NOVEL NEXT Chapter 73: True Battle
The staff at the registration desk sneered internally at the audacity of the supposedly useless Young Master. Nevertheless, it wasn't his job to judge the foolishness of nobles. The official quickly accepted the challenge, drawing up a contract that legally absolved the Challenger Arena of any liability should the young master be severely injured.
Vahn signed the contract without a second thought and slowly moved to the Challengers' Waiting Room. The room was packed with a mix of ambitious young cultivators and hardened veteran fighters.
The moment he entered, Vahn's aristocratic appearance and striking red hair drew immediate attention.
"Hell, who is this punk now?" a fierce man growled, gripping his axe tightly.
"Why do you care, brainless Brute?" another participant replied, looking overly smart and dismissive.
One of them, with sharp eyes, instantly recognized him. "Hey, I know him. He is the Useless Young Master from Infernal Clan."
"Ohh, I remember now. He is the debaucherous young master who got humiliated in the White Lotus Holy Land and lost the Clan's face."
"Haha, really? Then why has the Clan not kicked him out yet? It isn't good to be on the White Lotus' bad book, don't they know."
"They do actually. But he is the son of the Patriarch, that's why they didn't do anything."
"Tch. So typical. He should die already!"
"Well, maybe he's here to wipe off his shame..."
Vahn didn't care about the insults. He wasn't Damien after all; the shame wasn't his. He was focused on the internal preparation necessary for his performance.
Vahn found a quiet corner and began a rapid, deep meditation. He needed to focus on his core strength and the newly acquired Fire Affinity.
Vahn's immediate, final internal preparation before entering the ring is to Refine the Affinity.
He quickly ran the Ninefold Heavenly Flames through his meridians. The new Fire Affinity had to respond instantly and flawlessly in the chaos of battle, cementing his disguise and ensuring his survival. He forced the fiery essence to intertwine with the chaotic energy of the Void Refining Manual, ensuring its integration was absolute.
Just as he finished the rapid refinement, a sharp-eyed golden-haired young man stood before him, blocking his light. The young man carried an air of aggressive superiority.
"You're looking very filthy, Damien," the young man sneered, his tone utterly condescending.
Vahn ignored the young man's foolishly condescending words, but he couldn't ignore the raw, powerful pressure radiating from him. This was no common challenger; this was a Foundation Establishment -level disciple or an elite talent surpassing it.
Vahn slowly rose to his feet, matching the young man's height.
"I don't believe we've been introduced," Vahn said, emitting equally cold and dangerous arrogance.
"If you don't have business, step aside. I have a fight to win."
"What did you say? You dare to pretend you don't know me. Die!" the golden-haired young man roared, abandoning all pretense of civility.
Whoosh!
The young man moved his fist to hit Vahn's face without another word, his speed astonishing. Everything happened so fast that most of the other Challengers couldn't even react to the sudden, brutal acceleration of the attack.
But Vahn was faster.
Bam!
He blocked the fist with his palm, instantly reinforced by his new Fire Qi. This was no mere elemental defense; Vahn funneled the raw, searing heat of the Ninefold Heavenly Flames into the point of collision.
Buzz!
Instantly, a wave of fiery heat swept through the waiting room as the two cultivators collided, the energy forcing the surrounding challengers to jump back.
Vahn's eyes widened slightly. His hand vibrated with intensity, confirming the immense power behind the young man's casual strike. This challenger was easily a Foundation Establishment Stage 5 or 6 practitioner (far above Vahn's current stage)
The young man was also taken aback, forced to take a step back due to the intense, foreign Fire Qi that burned through his own defensive spiritual energy. The attack, which should have shattered the hand of the 'useless Damien,' had met an equal, if not superior, elemental force.
"You... How do you have such a sharp spirit sense? And that power!" the young man spat, his face contorted in shock and fury.
He couldn't reconcile the lazy reputation of Damien with the raw, potent Fire he just felt.
Vahn slowly lowered his hand, the crimson glow of his Fire Qi fading. He didn't waste breath on an explanation.
"The old Damien is dead. I am reborn as new Damien. Now get out of my sight," Vahn commanded coldly.
The surrounding challengers, who had dismissed Vahn moments ago, now looked at him with profound awe and terror.
The golden-haired young man hesitated, knowing a full fight now would expend vital energy before the arena match. He retreated, but his eyes promised revenge.
"I'll see you in the ring, Damien. And when I do, I will end your pathetic life."
From the hushed gossips around him, Vahn quickly learned the identity of the golden-haired young man. He was Cedric Goldlight, the Heir of a rival clan.
Every member of the Goldlight Clan wielded an inherited variant of the Light Element, which granted them exceptional speed and sharpness. It was even said their Secret Art allowed their weapons to cut through almost anything.
Vahn was now sure: without hesitation, Cedric would be his most powerful opponent in this arena. But he wasn't scared like in the past.
This was the kind of challenge that would be his sharpening stone. Vahn was ready for him.
Outside, in the battle circle, the challengers faced off with terrifying power and brutality. The matches were relentless, each demonstrating how true combat should be like.
Some fighters spat blood, others had their teeth broken, and some suffered fractured bones. The defeated were dragged out of the arena like dogs bathed in blood.
Seeing this savage display, Delilah in the viewing box grew worried. Could her big brother really fight these terrifying monsters?
Moments later, a cheerful voice announced: "Ladies and gentleman, it's time you see something really interesting.
Challenger, Young Master Damien Infernos, versus Stonebreaker!"