As the crowd quieted from the previous duel, the arena buzzed with anticipation. A young man stepped forward from the audience, drawing everyone's attention. With gleaming brown eyes and black hair framing his bright skin, he stood at an average height, but the intensity radiating from him captivated the spectators.
"Isn't that...?" a voice broke through the murmurs.
"Young Master Wu Xuan!" someone whispered excitedly, and the tension in the air snapped. A ripple of surprise spread through the crowd.
"Wu Xuan is the third child of Clan Leader Wu Cheng and Elder Wu Mei!" another added, his tone brimming with awe.
Excitement surged as the crowd buzzed with speculation. A duel? Could it be?
"He's going to challenge Wu Rui!" one voice exclaimed.
"Do you think Wu Rui will accept?" another asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" an older man scoffed. "Wu Xuan will win for sure. He has more experience, even if they're at the same realm."
"But don't forget," someone cautioned, "Wu Xuan has been stuck at the 1st stage of Golden Core for thirty-five years, while Wu Rui is a prodigy."
The air thickened with tension, and all eyes turned to Wu Rui, calm and collected like a still pond. But inside, a storm brewed. He scanned the crowd for his brother, Wu Chen. Where was he?
If Wu Xuan challenges me now, everything could be ruined!
Wu Rui clenched his fists, each heartbeat echoing in his ears. The stakes felt impossibly high—the winner would gain a significant advantage in the race for clan leadership, while the loser would be forced to retreat for an extended period, unable to recover from such a public defeat.
Just as Wu Rui steeled himself, Wu Xuan strode forward, his eyes unwavering as they locked onto Wu Rui's. Despite his calm demeanor, Wu Xuan felt a flutter of nerves in his stomach. This was a risky move; both of them stood at the same realm, and the uncertainty of victory weighed heavily on him.
In the back of his mind, he recalled the banquet, the endless conversations and superficial pleasantries. He had sat quietly at the edges, observing the dynamics at play, noting how effortlessly Wu Rui commanded attention. It gnawed at him—Wu Rui's growing influence threatened Wu Xuan's ambitions. With each laugh shared and compliment exchanged, Wu Xuan felt the distance between him and the clan leadership position widening. This duel was more than just a test of strength; it was a chance to regain his footing and make a statement.
"Brother," Wu Rui said, attempting to maintain control of the situation, "let's postpone this. The crowd has seen enough duels today."
For a moment, Wu Xuan was silent, anxiety mingling with his confidence. He knew this was his moment—the only chance to challenge Wu Rui, establish his dominance, and make a comeback.
Wu Xuan smiled, his voice smooth but laced with tension. "Yes, brother, the crowd has been entertained, but they deserve something more exciting. Let's give them a duel that keeps them on the edge of their seats."
Wu Rui felt his stomach drop at the proposal. The crowd erupted in excitement, and he fought to maintain a calm facade, though uncertainty churned within him. What if I lose?
"Yes! Let them fight!" a voice roared.
The sound was deafening, enveloping Wu Rui as the audience's energy surged around him. Elders exchanged knowing glances but remained silent, intrigued by the unfolding confrontation.
Under the immense pressure from the crowd and the approval of the elders, Wu Rui reluctantly nodded. Both fighters stepped into the arena, the weight of their decision palpable. The floor creaked beneath their feet, a reminder of the tension as they faced each other, eyes locked. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation.
Wu Xuan felt the tension coiling within him, his heart pounding as uncertainty gnawed at the edges of his confidence. I can't show weakness, he thought, knowing the implications of victory and defeat. Yet, he couldn't shake the nervous energy that thrummed beneath his calm exterior.
As Wu Rui shifted his weight, he felt his muscles tense. Each breath felt heavy, filled with the pressure of the audience's gaze. The stakes had never been higher.
An elder stood up from the side and raised his hand. "Begin!"
With that, the air crackled with energy, and both combatants prepared to unleash their power. The crowd's cheers morphed into a thunderous roar that resonated within the arena, drowning out everything else as they braced for the clash of wills.