Steel rang against steel.
Liu Shen's blade slid along the Phoenix General's spear, sparks spraying like molten petals. The air between them burned—each clash sending waves of heat through the ruined courtyard.
"You've been holding back," Liu Shen said, his voice calm even as his stance shifted.
The Phoenix General's eyes narrowed. "And you've been provoking me."
Their weapons locked again. The spear's shaft twisted like a living thing, flame flowing along its length, forcing Liu Shen to yield half a step. The ground beneath his feet cracked, molten veins creeping outward.
"You remind me of him," the General said suddenly, his tone low. "The man who once burned half the Empire in a single night—your past self."
Liu Shen smirked. "And you think a little nostalgia will keep me from taking your head?"
The General didn't answer. Instead, his qi surged, the courtyard filling with phoenix cries. A colossal bird of fire descended from above, talons outstretched.
Liu Shen moved. The Abyssal Beacon in his left hand pulsed, its black light tearing through the edges of the phoenix's flame. He cut upward, his sword tracing an arc that split the bird in two.
Flames scattered, falling like burning feathers.
The General lunged through them, spear tip aiming for Liu Shen's throat. Liu Shen caught it with his bare palm, the flesh of his hand hissing as the heat seared him.
He didn't flinch.
Instead, he pulled the spear forward, dragging the General off-balance. His sword swung, black qi wrapping the blade like a shadow given form.
The General blocked—barely.
"You've grown stronger since the Abyss," the General said, pushing back with a grunt. "But strength alone won't change what's coming. Even now, Heaven's eyes are on you."
Liu Shen's gaze sharpened. "Let them watch."
A pulse of black and crimson qi burst from his body, forcing the General several paces back. The burning feathers around them twisted, drawn into Liu Shen's shadow like water down a whirlpool.
The courtyard fell silent except for the slow, deliberate sound of Liu Shen stepping forward.
"This fight," he said, his voice like a blade unsheathing, "ends with me."