Chapter 9: The Duel of Rising Flames
Sovereign of Celestial Ascent
Chapter 9: The Duel of Rising Flames
The first rays of dawn stretched across the sky, painting the White Eagle sect in hues of crimson and gold. The sect's Grand Duel Arena stood at the heart of the training grounds, a circular stage surrounded by towering stone pillars inscribed with ancient battle formations.
News of Li Tianming's battle against Wu Yuan spread like wildfire through the sect, carried by eager whispers and hurried messengers. Disciples, elders, and even wandering cultivators from nearby regions caught wind of the impending clash.
By the time the duel was set, the sect's arena was packed beyond capacity. Those who couldn't secure a place climbed onto rooftops, perched on walls, or hovered mid-air using their spiritual techniques—anything to catch a glimpse of the battle. The tension was thick, buzzing with the excitement of an event. For many, this wasn't just a fight—it was a moment that could forge a legend.
At the center of it all, Li Tianming and Wu Yuan stood face to face.
Wu Yuan was a man of muscular build with his auburn short hair gathering in a ponytail above his head and his striking grey eyes burning with ambition and greed for fame.
"The duel begins!" The elder presiding over the match raised his hand, and in the next instant—the battle exploded into motion.
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Wu Yuan wasted no time. With a flick of his hand, flames surged around him, forming a spiraling inferno. His Scarlet Tyrant Fist was a technique known for overwhelming force, and he intended to use it to crush Tianming immediately.
"You talk big, but let's see if you can withstand this!"
Tianming barely had a second to react before Wu Yuan was upon him, his fist blazing like a meteor. The sheer heat warped the air.
BOOM!
Tianming twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the impact as the force shattered the stone beneath him. Dust and embers filled the air.
But Wu Yuan wasn't finished. A second punch, then a third, each more violent than the last.
Tianming's movements were sharp, precise—each step measured, each dodge calculated. He let Wu Yuan push forward, let the crowd believe he was struggling. Let them underestimate him.
Then, at the perfect moment—
He struck.
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Tianming's sword flashed in the sunlight, its edge humming with raw energy. He didn't waste movement—one clean arc, straight toward Wu Yuan's exposed ribs.
Wu Yuan barely managed to raise his arm in time—but he was too slow.
SLASH!
A thin line of blood appeared across his arm, his flames flickering unsteadily.
The crowd gasped.
"He actually landed a hit on Wu Yuan?!"
Wu Yuan gritted his teeth. "Lucky strike!" His aura burst outward, flames consuming the entire stage.
But Tianming stood firm, his eyes cold, his stance unwavering.
"Was it?"
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Wu Yuan roared, summoning a massive flame construct—a fiery dragon's maw that threatened to engulf Tianming whole.
"Burn!"
The inferno surged forward.
But Tianming raised a single hand.
His Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed. A new force awakened within him—one that had slumbered since the ruins.
A chilling wave of golden energy surged from his body, meeting the flames head-on.
For a moment, fire and celestial light clashed.
Then—
Wu Yuan's flames shattered.
A shockwave blasted outward, sending Wu Yuan skidding across the arena. He coughed, stunned.
The crowd fell silent.
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Tianming lowered his hand, his breath steady.
Wu Yuan pushed himself up, but his legs trembled beneath him. He looked into Tianming's eyes—and saw something terrifying.
Unshakable will. Absolute confidence. Power beyond reason.
The realization hit him like a hammer.
He had already lost.
"...I concede," Wu Yuan muttered.
The elder raised his hand. "The winner—Li Tianming!"
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Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 10 – The Sect's Judgment
Tianming's victory sends shockwaves through the sect, drawing the attention of both allies and hidden enemies. While some elders begin to take notice of his potential, others—those aligned with Mu Qingfeng—see him as a threat. In the shadows, a new plan begins to take shape, one that may force Tianming into a battle far more dangerous than a simple duel.
The world will soon know that
Tainming was not just a survivor.
He was the Sovereign of the Celestial Ascent.
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