The thunderous silence of the arena turned tense once again as the inner court disciples arrived.
Twelve figures descended from the high platform, each radiating cultivated authority and smug entitlement. Among them stood Han Zixuan, top-ranked inner court disciple and direct heir of Elder Han, one of the sect's supreme elders.
A handsome, sword-wielding prodigy with long silver-blue robes, Zixuan oozed confidence.
He looked at Ye Feng as though he were a wandering beggar who'd stumbled into a royal banquet.
"So, this is the clown everyone's whispering about?" Han Zixuan said, voice lazy. "Congratulations. You've gained popularity… with commoners."
[New Event Triggered: "Judgment Trial – Final Round"]▸ Opponent: Han Zixuan – Rank 1 Inner Disciple▸ Danger Level: High▸ Challenge Bonus: Triple Reputation▸ Risk: Elder Intervention – Possible
The Provocation
Ye Feng smiled. Calm. Casual. Confident.
"You speak too much," he said. "Let's see if your face is as sturdy as your mouth."
The crowd gasped. Lin Ruyan inhaled sharply from her pavilion. Wei Qingyue chuckled behind her fan.
Han Zixuan's smile faded. "Very well. But don't blame me if you can't speak again after this."
Battle Start
Zixuan's sword gleamed, imbued with blue lightning qi. He moved with frightening speed, dashing forward, blade aimed at Ye Feng's throat.
[Danger! Speed exceeds base reaction time!]▸ Activate Phantom Pulse Strike – Defensive Counter?▸ Additional: Slap Returner Chain (Lv. 3)
Ye Feng leaned back… and slapped forward.
CRACK.
Not the sword—the face.
Han Zixuan was hit mid-strike, the blow clean across his cheek. He spun in place, landing with a thunderous boom ten feet away.
[Face-Slap Critical!]+250 EXP+4 Infamy+1 Charisma▸ "Phantom Pulse Strike" caused temporary qi disruption in Zixuan's meridians▸ Zixuan cannot circulate lightning qi for 3 seconds
The Crowd Goes Wild
"Impossible!"
"He slapped Han Zixuan? Direct disciple of Elder Han?!"
Even the elders stirred in their seats. One stood abruptly. "Elder Han, your disciple has been dishonored!"
Elder Han's eyes narrowed, but he stayed seated.
"Let's see how far this peasant can go."
Second Wave – No Mercy
Zixuan roared, surging back with a thunderclap. His strikes came faster now—aggressive, reckless.
But Ye Feng… only smiled.
[System Combo Activated: Slap Returner + Mockery Multiplier + Iron Palm]
Ye Feng dodged to the left, slapped once across the jaw.
Then once again.
Then backhanded.
Three crisp slaps. One word per strike.
"You." SLAP"Talk." SLAP"Too." SLAP"Much." SLAP
[Slap Combo x4 Achieved!]+300 EXP+New Passive Unlocked: Thunder Resistance (Lv. 1)– Reduces lightning qi damage by 15%
Han Zixuan collapsed, bleeding from the mouth, unable to rise.
The crowd was frozen. Then—
Applause. Thunderous applause.
Ye Feng – Post Final Trial Stats
Strength: 28
Agility: 21
Charisma: 22
Reputation: 290
Infamy: 8
Favorability (Qingyue): 25
Favorability (Ruyan): 16 (and growing unstable)
Skills:
Slap Returner (Lv. 3)
Mockery Multiplier (Lv. 2)
Phantom Pulse Strike (Lv. 1)
Ghost Vein Palm (Lv. 1)
Iron Palm Art (Lv. 3)
Thunder Resistance (Lv. 1)
Slap Aftershock (Passive)
Iron Face (Passive)
Titles:
Trialbreaker
Face-Slap Monarch
Public Enemy (Hidden)
Aftermath
As Ye Feng walked off the arena platform, silence parted like waves before him.
Even the elders were unsure how to punish… or praise.
Wei Qingyue watched him descend, her cheeks tinged red.
Lin Ruyan gripped the railing tightly, conflicted.
She had betrayed him… but the man walking below was not someone she could ever mock again.