Reborn in a cultivation world with my Ex girlfriends-Chapter 27: The Duel of Clashing Destinies

The banquet hall fell silent at Wang Li's words. Even the elders momentarily paused their conversations, their keen gazes flickering toward the two young men at the center of attention.

Zhao Chen's smirk widened as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You're eager. I like that."

Wang Li took a sip of his tea, unfazed. "I just don't like leaving unfinished business."

Mu Qingling nudged him with her elbow. "You do realize you're challenging the Azure Sky Sect's strongest disciple in the middle of a diplomatic gathering, right?"

He grinned. "Technically, he challenged me."

The Sect Master of their sect, who had been observing from the head of the banquet hall, finally spoke. "Since the two of you seem so eager, let's make it official." His voice echoed through the chamber, carrying the weight of authority. "Tomorrow at noon, in the Grand Arena, Wang Li and Zhao Chen will have an official spar. No lethal attacks allowed."

Zhao Chen inclined his head. "An excellent arrangement, Sect Master. I look forward to it."

Wang Li simply shrugged. "Guess I'll see you there."

The tension lingered even as the banquet resumed, but the atmosphere had undeniably shifted. Conversations buzzed with excitement—everyone loved a good duel, especially when it involved rising stars of rival sects.

---

A Night of Preparation

Back in his quarters, Wang Li sat cross-legged, deep in thought. He wasn't naive—Zhao Chen wasn't just strong; he was the personal disciple of the Azure Sky Sect's Grand Elder. That meant he had access to powerful techniques, resources, and experience.

"Thinking too much?"

He opened his eyes to see Feng Yuling standing by his window, her silver-blue gaze calm but serious.

"I'd be a fool if I wasn't," he admitted.

She stepped inside, her movements elegant as ever. "Zhao Chen is powerful, but he's arrogant. He believes no one can match him. Use that against him."

Wang Li nodded. "Any advice on how to deal with him?"

Feng Yuling sat down gracefully. "His strongest technique is the Azure Sky Palm, a technique that harnesses condensed wind essence to strike faster than the eye can follow. It's nearly impossible to block once he unleashes it at full force."

"So, dodging is my best bet?"

"Yes. But don't just dodge—make him overcommit. If you can force him to waste energy early, his techniques will weaken."

Wang Li rubbed his chin. "Good to know. Anything else?"

Feng Yuling hesitated for a brief moment before reaching into her sleeve. "Here." She handed him a small jade vial.

"What's this?"

"A recovery elixir. If the fight drags on, this will help you recover your stamina faster."

Wang Li looked at her, amused. "Aren't you a little too invested in my survival?"

She gave him a flat look. "I'd rather not watch you get beaten into the ground."

He chuckled. "I appreciate it."

Feng Yuling stood up, pausing at the doorway. "Rest well, Wang Li. Tomorrow will be interesting."

As she left, Wang Li laid back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He had a long day ahead.

---

The Grand Arena

The next day, the Grand Arena was packed. Hundreds of disciples filled the stands, eager to witness the duel. Even some elders had taken seats in the VIP section, showing just how much attention this match had drawn.

Wang Li stepped into the arena, his new Shadowfang dagger strapped to his belt. Across from him, Zhao Chen stood with his arms crossed, his expression relaxed but confident.

"You're on time," Zhao Chen remarked. "I was half expecting you to back out."

Wang Li cracked his knuckles. "And miss the chance to wipe that smug look off your face? No chance."

The referee, a stern-looking elder, raised his hand. "This is a sanctioned duel. The rules are simple: no lethal attacks, and the match ends when one of you surrenders or can no longer continue. Begin!"

Zhao Chen didn't hesitate. He vanished from his spot, reappearing mid-air as a powerful gust of wind erupted beneath his feet. With a sharp motion, he sent a condensed blade of wind hurtling toward Wang Li.

Wang Li barely had time to react before rolling to the side, the attack slicing cleanly through the stone where he had stood.

"Fast," Wang Li muttered.

Zhao Chen smirked. "That was just a warm-up."

With a flicker of movement, Zhao Chen closed the distance, his palm glowing with cyan energy.

"Azure Sky Palm!"

Wang Li twisted at the last second, narrowly avoiding the strike as the ground cracked beneath the force of the blow. He retaliated with a quick slash from Shadowfang, but Zhao Chen dodged effortlessly.

For the next few minutes, the two clashed at high speed, exchanging blows in a dazzling display of skill. The crowd roared with excitement as each exchange grew more intense.

Wang Li, however, noticed something important—Zhao Chen was relying heavily on bursts of wind essence to enhance his speed. That meant he was burning through energy fast.

Time to exploit it.

The next time Zhao Chen lunged forward, Wang Li deliberately sidestepped at the last second, forcing Zhao Chen to strike empty air. The moment Zhao Chen recovered, Wang Li went on the offensive, forcing him to dodge repeatedly.

As predicted, Zhao Chen's movements began to slow. His confident smirk wavered ever so slightly.

Wang Li grinned. "Getting tired?"

Zhao Chen scowled. "Don't get cocky."

He gathered his energy, summoning a violent gust of wind around him. "You wanted to see my full power? Fine."

The air trembled as Zhao Chen unleashed his strongest technique.

"Azure Tempest Formation!"

A massive vortex of wind erupted from his body, forming a barrier of razor-sharp currents around him. The pressure in the arena skyrocketed, forcing weaker disciples to shield themselves.

Even Wang Li felt the intensity of it.

But he had been preparing for this.

Summoning his own energy, he activated the technique Feng Yuling had taught him the night before—the Moonshadow Step. His body flickered, momentarily blending into the surrounding shadows as he moved.

Before Zhao Chen could react, Wang Li appeared behind him.

Too late.

With a precise strike, he pressed Shadowfang against Zhao Chen's neck.

The vortex of wind dissipated instantly.

Zhao Chen froze.

The arena went silent.

Then the referee's voice rang out. "Winner—Wang Li!"

The crowd erupted.

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Mu Qingling cheered the loudest. "I knew he'd win!"

Feng Yuling simply smiled.

Zhao Chen slowly lowered his hands, his expression unreadable. Then, to Wang Li's surprise, he let out a low chuckle.

"I see. I underestimated you." He turned away. "This isn't over, Wang Li."

Wang Li wiped sweat from his forehead. "Yeah, yeah. Get in line."

As he stepped out of the arena, he couldn't help but grin.

This was only the beginning.