Virtual Reality Cultivator-Chapter 27: The True Duel

Ethan stood in the middle of the training room, his eyes sharp as they fixed on Lazarus. Though his body still felt slightly fatigued from the long training session, his spirit was burning brighter than ever.

"So, the next test is a fight?"

Lazarus nodded, his hands clasped behind his back. "Yes. Up until now, you've only fought in games or during training. Now it's time to test what you've learned in a real fight."

Ethan took a deep breath. "Who's my opponent?"

Lazarus smiled faintly. "I am."

Ethan's eyes widened. "Wait, are you serious? I couldn't even touch you earlier."

Adrian, who had just entered the room, chuckled. "That's the point. If you want to survive against Zenith, you have to face opponents stronger than you."

Ethan sighed. He knew they wouldn't make this easy. If he wanted to keep progressing, he had to face every obstacle, no matter how impossible it seemed.

"Alright. I'm ready."

Lazarus assumed a relaxed stance, as if not considering Ethan a threat. "Use everything you've learned. Show me that you can truly control your Qi."

Ethan got into position. He could feel the Qi flowing through his body, his breath steady.

"I have to fight like I do in the game. But this time, I don't have a system helping me."

The Fight Begins

Swoosh!

Ethan moved swiftly, using the Shadow Wind Step to dart to Lazarus's side before delivering a punch reinforced with Qi.

However—

"Too slow."

Lazarus shifted his foot slightly, easily dodging the attack.

BAM!

Before Ethan could react, a counterattack came!

Lazarus used only one hand, but the blow felt like a hammer striking Ethan's chest.

-30 HP

Ethan staggered back, struggling to maintain his balance. "Damn... even without the game system, I can still feel the impact."

But he didn't have time to think. Lazarus was already on the move again.

"Don't think too much."

BAM!

Lazarus delivered a low kick. Ethan leaped back, narrowly avoiding the strike. He activated the Advanced Soul Breath Technique, allowing the Qi to flow faster through his body.

"I have to focus!"

He waited for the right moment and then lunged forward with a Quick Slash attack, using his fist instead of a sword.

WHAM!

For the first time, Lazarus didn't completely dodge. Ethan's strike landed on the old man's shoulder, though only slightly.

Lazarus smiled. "Good. But not enough."

BAM!

Before Ethan could retreat, another punch landed in his stomach.

Ethan fell to the floor, gasping for breath.

"Wow... that fast?"

Lazarus looked at him calmly. "You have power, but you're too hasty. Your attacks lack precision."

Ethan winced but didn't give up. He took a deep breath, trying to gather the Qi that remained.

"I won't lose here."

He stood up again, his legs still shaky, but his resolve stronger than ever.

Lazarus raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You can still stand?"

Ethan grinned. "We've only just begun."

The Real Fight

Ethan decided to change his tactics. If he couldn't defeat Lazarus with direct attacks, then he would have to rely on agility and strategy.

"I have to find an opening!"

With the Shadow Wind Step, he circled around Lazarus, pretending to strike from the right—

Lazarus moved to dodge the attack.

"Now!"

Ethan immediately changed direction, kicking from the left with all his might!

BAM!

Lazarus was pushed back a half step. It was only a small movement, but to Ethan, it felt like a small victory.

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Adrian, watching from a distance, laughed. "Look at that! He actually forced Lazarus to step back!"

Lazarus looked at Ethan with a satisfied smile. "Interesting. You're starting to learn how to read your opponent."

Ethan smiled, even though his breath was still heavy. "I learned from the best."

Lazarus stepped forward again. "Good. But there's one last lesson you need to learn."

Before Ethan could react, Lazarus disappeared from his sight—

"What?!"

In an instant, the old man was in front of him, his finger touching Ethan's forehead.

"If your opponent is faster than you... then no strategy will save you."

BOOM!

A small Qi wave struck Ethan, knocking him back until he fell to the floor.

The fight was over.

The Lesson Learned

Ethan rubbed his forehead, still shocked by Lazarus's last attack.

"I didn't even see him move..."

Lazarus helped him to his feet. "You've progressed quickly, Ethan. But there's still one thing missing."

Ethan looked at him, puzzled. "What is it?"

Lazarus smiled. "Intuition."

Ethan furrowed his brow. "Intuition?"

"Yes," Lazarus nodded. "When you're fighting someone much faster or stronger than you, you can't just rely on your eyes or strategy. You have to feel your opponent. Anticipate their movements even before they move."

Ethan thought about it. He had always fought by observing his opponent, but in the fight just now, he realized that Lazarus's speed couldn't be followed by normal sight.

"So I have to improve my instincts?"

Lazarus smiled in satisfaction. "Now you're starting to understand."

Claire, who had just entered the room, crossed her arms and nodded. "Seems like he's ready for the next stage."

Ethan looked at her. "The next stage?"

Claire stepped forward. "Yes. This training is just the foundation. If you truly want to survive against Zenith... you have to learn more than just fighting."

Ethan clenched his fist.

"I'm ready."

This world was getting more dangerous.

But he would not back down.