Chapter 26: Fated Duel

Chapter 26: Fated Duel

Hui opened his eyes as dawn broke over the horizon. He stood, stretching. Todays the day.

Two days of cultivation. Two days of drills, practicing the few simple sword moves he knew. Two days of waiting. Im weaker than Chang Bolin, but with only three days to prepare, he couldnt have broken through into the third stage unless he was a much more heaven-defying talent than he is. If he was a whole realm above me, Id stand no chance.

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He dressed in his blue robes and hung the training sword from his waist. The dull blade wouldnt cut or kill, but it would block.

Id like a real sword, but well, it doesnt matter. Ive never had serious sword training, and Chang Bolin was on his way to becoming a true sword cultivator. Much like I cant overcome the latter half of Foundation Building in three days, neither can I become a sword cultivator overnight.

Deftly, he tied his hair into a neat ponytail, winding a navy ribbon around its base. He grabbed a white robe and wore it over his blue robe as a coat, temporarily disguising himself. Tucking the two pill bottles, one from his master, one from Xixing, into his innermost sleeves, he set Zhubi around his neck and headed down the mountain.

At the bottom of the mountain, an almost festival air took over the disciples. Some enterprising outer sect disciples sold snacks, paper fans, and other small favors from stalls lining the lower part of the mountain. Cultivators in white streamed into Starbound Peak, laughing and chattering.

Just for today! Just for today, the barrier is lifted! Come see! A duel, a duel! a crier called.

Is everyone that bored? Hui wondered, mixing in with his fellow disciples. Its only two Foundation-Building disciples. Surely they have better things to do.

After a second, he smirked. I dont mind it, though.

I cant wait to see that rabid dog get beaten, one of the passing disciples muttered.

Yeah, that talentless Weiheng Hui, who thinks hes so much better than us because he got picked by Weiheng Wu?

The first disciple shook his head. Have you heard? We all had it backwards. Turns out, Chang Bolin killed Weiheng Hui! If it wasnt for a miraculous intervention by Weiheng Wu, he wouldnt have been able to come back!

Hui blinked. Eh huh? What happened, now?

No way, Weiheng Wu used a revival artifact on Weiheng Hui? He had a revival artifact? Arent those incredibly rare?

The first disciple shrugged. I dunno. Just telling you what I heard.

Shaking his head, Hui hurried toward the arena. The rumors have gotten out of control. At least theyre in my favor mostly.

Hui followed the crowds, quietly lost. Ive never actually been to the arena. I know they have one, but I dont know where it is. Hopefully these people do, or there isnt going to be a duel today.

Zhubi shifted around Huis neck, hissing.

Hui stood. He bowed neatly to Chang Bolin. This disciple greets younger disciple.

Chang Bolin sneered. Still as haughty as ever. He strode into the arena, waving to the crowd.

A cheer rose up from the Starbound Peak disciples, but not all of them. Some of them hesitated. A few shouted boos. Confused, Chang Bolin frowned at them.

Hui grinned to himself. It worked.

He stood as well. Carefully, he drew Zhubi from around his neck and set the snake at the edge of the arena. Silly upturned nose pointed at him, Zhubi turned his head and hissed.

It wont be safe for you here. Stay here and wait. Ill be right back, Hui promised.

Zhubi blinked slowly, then slithered over and coiled up on a nearby stone, basking in the sun.

Hui took a deep breath and strode forward. As he stepped onto the stone, he threw his white robe off. It caught the wind and billowed away, drawing the eye. Sky-blue robes fluttering, he stepped up opposite Chang Bolin. He neither acknowledged the crowd nor asked for adulation, eyes locked onto his opponent.

The crowd fell silent.

From the pavilion, a voice rang out. In lieu of official judgement and consequent punishment, todays combatants chose life and death in battle! Inner sect disciple Chang Bolin of Starbound Peak, bow!

Stiffly, Chang Bolin lowered his head just an inch, hands cupped in a mockery of a sincere bow.

Inheriting disciple Weiheng Hui of Unrivaled Under All Heavens Peak, bow!

Hui jolted, startled. Wait, thats what my peaks been called all this time, and no one told me? Master, how ostentatious can you be? Who let this man name anything?

Abruptly, he realized the crowd was staring. He bowed deeply and sincerely to Chang Bolin.

Chang Bolin clicked his tongue. Disgraceful.

A gong rang out.

Fight!