Chapter 18: The Crimson Claw's Revenge
The arena's eighth round cast a heavy pallor over Dawnriver City, the late afternoon sun filtering through a thin layer of clouds that seemed to mirror the tension below. The duel ring was a stark circle of stone, its edges worn by countless battles, the air thick with the scent of sweat and the faint ozone of qi. The crowd's anticipation hung heavy as Lin Xuan stepped forward to face Zhao Yun—a burly Crimson Claw elder with a 2nd Layer Qi Transformation aura. His crimson robes were tattered at the edges, his hands gnarled from years of claw training, and his eyes burned with a vengeful fire, fueled by the clan's recent losses to Lin Xuan. Liu Yue stood at the sidelines, her raven hair a midnight cascade, her moonlight eyes fixed on him with a mix of hope and anxiety, her golden coin clutched tightly as she murmured a quiet prayer.
The duel began with a roar—Zhao Yun unleashed a claw storm, qi talons slashing through the air with a sound like tearing silk, their tips crackling with dark energy. The crowd gasped as the first wave tore toward Lin Xuan, a net of death aimed at his torso. His heart thudded, but his training steadied him. Abyssal Lotus Step, his body gliding with mixed martial arts footwork, dodging the onslaught with a dancer's grace, the claws gouging the stone floor where he'd stood. The elder snarled, unleashing a second wave, the qi talons weaving a tighter pattern, and Lin Xuan twisted, the attack grazing his shoulder, a sharp sting flaring as blood welled and fabric tore.
Pain flared, but Lin Xuan pressed on, his crimson eyes locked on Zhao Yun. Celestial Wrath Elbow surged, blended with Muay Boran's raw power, the strike landing on the elder's forearm with a crack that echoed through the arena. Zhao Yun grunted, his stance wavering, but he retaliated with a qi-enhanced claw that slashed upward, forcing Lin Xuan to leap back with Celestial Glide, the blade missing by a hair's breadth. Tooth Dagger flashed, a silver arc that tore a gash across Zhao Yun's thigh, drawing a hiss of pain, blood staining the stone. Void Pulse Kick followed, a precise kick infused with Kyokushin power that struck the elder's knee, the joint buckling with a sickening crunch. Zhao Yun staggered, his claw storm faltering, and Lin Xuan closed in, Energy Devour surging to siphon the lingering qi. The elder collapsed, gasping, his dark qi dissipating, and the crowd erupted, their cheers a thunderous wave.
Lin Xuan's body trembled, the energy surge pushing him closer to the 9th Layer, his chest heaving as sweat beaded on his brow. As he stepped from the ring, Liu Yue rushed to him, her raven hair brushing his arm as she examined his wound, her moonlight eyes wide with relief. "Senior Brother, you're hurt!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with concern, her hands hovering as if unsure whether to touch. He waved her off, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's nothing, Junior Sister. Your support kept me steady." Her eyes softened, and that ache in his chest deepened—a bittersweet pang tied to her trust and the weight of their journey.
The Hei Clan's accusation followed, Elder Hei Long's voice booming from the stands, but Elder Gao Feng dismissed it, maintaining tournament neutrality. That night, the courtyard was a quiet haven under a starlit sky, the silver-blue flame casting warm shadows as Lin Xuan refined a pill. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed, guiding his hands as he practiced Phantom Lotus Palm, blending it with mixed martial arts jabs. The movement was fluid, a dance of qi and muscle that flowed with each breath, the jab striking the air with a sharp snap. Liu Yue sat nearby, her raven hair glowing softly, her expression a mix of pride and worry. "You were amazing today, Senior Brother," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "But the Hei Clan—they won't let this go, will they?" Her fear stirred his ache, a deep longing he couldn't name.
He paused, meeting her gaze. "Junior Sister, we've faced their wrath before and stood tall," he said, his voice gentle yet resolute. "Your strength today—it was a light in the dark. We'll endure together." She nodded, a small smile breaking through her unease, and he felt a warmth spread through him. As he resumed his training, the Crest's guidance deepened, the night air carrying the promise of battles yet to come as he prepared for the tournament's climax.