The duel was set for that evening in the central training arena. Word spread quickly, and by dusk, a crowd of disciples had gathered, eager to witness the showdown. Some whispered that Li Jiang would teach Shenlong a lesson, while others were curious to see if Shenlong's strength was truly as formidable as rumors suggested.
As Shenlong entered the arena, he felt the weight of the pendant against his chest, a silent reminder of the ancient legacy he now carried. Though his rise had been swift, he knew he needed to be cautious; Li Jiang was no ordinary opponent, and one misstep could spell defeat.
Li Jiang smirked as he took his place opposite Shenlong, his jade sword shimmering in the dim light. "I'll give you one chance, Shenlong," he sneered. "Bow out now, and I'll spare you the humiliation."
Shenlong met his gaze, unflinching. "You'll be the one who regrets this, Li Jiang."
The elder overseeing the duel raised his hand, signaling for silence. "The rules are simple. This is a sparring duel. The first one to yield or be incapacitated loses. Begin!"
Li Jiang wasted no time, launching forward in a blur of movement. His jade sword slashed through the air, emitting sparks of spiritual energy that crackled like lightning. Shenlong sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the first strike, but Li Jiang was relentless. His attacks came swift and precise, forcing Shenlong to retreat, his every movement calculated and graceful.
As the fight progressed, Shenlong began to gauge Li Jiang's rhythm, noting the slight shifts in his stance and the way his energy surged before each strike. He could feel his pendant's energy guiding him, heightening his senses and allowing him to anticipate Li Jiang's moves.
With a surge of his own energy, Shenlong countered, striking at Li Jiang with a series of swift punches and kicks, his movements flowing like water. Though he lacked a weapon as powerful as the jade sword, his agility and precision forced Li Jiang to back up, his expression turning from confidence to irritation.
"You think you can defeat me with these petty tricks?" Li Jiang sneered, summoning a blast of lightning energy from his sword. The energy surged toward Shenlong in a brilliant arc, crackling with raw power.
Shenlong focused his energy, forming a protective barrier. The lightning struck, sending a shockwave through the arena, but Shenlong remained standing, his barrier absorbing the brunt of the attack. Seizing the moment, he charged forward, closing the distance between himself and Li Jiang.
With a quick movement, Shenlong delivered a powerful punch to Li Jiang's side, disrupting his balance. Stumbling, Li Jiang tried to regain his footing, but Shenlong's relentless attacks kept him on the defensive. Every strike was a testament to Shenlong's determination and resilience.
Finally, with one last burst of energy, Shenlong unleashed a powerful blow that sent Li Jiang sprawling to the ground. Li Jiang's jade sword slipped from his grasp, clattering against the stone floor.
The crowd fell silent, shock etched across their faces. Shenlong stood over Li Jiang, his gaze steady. The elder overseeing the duel stepped forward, his voice ringing out. "The duel is over. Shenlong is the victor."