"Let's begin the real match."
Jin's voice rang out, sharp and cold. His eyes glowed with a chilling intensity as power surged through him.
System Warning:* Host, you are losing control. Please calm yourself.*
Do not kill Xiao Yan. He will bring a valuable opportunity in the future. If you end his life now, that opportunity will be lost forever.
Jin's fists clenched. "I don't care about any future opportunity."
Host, the opportunity is massive. Think carefully.
A flicker of hesitation passed through Jin's mind. Maybe the system was right. A deep breath filled his lungs, calming the storm inside. "Fine," he said quietly. "I'll give him a chance."
On the other side of the arena, Xiao Yan and his master watched Jin warily.
"Why isn't he attacking us?" Xiao Yan asked.
His master narrowed his eyes. "I don't know. But be careful. I have a feeling he's still hiding something."
"What do you mean?"
"He might be far stronger than he appears."
Xiao Yan swallowed. That killing intent earlier... maybe he really is stronger than me.
Then Jin stepped forward and spoke calmly, "Let's make this a fair match. You may attack me three times. I won't dodge. If you can even make me bleed, I will surrender. But if you can't, then don't blame me for what happens next."
Xiao Yan blinked in surprise. Is he starting to understand me? He nodded. "Alright. Let's begin."
He activated his technique. "Blue Flame Technique, Third Form: Frozen Dragon!"
A glowing blue dragon formed from his energy and shot forward, roaring as it attacked Jin. The blast hit with force, shaking the ground. Xiao Yan held his breath. Did that work?
As the dust settled, Jin stood untouched. A soft shimmer of light faded around him.
That was... a defensive spell? Xiao Yan stared. Jin casually brushed the dust off his clothes.
"That spell was something my mother taught me," Jin said with a faint smirk.
Xiao Yan gritted his teeth. How am I supposed to injure him like this? Desperation building, he summoned his sword. A massive blade appeared in his hand, etched with a dragon pattern.
"System, analyse that sword," Jin commanded.
System: That sword is called Kiser. It once belonged to the Flame Emperor.
Flame Emperor? Who is that? Jin asked.
System: The Flame Emperor is a legendary figure from ancient times. He was the master of the Heavenly Flames, the strongest flames in history.*
And what is Heavenly Fleam?
System: Heavenly Flame, the father of all Flame. Its main ability is to control all Fleam.
Jin's eyes glinted. "Interesting."
Xiao Yan raised his sword. "Blue Flame Sword Technique, Fourth Form: Line Slasher!"
A wave of energy burst from the blade, cutting through the arena as it shot toward Jin. Calmly, Jin activated a technique.
"Infinite Void."
A ripple formed around him, and the attack vanished into thin air.
Xiao Yan's eyes widened. "Master, what was that?!"
His master replied, stunned, "I don't know. But it might be a Supreme-tier technique."
Xiao Yan froze. "A Supreme-tier technique? That's nearly unheard of!"
His master nodded. "And don't forget—he's from the demon clan."
Xiao Yan staggered. "But... I'm out of energy. I can't do my third attack. Master, help me!"
"If I help you, I'll be asleep for a month."
"Please... It's a matter of pride. If I lose, I don't know what he'll do to me."
His master sighed. "Alright. I want to fight a genius like him, too."
In an instant, Xiao Yan's body trembled. Jin narrowed his eyes.
"Why did you stop?"
System Alert: An unusual soul has taken over Xiao Yan's body.
"What do you mean?"
His master's soul resides in that ring on his finger. He has taken control. Xiao Yan isn't dead, but his body is now being used.
"How strong is he now?"
He can match a first-level Golden Core cultivator.
Jin took a ready stance.
Xiao Yan's master spoke, his voice deeper. "Try to block my final attack."
He bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the sword. White flames burst forth, wrapping the blade.
The audience gasped. "What was that?! We've never seen a flame like this before!" someone shouted from the crowd.
"System, what flame is that?" Jin asked.
System: That is Sky Flame. It ranks third among all flames. It is one hundred times stronger than Blue Flame and uses cosmic energy.
"Sky Flame... I see."
The master raised his sword. "Forbidden Technique: Star Slash!"
A blazing star formed at the sword's tip and shot toward Jin.
System Alert: Warning. High-level danger detected. Prepare for impact.
Jin acted fast. He summoned his sword and cast a powerful defence.
"Sword Shield!"
A barrier formed around him like a glowing dome. He also activated Infinite Void.
The star hit.
The shield cracked, then shattered. The force weakened but still reached Jin, sending him flying.
Bones cracked. Jin hit the ground hard, breathing heavily.
Xiao Yan's master hovered above, then sighed. "Even now, he stands. He's too strong."
The white flame faded, and the master returned to the ring.
Xiao Yan regained control and blinked. "Master, are you there?"
"I still have an hour before I sleep. But be careful, child. We may not meet again."
Jin groaned as he stood, brushing debris from his shoulders.
He looked up,
"Your three attacks are over," he said coldly, his voice steady again. "Now…"
He raised his hand and pointed.
"…It's my turn."
Xiao Yan's knees trembled. Cold sweat rolled down the back of his neck.
I should have used that attack first, he thought bitterly. Maybe then I could've at least forced him to defend seriously. But now... I don't have the energy to do anything.
Jin stepped forward, spiritual energy pulsing with every movement. A violent pressure rolled off him like thunder, shaking the air itself.
He grabbed his sword.
Energy coiled around his sword, compressing into a burning mass of spiritual power—silent but deadly.
Xiao Yan flinched and closed his eyes.
But then Someone said
Stop