Liu Fei's breathing came in sharp bursts, but his aura surged like a blazing inferno. The crimson pill's effects coursed through him, his speed and strength multiplying beyond his usual limits.
The arena trembled under his advance.
Clang!
The spear struck Xiao Chen's saber, the force of the blow numbing his arm. The second thrust came faster, harder — this time shattering through his defense and slamming into his ribs.
Crack.
Pain erupted across his side. Bones. Broken.
Xiao Chen staggered but didn't fall.
A third strike smashed into his shoulder, nearly tearing his arm from its socket. The protective golden arms of the Heavenly Shield had long since dissipated, leaving him exposed to the raw power of Liu Fei's enhanced strikes.
"You're finished!" Liu Fei roared, his spear whirling in a blur of gold, each impact a storm meant to crush him into dust.
From the stands, the Liu Clan elders leaned forward, eyes alight with victory.
---
But Xiao Chen didn't scream.
Didn't beg.
Didn't even flinch.
He waited.
With each shattering impact, with every inch of pain that seared his body, his eyes only grew colder.
And when Liu Fei's confidence peaked — when his movements turned wild with triumph — Xiao Chen struck.
---
His Dou Qi sank into the earth.
"Ground Quake."
The arena erupted.
Jagged spikes of crimson-black energy tore upward, splitting the stone beneath Liu Fei's feet. One spike impaled his foot, nailing him to the ground before he could leap away.
He screamed — but it was cut short as Xiao Chen surged forward, his saber swinging in a vicious upward arc.
The Mahakala blade slashed across Liu Fei's chest, its malicious energy tearing through his armor's barrier, leaving a deep, burning gash.
The defensive treasure glowed faintly — its runes flickering — barely keeping him alive.
---
The golden glow around Liu Fei flickered. His pill-enhanced strength wavered.
And then Xiao Chen was on him.
He pressed the blood-humming saber against Liu Fei's throat, close enough for its malice to sting his skin.
With his free hand, he grabbed his dislocated shoulder and —
CRACK.
Realigned it with a sickening snap.
Then he pushed at his ribs, forcing the broken bones back into place with unflinching calm.
"Surrender."
The single word echoed in the silent arena.
No arrogance. No anger. Just cold command.
---
In the Xiao Clan's section, Xiao Yu's nails dug into her palms until they bled.
Her gaze locked on Xiao Chen — the boy she once defended, now cloaked in malice and power.
There was no pity in her eyes.
Only hatred.