"Enough talk—let's fight!"
A surge of fierce Dou Qi erupted around Xiao Yan. The black Heavy Xuan Ruler in his hand flared faintly with firelight, his robe snapping in the wind as raw energy exploded outward. His low growl rolled like thunder across the square.
Across from him, Nalan Yanran raised her sword. Her delicate foot tapped the stone step, and her body rose gracefully into the air, descending like a drifting willow leaf until she landed lightly at the center of the square.
A pale azure whirlwind swirled around her sword. A sharp white glow flashed along the blade's edge as she pointed it steadily toward Xiao Yan.
She spoke no words—none were needed.
---
"This duel," began Yun Leng, "is the result of your three-year agreement. After today, all grievances will end. Since both parties are prepared—"
Before he could finish, Xiao Yan's shout cut through his words once more. The elder's brows tightened in irritation, and his face darkened. He gave a cold snort, deciding to stay silent.
He was, after all, the Grand Elder of the Yunlan Sect—a Dou Wang expert. To be interrupted by a mere youth again and again was intolerable. His impression of Xiao Yan had fallen to rock bottom.
"Fight, Nalan Yanran! I've waited long enough!" Xiao Yan's voice rumbled with restrained fury.
He slammed his foot against the ground, sending cracks spidering through the stone, and charged forward, the Heavy Xuan Ruler slicing the air as he roared toward her like a predator unleashed. The sound of explosions burst through the air as his momentum built—swift, direct, unstoppable.
Nalan Yanran's gaze sharpened. She waited until he was nearly upon her—less than ten meters away—before her figure blurred and vanished. In an instant, she met his charge head-on, her sword flashing with deadly precision.
Their figures crossed like lightning. The black ruler swept down while her azure blade slashed sideways. The edge of her sword flickered with blades of wind, slicing toward his throat.
Xiao Yan's pupils contracted. He jerked his weapon back a fraction, angling the massive ruler before his neck.
Clang!
Steel met steel. Sparks flew. The collision rang out sharp and clear, but her sword left not the slightest mark upon the ruler's dark surface.
For a moment, their eyes locked—his wild and burning like a bloodthirsty beast, hers calm as still water, unaffected by his strength or speed.
Then, with a burst of energy, both leapt back. Shadows blurred as they re-engaged, their weapons colliding in a storm of ringing strikes.
No Dou Techniques—no hidden skills—only pure speed, strength, and precision. The clang of metal against metal echoed across the square, waves of force rolling outward in bursts of wind.
Even the Yunlan Sect disciples watching were forced to admit their surprise. This young man, once mocked as trash, could now clash head-on with their prodigious young sect master.
---
From beneath the trees, Liu Xi stood still, his vast Spiritual Power enveloping the arena. To him, every movement slowed as if time itself had stretched. Each clash, each breath, each twitch of muscle was crystal clear.
'They look evenly matched,' he noted inwardly, 'but Xiao Yan's actually at a disadvantage. His attacks are fierce and heavy, but too direct—unable to truly threaten her.'
'Yanran's swordsmanship, though… sharp, fluid, unpredictable. Every thrust, every slash forces him onto the defensive.'
As if to confirm his thoughts, Xiao Yan suddenly changed tactics. After breaking apart from her again, he threw his Heavy Xuan Ruler straight toward her, the weapon whistling through the air with deadly momentum.
Then, freed of its weight, his body seemed to uncoil like a drawn bow. The ground beneath his feet cracked as he shot forward, closing the distance with explosive speed.
The rushing wind swept through Nalan Yanran's long blue hair, her robe clinging to her lithe form, accentuating her graceful figure.
Within the range of Liu Xi's perception, every detail was clear—perhaps too clear. He couldn't help thinking to himself with a faint smirk, 'Young, but… quite well-developed. Impressive.'
Nalan Yanran, unaware of his stray thought, twisted her waist midair. Her body swayed like a leaf in the wind, narrowly dodging the incoming ruler. But just as she exhaled, her brows furrowed—another shadow followed behind it.
The second figure was faster, stronger—a roaring beast in human form. Xiao Yan's fist, like a hammer forged of flame, drove straight toward her chest.
"Octane Blast!"
Caught off guard, Nalan Yanran's composure faltered for the first time. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she spat, "You rogue!"
In the blink of an eye, azure wind enveloped her entire body. Her figure fluttered backward like a petal caught in a gale, gracefully evading his devastating strike.
"Splitting Light Phantom Sword!"
Her clear voice rang out as her sword whirled in a perfect circle. Instantly, six sword shadows appeared before her—one solid, five illusory—all radiating a lethal wind aura.
"Go!"
The five phantoms streaked forward, tearing through the air toward Xiao Yan.
His expression hardened. The backlash from his earlier attack had left a dull ache in his chest, but there was no time to rest. His ruler was still midair; he was defenseless.
With a sharp exhale, Xiao Yan twisted his body and leapt skyward, weaving through the narrow gaps between the incoming blades. The razor-edged wind whistled past, grazing his arms and slicing through his sleeve.
The killing intent in the air made his skin prickle. Landing heavily, he barely had time to steady his footing before Nalan Yanran's cold shout echoed again.
"Return!"
The five phantom blades curved midair, arcing back toward him like predatory birds. His eyes flicked toward the Heavy Xuan Ruler lying several meters away. In an instant, he made his choice.
A surge of crimson-gold Dou Qi burst from his body, blazing outward like liquid fire. It condensed rapidly across his skin, forming an ancient, heavy set of armor that glowed faintly with energy.
"Octane Blast!"
Planting his feet, Xiao Yan threw a furious punch at the oncoming blades. The violent force burst forth, colliding with the energy swords and shattering them into flickering fragments of light.
Gasps erupted across the square.
The Dou Qi armor gleaming upon his body was unmistakable—a clear sign of one who had reached the Da Dou Shi realm.
The once-mocked "trash" of the Xiao Family had truly returned—reborn in three short years.
From the platform above, even the Yunlan Sect elders stirred with surprise. Beside them, Yun Yun herself stared, taken aback. But surprise did not mean approval.
Nalan Yanran's eyes flickered, a trace of shock flashing across them before her expression calmed once more. She had no regrets—only resolve.
The air trembled as her own Dou Qi surged. Pale cyan light flowed from her body, solidifying into a set of sleek, elegant armor that hugged her slender frame.
---
From the sidelines, Liu Xi watched closely, his mind analyzing every surge of energy.
'As expected,' he thought, 'without the Green Lotus Core Flame, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi is fierce but unstable. His energy feels forced—clearly boosted by pills. Its quality and recovery speed are inferior to Yanran's. His current Flame Mantra isn't high-ranked.'
'Yanran's wind attribute, meanwhile, is swift and refined. Not as violent as fire, but her foundation is stronger. The longer this battle drags on, the greater her advantage.'
A faint smile touched Liu Xi's lips.
'Xiao Yan… how will you break this stalemate?'
(End of Chapter)
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