Reborn in a cultivation world with my Ex girlfriends-Chapter 29: The Price of Strength

Wang Li remained kneeling on the ground, breathing heavily as the assassin's last words echoed in his mind.

"I see why they fear you now."

Who was "they"? And why would anyone fear him, a mere outer disciple who had only recently started making waves?

The weight of exhaustion pressed down on him, but he forced himself to move. He couldn't afford to stay here. If the assassin had backup, they wouldn't let him rest.

Gritting his teeth, Wang Li staggered to his feet. His shoulder throbbed where he had been stabbed, but he had suffered worse. As he made his way back toward his courtyard, he couldn't shake the feeling that this attack was only the beginning.

Morning Chaos

The next morning, Wang Li awoke to the sensation of something—or rather, someone—shaking him violently.

"Wake up, you idiot!" Mu Qingling's voice cut through his drowsiness. "I swear, if you don't open your eyes, I'm dumping this bucket of water on you."

Wang Li groaned. "Five more minutes..."

SPLASH!

Cold water drenched him instantly.

Wang Li shot up, gasping. "Are you crazy?!"

Mu Qingling smirked, holding an empty bucket. "You're alive. Good. Now explain why your courtyard is full of people demanding your head."

Wang Li blinked. "What?"

Before Mu Qingling could explain, the door burst open, and Feng Yuling, Lin Ruoyan, and an angry group of disciples stormed inside.

"There you are!" Lin Ruoyan crossed her arms. "Do you have any idea what kind of mess you've made?"

Wang Li rubbed his temples. "You're going to have to be more specific."

Feng Yuling sighed. "Word got out that you fought off an assassin last night. Now, half the sect is either terrified of you or wants revenge."

Mu Qingling whistled. "Damn. You sure know how to make an impression."

Wang Li's eye twitched. "How the hell did word spread so fast?"

Lin Ruoyan pointed at the group of disciples behind her. "Probably because the assassin wasn't just any assassin. He was a core disciple of the Blood Serpent Pavilion."

Silence.

Then, Wang Li groaned. "You're kidding."

Feng Yuling shook her head. "No. And now they want your head."

A Not-So-Friendly Challenge

As if to confirm their words, a loud voice boomed from outside.

"WANG LI! COME OUT AND FACE ME!"

Wang Li peeked through the window and saw a large crowd gathered outside his courtyard. At the center stood a broad-shouldered cultivator with a flaming spear.

Mu Qingling sighed. "And now we've got this idiot."

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Wang Li frowned. "Who is he?"

Feng Yuling's expression darkened. "Huo Jian, an inner sect disciple. He's demanding a duel to 'avenge his junior brother'—the assassin who tried to kill you."

Wang Li exhaled sharply. "I don't suppose I can say no?"

Mu Qingling grinned. "You could. But then everyone will think you're a coward."

Wang Li groaned. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

The Duel Begins

As Wang Li stepped outside, the crowd parted. Huo Jian sneered at him.

"So, you're the one who killed my junior brother?"

Wang Li shrugged. "He tried to kill me first. I just returned the favor."

Huo Jian's grip on his spear tightened. "You got lucky. But today, your luck runs out."

The surrounding disciples murmured excitedly. Inner sect disciples rarely challenged outer disciples—it was supposed to be an easy fight.

But Wang Li had already proven he wasn't an ordinary outer disciple.

The sect's duel arena was quickly prepared. Wang Li and Huo Jian stood facing each other, spiritual energy crackling in the air.

"Last chance to beg for mercy," Huo Jian taunted.

Wang Li smirked. "Are you always this dramatic?"

The elder overseeing the duel raised his hand. "Begin!"

Huo Jian exploded forward, his spear igniting in crimson flames.

Wang Li barely dodged in time as the spear sliced through the air, leaving a burning trail behind.

He countered with Shadow Step, moving like a ghost around Huo Jian's attacks. But the inner sect disciple was fast—too fast.

If I take a direct hit, I'm done for.

Huo Jian smirked. "What's wrong? Running away already?"

Wang Li didn't respond. Instead, he activated Dragonblood Ascension, his aura surging. His veins glowed faintly red, his strength multiplying.

Huo Jian's eyes widened slightly. "What—?!"

Before he could react, Wang Li struck.

BOOM!

His palm connected with Huo Jian's chest, sending him flying across the arena.

Gasps erupted from the crowd.

Huo Jian coughed up blood, staggering to his feet. His eyes burned with rage. "You—!"

But Wang Li was already moving. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, aiming his dagger at Huo Jian's throat.

Huo Jian froze, realizing his loss.

The elder raised his hand. "Winner—Wang Li."

Aftermath

The crowd erupted in chaos. Some were thrilled, others furious. But one thing was clear—Wang Li was no longer just an ordinary disciple.

As the crowd dispersed, Feng Yuling approached. "That was reckless."

Mu Qingling grinned. "Yeah, but it was fun."

Wang Li exhaled. "I get the feeling my troubles are only beginning."

Lin Ruoyan smirked. "Oh, definitely. But at least now, no one will dare underestimate you."

Wang Li sighed. Great. Another target on my back.