One Man Battles Twelve Opponents

One Man Battles Twelve Opponents

Atop the tallest pavilion in Wudi City, Wang Xianzhi stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes sharp as an eagle's as he surveyed the entire city. Beside him stood his first disciple, Yu Xinlang, ramrod straight, gripping a long sword whose blade gleamed with a cold light, as if proclaiming its owner's extraordinary skill. Yu Xinlang was a renowned figure in the martial world, and his swordsmanship had already begun to show the hallmarks of a Land Sword Immortal. Among those of the same realm, few could match him. Yet as he watched Wang Ritain stir up a storm in the city, his gaze grew complicated. The hand holding his sword trembled faintly despite himself.

Wang Xianzhi noticed his disciple's unease. He turned slightly, looked at Yu Xinlang, and asked softly, "Xinlang, what do you think of this Wang Ritain?"

Yu Xinlang took a deep breath, doing his best to steady himself before answering slowly, "Master, Wang Ritain's realm may not be especially high, but his strength is astonishing. His saber technique is steeped in demonic energy, enough to send a chill down one's spine. Just now, as I watched him fight, the hand holding my sword began trembling against my will." As he spoke, he raised his hand slightly, a hint of frustration flashing in his eyes.

Wang Xianzhi nodded faintly and looked toward Wang Ritain again, a trace of approval in his eyes. "Indeed, Wang Ritain's saber technique is terrifying. But it seems he has yet to fully reveal his saber intent. If he were to unleash it completely, it would surely shock the world."

Yu Xinlang was startled. Looking at his master, he asked, "Master, do you mean..."

Wang Xianzhi narrowed his eyes slightly and said slowly, "If Wang Ritain truly created this saber technique, then with his talent, he will surely reach the Top Ten of the World's Martial Arts within three years."

Yu Xinlang was deeply shaken by those words. The Top Ten of the World's Martial Arts—what glory, what a realm of strength! And his master thought so highly of Wang Ritain. How could that not astonish him? He looked toward Wang Ritain again, now with a touch of awe in his eyes.

As evening fell, the setting sun washed every corner of Wudi City in its glow, draping the city in a golden mantle. At dusk's urging, the martial artists who had gathered to watch gradually dispersed. Wang Ritain sat alone in meditation atop the arena. Silence surrounded him, broken only by a gentle breeze that stirred his clothes. His eyes were closed and his aura was contained, yet a powerful force seemed to emanate from him.

Wang Ritain's strength had grown by leaps and bounds over the past few days. Take Three Points Return to Origin Qi, for instance: if he unleashed it with all his might now, the resulting force would be enough to destroy more than half of Wudi City. Wang Ritain knew that tomorrow would be the crucial moment when he made his name across the martial world. He opened his eyes slightly and gazed at the sky, murmuring, "Tomorrow, the entire martial world will tremble before me, Wang Ritain." Then he closed his eyes again and continued cultivating, preparing for the challenge ahead.

The next day, dawn broke, and the first rays of sunlight fell upon Wudi City's walls. Countless martial artists seemed to hear a call to arms as they poured out from every corner of the city. Their eyes shone with anticipation and excitement: today, Wang Ritain would ascend the pavilion and challenge the mysterious, mighty Martial Slaves.

Though they all thought Wang Ritain had almost no chance of defeating the Martial Slaves, they had to admit that his strength had already surpassed that of ordinary people. They discussed the coming battle among themselves, certain that it would be one of the most spectacular duels the martial world had seen in nearly a decade.

"Wang Ritain may not have much chance of beating the Martial Slaves, but he's got guts. You have to respect that."

"That's right. Whatever the outcome, this battle is bound to be spectacular."

The sun climbed higher, its light growing ever more dazzling. Wang Ritain slowly opened his eyes and rose to his feet, then walked forward one step at a time. Every step was steady and forceful, and his aura grew more intense with each one, as though it would break through the heavens and soar into the firmament.

Those who had fought Wang Ritain before were all startled by the sight of him. They realized he was stronger than the day before. Though they still didn't believe he could defeat the Martial Slaves, they had to admit that Wang Ritain was a peerless martial arts prodigy. Give him a few more years, and he would surely become one of the martial world's top experts.

The twelve Martial Slaves who had received word of the challenge were already waiting for Wang Ritain in the pavilion atop the city wall. Each had once been a top martial artist in the land, but after losing to Wang Xianzhi, they had willingly become his slaves. Among them were swordsmen of great skill, saber wielders with fierce techniques, a Spear Technique Grandmaster whose mastery was supernatural, a Fist Technique Grandmaster with unmatched power, a Zither Master skilled in music, and a Chess Master renowned for strategy. Every one of them had once been famous in the martial world, and any one of them could easily overpower Xuanyuan Jingxuan. The strongest among them was already close to the Great Finger Profound Realm. Even a Great Celestial Phenomenon expert would have to think twice before facing all twelve together.

The onlookers gazed at the Twelve Martial Slaves atop the city wall, then at Wang Ritain walking toward the pavilion, and shook their heads. In their eyes, Wang Ritain was young and reckless. Challenging the Martial Slaves was tantamount to courting death; he was sure to perish here.

"Wang Ritain is still too young. Does he really think the Martial Slaves are easy to challenge?"

"Right. He may never come back from this."

Even the Twelve Martial Slaves sighed inwardly when they saw Wang Ritain come to challenge them. They knew his talent and strength. If he trained for a few more years, his rate of progress might make him more than they could handle.

Wang Ritain reached the foot of the pavilion and looked up. The Twelve Martial Slaves were gazing down at him from above. One of the swordsmen frowned slightly and advised him, "Boy, turn back now. Don't throw your life away for nothing."

At that, Wang Ritain smiled faintly and tossed aside the long saber in his hand. He turned and took a long sword from a nearby martial artist, giving it a casual swing. "This sword is nice. It'll do."

His action immediately enraged the Twelve Martial Slaves. They took it as a show of contempt. The swordsman glared at him, his aura surging as a terrifying sword energy gathered around him. Pointing at Wang Ritain, he shouted furiously, "You insolent brat! Today, I'll show you what the Martial Slaves can do!" With that, he drew his sword and sent a fierce wave of sword energy slashing toward Wang Ritain. The bricks along its path exploded, sending fragments flying.