Chapter 17: The Arena Standoff
The moment Elder Mo's murderous shout echoed across the cracked arena, Jason Wu felt hundreds of eyes turn toward him. Some were shocked, some terrified, and others… relieved. As if finally, someone else would take the heat.
"Jason Wu! Step forward this instant!" Elder Mo roared, veins bulging on his forehead.
Jason whispered under his breath, "He acts like I stole his wife."
*"If you did, I would applaud,"* Pedang Longwu commented dryly. *"But no, this one is unstable even by villain standards."*
Ayla Xueyin grabbed Jason's sleeve, her voice quiet but trembling. "Jason… Elder Mo's aura is unstable. He's angry enough to start a massacre."
Jason smiled slightly, placing his hand over hers. "Then I have to make sure no disciple gets hurt."
Levi stepped forward. "Boss Jason, we'll back you up."
Branja crossed his arms and cracked his knuckles. "Yeah. If that old man tries anything, he'll have to deal with all of us."
Jason's heart warmed. Brotherhood wasn't something he looked for—it simply formed around him.
He stepped onto the arena floor, the cracked stones crunching under his boots. The air felt heavy, saturated with killing intent. The rogue mercenary next to Elder Mo eyed Jason like he was measuring prey.
Jason tilted his head. "So… who's the guest? He looks like a walking tax evasion problem."
Levi choked on his own spit. Ayla covered her mouth. Even some trembling inner disciples nearly snorted.
The mercenary didn't react. His face stayed as cold as steel.
Elder Mo's eyes flashed with fury. "Jason Wu, your insolence ends today!"
Jason raised a hand. "Before we begin your monologue, Elder Mo… perhaps you should explain why you brought a *Black Fang Mercenary Hall* enforcer into our sacred sect. Seems a little questionable."
Gasps erupted from the watching disciples.
Someone whispered, "Black Fang? Aren't they banned in three kingdoms?"
Another muttered, "Elder Mo really went that far?"
Mo's expression twisted. "Silence! This has nothing to do with you brats!"
Jason chuckled. "Interesting choice of words from someone caught destroying Hall of Records property this morning."
The arena grew dead silent.
Elder Mo's face turned purple. "You—! You dare spread such lies?!"
Jason waved his hand. "Not lies. Evidence is being gathered as we speak."
Behind him, Ayla Xueyin stepped forward elegantly, her presence calm and refined. "Indeed. Several jade slips have been recovered. Financial discrepancies lead directly to you, Elder Mo."
Gasps erupted again. Some disciples looked pale; others excited. The sect hadn't seen drama like this in years.
The mercenary finally spoke, voice low and gravelly. "Are you done talking? My contract states I must remove one person. Jason Wu. Step forward."
He drew a massive curved blade glowing with faint red Qi.
Jason raised a brow. "You know, at least introduce yourself. I can't just get murdered by some nameless tax criminal."
Levi whisper-yelled from behind, "Stop calling him a tax criminal!"
Too late.
The mercenary's killing intent thickened. "I am Gorath of Black Fang."
Jason blinked. "Gorath? Sounds like a digestive medicine."
Ayla almost lost her composure. Even Branja struggled to contain a laugh.
Elder Mo exploded. "Enough! Gorath, kill him!"
The mercenary surged forward, his Qi exploding outward. He was strong—Peak Qi Ascension Realm, maybe brushing Spirit Core.
Jason's expression sharpened instantly. Humor vanished. Calm settled over him like a blade entering its sheath.
Pedang Longwu vibrated with anticipation.
*"Careful, brat. This one isn't a pushover."*
Jason lowered his stance. "I know."
Gorath swung his blade, the strike heavy enough to split stone. Jason dodged by sliding to the side just in time. The blade carved a crater where he had stood.
BOOM!
Dust flew everywhere.
Jason countered with a palm strike, channeling his rising Qi—still Early Qi, but enhanced by the dormant Dragon Soul Seed inside him.
His strike connected with Gorath's abdomen.
The mercenary grunted, sliding three steps back.
Whispers exploded around the arena.
"He blocked Gorath?!"
"With Early Qi level?!"
"Is he a monster?!"
Elder Mo's face twisted with disbelief.
Gorath smirked. "Not bad, boy. But that's the last time you dodge."
Jason's lips curled. "You talk like everyone owes you rent."
Gorath charged again, faster this time. Jason barely parried with his forearm, redirected the force, and spun away. Goreth immediately followed with a sweeping attack that trapped Jason between two directions.
"Jason!" Ayla cried out.
But Jason smirked.
Because Pedang Longwu finally whispered:
*"Left foot, three inches. Now."*
Jason slammed his foot down exactly where Longwu said. A faint shockwave burst under him, stabilizing his balance. Gorath's blade missed by the thickness of a hair.
Jason countered with a swift kick to Gorath's ribs.
CRACK.
The mercenary stumbled back with widened eyes.
Jason whispered to himself, "Thanks."
*"Don't get used to it. I charge for premium guidance."*
Jason rolled his eyes mid-combat.
Gorath wiped blood from his mouth and glared. "Enough playing around. I'll end you."
He unleashed his full killing intent—dozens of violent Qi strands swirling like a red storm. Disciples screamed and backed away.
Jason's body tensed. This attack could seriously injure him.
But then Ayla stepped closer, her voice steady and soft. "Jason Wu… you can do it."
Something surged inside him.
Confidence. Warmth. Resolve.
Jason inhaled deeply, channeling the faint Dragon Soul essence hidden in his core.
A thin aura rippled around him—barely visible, but ancient and powerful.
Pedang Longwu hummed in approval.
*"That's it. Tap into it. Just a breath—not more."*
Gorath roared and brought his blade down with full force.
Jason lifted his fist.
Their attacks collided.
BOOOOOM!!!
A shockwave rippled through the arena, throwing dust and tiles into the air. Disciples covered their faces. Elders watching from afar widened their eyes.
When the dust settled—
Gorath was on one knee, bleeding heavily.
Jason Wu stood unharmed.
The arena erupted in pure disbelief.
Ayla covered her mouth, eyes shimmering with relief.
Levi yelled, "THAT'S MY BROTHER!"
Branja howled, "KICK HIS TEETH NEXT, JASON!"
Jason wiped dust off his shoulder. "I told you. You should have introduced yourself properly."
Gorath growled, defeated.
But Elder Mo was furious beyond reason.
"You… you little bastard! You dare humiliate me?!"
Jason pointed calmly. "You brought a mercenary to kill me. I think humiliation is the least of your problems."
Elder Mo trembled with rage, his Qi exploding dangerously.
And for the first time…
Jason sensed true killing intent from an elder.
Pedang Longwu whispered:
*"Brace yourself. The real fight begins now."*