The annual Inner Sect Competition was fast approaching, and tensions were high within the Heavenly Dragon Sect. This was the event where disciples could prove their strength, earn higher ranks, and gain the attention of powerful elders. For Shenlong, it was the perfect opportunity to solidify his place in the sect—and to settle old scores.
Lei Xing, still nursing his wounded pride from their last encounter, had spent months training in secret. He had grown stronger, and his eyes were set on revenge. He would not let Shenlong humiliate him again.
The day of the competition arrived, and the arena was packed with spectators, including many of the sect's most powerful elders. Among them sat Elder Yan and Mei Ling, their eyes fixed on Shenlong as he entered the arena. The atmosphere was electric, the air thick with anticipation.
The competition began with a series of matches, with disciples pitted against each other in fierce combat. Shenlong's opponents fell one by one, each battle showcasing his growing strength and mastery of new techniques. But it wasn't just his skill that caught the attention of the crowd—it was the darkness that seemed to swirl around him, a hint of something dangerous lurking beneath the surface.
When it was finally time for Shenlong to face Lei Xing, the arena fell into a tense silence. The two stood across from each other, their gazes locked. Lei Xing's face twisted with hatred.
"This time, you won't get lucky," Lei Xing sneered, unsheathing his sword. His aura flared, revealing the full extent of his cultivation.
Shenlong remained calm, his expression unreadable. He could feel the pendant's power thrumming against his chest, a silent reminder of the legacy he carried. "Luck has nothing to do with it," Shenlong replied coldly.
The battle commenced in a blur of motion. Lei Xing attacked with ferocity, his sword flashing like lightning as he unleashed powerful techniques. But Shenlong was faster—his movements fluid, almost otherworldly. He dodged each strike with precision, countering with a deadly combination of punches and kicks that left Lei Xing reeling.
The crowd watched in awe as the battle raged on. Lei Xing's frustration grew with every missed strike, and in his desperation, he unleashed a powerful attack meant to end the fight. His sword blazed with energy as he brought it down on Shenlong with all his might.
But Shenlong was ready. Channeling the forbidden arts, he absorbed the energy of Lei Xing's attack, twisting it to his own advantage. With a single devastating blow, he sent Lei Xing crashing into the ground, his sword shattered, his body broken.
A stunned silence fell over the arena as Shenlong stood victorious. He could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on him, but he ignored it. He had proven his strength once again, but the satisfaction was hollow.
As Lei Xing lay unconscious at his feet, Shenlong felt the familiar pull of the Soul Devouring Art. He could easily absorb Lei Xing's cultivation base, gaining even more power. The darkness inside him urged him to do it, to take what was rightfully his.
But then, he heard Zhang Wei's voice echoing in his mind: "Power like that—it changes people."
Shenlong hesitated, his fist clenched. For a moment, the hunger for power nearly overwhelmed him. But he forced himself to stop, stepping back from Lei Xing's fallen form.
He wouldn't let the darkness control him—not yet.