The crowd was silent as Lin Feng stepped into the arena, his figure sharp and composed, his gaze fixed on the figure across from him. Lin Wei waited, radiating calm confidence, his presence undeniable, like a bright star that commanded the heavens themselves. Around him, golden threads of fortune shimmered—visible only to Lin Feng, who could see each strand of destiny binding his eldest brother to power and success.
Today's duel was a test—a chance for Lin Feng to measure himself against the so-called son of destiny, the family's golden heir. He wasn't here just to win; he was here to strategize, to probe Lin Wei's strengths and, more importantly, to gauge how far he had come.
"Begin!" The Family Head's voice echoed, and Lin Wei wasted no time. He moved with blinding speed, his sword trailing beams of starlight as he swung, launching an attack that shimmered with celestial energy. "Celestial Descent!"
Lin Feng met him head-on, his stance calm and collected as he summoned his dragon flames. "Infernal Surge!" His blade erupted with fire, clashing with Lin Wei's light in an explosion that rattled the arena. The two forces met with a crackle, scattering embers and stardust into the air.
Lin Feng observed Lin Wei's every move, eyes sharp, as he deflected a sequence of precise, powerful strikes. Lin Wei's "Starfall Barrage" rained down like meteors, each swing relentless and precise. The crowd murmured in awe as Lin Wei's light pressed down, driving Lin Feng backward with a ferocity that was both skillful and overwhelming.
Yet Lin Feng's expression remained unfazed. His body shifted, his movements flowing, calm, as he adjusted to each strike, gauging Lin Wei's strengths, studying his weaknesses. Lin Wei might be the family's favored son, but Lin Feng had something that years in the corporate world had honed—a sharp mind that knew how to exploit every possible advantage.
Finally, Lin Wei overextended on a strike, a minor flaw, but one that Lin Feng seized. His blade burst into dragon flames as he countered with "Blazing Dragon Slash!" A wave of searing fire surged toward Lin Wei, forcing him to raise a shimmering "Astral Shield." The shield held, but Lin Wei staggered under the force, a flicker of strain crossing his face.
From the stands, Commander Inferna leaned forward, her gaze fixed. "He's forcing Lin Wei back!" she murmured, astonishment in her voice. She always had a fiery personality.
The Family Head's face remained stoic, but a hint of caution flashed in his eyes as he observed Lin Feng's skill. Beside him, Elder Mooncradle nodded with approval. "Dragon Fire at his level… impressive."
Lin Feng's lips curved in a slight smirk. He'd landed a powerful blow, forcing Lin Wei to shift his stance. For a brief moment, he saw the uncertainty in Lin Wei's eyes. But his brother quickly steadied himself, his gaze hardening. "You've improved, Third Brother," Lin Wei admitted, his voice calm but edged with resolve. "But you're still not my equal."
With a burst of light, Lin Wei called upon his full strength, his sword blazing with celestial power. "Galactic Strike!" he shouted, sending a pillar of starlight crashing toward Lin Feng. The air crackled with energy as Lin Feng planted his feet, meeting the attack head-on with his own flames.
"Phoenix Inferno!" His flames roared to life, colliding with the starlight in an eruption that left the arena shrouded in smoke and sparks. When the dust cleared, both brothers were still standing, their breaths labored, their eyes locked in a silent challenge.
But Lin Feng's reserves were nearly depleted. Lin Wei, though clearly fatigued, gathered himself, raising his sword with one final surge of strength. In a swift motion, he disarmed Lin Feng, sending his sword clattering to the ground and pinning him down with an effortless stance. The golden threads around Lin Wei pulsed brightly, as if the heavens themselves acknowledged his victory.
The crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs of awe, some looking at Lin Feng with newfound respect, others with disbelief at his audacity to challenge the eldest heir.
Lin Wei lowered his blade, his voice calm. "Power is not only strength, Lin Feng. It is control. It's time you learned that."
Lin Feng's gaze held steady, his face unreadable. He didn't feel the sting of loss or the pang of shame he might have felt in his past life. No—he felt satisfaction, his sharp mind already analyzing what he'd learned from the fight. His brother's golden aura, the threads of fortune binding Lin Wei to power, wealth, and recognition—they could be useful. Lin Wei might be his rival, but his connection to destiny was an asset waiting to be tapped.
He gave Lin Wei a slight nod, acknowledging the victory, then glanced toward the Family Head, whose expression held a flicker of intrigue. The elders exchanged looks, some nodding with approval, while others murmured in astonishment.
"He's a fierce strategist," Commander Granitefist remarked, admiration evident in his voice. "To hold his ground against Lin Wei so skillfully… the Third Son is more formidable than expected."
"Yes," Elder Starbreaker agreed. "And that fire technique… it's something we must watch closely."
But Lin Feng didn't linger on their reactions. He didn't need their praise or their pity just their recognition was enough for now. He rose slowly, dusting himself off, his eyes flickering with a hint of something cold and calculating. This duel was just one step. Lin Wei's victory only reinforced the plan he was already forming. Lin Wei would make the perfect asset—until he became a liability.
As Lin Wei turned to leave, Lin Feng's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. He didn't need to defeat Lin Wei now. He had time. He'd use his brother's golden threads to secure his position, acquiring resources and influence, gathering allies, cultivating his own power and most of all stealing his fortuitous opportunity! Lin Feng had not forgotten what red destiny threads got him earlier from that mortal, it gave his protector a chance to attain rank 5! highest mortal Rank!
And when the time was right—when he had gained all he could from Lin Wei's fortune—Lin Feng would sever those golden threads himself.
As he turned to leave, a single thought echoed in his mind, cool and resolute.
"Thank you, Brother," he thought. "For now, I'll let you shine. But one day, when the time is right… I'll be the one to extinguish your light."
With his mind racing through strategies, Lin Feng walked from the arena, his heart steady, his resolve unshaken.