### Chapter 48: The Standoff
The life-and-death oath scroll hung in the air, its golden runes glowing like embers, searing the names of Lin Yi and Mu Rongfeng into the fabric of the spell. A hush fell over the clearing, thicker than the midday heat. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
The crowd erupted first.
"Lin Yi's gonna crush him!"
"Mu Rongfeng's nuts—Fifth Level vs. Fourth? He's suicidal!"
"Maybe he's hiding something? Why else risk it?"
Whispers swirled, but Mu Rongfeng ignored them. His gaze was locked on Lin Yi, a cold fire in his eyes. "Regretting it yet? You could still back down. Beg for mercy, and I might let you live."
Lin Yi's lips curved into a half-smile. "Spare me the theatrics. Let's get this over with."
Elder Guan slammed his fist on the stone table, silencing the crowd. "Enough! The rules are clear: life-and-death combat. No interference. The last man standing wins. Begin!"
Ma Yunliu, wise enough to know he was outmatched, stepped back to the sidelines. "I'll wait for the victor," he said, bowing respectfully. This was Lin Yi and Mu Rongfeng's blood to spill.
Mu Rongfeng took a slow step forward, his spiritual energy coiling around him like a snake. "You know, Lin Yi, I've heard the stories. How you went from First Level to Fifth in three months. How everyone calls you a 'prodigy.'" He spat the word, as if it tasted bitter. "But prodigies die young. Especially arrogant ones."
Lin Yi matched his step, the *Breezing Wind Boots* humming faintly underfoot. "Says the man who needed a life-and-death oath to敢 fight me. Afraid to lose fair and square?"
"Fair?" Mu Rongfeng laughed, a harsh, brittle sound. "Nothing in this world is fair. You think your little 'luck' with that heavenly elixir makes you better than me? I've slaved for years, clawed my way up while brats like you get handed everything!"
Lin Yi's smile faded. He'd seen that look before—in the eyes of men who blamed the world for their own failures. "If you're bitter about your life, that's your problem. Don't take it out on me."
"Take it out on you?" Mu Rongfeng's voice dropped, venomous. "You're just a pawn. A fool who stumbled into something bigger than he understands. But pawns get sacrificed."
Lin Yi's brows furrowed. *Bigger than he understands?* Was this about more than just the tournament?
Before he could press, Mu Rongfeng raised a hand, silencing him. "Save your questions. You'll be dead soon enough. And when you are, everyone will remember: Mu Rongfeng, the man who killed the 'five-spirit prodigy.'"
He reached into his robes, his fingers closing around something hidden in his sleeve. The air shifted—tensed, as if sensing danger.
Steward Zhang leaned forward, knuckles white. "What's he got?" he muttered to Qiao.
Qiao shook his head, his eyes narrowed. "No idea. But it can't be good."
Lin Yi tensed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Whatever Mu Rongfeng was planning, it had him confident enough to die for. He'd expected underhanded tricks—poison, sneak attacks—but this… this felt like something more.
"Enjoy your last moments," Mu Rongfeng said, his lips stretching into a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "Savor the sun. The breeze. Because in a minute, you'll be begging for death."
He pulled his hand from his sleeve.
In his palm lay a small, unmarked jade box.
The crowd went silent.
Lin Yi's gaze sharpened. He'd seen enough treasures in the market to recognize a high-grade storage container when he saw one. Whatever was inside was valuable—valuable enough to make a Fourth Level think he could kill a Fifth.
"What's in the box, Mu Rongfeng?" Elder Huo barked, suspicion edging his voice.
Mu Rongfeng didn't answer. He just held Lin Yi's stare, his thumb brushing the box's lid.
Lin Yi's heart hammered. *This is it.* He could feel it—the calm before the storm. Whatever was in that box, it was about to change everything.
He drew his sword, the blade catching the sunlight and flashing like a bolt of lightning. "Come on, then. Show me what you've got."
Mu Rongfeng's grin widened. He lifted the box, slowly, deliberately, as if unwrapping a gift.
The crowd leaned in, every breath bated.
And then, he opened it.