Chapter 5: The Rise of a King Begins
A heavy silence hung in the underground chamber where Feng Rui and Yue Lan sat, their golden eyes gleaming under the dim torchlight. The young fighter, Kai, now sat on the floor, his wounds bandaged, his breathing steady but weak. The resolve in his eyes hadn't faded despite the brutal defeat he had suffered.
Feng Rui leaned forward, studying him. "Tell me, Kai. What do you want the most in this world?"
Kai hesitated, his fists clenching. "Strength." His voice was hoarse but firm. "I want the power to destroy those who humiliated me, those who threw me away like trash."
A smirk played on Feng Rui's lips. "Good. You have the heart of a warrior. But anger alone won't make you strong. You need guidance, discipline… and a leader to follow."
Kai looked at him, hesitant but intrigued. "And you? What do you want?"
Feng Rui's golden eyes gleamed with quiet dominance. "Everything."
Kai swallowed, the weight of that single word sinking into his soul. He had never met someone like Feng Rui before—someone who didn't just want revenge, didn't just want to survive, but wanted everything. Power, influence, the world itself.
Yue Lan crossed her arms, a knowing smile on her face. "If you follow him, there's no turning back. This path isn't for the weak."
Kai took a deep breath. He had already lost everything. He had no home, no family, no future. What did he have to lose?
He bowed his head. "I will follow you, Feng Rui."
A new spark of power ignited in the air. The first piece of his empire had fallen into place.
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The First Strike: Taking Over the Arena
Feng Rui wasted no time. If he wanted to build his power, he needed a foothold. The underground arena was the perfect place to start. It was where the desperate and the strong clashed, where men gambled their lives for a chance at wealth and fame.
More importantly, it was controlled by the Bai Clan, one of the ruling families of Blue Fang City. Taking it would mean directly challenging them.
Perfect.
Kai led them through the hidden tunnels beneath the arena. "The Bai Clan controls everything down here, but most of the enforcers are just hired thugs. The real problem is the arena's champion—Iron Claw Liu. He's the Bai Clan's strongest fighter, a Spirit King at the 50th rank."
Feng Rui's smirk widened. "Then we'll start with him."
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The Challenge
The underground arena was packed that night, the air thick with the scent of blood and sweat. Spectators roared as fighters clashed below, bones cracking and fists colliding.
Feng Rui and Yue Lan stepped into the center of the pit. The announcer, a fat man with a greedy glint in his eyes, looked at them with interest. "Newcomers? What's your wager?"
Feng Rui's voice rang out, silencing the crowd. "I challenge Iron Claw Liu. If I win, I take control of this arena."
The arena erupted into whispers. A few laughed. Others muttered in disbelief.
Iron Claw Liu, a towering man with a cruel grin, stepped forward, his sharp nails gleaming like metal blades. "You? A pretty boy thinks he can challenge me?" He cracked his knuckles. "I'll break you in half."
Feng Rui smirked. "Try."
The crowd roared as the battle began.
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Feng Rui vs. Iron Claw Liu
Liu lunged first, his claws slashing through the air. Feng Rui dodged effortlessly, his movements as fluid as flowing water. He had trained for twelve years in the Star Dou Forest, facing beasts far more dangerous than this man.
Liu's claws struck nothing but air. "What—?!"
Feng Rui didn't give him time to react. He moved like lightning, his palm slamming into Liu's chest.
Boom!
The impact sent Liu flying, crashing into the stone wall with a sickening crunch. The crowd fell silent.
Liu staggered to his feet, coughing blood. His eyes were wide with disbelief. "You—what the hell are you?!"
Feng Rui tilted his head. "The one who owns this arena now."
Liu roared in fury, activating his Spirit Beast Transformation. His muscles expanded, his claws gleamed with a deadly light, and his aura surged. He was using his full power now.
It didn't matter.
Feng Rui sighed. "Is that all?"
He vanished.
Bang!
A single punch to the gut.
Liu's eyes rolled back, his body crumpling to the ground.
The silence in the arena was deafening.
Feng Rui turned to the stunned announcer. "I won. This arena belongs to me now."
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The Beginning of an Empire
News of Feng Rui's victory spread like wildfire. The Bai Clan was furious, but they hesitated to act immediately. Killing a strong warrior who had just won the people's favor would be a risky move.
Feng Rui wasted no time consolidating his power.
He recruited fighters who were abandoned and mistreated, offering them a purpose.
He established his own rules, banning the exploitation of weak fighters.
He made the arena his first stronghold, a place where warriors could gather under his banner.
But this was just the first step.
Sitting in his new chamber, overlooking the underground arena, Yue Lan sat beside him, sipping wine. "So, what's next?"
Feng Rui smiled. "The Bai Clan will come for us soon. But before they do, we'll strike first."
His golden eyes burned with ambition. The underground arena was just the foundation. Soon, Blue Fang City itself would belong to him.
And after that… the world.
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