C10 Life and Death Challenge

Whoosh!

A slender figure darted through the forest, wielding an enormous broadsword that, astonishingly, lacked a sharpened edge. What good was an unsharpened sword?

Boom!

The young man struck, slamming the massive sword down onto a boulder with ferocious power.

Instantly, a thunderous noise echoed as the boulder fractured, webbed with countless cracks before exploding into a shower of stone shards.

The lean youth didn't pause after his strike. He swung the sword again, each motion generating a howling wind, then crashed it into several towering trees.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

With each impact, the trees burst apart, scattering sawdust across the sky.

"The Heavy Strike Sword Technique consists of nine powerful blows, and I've mastered them all," declared Xiao Ling, having devoted himself to the technique's rigorous training.

"Fierce Flame Fist, explode!"

Leaping onto a tree branch, Xiao Ling clenched his hand into a fist, channeling his Yuan Qi to ignite it with wild flames, then hurled it down at a nearby pond.

Boom!

The water erupted, splashing everywhere as the pond's surface boiled furiously.

"The Fiery Flame Fist has also seen progress," Xiao Ling observed, pleased with his progress.

"Ling, let me test the fruits of your recent labor," a stunning girl with a silver sword said, her smile beaming at the resolute Xiao Ling.

"Xi'er, go ahead. I'm eager to see the outcome of my recent training," Xiao Ling replied with a slight smile, recalling how Yun Xi's relentless training had often left him bested. Her formidable strength was truly remarkable.

"Here I come!"

Yun Xi's smile widened as she gracefully closed the distance to Xiao Ling in an instant. Her silver sword, held in her delicate hand, struck with the agility and cunning of a serpent, aiming for Xiao Ling.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Specks of cold light twinkled like stars, breathtaking in their beauty.

"Bring it on!"

Xiao Ling's expression was grave as he lunged forward with the Edgeless Sword.

"First strike!"

Swoosh!

With a swing of the Edgeless Sword, a gust of wind roared to life, scattering leaves in a wild dance.

Clang!

The Edgeless Sword clashed with the silver sword, and Yun Xi's blade seemed to spring to life, gliding along the flat of Xiao Ling's sword, aiming a thrust at him.

Xiao Ling was no stranger to this tactic; he had tasted defeat at the hands of Yun Xi's enigmatic swordplay before.

"Second strike!"

Undaunted by the threat, Xiao Ling swept the Edgeless Sword before him, parrying the silver sword's advance.

Yet, after fending off the initial attack, Yun Xi's lithe figure shifted, her silver sword flicking deftly, releasing bursts of sword qi that shot towards Xiao Ling with deadly intent.

"Third strike!"

Xiao Ling retreated, his Edgeless Sword a blur as he deflected the onslaught of sword qi.

Whoosh!

The moment Xiao Ling neutralized the sword qi, Yun Xi leaped, positioning herself above him, her silver sword descending in a swift strike.

Xiao Ling, fully engrossed, met Yun Xi's fluid assault with unwavering concentration, deflecting her attacks with every ounce of his being.

As their exchange intensified, Xiao Ling's movements evolved from hesitant to assured, skillfully neutralizing Yun Xi's offensive.

"Ninth strike, shatter!"

He bellowed, stepping back to channel his life force, the Edgeless Sword sweeping across with a force that tore through the air.

Boom!

The Edgeless Sword's path was marked by explosive force, embodying the principle of overpowering finesse with raw strength.

"Well done."

Yun Xi watched the oncoming Edgeless Sword with an admiring smile, her beauty spellbinding. Her silver sword twirled gracefully, weaving a dance of light as cold rays pierced the air.

"One Sword's Chill!"

At Yun Xi's delicate cry, the cold light surged forth like a torrential river, clashing with the howling Edgeless Sword.

Thunderous rumbling!

As they collided, it was as though thunder had struck, unleashing a maelstrom of berserk origin energy that swept through the area, toppling the mighty trees and kicking up clouds of dust.

"Xi'er, brace yourself for another one of my Fiery Flame Fists."

Xiao Ling leaped from the swirling dust, his arm ablaze with intense flames, and launched an attack towards Yun Xi.

"Man Seal."

With a serene smile, Yun Xi planted her silver sword into the earth, her delicate hands forming a seal. A white light palm print materialized before her, which she then thrust towards Xiao Ling.

Boom!

The Fiery Flame Fist met the Man Seal head-on, and the clash reignited the violent Yuan Qi, stirring the dust into a frenzy once more.

"Xi'er, you never cease to impress."

Retreating a few steps, Xiao Ling admired the still-smiling Yun Xi and gave her a thumbs-up in admiration.

He had come to deeply appreciate the girl's formidable abilities and suspected that Yun Xi's true strength was even greater than she had shown.

"Ling, you've made quite the progress."

Yun Xi sheathed her sword and gracefully approached Xiao Ling, remarking, "You've been improving rapidly lately. Give it a few years, and you'll surpass me."

In response to Yun Xi's compliment, Xiao Ling chuckled, playfully flicked her nose, and declared, "Once I'm strong enough, I'll be able to protect you, and we won't have to worry about anyone's idle chatter."

They exchanged looks, their laughter mingling in the air.

Awoo!

A golden figure darted from the shadows to Xiao Ling and Yun Xi's side, howling excitedly.

"Xiaojin, are you hungry?"

Xiao Ling grinned at the endearing Xiaojin, scooping him up and stroking his fur. Turning to Yun Xi, he observed, "Xiaojin's growing up fast; he's already weaned. It's no surprise he's such an extraordinary creature."

