Chapter 23: Challenge

A hush fell over the training grounds.

Then, a figure stepped forward from the crowd—calm, poised, and unmistakably familiar.

Gasps rippled through the group of student workers, a mix of awe and relief lighting up their faces.

"It's him!" Wang Sheng's eyes lit up. "Boss Qian Yu is back!"

Cheers broke out among the others. The younger ones even looked like they might burst into tears of joy.

"Qian Yu-gege! You're really back!" Xiao Wu cried, her voice ringing with warmth as she ran up to him without hesitation.

Watching her rush into his arms, Tang San felt something stir uncomfortably inside his chest. A pang—bittersweet, uninvited.

He had feelings for Xiao Wu. Quiet ones, the kind that stayed tucked away beneath the surface.

But now, seeing her laugh so freely with Qian Yu, seeing the way she looked up at him—it left Tang San feeling hollow. Jealousy, he realized. That's what it was.

Qian Yu gently ruffled Xiao Wu's hair, his voice as soft as ever. "Alright, little one. Step aside for now. Leave this to me."

Xiao Wu nodded obediently and skipped over to the sidelines, her eyes never leaving Qian Yu.

Then, Qian Yu's gaze settled on Tang San—calm, unflinching.

"Ambush tactics may win fights," he said coolly, "but they don't earn much respect."

Tang San met his eyes, a trace of bitterness behind his calm exterior.

He remembered the day back in Saint Soul Village when their martial spirits first awakened. Even then, Qian Yu had outshined him. Since arriving at the academy, it was Qian Yu who stole the spotlight again and again. And now… even Xiao Wu?

The weight of those thoughts pressed down on him.

If I hadn't hidden my Hammer Spirit… if I had used my Tang Sect techniques, I could've defeated you long ago, he thought bitterly.

But things are different now. He had grown stronger. A hundred-year soul ring now pulsed within him.

Even without the hammer… I can beat him.

With a steady breath, Tang San spoke aloud: "Hidden weapons are just another form of combat. Is there really such a thing as a 'dishonorable' fighting style?"

Qian Yu didn't flinch.

"Fair point," he replied, voice measured. "There's no good or bad way to fight. But the way someone chooses to fight? That reveals their character."

His voice dropped, steady as steel.

"You nearly hurt Xiao Wu. Village bond or not—I won't hold back."

Tang San's fists clenched. "I've never needed anyone to go easy on me. We've never fought before, Qian Yu… and I've always wanted to see how strong you really are."

Truthfully, Qian Yu hadn't wanted to fight Tang San. He bore him no grudge.

But hurting Xiao Wu? That was something he couldn't ignore.

His tone was final. "No need for words. Let's settle this now."

Tang San nodded sharply. "I've been waiting for this."

From the moment their spirits awakened, Tang San had always come second. Even his own master had been overshadowed by Qian Yu's talent.

For my pride, he thought, and for my teacher… I have to win.

No more holding back.

He had the Tang Sect's arsenal. He had his spirit skills. And now, he had the power of a century-old soul ring.

Qian Yu or not—he would prevail.

He surged forward like lightning, his feet dancing across the ground in a ghostlike rhythm—Ghost Shadow Steps—closing the distance in an instant.

Qian Yu didn't move. He stood perfectly still, his expression unreadable.

Tang San gritted his teeth. Is he underestimating me?!

With a flick of his wrist, two silver flashes cut through the air, flying toward Qian Yu at breakneck speed.

Qian Yu smiled—just barely. A cool, confident curl at the corner of his lips.

He still didn't move.

And then—fwsshh—the hidden weapons halted midair, inches from their target, suspended by an invisible force.

A shimmering wall of wind had materialized between them.

Tang San's eyes widened in disbelief. "What…? That's impossible!"

Qian Yu remained serene. He had no intention of hiding his spirit powers—not anymore.

Tang San swallowed hard. His plan was failing. But he was no coward.

He slammed a palm to the ground, shouting, "First Soul Skill—Bind!"

His hundred-year soul ring flared to life.

From the soil sprang twisting vines of Blue Silver Grass, no longer mere threads—but wild, snakelike limbs pulsing with power and venom.

The students watching from the sidelines erupted in shouts.

"Look! It's Brother San's century soul skill!"

"He's unstoppable now!"

"That guy's done for—go get him, Brother San!"

Tang San's voice rang with defiance. "Qian Yu, maybe Blue Silver Grass was weak before. But now? With this soul ring—I will defeat you!"

Qian Yu's expression didn't change. As the poisoned vines lashed toward him, he calmly raised a hand.

Two blades of wind slashed forth—shhhk!—and the vines were severed midair.

Silence.

Tang San stared, stunned.

Wind?! But… his martial spirit is Begonia… isn't it?

"How can you use wind?!" he demanded.

Qian Yu finally looked him full in the face—and smiled.

"Who told you I only had one spirit?"

The words hit like thunder.

Tang San's heart stuttered.

No… it can't be…

Qian Yu… was a dual-spirit wielder?

Calm as ever, Qian Yu tilted his head slightly. "Oh, and that soul ring of yours. It came from a Mandala Snake, didn't it?"

Tang San's heart lurched.

"How do you know that?" he asked, breath catching.

Qian Yu chuckled lightly. "The increased toughness and poison in your vines? Classic Mandala Snake traits. Not hard to guess."

He paused, then added with uncanny accuracy, "And I'd wager you only managed to kill it because it was already badly injured… right?"

Tang San's mouth fell open.

There was no way he should've known that.

But he did.

Who… are you really, Qian Yu?

And in the growing silence, a strange unease crept into Tang San's heart.

The duel had only just begun.

And already, it felt like he was fighting a shadow he didn't understand.

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