14: The Duel of Strength

Chapter 14: The Duel of Strength

The tension in the air was thick, like the moment before a storm.

The training grounds of the Seventh Division were no longer just a place for warriors to refine their skills. They had become a battlefield for dominance.

And at the center of it stood Xuan Jie and me.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with the confidence of a man who had never lost. His red eyes gleamed with amusement as he pointed his sword at me, waiting for my response.

The crowd of disciples watched eagerly, some whispering to each other.

"So, he's the one who fought Bai Long?"

"Let's see if he's as good as the rumors say."

"Xuan Jie is undefeated in the Seventh Division. Jiang Feng is as good as dead."

I met Xuan Jie's gaze, unbothered. "You want a fight that badly?"

Xuan Jie smirked. "I want to know if you're worth my time."

I sighed, stepping forward and placing my hand on my Hidden Blade. "Fine. Just don't cry when you lose."

The crowd exploded with excitement.

Xuan Jie's grin widened. "Let's see if you can back up that mouth of yours."

🔹 The Battle Begins

The warriors cleared the training ground, forming a circle around us.

Xuan Jie cracked his neck and lifted his sword—a broad, slightly curved blade, forged for both power and speed.

I stayed still, my stance relaxed. Let him make the first move.

A Second of Silence.

Then—

Xuan Jie moved.

🔹 A Clash of Speed and Strength

Xuan Jie's sword sliced through the air at terrifying speed.

I dodged at the last second, feeling the wind from the strike brush past my face.

His attack was ridiculously fast for someone of his size.

I retaliated, my Hidden Blade flashing toward his ribs—

But he spun his sword mid-swing, using the momentum to redirect his attack straight toward my arm.

I barely had time to react.

Shadow Step!

I blurred out of range, reappearing behind him.

The crowd gasped.

Xuan Jie smirked. "Not bad."

Then he moved again.

This time, he didn't just swing. He lunged—his blade moving like a flash of silver.

Too fast!

I barely dodged, his sword grazing my shoulder, drawing a thin line of blood.

I leapt backward, landing smoothly.

Xuan Jie tapped his sword against his shoulder. "You're quick. But let's see how long you can keep running."

I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders.

This guy was a monster.

But so was I.

🔹 A Counterattack

I vanished again using Shadow Step, reappearing to his left.

My Hidden Blade lashed out.

Xuan Jie twisted his body, barely avoiding the strike—but I had expected that.

I followed up with a knee to his stomach, driving it in with enough force to stagger him.

The crowd gasped.

"Did he just—?"

"He landed a hit on Xuan Jie?!"

Xuan Jie stumbled back, his grin fading for the first time. He wiped a bit of blood from his lip.

His expression darkened. "Alright. Playtime's over."

🔹 Unleashing True Power

Suddenly, Xuan Jie's aura flared.

A surge of red Qi energy erupted around him, making the ground tremble slightly.

The crowd went silent.

One of the senior disciples muttered, "He's using Crimson Demon Qi."

I narrowed my eyes. So he was finally taking this seriously.

Xuan Jie's smirk returned. "This is the part where you regret agreeing to this duel."

Then, he vanished.

🔹 A Battle of Monsters

I barely had time to react before Xuan Jie appeared in front of me, his sword already mid-swing.

I blocked with my Hidden Blade.

The impact sent a shockwave through my arm, forcing me backward.

Shit. He was even stronger now.

He struck again.

And again.

Each attack was faster, heavier, more precise.

I dodged, weaved, parried, but I could feel the pressure mounting.

If this continued—

I had to end this now.

🔹 The Finishing Move

I waited for the next strike.

One mistake. That's all I needed.

Xuan Jie lunged forward, his sword aimed for my chest.

I dodged—but not completely.

His blade sliced across my ribs, pain flaring through my side.

But I didn't retreat.

Instead—

I moved forward.

Xuan Jie's eyes widened.

Too late.

I grabbed his sword wrist, twisting it with brutal force.

He tried to pull away—

But my Hidden Blade was already driving toward his throat.

At the last second, I stopped.

The blade rested just against his skin.

The training grounds went silent.

Xuan Jie was frozen in place.

He stared at me. Then, after a long pause—

He laughed.

"Hah… You're the real deal."

I pulled my blade away and stepped back. "Took you long enough to figure that out."

Xuan Jie shook his head, rolling his shoulders. "I'll admit it. You're strong."

He looked around at the watching crowd. "This guy? He's Seventh Division now. Anyone who has a problem with that can fight him themselves."

No one spoke.

Then, slowly, the warriors nodded in respect.

The duel was over.

And I had won.

🔹 Aftermath & Xiao Rin's Warning

Later that night, as I was treating my wounds, I sensed a familiar presence.

I sighed. "You don't even try to be sneaky anymore, do you?"

Xiao Rin smirked from the window, her arms crossed. "Why would I? It's more fun this way."

I shook my head. "What do you want?"

She studied me for a moment. "You just made a name for yourself in the Seventh Division. That's going to bring attention."

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought that was the point."

She smirked. "Not all attention is good, Ye Qing."

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Her smile faded slightly. "There's someone else watching you now."

I felt a chill. "Who?"

She exhaled. "You'll find out soon enough."

Then, just like that, she vanished into the night.

I sat there, letting her words sink in.

I had earned the respect of the Seventh Division today.

But now, someone new was watching me.

And I had a feeling this was only the beginning.

🔹 End of Chapter 14