Chapter 17 – The Duel of Fates
The early morning mist clung to the training grounds like a veil. The sun was rising slowly, painting the clouds in hues of crimson and gold, as if the heavens themselves knew blood would be spilled today.
Kai stood in the center of the dueling platform, his heart calm yet burning with anticipation. His hand rested on the hilt of his newly refined spirit sword, Moonshadow, its blade humming faintly as if eager to taste battle.
Around the arena, disciples from every corner of the sect gathered. The clash between Kai and Elder Yuan's chosen disciple, Liang Chen, was not just a duel—it was a battle for honor, for survival, and for recognition in a world that had never taken him seriously.
At his back stood the women who had already become entwined with his path—Mei Lin, the icy swordswoman, her eyes sharp with pride; Lian Hua, the mischievous rogue, smirking with anticipation; Princess Yue, standing tall, regal even among cultivators; and Su Xinyi, the beast-tamer, her quiet gaze full of unspoken worry.
Each of them knew this duel was dangerous. Each of them also knew Kai's victory would solidify his rising legend.
The Conversation Before the Storm
Lian Hua leaned closer, whispering so only Kai could hear.
"Don't lose, Kai. If you do, I'll have to find someone else to tease, and that would be boring."
Kai chuckled softly. "With stakes like that, how could I dare lose?"
Mei Lin frowned. Her voice carried both sternness and a hint of care.
"Focus, Kai. Liang Chen is ruthless. He'll exploit any weakness, even if it means killing you."
"I know," Kai replied, meeting her gaze steadily. "That's why I'll show no weakness."
Princess Yue's lips curved in a faint smile. "You sound like a true cultivator now. Remember, victory is not just for yourself. Every step forward means the world follows you."
Su Xinyi's soft voice finally broke the silence. "Be careful. My beasts sense his killing intent. It's stronger than anything they've felt from a human."
Kai gave them all a nod. "I'll be fine. Trust me."
As he stepped onto the dueling stage, the System's familiar voice echoed in his mind.
[Quest Triggered: Duel of Fates]
Opponent: Liang Chen – Core Disciple, Earth Realm Stage 4.
Objective: Survive and achieve victory.
Bonus: +5000 Desire Points if victory is overwhelming.
Reward for defeat: None. (Death Probability: 73%)
Kai smirked inwardly. So, it's life or death once again. Figures.
The Duel Begins
Liang Chen approached with his long spear, his black robes billowing with the wind. His eyes narrowed in disdain.
"You're just a reincarnated nobody, Kai. You should have stayed in the shadows instead of reaching for the heavens. Today, I'll break you."
Kai's lips curled into a thin smile. "You can try. But I've already touched the heavens you speak of."
The referee, an elder of the sect, raised his hand. "This is an official duel. No interference will be tolerated. Begin!"
The moment his hand fell, Liang Chen's spear shot forward like a dragon, its tip glowing with earthen qi.
Kai sidestepped, his body flowing like water, Moonshadow slicing upward in a swift counter. Sparks flew as spear met sword. The clash reverberated like thunder.
Dialogue in Combat
Liang Chen sneered as he pressed forward.
"Your sword is flashy, but it won't pierce my defense."
Kai blocked another thrust, his movements fluid but heavy with intent.
"Defense is useless when the heart trembles. Tell me, Liang Chen… do you fear losing?"
The words made Liang Chen's eyes flash with anger.
"Arrogant fool! I'll crush you!"
He unleashed a flurry of spear strikes, each one carrying the weight of a mountain. The ground cracked beneath them. Dust and debris scattered into the air.
Kai's sword danced, each slash like moonlight cutting through darkness. He was pushed back, step by step, but his calm never wavered.
From the sidelines, Mei Lin's hand tightened around her own sword hilt.
"He's baiting him. Clever, but dangerous."
Lian Hua smirked. "That's Kai for you. Always playing with fire."
The Turning Point
Liang Chen roared, his qi exploding outward. "Earth Dragon Spear Art—Third Form!"
A colossal dragon of earthen energy coiled around his spear and lunged at Kai. The crowd gasped in awe.
