The training grounds were packed with disciples. Word had spread quickly that the "sect trash" Zhao Tian had challenged Wang Lei, one of the Azure Sky Sect's most promising disciples, to a public duel. Most of the spectators came for entertainment, expecting to see Zhao Tian humiliated.
The arena was an open platform made of reinforced stone, surrounded by rows of spectators sitting on tiered wooden benches. Disciples chatted excitedly, placing small bets on how many strikes it would take for Wang Lei to defeat Zhao Tian.
Scene 1: Facing the Crowd
Zhao Tian walked through the crowd toward the platform, his head held high. His simple robes and tattered boots contrasted sharply with Wang Lei's ornate uniform, embroidered with golden clouds to signify his elite status.
"Hey, Zhao Tian!" a voice called out from the crowd. "Should we call the medics now, or are you planning to just forfeit?"
The crowd erupted into laughter, but Zhao Tian ignored it, stepping onto the platform.
Wang Lei stood at the center, his arms crossed and an arrogant smirk on his face. "You've got guts showing up. I'll give you that much," he said. "But guts won't save you when I crush you into the dirt."
Zhao Tian met his gaze. "We'll see who ends up in the dirt."
The crowd gasped at his boldness.
"Enough talk," Wang Lei said, flexing his fingers. His aura flared, a wave of pressure rippling across the platform. "Let's get this over with."
Scene 2: The Duel Begins
The sect elder overseeing the duel stepped forward, raising a hand to silence the crowd. "This is a formal match. Both participants have agreed to the terms. No outside interference is permitted. Victory will be declared when one participant concedes, is incapacitated, or falls from the platform."
He stepped back, and the crowd held its breath.
"Begin!"
Wang Lei didn't wait. He dashed forward, his movements blindingly fast. His palm glowed with spiritual energy as he struck toward Zhao Tian's chest.
Zhao Tian barely dodged, activating his shield generator just in time. Wang Lei's strike slammed into the shimmering barrier, forcing Zhao Tian to skid back several paces.
"A toy?" Wang Lei said, his smirk widening. "You're going to rely on gadgets to fight me?"
Zhao Tian didn't reply. Instead, he fired a spiritual bolt from his crossbow. Wang Lei deflected it with a flick of his wrist, the projectile shattering harmlessly.
"You'll have to do better than that," Wang Lei taunted. He launched another series of strikes, each faster and stronger than the last. Zhao Tian's shield absorbed the blows, but cracks began to appear in the barrier.
Scene 3: Zhao Tian's Counterattack
Zhao Tian rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a powerful strike that left a scorch mark on the platform. He quickly recalibrated his crossbow, switching to a new type of bolt infused with explosive energy.
He fired. The bolt detonated on impact, creating a burst of light and smoke that obscured Wang Lei's vision.
"What is this?!" Wang Lei shouted, coughing.
Zhao Tian used the distraction to close the distance, slamming a weighted training band into Wang Lei's side. The impact sent Wang Lei staggering, his aura flickering for a moment.
The crowd gasped.
"Did Zhao Tian actually land a hit?" someone whispered.
Scene 4: Wang Lei's True Strength
The smoke cleared, and Wang Lei's face twisted in anger. "You'll pay for that!" he roared. His spiritual energy surged, forming a faint golden aura around him.
Zhao Tian's shield generator sputtered under the pressure.
Wang Lei unleashed a Golden Palm Strike, a technique that shattered Zhao Tian's barrier and sent him flying across the platform. He hit the ground hard, coughing up blood.
"Trash is still trash," Wang Lei said, walking toward him. "No amount of toys will change that."
Zhao Tian struggled to his feet, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. His hands moved to his belt, where he had one final trump card: the spiritual flash bomb.
Scene 5: The Turning Point
As Wang Lei closed in, Zhao Tian threw the flash bomb at his feet. It exploded in a brilliant burst of light, blinding Wang Lei and the crowd momentarily.
"Argh!" Wang Lei stumbled back, covering his eyes.
Zhao Tian seized the opportunity, channeling all his remaining strength into a desperate attack. He activated the Weighted Strike Technique, a move he had developed during training. The spiritual energy stored in his training bands enhanced his speed and power as he struck Wang Lei square in the chest.
The force sent Wang Lei flying off the platform. He landed hard outside the ring, groaning in pain.
Scene 6: The Aftermath
The arena fell silent.
"The winner," the sect elder announced, "is Zhao Tian!"
The crowd erupted into chaos. Some cheered in disbelief, while others demanded a rematch.
Wang Lei glared at Zhao Tian, his face twisted with rage. "You got lucky," he spat. "Next time, you won't have your little tricks to save you."
Zhao Tian didn't respond. He turned to leave the platform, his legs shaky but his head held high.
As he walked away, he heard Liu Qingyun's voice from the crowd. "Not bad," she said quietly.
Ending Note for Chapter 4
That night, Zhao Tian sat alone in his room, nursing his injuries.
Host's combat performance was satisfactory, the system said. Recommend further upgrades to tools and cultivation techniques to maintain competitive edge.
Zhao Tian smiled faintly, staring at the crossbow on his desk. "This is just the beginning."