Sovereign of Stolen Fate

Chapter 14: Cultivation Clash

Wei Rong stumbled backward, breathing hard and inwardly he was shocked. His pride was badly hurt. He couldn't believe Jin Ye, a mere third-stage cultivator, was matching him so closely. Rage filled him. The cheers from the crowd for Jin Ye only made him angrier.

He glanced toward his father, Mayor Wei Tian. Wei Tian's stern expression showed disappointment clearly, making Wei Rong's desperation deepen. Wei Rong reached inside his robe, fingers shaking slightly as he pulled out a small red pill. The pill was smooth, glowing faintly with an unnatural energy.

Jin Ye saw Wei Rong's action clearly and tensed. He recognized the pill—Crimson Blood Pill. It temporarily boosted a cultivator's power dramatically, but at great risk to the user's health. He knew Wei Rong was desperate now.

"No!" Elder Ming shouted from the side. "Wei Rong, stop! That's too dangerous!"

Wei Rong ignored the warning, eyes filled with determined. He swallowed the pill. His face twisted in pain as powerful Qi surged through his body uncontrollably. Muscles bulged, veins pulsing visibly under his skin. His aura surged violently, shocking everyone watching.

The villagers stepped back in fear, whispers spreading quickly. They had never seen such reckless desperation before. Even Wei Tian looked concerned, though he did nothing to stop it.

Jin Ye prepared himself, sensing the massive increase in Wei Rong's power. He quickly adjusted his stance, using the Moonlit Phantom Steps to stay light on his feet. He was already weaker, getting hit could be deadly.

With a loud roar, Wei Rong charged forward with blazing speed. His Iron Mountain Fist now glowed fiercely, surrounded by thick crimson Qi. Jin Ye dodged swiftly, barely avoiding the powerful strike that shattered part of the wooden stage.

Wei Rong was faster and stronger, attacking relentlessly without care for his own injuries. Jin Ye used his Shadow Palm technique repeatedly, carefully targeting Wei Rong's weak points. But now each strike only slightly slowed Wei Rong, barely affecting his rampage.

The villagers watched anxiously, many now fearful Jin Ye might actually die. "This has gone too far," someone whispered fearfully.

Jin Ye was quickly overwhelmed, his movements becoming slower under constant pressure. He barely avoided another powerful punch, stumbling backward. Wei Rong seized the chance, slamming a brutal fist into Jin Ye's side. Jin Ye coughed violently, blood dripping from his mouth.

"You see? You can't defeat me!" Wei Rong shouted crazily, eyes bloodshot. He punched again, each strike filled with reckless fury.

Desperation filled Jin Ye. His body ached, injuries piling up. Yet his determination was unwavering. Facing death, Jin Ye knew clearly what he had to do—breaking through was the only way to turn this around.

Pain surged through Jin Ye, but he ignored it, concentrating fully on his Qi. He desperately pushed it through his meridians, feeling the strain of forcing a breakthrough. Cultivators normally prepared carefully for breakthroughs, taking pills and meditating calmly. But Jin Ye had no time for careful preparation now.

As Wei Rong charged again, Jin Ye closed his eyes for a brief instant, pushing past his limits. He felt the barrier between stages crack, his Qi suddenly surging wildly within him. His body trembled from the violent energy, sweat pouring down his face as he fought for control.

Wei Rong laughed madly, sensing Jin Ye's struggle. "Too late to surrender now! You're finished!"

But Jin Ye's eyes suddenly snapped open, determination shining brightly. "It's never too late," he retorted sharply. Qi exploded around him visibly, a wave of power spreading outward, surprising Wei Rong and causing him to stop momentarily.

The villagers stared in amazement as they sensed Jin Ye's aura clearly changing. "Did he just break through during battle?" someone asked, disbelief evident in their voice.

"Impossible!" Wei Tian muttered angrily, gripping his chair tightly.

Now at the fourth stage of Qi Refinement, Jin Ye felt renewed energy filling him. His injuries still hurt, but his strength increased sharply. Without hesitation, he launched himself at Wei Rong, activating his Rising Fang Strike. This technique precisely targeted Wei Rong's meridians, weakening his unstable Qi flow caused by the pill.

Wei Rong staggered backward, his face twisted in pain. The Crimson Blood Pill's power made his body stronger but it was also unstable. Jin Ye took advantage, rapidly using Moonlit Phantom Steps to circle and attack, landing sharp, precise blows.

Frustration filled Wei Rong as he swung wildly, unable to hit Jin Ye's shadowy movements. Blood slowly dripped from Wei Rong's mouth, the backlash from the pill beginning to harm him. His attacks grew sloppy, desperation overtaking his anger.

Villagers cheered loudly now, clearly supporting Jin Ye's impressive comeback. Their encouragement filled Jin Ye with greater determination.

Wei Rong roared again, summoning all his remaining strength. His fists glowed dangerously, readying a final, desperate attack. Jin Ye saw clearly that Wei Rong's condition was deteriorating fast. He prepared his Scorching Palm, channeling Qi carefully, aiming to end the battle quickly.