Kai narrowed his eyes. Instead of retreating, he charged forward.
"Moonshadow Technique—Second Bloom!"
His blade erupted in silver light, splitting into countless afterimages. The sword shadows met the earthen dragon head-on.
The clash shook the arena. The dragon shattered into fragments of qi, but the backlash sent Kai skidding backward, blood at the corner of his lips.
Liang Chen smirked. "You can't match me!"
But Kai only wiped the blood away and smiled faintly.
"I just needed to see your trump card."
The System's Whisper
[System Alert: Emotion Surge Detected]
Mei Lin's Concern: +120 Desire Points
Lian Hua's Amusement: +80 Desire Points
Yue's Faith: +150 Desire Points
Su Xinyi's Worry: +110 Desire Points
Current Boost: Strength +10%, Speed +12%
Kai felt warmth flooding through him as their emotions connected with him. His body felt lighter, faster, sharper.
He whispered under his breath, "Thank you, all of you."
Final Exchange
Liang Chen roared in fury. "Die, Kai!"
He thrust his spear with killing intent. The attack tore through the air like a comet.
Kai's eyes sharpened. He stepped forward, Moonshadow humming with power.
"This is my answer!"
His sword slashed in a perfect arc, guided not just by technique, but by the strength of his bonds, his desires, his determination.
The blade cut through Liang Chen's spear shaft, then slashed across his chest. Blood sprayed into the air.
Liang Chen stumbled, falling to his knees, his weapon broken.
"No… this can't be…"
Kai lowered his sword, his voice calm but firm.
"This is the path I walk. If you want to stop me, then stand again. Otherwise… yield."
The arena fell silent. Then the elder referee spoke, his tone heavy.
"The duel is over. Kai is the victor."
Aftermath
The crowd erupted in shouts, some in disbelief, others in awe.
Mei Lin rushed forward, her icy expression cracking as she spoke.
"You reckless fool… you could have died."
Kai grinned weakly. "But I didn't. I promised I'd win, remember?"
She glared at him but couldn't hide the faint blush on her cheeks.
Lian Hua clapped her hands, laughing. "Now that was entertaining! You really know how to keep a girl interested."
Princess Yue stepped closer, her eyes shining with pride. "You fought not only with strength but with heart. That is why you won."
Su Xinyi knelt beside him, gently pressing a healing pill into his hand. "Please… don't scare me like that again."
Kai's chest warmed at their words. But before he could respond, the System chimed again.
[Quest Complete: Duel of Fates]
Reward: 5000 Desire Points, +1 Cultivation Rank, +New Skill Unlocked: Bond Resonance.
Kai's eyes widened. Bond Resonance?
The System explained:
[Bond Resonance: When fighting with strong emotional support from bonded partners, user gains temporary power boosts proportional to their feelings.]
Kai smiled faintly. So, the more they believe in me, the stronger I become…
A Plot Twist Emerges
Just as the crowd began to disperse, Elder Yuan himself appeared, his face twisted with fury.
"You dare humiliate my disciple? You dare trample on my prestige?"
The air grew heavy with his killing intent. Many disciples trembled, backing away.
Kai raised his sword again despite his exhaustion.
"If he lost fairly, then accept it. Or do you wish to challenge me yourself?"
Gasps erupted. The audacity of those words echoed across the arena.
Elder Yuan's eyes burned with hatred. "You insolent brat… I will not forget this insult. From today on, you are my enemy."
He turned and left, his aura shaking the ground with every step.
The women gathered closer around Kai. Mei Lin whispered, "You've just made the most dangerous enemy in the sect."
Kai sheathed his sword, his expression calm but resolute.
"Then I'll just have to grow stronger. With all of you by my side… I won't lose."
Chapter End Tease
As night fell, the sect was buzzing with rumors of Kai's victory. But deep in the shadows, another figure watched, cloaked in darkness.
"The reincarnated one… his growth is faster than expected. The Blight will take interest soon. We must act before it is too late."
The fate of Kai, his women, and the entire world was moving toward an even greater storm.