The arena buzzed with excitement.
Disciples gathered from all corners of the sect—everyone knew the final match would be one to remember.
Chen Yu vs. Jiang Mu.
I stood on the edge of the platform, tightening the wraps around my fists. The weight of the moment pressed down, but my heart was steady.
Jiang Mu approached from the other side, his usual smirk tugging at his lips.
"So, you actually made it here."
I met his gaze calmly. "Seems I did."
He walked a slow circle around me, hands behind his back. "You know, when I first saw you, I thought you were just another bug. Someone I could squash without a second glance."
"You still can't," I said flatly.
His smirk widened. "Maybe. Maybe not. But it's going to be fun trying."
The elder overseeing the match raised his hand.
"Final match! Chen Yu vs. Jiang Mu. Begin!"
---
The moment the elder's hand dropped, Jiang Mu shot forward like a thunderbolt.
His speed caught me off guard—I barely managed to block his fist in time. The force rattled my bones, pushing me back several steps.
"Come on, Chen Yu!" Jiang Mu taunted, his fists a blur as he pressed the attack. "Was that it? All that buildup, and you're still just a bug!"
I tightened my stance, my mind focused.
Crimson Fang Fist.
Our fists collided again, a fierce exchange that sent shockwaves through the arena.
Every punch Jiang Mu delivered carried terrifying force, his strikes heavy and relentless.
His mastery over his body was clear—his foundation was solid.
But I had my own strength.
I began weaving in Void Qi Sutra's subtle power, letting my qi guide my movements. My body, honed through countless battles and brutal training, absorbed the strain.
Jiang Mu grinned, noticing the change.
"Finally getting serious?"
Without warning, he unleashed a spinning kick aimed at my ribs.
I ducked, driving a fist toward his exposed side, but Jiang Mu twisted at the last second, catching my arm and throwing me across the platform.
I hit the ground hard, rolling to my feet.
"You're tough, I'll give you that," Jiang Mu said, cracking his knuckles. "But you're still not enough."
I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and stepped forward. "You've been underestimating me from the start."
I surged forward, fists blazing, pushing him back for the first time in the fight.
The arena roared around us as our battle escalated.
This wasn't just about winning.
This was personal.