The sky over the Outer Sect Courtyard burned with golden morning light, but the atmosphere on the ground was heavy.
A list had just been posted on the sect wall.
Monthly Open ChallengeAll disciples may issue or accept public duels. Glory, merit points, and rankings on the line.
And there it was, bold as day:
Challenger: Lei Shan (Inner Disciple)Opponent: Ye Tian (Outer Disciple)Time: Noon. Location: Sect's Arena Grounds.
Ye Tian stood in the middle of a growing crowd.
The whispers had already started:
"Is that Ye Tian again? The one who slapped two outer disciples?"
"Now he's fighting Lei Shan? That guy's at least mid Qi Condensation!"
"He's insane."
But Ye Tian remained indifferent.
[System Notification]Duel Challenge Accepted.Time Remaining: 2 hoursSuggested Preparation: Basic Physical Boosting, Internal Qi Flow, and Flame Channeling
Host, do you want to die or are you just into public humiliation? Lei Shan's got lightning spirit roots. Want me provide something spicy?
Ye Tian didn't hesitate. "Give me a power boost."
[Heaven's Wrath System – Boost Menu]Skill Unlocked:🔥 Heavenfire Pulse (Lv. 1) – Enhances physical strength and body heat resistance.⚡ Wrath Qi Surge (Lv. 1) – Explosive speed and strength boost for 10 seconds. 30 SP cost.
Remaining SP: 30 → 0
His veins bulged faintly, muscles twitching with sudden vitality.
The Flame Condensation Pills from Qin Yueran's lab kicked in.
His dantian spun.
He was ready.
At the Sect Arena Grounds – Noon
The stands overflowed with disciples, elders, and onlookers. Among them was—
Qin Yueran, standing silently, her eyes following Ye Tian.
Lin Xue, Ye Tian's ex-fiancée, sitting beside a smug-looking elder.
Elder Mo, the enforcer of the duels, floating midair with arms crossed.
"Begin," Elder Mo announced.
Lei Shan stepped forward with lightning dancing across his fists.
"You're didn't run away. Now I'll enjoy smashing your skull to the ground."
Ye Tian didn't reply.
Round 1.
Lei Shan struck like a bolt of lightning—fast, crackling, vicious.
Ye Tian dodged once, twice—then activated it.
Skill: Wrath Qi Surge – Activated.
BOOM.
Ye Tian vanished and reappeared behind Lei Shan with his fist already moving.
CRACK!
A solid punch to Lei's back sent him flying across the arena like a ball.
The crowd was shocked.
"He... hit an Inner Disciple?"
"Wait... he's... stronger than before!"
Lei Shan got up, bleeding from the mouth. "You bastard!"
Another charge. Another clash.
Then Ye Tian raised his palm—and in front of everyone, slapped Lei Shan's face.
BAMMM!
The slap echoed through the air like thunder.
[System Notification]Face-Slap Multiplier Activated!+5 Strength (Temporary)+5 SPReputation Skyrocketed among Outer DisciplesInner Disciple Reputation: Infamy +1
Host, that was magnificent. The ancestors of slap-art were impressed by your skills.
Elder Mo raised his hand hesitating. "Victory – Ye Tian."
After the match, a furious elder from Lei Shan's lineage stood up. "This is unacceptable!"
But before he could say more, another elder intervened.
"This boy… can't be left untouched or he might just come back to bite us in the future."
Meanwhile, Lin Xue looked like she'd just eaten poison.
She turned to her current fiancé, the senior brother next to her. "He's... changed."
Qin Yueran walked away silently, but a tiny smile curved her lips.
Later That Evening
Ye Tian sat by a cliff, bruised but not very injured.
[System Update]SP: 5/100Wrath Qi Surge (Lv. 1) – Mastery: 10%Reputation: Outer Sect – High | Inner Sect – Noticed
Host, you slapped someone in front of the entire sect. I'm proud of you. Want your next mission? Or maybe you want a bath first?
Ye Tian stared at the sky and smirked.
"I'm just getting started."