"We should find some food."

Yun Xi nodded in agreement, "I think Xiaojin's eager for a meal."

Awoo!

Intelligent Xiaojin seemed to grasp Yun Xi's words and howled with anticipation, his large eyes sparkling as he gazed at Xiao Ling and Yun Xi.

"Let's go find something to eat."

Xiao Ling touched his nose, smiling.

...

The bonfire crackled, and atop it, several fish grilled, wafting a tantalizing aroma.

Xiao Ling sat cross-legged nearby, his hands forming seals as he practiced his cultivation.

These days, aside from honing his Martial Skills, he had been hunting Demonic Beasts.

In the process, not only had he amassed a wealth of combat experience, but he had also transformed the beasts' carcasses into vital energy for his own use.

Additionally, he had collected numerous Demon Crystals, all of which he had fed to Xiaojin.

Xiaojin was thriving, voraciously consuming the Demon Crystals. Now the size of a small dog, it was energetic and endearing.

"I'm at the pinnacle of a Seven-star Martial Cultivator, just one step away from reaching the Eight-star level."

Xiao Ling's eyes snapped open, a glint of light fleeting across them, just as a golden blur leapt at him.

"Xiaojin, cut it out."

Watching Xiaojin lick his face like a puppy, Xiao Ling chuckled, resigned, "If you're going to lick, go lick Xi'er. Her skin is much softer than mine."

"Brother Xiao Ling, stop teasing!"

Yun Xi blushed a deep apple red and shoved the grilled fish she was holding into Xiao Ling's mouth.

"It was just a joke. No need to take it so seriously."

Xiao Ling took the grilled fish and passed it to Xiaojin, who gobbled it down in seconds, then continued to cling to him.

"It's really odd."

Yun Xi poked at the bonfire, glancing at Xiao Ling with a smile. "Xiaojin clings to you like glue and won't even play with me anymore."

"Is she female?"

Xiao Ling looked surprised, lifted Xiaojin to check, then nodded, "Indeed, it's probably a case of like repelling like and opposites attracting."

"Brother Ling..."

Yun Xi giggled behind her hand, "Xiaojin adores eating Demon Crystals. It's already as strong as a martial artist. With the right training, once it reaches the Martial Spirit level, it'll surely be a tremendous asset to you."

The grilled fish we're enjoying? All thanks to Xiaojin's catch from the water.

"Indeed."

As Xiao Ling stroked Xiaojin, he mused, "The little guy has quite the appetite. Once we're back at the academy, I'm not sure what I'll feed it."

"Demon Crystals are only gained from hunting demonic beasts, after all. It looks like I'll need to master a skill and make a fortune just to keep Xiaojin fed."

Awoo.

Xiaojin seemed to grasp Xiao Ling's concerns, gazing up at him with big, golden eyes filled with a pitiful plea, as if it feared being abandoned.

"Xiaojin, rest easy."

Xiao Ling assured with a warm smile, "As long as I, Xiao Ling, have a bite to eat, you'll never go hungry."

Awoo.

Hearing this, Xiaojin joyfully entwined itself around Xiao Ling.

"Xi'er, it's time for me to head back."

Looking up at Yun Xi, he declared, "A month has nearly passed, and I must return to honor the life-and-death duel."

His pact with Lin Wu was the driving force behind his relentless training.

"The time has come for your return."

Yun Xi's smile was encouraging. "I have faith that with your strength, Brother Ling, you will surely defeat Lin Wu!"

In recent days, Xiao Ling had tirelessly honed his Heavy Strike Sword Technique and Ardent Flame Fist, reaching the pinnacle of the Seven-star realm. His power was now on par with Lin Wu's.

"I wonder how Lin Wu's training has progressed."

Gazing toward the distant Holy Martial Institute, Xiao Ling's eyes shimmered with unwavering resolve. This time, he was determined to reclaim his honor and wipe away past humiliations.

...

Meanwhile, within a bamboo grove at the Holy Martial Institute, a young man in white stood with eyes closed. With a subtle shift in stance, his Edgeless Sword swiftly lashed out, striking swiftly in every direction.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A barrage of explosions tore through the air, shredding the dense bamboo into fragments and reducing it to a shower of wood shavings that gently drifted to the ground.

"The Explosive Sword Technique is now perfected."

Lin Wu's eyes snapped open, blazing with unshakable confidence. He was certain that with his martial prowess and mastery of the sword, he would claim the title of the foremost warrior among the youth of the Holy Martial Institute.

"Brother Wu, congratulations on perfecting your sword technique!"

Standing nearby, Lin Xuan was quick to offer his commendation. "With that sword art, Brother Wu, you could easily dispatch that waste Xiao Ling in a single strike."

"Has that piece of trash not returned yet?" Lin Wu asked coolly as he sheathed his sword.

He was utterly unconcerned about Xiao Ling's challenge to a life-and-death duel; victory was assuredly his.

"Not yet," Lin Xuan responded through clenched teeth. "I'm just worried he'll dodge the duel by not showing up at all!"

The memory of his own defeat at Xiao Ling's hands cast a shadow over Lin Xuan's expression, darkening it with resentment.

"If that trash dares to return, then we might as well expect the sun to rise in the west," Lin Wu scoffed, Xiao Ling far from his thoughts.

Just then, a young man came running up, panting, "Senior Brother Lin, Xiao Ling has returned!"

At those words, Lin Wu's expression stiffened, a look of disbelief flashing across his eyes.

Could it be that Xiao Ling, that trash, had actually come back seeking his own demise?