Their attacks collided forcefully, creating a loud explosion of energy. Smoke and dust filled the stage. Villagers shielded their eyes anxiously, unsure who had won. Slowly, the smoke cleared, revealing Jin Ye standing shakily but firmly, bloodied but undefeated. Wei Rong lay sprawled on the ground, breathing weakly, quickly deteoriating.

The crowd erupted into joyous cheers. Jin Ye had done it, he defeated Wei Rong!

Mayor Wei Tian rose from his seat slowly, his expression filled with disbelief and fury. His carefully planned revenge had turned into humiliation. The villagers' cheers for Jin Ye only deepened his anger. With a dark look in his eyes, Wei Tian walked toward the platform, his Qi leaking uncontrollably due to his rage.

"You!" Wei Tian shouted, pointing at Jin Ye, his voice shaking with anger. "You dared to hurt my son this badly? You've gone too far!"

The cheers quickly faded, replaced by tense silence. Villagers stepped back nervously, sensing danger. Elder Ming quickly moved forward, trying to mediate. "Mayor Wei, please calm down. It was a fair fight—"

Wei Tian silenced him with a harsh glare. "Fair fight? He nearly killed my son!"

Jin Ye stood straight despite his injuries, meeting Wei Tian's furious gaze calmly. "Your son took a pill to try and kill me," he replied evenly. "He brought this on himself."

Wei Tian's face reddened further with anger, veins bulging visibly. His fists clenched tightly, Qi swirling violently around him. Jin Ye knew clearly he faced real danger now. Wei Tian was a powerful cultivator, far beyond his current abilities. But Jin Ye refused to show fear.

"Do you think you're safe because of this tournament?" Wei Tian growled dangerously. "I could kill you right now, and no one would dare stop me."

Elder Ming stepped between them again, clearly worried. "Mayor Wei, that's enough. You must remember your reputation. This fight was overseen by me. Jin Ye followed the rules."

But Wei Tian ignored him, his eyes fixed only on Jin Ye. "You've humiliated my family enough. I won't let you live another day!"

The villagers murmured anxiously, fearful Wei Tian would really kill Jin Ye openly. They knew he was powerful enough to do so easily. Many worriedly glanced at Elder Ming, hoping he could stop this dangerous situation.

Jin Ye steadied himself, breathing deeply. Blood still trickled from his wounds, but his expression remained calm and confident. "You think threats scare me, Mayor Wei?" he responded clearly, his voice carrying strongly across the square. "I've faced death before, and I will face it again. But I won't kneel to you or anyone else."

The villagers gasped at Jin Ye's bold words, impressed and shocked by his courage. Wei Tian stood frozen in anger, struggling to keep control. His reputation hung in the balance—if he attacked Jin Ye openly now, he risked losing all respect from the villagers.

But his anger still burned fiercely, overriding logic. "Then face death right now!" Wei Tian yelled, stepping forward menacingly, Qi surging dangerously around him.

Elder Ming quickly stepped forward again, urgency clear in his expression. "Mayor Wei, you must reconsider! Doing this openly will harm your status in the village. Let justice prevail—"

Wei Tian interrupted sharply, voice shaking with anger. "Justice? Justice is mine to decide here!"

But before Wei Tian could move further, Jin Ye spoke again, his voice steady and unwavering. "You talk about justice, Mayor Wei, yet you would kill me openly when I won this fight. Is this the fairness you offer your villagers?"

Villagers murmured louder now, clearly troubled by Wei Tian's aggressive stance. Many began openly supporting Jin Ye, impressed by his courage and righteousness.

Wei Tian hesitated slightly, sensing the villagers' shifting attitude. His reputation and power depended heavily on their respect. Yet, his pride fought fiercely against caution. Anger still clouded his judgment, making it difficult to retreat gracefully.

Jin Ye seized the moment, stepping forward carefully, bloodied yet standing tall. "If you want to kill me, go ahead," Jin Ye said loudly, his eyes burning with fearless determination. "But everyone here will see clearly what kind of leader you truly are—a bully who abuses power when things don't go his way."

Wei Tian froze, Jin Ye's words striking him deeply. He glanced around, noticing clearly how villagers looked at him now—fearful and doubtful. His hands trembled slightly, realizing clearly that attacking Jin Ye would mean losing their respect forever.

Jin Ye saw Wei Tian's hesitation and pressed further, voice confident. "Your son fought bravely but recklessly. He chose to risk his life for pride."

Wei Tian slowly lowered his fists, Qi dissipating around him. His expression darkened with suppressed anger and humiliation. He knew Jin Ye had cornered him with words, leaving no way to strike at this moment.

"Fine," Wei Tian growled bitterly, stepping back reluctantly. "But remember clearly, Jin Ye. Your defiance today won't be forgotten."

Jin Ye met Wei Tian's gaze without flinching. "I won't forget either. I'm ready whenever you are."

Villagers erupted in cheers, deeply impressed by Jin Ye's bravery. Wei Tian turned away angrily, defeated today but clearly plotting revenge in the future.