"Everyone is expected to fight a total of five times, as they will be paired randomly with anyone within the first hundred of their rank. Defeating someone of a higher rank than yours will result in you taking over their position," the guard said.
"Now… it's time to fight!!!"
****
The first pairing started strong as two people ranked in the top 10 strongest were put against each other. Yoon Doyun, ranked 6th in terms of strength, son of Yoon Baekryeon, Sect Leader of the White Tiger Hall — the fearless Snow Beast, with qi that roars like thunder — and Han Juwon, the 8th in the ranking, son of Han Gwang, Elder of the Iron Forest School — trained since infancy in iron-body cultivation and possessed one of the strongest defenses among all the children. Even Mia would have a tough time against his defense if she didn't use poison arts.
The atmosphere was heated as both made their way to the platform that was recently made for battle. Low murmurs filled the stands as the next pair stepped forward. A battle between attack and defense — who else could top that matchup?
Even the top five highest-ranked children were curious. It's not every day that one gets to see the top ranks fight with their full strength, with their lives on the line.
The two started sizing themselves up in perfect form, hands clasped. There was mutual respect in their eyes, but beneath that, a hunger to win — a hunger for absolute victory.
When the guards signaled the start of the fight, both moved.
Doyun acted first, rushing forward as qi burst from his feet in a silver-white flare. The Thunderstep Art — a signature of the White Tiger Hall that specializes in speed and destruction. The air cracked as he closed the distance, fist arcing like a bolt of lightning.
Han Juwon didn't flinch. He exhaled once, sinking his stance as his skin took on a faint bronze sheen. Iron Vein Technique — Second Form: Rooted Pine.
Doyun's fist slammed into his chest, the sound like striking an anvil. Juwon slid back only a handspan.
A faint grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You'll need more than that, Doyun."
He countered with a heavy downward strike — Mountain-Crushing Palm — each motion slow but weighty enough to make the air tremble. Doyun ducked under, his footwork tracing a flowing pattern, White Tiger Steps: Shadow Pounce.
He retaliated with three rapid punches, each imbued with vibrating qi that burst like thunderclaps, sending gusts of wind to the onlookers.
Thunder-Fist Triple Strike!
The third blow landed square on Juwon's ribs, and for the first time, his defense rippled. Dust rose from the floor as Juwon staggered back two steps.
But the Iron Forest disciple recovered instantly. His muscles flexed, qi reinforcing his meridians, and he drove a knee upward. Doyun blocked with both arms, but the impact still sent him sliding several meters backward.
The crowd roared. The power of the top 10 was indeed something to fear.
Both fighters paused, panting lightly — testing, reading each other.
Then Juwon advanced.
He began rotating his arms slowly, gathering his qi inward.
Iron Body Art — Fourth Layer: Forged Steel Flow. His body now gleamed faintly, movements heavier but unstoppable.
He charged. Each step cracked the stone floor. Doyun spun aside, using the White Tiger Step's Fifth Pattern — Gale Circle — barely avoiding a sweeping backhand that could have broken his jaw.
The air between them grew dense with qi pressure.
Doyun's mind raced.
"He's too sturdy for frontal attacks. I'll have to break through his defense one way or the other…"
He closed his eyes for a heartbeat, centering his breathing. When he reopened them, the white gleam in his pupils sharpened — Thunder Qi Resonance, a technique that channeled his energy through every limb.
He dashed in, feinting left then striking right — palm glowing with condensed energy.
White Tiger Claw!
Juwon blocked with crossed forearms, sparks flying as qi collided. The sound was like grinding metal.
Both were pushed back — Doyun coughed lightly from the recoil, Juwon's forearms trembling from the vibration.
And still, neither yielded.
Juwon's stance dropped lower — the Iron Root Stance, known for immovable defense. He planted his feet and exhaled, converting his last reserves of qi into sheer durability.
Doyun circled him, breathing heavily. He could feel his thunder qi flickering, nearing exhaustion.
But he charged one last time. Even though his heart started to waver and his body screamed with exhaustion, he still attempted once more.
White Tiger Final Form — Heavenly Roar.
Qi erupted from his entire body, wrapping him in a storm of silver light. The ground shattered beneath his feet as he leapt high, both fists descending like twin bolts of lightning.
Han Juwon crossed his arms and activated his final defense, Iron Body Technique — Sixth Form: Living Fortress. His skin darkened to metallic black.
The collision sounded like a thunderstorm crashing through the arena.
A blinding flash.
A shockwave that made the banners flutter violently.
When the dust settled, both were still standing — barely. But Doyun suffered the most damage from the shockwave. His body started to waver, and he was out of strength.
Finally, it seemed that Doyun's tank was emptied — time for Juwon to take advantage of the wounded tiger.
With a slow exhale, cracks formed along Juwon's arms. The iron-qi shell splintered and crumbled away. He finally let go of his defense and shifted to absolute offense.
With a powerful strike, he attacked the weakened Doyun, who was still on his knees struggling to get up. The attack was too powerful — it sent him flying to the far back of the stage, leaving him motionless.
Juwon turned his back. Happy, excited... He was filled with every emotion that depicted happiness, turning his back from the motionless Doyun toward Mia, who was amongst the audience.
And as for Mia, she smiled, sending a sinister chill down Juwon's spine. He wondered why this bitch would smile as though things were going exactly as she expected.
But behind Juwon's view — as he was heavily focused on Mia —
Doyun staggered too, holding his bruised fists, but managed to stay upright.
A large, heavy Qi began to rise from Doyun as the origin. He sent out a powerful burst of energy that matched Juwon, who was about to turn toward him.
Doyun ripped Juwon's head clean off his body using a demonic technique no one saw coming. Blood dripped from the lifeless head in his hand as Juwon's body fell motionless to the floor.
The audience were in awe — terrified. With this, it sent out a message to everyone present: losing might just cost you your life.
To be continued...