Chapter 18: The Crimson Claw's Revenge
The arena's eighth round cast a heavy pallor over Dawnriver City. Lin Xuan stepped into the ring to face Zhao Yun, a burly Crimson Claw elder with a 2nd Layer Qi Transformation aura. His eyes burned with a vengeful fire. Liu Yue watched from the sidelines, her moonlight eyes fixed on him with a mix of hope and anxiety.
The duel began with a roar. Zhao Yun unleashed a claw storm, qi talons slashing through the air. Lin Xuan's heart thudded, but his training steadied him. Abyssal Lotus Step carried him aside, the claws gouging the stone. Pain flared as a second wave grazed his shoulder.
He pressed on, his crimson eyes locked on Zhao Yun. Celestial Wrath Elbow surged, cracking the elder's forearm. Zhao Yun retaliated, forcing Lin Xuan to leap back with Celestial Glide. Tooth Dagger tore a gash across Zhao Yun's thigh, and Void Pulse Kick snapped the elder's knee. Zhao Yun staggered, and Lin Xuan's Energy Devour surged, pushing him closer to the 9th Layer.
Liu Yue rushed to him, her moonlight eyes wide with relief. "Senior Brother, you're hurt!" He waved her off, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's nothing, Junior Sister. Your support kept me steady."
Elder Hei Long's accusation followed, but Elder Gao Feng dismissed it. That night, the courtyard was a quiet haven. Lin Xuan refined a pill, his Celestial Unity Crest guiding his practice of Phantom Lotus Palm with mixed martial arts jabs. Liu Yue sat nearby, her moonlight eyes filled with both pride and worry. "The Hei Clan—they won't let this go, will they?"
"Junior Sister, we've faced their wrath before and stood tall," he said, his voice gentle yet resolute. "We'll endure together."