The next morning, the Battle Arena was packed with warriors. Outer disciples, inner disciples, and even core disciples gathered to witness the Combat Trial.
The arena was massive—built from dark stone with mystical runes glowing on the walls. The fighting stage at the center was reinforced with powerful formations to withstand the impact of martial techniques.
Xian Zhen stood in the middle of the stage, arms crossed, a confident smirk on his face. Around him, warriors whispered.
"That's the guy who scored 1500 points on the strength test!"
"Hmph! Strength alone means nothing. Let's see if he can actually fight."
"He dares challenge the strongest outer disciples? He's doomed!"
From the VIP stands, powerful figures watched in silence. Among them was Elder Bai, and next to him sat a tall man with golden eyes and a black robe—Master Qin, one of the Martial Hall's top elders.
"He has potential," Master Qin said. "But raw power isn't enough. Let's see if he has skill."
Elder Bai chuckled. "I have a feeling this will be interesting."
The First Opponent
A muscular young man stepped onto the stage. He was Feng Tao, ranked among the top ten outer disciples. He wore black armor and carried a massive battle axe on his shoulder.
"You're arrogant," Feng Tao growled. "I don't like arrogant people."
Xian smirked. "Then you're really gonna hate me."
Feng Tao's face darkened. "I'll break every bone in your body!"
BOOM!
Feng Tao charged, swinging his battle axe with terrifying force. The air itself trembled.
But—whoosh!
Xian sidestepped with ease, dodging the attack at the last second.
Feng Tao's eyes widened. "What?!"
Before he could react—BAM!
Xian's right fist, covered in dark energy, smashed into his stomach.
"GUH!" Feng Tao coughed up blood as his body flew across the stage, crashing into the stone wall.
Silence.
Then—BOOM!—the crowd erupted in shock.
"WHAT?!"
"Feng Tao lost in one hit?!"
"That… that was too fast!"
Xian smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Tch. Too weak. Who's next?"
The Second Opponent
A tall girl with long silver hair stepped forward. She was Mei Ling, an expert in speed techniques.
"You rely on brute strength," she said coldly. "But strength is useless if you can't hit your opponent."
Xian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Let's test that theory."
WHOOSH!
Mei Ling vanished. She moved like the wind, her figure blurring as she circled around Xian at lightning speed.
Xian stood still, eyes calm.
Suddenly—SLASH!
Mei Ling appeared behind him, her blade slicing toward his neck.
But—CLANG!
Xian raised his left hand, covered in white energy, and caught the blade between his fingers.
Mei Ling's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible!"
Xian grinned. "My turn."
Before she could react—BAM!
A powerful shockwave of white energy blasted from Xian's body, sending Mei Ling flying. She crashed outside the stage, unconscious.
The crowd gasped.
"Another instant defeat?!"
"Is he a monster?!"
"He hasn't even used a weapon yet!"
In the VIP section, Master Qin's eyes gleamed with interest. "Dark energy for attack. White energy for defense. A balance of destruction and protection… fascinating."
Elder Bai chuckled. "He's not just strong—he's a natural fighter."
The Final Challenge
As the defeated disciples were carried away, a powerful aura filled the arena.
A young man with fiery red hair stepped onto the stage. His presence alone caused the air to tremble. He wore a golden robe, and a flaming sword rested on his back.
"It's Lu Ren, the number one outer disciple!"
"He's at the peak of the Spirit Warrior Realm!"
"Xian Zhen might actually lose this one!"
Lu Ren stared at Xian. "You're strong. But don't get cocky."
Xian smirked. "Make me."
BOOM!
Lu Ren unsheathed his flaming sword, and the air around him ignited.
The real battle was about to begin.
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