many, and whispers spread about his rapid growth.

However, not all eyes were filled with admiration. Some bore hostility, others, jealousy. Among them, a young man clad in dark robes stepped forward. He had an arrogant smirk and a sharp, predatory aura.

"You must be Jiang Cheng," the young man said, folding his arms. "You've made quite a name for yourself. But I wonder—was it luck or actual skill?"

Jiang Cheng recognized him instantly. Fang Wei—one of the top-ranked disciples, known for his cruel methods and unwavering confidence in his own strength.

Jiang Cheng remained calm. "You'll find out soon enough."

Fang Wei chuckled. "Good. I like breaking those who think they can challenge the top."

Before Jiang Cheng could respond, an elder's voice echoed through the arena.

"All participants, prepare for the next round. The matches will be drawn shortly."

Jiang Cheng turned away from Fang Wei, uninterested in exchanging further words. Instead, he focused on the battles ahead. He knew that from here on, the fights would only become more dangerous.

The Match Begins

The first set of matches went by in a blur. Explosions of Qi filled the arena as disciples clashed, each showcasing their sect techniques. Some wielded immense weapons, while others relied on pure martial prowess. The crowd roared in excitement as the rankings shifted.

Then, Jiang Cheng's name was called.

He stepped onto the platform, his opponent already waiting—Fang Wei.

The crowd fell silent for a brief moment before an eruption of whispers and cheers filled the air. This was a battle everyone wanted to see.

Fang Wei smirked. "Fate has a sense of humor."

Jiang Cheng remained expressionless, his stance steady. The elder overseeing the match raised his hand.

"Begin!"

Fang Wei moved first, vanishing in a blur of motion. His footwork was precise, his movement near ghostly. He struck out with a clawed hand, aiming for Jiang Cheng's throat.

Jiang Cheng's Heaven Blitzing Step activated instantly, his body shifting just enough to evade the strike. Without hesitation, he countered with a palm strike infused with Vajra Diamond Body, amplifying his power.

Fang Wei was forced back, his eyes narrowing. "Not bad."

But he wasn't done. Dark energy coiled around his hands as he activated his sect's forbidden technique—Devouring Phantom Claws. It was a technique that sapped an opponent's Qi upon contact.

Jiang Cheng's eyes flickered with sharpness. He couldn't allow himself to be touched by that.

As Fang Wei lunged forward again, Jiang Cheng executed Cloudstep, momentarily lifting himself into the air to avoid the attack. He twisted his body midair, channeling his sword technique—Heaven's Edge Severance. His blade flashed, a crescent of pure energy slashing toward Fang Wei.

Fang Wei reacted swiftly, raising his arm to block. But the force behind Jiang Cheng's strike was overwhelming. He staggered, blood dripping from a fresh wound on his shoulder.

Gritting his teeth, he spat, "You're more trouble than I expected."

Jiang Cheng didn't reply. He simply took another stance, waiting.

Fang Wei's aura flared violently. He wasn't going to hold back anymore.

The battle was far from over.

To Be Continued...

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