Lin Feng stood in the shadows of the arena, his gaze fixed on the stone platforms shimmering with restrictive runes. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, their excitement palpable as they awaited the start of the duels. Yet beneath his calm exterior, Lin Feng's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, calculating each move, each step.
I have to play this carefully, he mused. The Fire Dragon Fruit had transformed his abilities, made him more powerful than ever before. But he had no intention of revealing his hand so early. The fire that now coursed through his veins was a weapon, a hidden ace he would use when the stakes were highest. Not now. Not against these early opponents. He had learned, both in this life and the last, that patience was the key to true power.
It's funny, he reflected, a wry smile tugging at his lips. I was once a businessman, driven only by profit and success. I treated people like assets, resources to be used. Pragmatic to the core, and yet… His smile faded slightly. Ever since I woke up in this world, I've become more than just pragmatic. Egoistic. Selfish. Hungry for recognition and power. Is that the influence of this place, or have I always had that darkness inside me?
He sighed inwardly. Regardless, this isn't about morality. It's about survival. It's about winning. His eyes hardened. And I intend to win.
The Family Head's voice rang out, commanding and authoritative. "Today, we witness the skill of our heirs and prodigies. Remember, your cultivation is restricted to the 2nd Rank, Initial Realm. Use your talents wisely. Let the first duel begin!"
Lin Feng stepped back to watch as his second brother, Lin Yang, strode confidently into the center of the arena. His opponent, Jin Shi, was a towering figure, his sword an imposing slab of iron that gleamed dangerously under the sun. Jin Shi's orange fortune threads flickered with the promise of strength, but Lin Yang's threads shone a regal purple, a mark of destiny.
Let's see how you handle this, brother, Lin Feng thought, folding his arms. He respected Lin Yang, not just as a rival but as a formidable cultivator. Yet, deep down, he also harbored a desire to surpass him.
Jin Shi charged forward with a bellow, his sword cleaving down in a brutal arc. "Iron Shattering Blow!" The force of the attack cracked the stone platform, dust swirling in the air.
Lin Yang did not flinch. His eyes, calm and almost bored, tracked Jin Shi's every movement. He sidestepped smoothly, his sword tracing an elegant arc. "Temporal Echo." His blade created a ghostly afterimage, leaving Jin Shi momentarily disoriented.
Jin Shi recovered, gritting his teeth. He swung again, a wild, furious slash. "Mountain Cleaver!" His voice was strained with effort, his attack designed to crush defenses and break bones.
Lin Feng observed his brother with a critical eye. Lin Yang's mastery of swordsmanship is undeniable, but it's his Time path that makes him deadly. Lin Yang's blade shimmered as he whispered, "Fleeting Time Slice." His sword lashed out, striking Jin Shi's weapon with precision. The iron blade cracked, shattering into fragments that gleamed like falling stars.
The crowd gasped. Jin Shi stumbled back, blood trickling from a shallow wound on his shoulder, disbelief etched across his face. Lin Yang, ever composed, stepped forward. "Time-Lock Step." He appeared behind Jin Shi, his sword poised at the back of his opponent's neck.
Jin Shi froze, realizing he had lost. A murmur of awe spread through the onlookers. The High Elders exchanged approving glances, and the Family Head nodded in satisfaction.
Impressive, Lin Feng admitted, clapping slowly as Lin Yang bowed and returned to his place. He's polished, confident. But even he isn't infallible.
As Lin Feng's name was called, he felt the eyes of the crowd shift to him. Time to make my mark, he thought, stepping forward. His opponent, Han Jian, was waiting, his emerald robes swirling as the wind gathered around him. Han Jian, son of a High Elder, was a Wind Path cultivator, and he wore his power like a second skin.
"Ready to be blown away, Lin Feng?" Han Jian taunted, his voice carrying an edge of arrogance. The wind around him picked up speed, lifting dust and leaves into a swirling vortex.
Lin Feng allowed a small smile to curve his lips. "I've faced worse storms than you, Han Jian."
The Family Head's hand fell, and the duel began.
Han Jian moved first, vanishing in a blur of motion. "Tempest Step!" he called, reappearing behind Lin Feng with a gust of wind. His sword lashed out, slicing toward Lin Feng's unguarded back.
Lin Feng spun, his blade clashing with Han Jian's. The impact sent a shockwave through his arms, and he bit back a grunt. Han Jian was fast, faster than any opponent he had faced at this level. The wind tore at his robes, trying to destabilize him.
Alright, he's got the speed advantage, Lin Feng noted. But speed isn't everything. He shifted his stance, his eyes narrowing.
Han Jian grinned, sensing victory. "Gale Force Strike!" The wind coiled around his blade, transforming his attack into a spiraling force of destruction.
Lin Feng braced himself, feeling the wind pressure push against his skin. I won't waste my Dragon Fire here, he thought, but that doesn't mean I'm helpless. He deflected Han Jian's strike, the flames in his core simmering but kept under tight control.
Han Jian's eyes flashed with irritation. "What's the matter, Lin Feng? Can't keep up?" He leapt into the air, wind carrying him higher. "Cyclone Blade Dance!" He descended, his sword splitting into multiple wind-imbued strikes, a whirlwind of slashes aimed to tear Lin Feng apart.
Lin Feng took a breath, feeling the fire within him burn, demanding to be released. But he held it back. Not yet. He countered each of Han Jian's strikes, the sound of clashing metal ringing out like a symphony of war. His movements were methodical, precise, every parry planned three steps ahead.
Han Jian's confidence faltered as Lin Feng began to push back, his strikes growing sharper, more relentless. Lin Feng's eyes gleamed with determination. You're not the only one who knows how to command a battlefield, Han Jian.
He advanced, his voice steady. "Crimson Edge Sweep!" His sword flared with a controlled burst of fire, the flames licking at Han Jian's defenses but not yet revealing his full power. Han Jian was forced to retreat, his wind aura faltering.
Han Jian spat blood, a cut opening on his cheek. His eyes widened in disbelief and fury. "You…!" He gritted his teeth and summoned his remaining qi. "I'll end this now! Tornado Breaker!"
The wind around him condensed into a raging funnel, tearing up chunks of stone and sending debris flying. The crowd gasped as the vortex roared to life, a force that threatened to engulf Lin Feng entirely.
Lin Feng's heart raced, but his mind remained cool. He's going all in. Fine. So will I. He adjusted his grip on his sword, focusing his qi. "Inferno Step!" Flames erupted beneath his feet, propelling him forward with blinding speed.
Han Jian's eyes widened as Lin Feng broke through the wind vortex, his sword blazing. "Phoenix Wing Slash!" Lin Feng roared, his blade cutting through the storm with a burst of crimson fire. The flames seared through Han Jian's defenses, slicing his shoulder open and sending him crashing to the ground.
Blood spattered the arena stones, and the wind died away. Han Jian lay on the platform, defeated, his chest heaving as he struggled to rise. Lin Feng stood over him, victorious but composed, his flames flickering out.
The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps. Lin Feng's heart pounded, a mixture of triumph and exhaustion. He had held back, as planned, but the victory felt earned, a testament to his meticulous strategy.
He sheathed his sword, glancing up at the High Elders. Some nodded in approval, others watched with thoughtful eyes. Lin Yang gave him a small, acknowledging smile, and even Lin Wei's gaze lingered, perhaps reevaluating his younger brother.
Lin Feng felt the weight of his ambitions settle in his chest. This is just the beginning, he told himself, his eyes gleaming with determination. I've climbed higher, but the peak is still far away.