A gong sounded, drawing everyone's attention to the center of the arena. An older man with a magnificent white beard stepped onto the raised platform. His robes, embroidered with the sect's crest in gold thread, marked him as the Arena Master.
Though he seemed irritated at the moment.
"Disciples of the Crescent Moon Sect!" His voice boomed across the space without the need for spiritual energy. Years of announcing fights had given him lungs of iron. "Today we witness a duel between Outer Disciple Liu Chen and Labor Disciple Xiao Feng!"
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"The terms are simple," the Arena Master continued. "Combat continues until one party surrenders..." He paused dramatically, his eyes sweeping the audience before landing on Xiao Feng. "Or death."
A shiver ran down Xiao Feng's spine. He knew the terms already, of course. He'd been the one to issue the challenge, after all. But hearing them spoken aloud made everything suddenly, terrifyingly real.
Though why's the old fart staring at me? You underestimate me! Just you watch, you old fossil....And Xiao Feng took out his frustrations on the poor old man.... in his mind.
"Combatants, take your positions!"
Liu Chen sauntered onto the platform like he owned it, each step radiating confidence. The spiritual energy rolling off him was palpable even to the weakest disciples in the audience, First Order, Fifth Stage. Even stronger than the rumors suggested.
Xiao Feng clutched Guiding Star tighter, feeling sweat dampen his palms.
How did that jerk advance so quickly? Did he eat some rare beast or something?
The crowd erupted as Liu Chen raised his hands, drinking in their adoration like sweet wine. His supporters cheered wildly, stamping their feet and chanting his name.
"Liu Chen! Liu Chen! Liu Chen!"
"Show that trash his place!"
"End it quickly so we can go to lunch!"
Mockery rained down on Xiao Feng as he climbed the steps to the platform, each insult hitting like tiny stones.
"Dead man walking!"
"I give him ten seconds!"
"Someone prepare a coffin!"
Liu Chen smirked, clearly enjoying the show. Then, with a flourish that drew gasps of appreciation, he reached behind his back and produced his weapon, two gleaming daggers that caught the sunlight and scattered it in dazzling patterns across the arena floor.
"Behold," he announced, twirling the blades with expert precision, "the Double Flying Daggers of Wind, forged from the teeth of a storm dragon and blessed by Elder Zhu himself!"
The daggers hummed as they cut through the air, leaving faint blue trails of energy in their wake. Even Xiao Feng had to admit they were beautiful...and terrifying.
A labour disciple at the edge of the crowd whispered to his friend, "Those daggers cost more than what we'd earn in ten lifetimes."
Xiao Feng swallowed hard, Guiding Star suddenly feeling very ordinary in his hands.
Can I do this?
---
Meanwhile, Little Bao'er ran as fast as her little legs could carry her. She dashed through courtyards and gardens, past startled disciples and servants, heading for a secluded area of the sect few were permitted to enter.
"Master! Master!" she called out, her voice shrill with urgency. "Where are you?"
An old man emerged from a small, elegant pavilion, his long white beard nearly touching the ground. Despite his advanced age, he stood straight as a pine tree, his eyes clear and sharp. He wore simple gray robes with no ornament except a small crescent moon embroidered over his heart.
"Little Bao'er," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "What has you shouting like a market vendor? Who has bullied you this time?"
She skidded to a stop before him, panting hard. "Not me, Master! It's the labor disciple who saved me in the forest last month! He's fighting Liu Chen right now, and he's going to get killed!"
The old man's bushy eyebrows rose slightly. "The one who faced the Python King for you?"
"Yes!" Tears welled in her eyes. "I tried to stop the fight, but he wouldn't listen! Big Sister isn't here, so you're the only one I could come to!"
The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Interesting. A labour disciple who would face both a Python King and Liu Chen?" He nodded slowly. "Very well, child. Let us go see this brave fool of yours."
Relief washed over Little Bao'er's face as she grabbed the old man's hand, tugging him forward. "Hurry, Master! The fight is starting!"
As they walked, quickly for the old man but frustratingly slow for Little Bao'er, the elder's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Tell me more about this labor disciple of yours..."