Reborn in a cultivation world with my Ex girlfriends-Chapter 55: The Duel of Clashing Fates

The hall grew deathly silent as Zhao Shen stepped forward, his blue robes flowing like cascading waves. His gaze locked onto Wang Li, sharp and unwavering. There was no doubt in his stance—this was a cultivator used to being at the top, someone who rarely met an equal, let alone a rival.

Wang Li took a deep breath, stretching his fingers as he walked to the center of the chamber. He felt multiple gazes on him—his sect's disciples, Feng Yuling, Mu Qingling, Lin Ruoyan, even the Sect Master himself. But he blocked them all out.

This was just another fight. And he was damn good at surviving those.

Elder Xu nodded approvingly. "A friendly spar, then. No killing blows."

Zhao Shen's smirk widened. "Of course. I wouldn't want to break a future participant before the tournament."

Wang Li raised an eyebrow. "How considerate."

They faced each other, the tension thick as spiritual energy crackled in the air. The floor beneath them hummed as the Sect Master casually waved his hand, reinforcing the chamber's barriers. A fight between two rising geniuses could easily destroy the hall if left unchecked.

Zhao Shen took his stance, and in an instant, his aura flared. His cultivation surged, revealing his true strength—Nascent Soul Realm, mid-stage.

A murmur rippled through the watching crowd. Even Wang Li couldn't hide his surprise. This guy wasn't just strong—he was leagues ahead of most inner disciples.

Mu Qingling groaned. "Oh, great. He's two entire realms above Wang Li."

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Feng Yuling remained silent, but her fingers tightened around her sleeve.

Lin Ruoyan crossed her arms. "He's at a disadvantage... but that's never stopped him before."

Wang Li sighed. "Why do my opponents keep getting stronger?"

Zhao Shen grinned. "Ready?"

Without waiting for an answer, he vanished.

Wang Li barely had a second to react before a fist slammed toward his face. He twisted at the last moment, dodging by the width of a hair. But Zhao Shen wasn't done—his palm flipped, striking out with a blast of condensed water Qi.

Boom!

The impact sent Wang Li skidding back, his feet digging trenches into the reinforced stone. He coughed, feeling the sting of the attack through his protective barrier.

Fast. He's too fast!

Zhao Shen didn't let up. He dashed forward, launching a rapid barrage of strikes, each blow reinforced by the fluidity of water, his movements flowing like an unrelenting tide.

Wang Li deflected, dodged, countered where he could, but he was losing ground. His opponent wasn't just stronger—he was a trained fighter, polished through countless battles.

A direct clash was suicide.

Time to change the rhythm.

Wang Li abruptly stopped retreating and lunged forward, catching Zhao Shen off guard. He twisted his body mid-air, delivering a spinning kick aimed at Zhao Shen's ribs.

Crack!

The hit landed. Zhao Shen staggered slightly. But Wang Li barely had time to celebrate before a blast of Qi exploded from Zhao Shen's body.

"Torrential Wave Technique!"

A shockwave of water-based spiritual energy surged outward, knocking Wang Li back like a ragdoll. He flipped in midair, landing on his feet, but his arms stung from the force of the attack.

Zhao Shen rolled his shoulders. "Not bad. You're faster than I expected."

Wang Li spat to the side. "And you hit like a tidal wave."

Zhao Shen chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

But Wang Li noticed something—a faint, nearly imperceptible wince in Zhao Shen's movements. His kick had done some damage. He just needed to push it further.

Time to get reckless.

Wang Li activated his movement technique—his body blurred as he dashed forward with unpredictable footwork, weaving between Zhao Shen's attacks. Instead of retreating, he closed the distance, slipping inside Zhao Shen's guard.

Then, with a flick of his wrist—

His dagger, Shadowfang, materialized in his hand.

A streak of black light flashed.

Zhao Shen barely had time to react as the blade slashed across his sleeve, cutting through fabric and drawing a thin line of blood on his arm.

Gasps filled the room.

Elder Xu's eyes narrowed.

Zhao Shen stepped back, glancing at his arm. For the first time, his smirk disappeared.

"...You actually managed to cut me."

Wang Li flipped the dagger in his grip. "Not bad for an underdog, huh?"

Zhao Shen exhaled, then smiled. But this time, it wasn't the cocky grin he had worn earlier.

It was something far more dangerous.

"Alright," he said softly. "I was going easy on you."

The temperature in the room shifted. The air itself felt heavier. Wang Li's instincts screamed danger.

Zhao Shen raised one hand—and the very moisture in the air condensed into a swirling mass of water.

"A mere blade won't be enough now."

The water solidified, forming into an azure trident pulsing with immense Qi.

The crowd went silent.

Mu Qingling's expression darkened. "Oh, crap."

Lin Ruoyan tensed. "He's using a spirit weapon now?"

Even Feng Yuling frowned.

Wang Li took a deep breath. He could feel the raw pressure coming from the weapon.

This wasn't just a friendly spar anymore.

This was a real fight.