"Why can't you detect his cultivation level?" Xiao Yan whispered to his master, eyes narrowing as he stared across the arena at Jin Tian. "Is he really that strong, or is he hiding his power with an artefact?"
His master hesitated. "I don't know."
On the other side of the arena, Jin stood silently, his expression dark. He wasn't excited or nervous—he was simply annoyed.
Why do I even have to fight this guy? he thought. There's nothing to gain from this.
Just then, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
System Notification:
The system has detected a lack of interest in the current battle. To increase host motivation, a quest has been issued.
Quest Issued: Humble the Challenger
Objective: Defeat Xiao Yan and prove your superior talent.
Note: Do not kill the target. He may bring you fortune in the future.
Reward: 10 Attribute Points + Unlock: Sword Intent Level 1
After accepting the quest, Jin asked the system, "What is Sword Intent?"
System Explanation:
Sword Intent is a powerful force that amplifies the strength, speed, and precision of a sword cultivator. It is not simply a technique—it is a manifestation of one's will and mastery over the sword. Few cultivators can awaken it, and even fewer can master it. Unlocking Sword Intent is the first step to becoming a true swordmaster.
Fine. But I should suppress my cultivation to avoid overkill, Jin decided, inhaling calmly as he realigned his energy flow. He lowered his aura, concealing the depths of his power.
Xiao Yan thought he might be strong or some might have some powerful artefact with him.I must be careful in the fight.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
Xiao Yan wasted no time. He lunged forward, elbow aimed at Jin's chest. I'll end this in one move, he thought confidently as the distance between them vanished.
To his shock, Jin calmly watched every movement, his eyes tracking with eerie precision.
How? Xiao Yan thought. He's reading me like an open book.
His elbow struck Jin, but it felt like hitting a wall. Jin didn't even flinch. No stagger. No recoil.
Impossible, Xiao Yan gasped inwardly. He didn't dodge... but why didn't he react?
Jin retaliated with a punch, swift and fluid, but Xiao Yan narrowly dodged. Breathing heavily, he turned to his master in the audience.
I think I underestimate him.
"Did you figure out his cultivation level yet?"
His master looked shaken. "Yes. He's at the First Level of the Foundation Establishment Realm."
Xiao Yan froze. "What?! That's the same level as me... but he's only five years old!" How is this possible?
He glanced back at Jin, disbelief etched on his face. "Are all the geniuses from powerful clans like this?"
His master shook his head. "No. I've never seen anyone like him in my lifetime. Even I am considering a genius on my time, I rich that level when I was 12.. He's more than a genius."
Back in the ring, Jin launched a swift kick, landing directly on Xiao Yan's forearm and sending him flying backwards. The crowd gasped as Xiao Yan rolled across the ground, groaning.
I didn't want to use this... but I have no choice now, Xiao Yan thought, gritting his teeth.
He turned to his master. "I need to use the Blue Flame."
His master's expression turned grave. "No, you can't use that against a child. He's young, and his family is powerful. If you injure him too badly, we'll be in serious trouble."
"But if I lose, our family's reputation will be ruined," Xiao Yan said through clenched teeth. "Don't blame me for what comes next."
He activated his trump card.
A brilliant blue flame ignited around his fist, swirling with a haunting glow. The temperature dropped noticeably.
System: Host, be careful of that flame. That flame was dangerous.
The crowd gasped.
"What kind of flame is that?" someone whispered, their breath visible in the suddenly frigid air.
Some spectators were mesmerised by its beauty, while others were stunned with recognition.
"That's the Blue Flame," an elder muttered. "It's extremely rare. Born a thousand meters beneath the sea, it takes over two centuries to mature. Once refined, it grants unparalleled abilities. Unlike ordinary flames, it freezes the exterior and burns from the inside."
Even Nyra's grandfather looked shaken. How did he obtain that flame?
Xiao Yan charged with his flaming fist, launching a flurry of attacks. The glow of the flame left streaks in the air, a dazzling dance of power. Jin evaded smoothly, each step calculated, every motion graceful. But one punch came dangerously close.
"Nowhere to run!" Xiao Yan shouted, his fist inches away.
Jin caught the attack mid-air.
"Fool! That flame damages the soul!" Xiao Yan cried.
But Jin remained unfazed. He tightened his grip on Xiao Yan's wrist, his expression steady and unreadable. Then, he drove a powerful kick into Xiao Yan's stomach.
Xiao Yan flew backwards and crashed to the ground with a loud thud. He groaned, trying to sit up, but his limbs trembled.
Jin's hand was partially frozen, blue frost creeping up his forearm. With a small pulse of energy, he shattered the ice. His clothes were torn at the sleeves and chest, scorched and frayed.
Those were my favourite clothes, Jin thought, frowning.
System Notification:
Host equipment durability: 0%
A surge of killing intent erupted from Jin. The air grew heavy, pressing down on everyone in the arena.
Gasps echoed through the stands. Some spectators staggered, while others backed away in fear.
Xiao Yan's master paled. "We're in trouble. He's been holding back this whole time."
From the VIP seating, Jin's grandfather stood up, his eyes gleaming. "Do what you want. I won't stop you like last time."
Jin advanced slowly, his gaze locked onto Xiao Yan.
"So... you wanted to kill me?"
System Warning:
Host health has dropped by 10%.
Battle state: Active.
Jin narrowed his eyes, his voice calm but laced with deadly intent. "Very well... let's begin the real match.