Chapter 14: Struggle of the Forgotten
The arena's atmosphere is charged with tension after Bai Si's elegant domination.
Now, two less celebrated figures take the stage:
Liu Bing, the once-proud noble now nearly forgotten.
Rong Hai, the confident spear-wielder known for overwhelming his opponents with brute strength.
The crowd murmurs.
"Liu Bing? He's still in this?"
"He hasn't even reached Rank 3…"
Across from him, Rong Hai smirks, spinning his long spear.
"You should have stayed off the stage, prince. You're not made for this."
Liu Bing tightens his grip on the sword. His eyes burn, not with pride — but with determination.
Elder Fang Lanyue raises her hand.
"Begin."
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Battle: Liu Bing vs. Rong Hai
Rong Hai dashes forward like a tempest, spear blurring.
"Thunderstrike Fang!"
The spear lashes out, multiple thrusts in the blink of an eye.
Liu Bing barely parries the first — the second scrapes past his side, drawing blood. The third smashes into his shoulder, forcing him back.
The crowd laughs.
"He's finished already."
Liu Bing staggers, coughing, but doesn't fall. His sword trembles — then ignites in a faint crimson flame.
"Burning Will Slash!"
He charges. No technique, just raw force and desperation.
The burning blade arcs through the air.
Rong Hai's eyes widen — he blocks too late.
A searing cut slashes across his ribs. He grits his teeth, barely holding his footing.
Then he roars in fury and retaliates.
"Spiral Dragon Lunge!"
The spear spins like a vortex, crashing down toward Liu Bing's chest.
Liu Bing raises his sword.
CLANG!
The impact throws both of them back.
Dust rises.
Both stand, panting, wounded.
Elder Fang Lanyue floats down, eyes calm.
"…Draw."
Gasps echo.
A draw?
Liu Bing — the forgotten prince — had drawn with Rong Hai, the ranked favorite?
The crowd grows silent. Then murmurs ripple. Some sneer, but others stare with new eyes.
Liu Bing walks off, covered in blood, but standing tall.
His hands tremble… but his eyes shine with stubborn fire.