C13 I Wanted to Kill You

"I challenge you to a duel on the sparring platform. Do you have the courage to face me?"

The senior brother pointed at Ye Qinghui, his voice thick with rage.

Ye Qinghui let out a derisive laugh. What was there to fear? The man was merely a senior brother—an ordinary disciple, not an elite. Why make a big deal out of it? The very thought was absurd.

Ye Qinghui's arrogance was palpable as he dismissed his senior brother's anger.

The senior brother's fury ignited in an instant, and he stood on the sparring platform, awaiting Ye Qinghui's arrival.

After all, Ye Qinghui hadn't yet agreed to the duel. If he didn't show up, what would become of his honor?

Ye Qinghui approached the platform at a leisurely pace. It was a mere meter high, typically used for friendly sparring.

But today was different; they were there to settle a personal vendetta.

With one hand braced against the platform, Ye Qinghui vaulted up with a single effort, landing squarely on the stage.

"So, you've actually shown up. Do you realize that by stepping up here, you're signing your own death warrant? Your arrogance alone is reason enough for me not to let you off the hook!"

"I fail to see that," Ye Qinghui replied, shaking his head.

His senior brother drew the sword from his waist, gripping the scabbard with his left hand and the hilt with his right. With a metallic ring, the blade was unsheathed. He clutched the hilt tightly, his eyes fiercely fixed on Ye Qinghui.

Ye Qinghui gave him a brief, indifferent glance, clearly unimpressed.

The senior brother nodded in acknowledgment. So infuriating, isn't it? To be so dismissive of a senior who's been in the sect for years?

The senior brother was convinced that Ye Qinghui's demise was inevitable.

Shua!

He launched his attack.

The flashing swordplay was intimidating, a technique not to be taken lightly.

He struck out repeatedly, each move seemingly more frenzied than the last.

The senior brother was certain he had the upper hand—that his opponent was finished.

Yet, as the assault unfolded, it was as if Ye Qinghui could predict every move, dodging each attack with ease!

Time after time, the senior brother's strikes came, and time after time, Ye Qinghui evaded them all.

The senior brother launched attack after attack, a hundred times over, yet not once did he manage to graze even a single hair. It was maddening, to say the least.

What was happening here? What kind of problem had escalated to this level?

He reminded himself to stay calm, not to be manipulated by his opponent.

But what was the result?

He couldn't stay calm.

At this moment, he was utterly frustrated by his opponent, fully aware that it might be intentional but without any means to counter it.

What was to be done?

He needed to find a way to address this issue.

"Have you not noticed that my mood is somewhat sour because of you?"

"Ah? What?"

"I said my mood has soured because of you!"

"And?"

Ye Qinghui inquired.

The senior brother had closed his eyes, realizing that the other party was nonchalantly provoking him.

Fine. It seemed impossible for the other party to survive.

Whoosh!

Ye Qinghui's counterattack arrived.

Since he had never seriously practiced after joining the sect, the sword techniques of the Firestriders were not his forte.

He had to resort to palm and fist strikes.

At this moment, Ye Qinghui was unleashing palm strikes.

With each strike carrying a gust of wind, he aimed squarely at the senior brother's body.

Thud!

The attack landed.

Thud, thud!

In a flash, the follow-up strikes hit, not giving the senior brother any chance to recover or retreat.

From the looks of it, it was virtually impossible not to torment the opponent to the brink.

The senior brother took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

He reminded himself to remain composed and not be led astray by the opponent.

And then?

The opponent advanced with an attack.

The senior brother quickly regained his composure, brandishing his long sword and greeting the opponent with a flurry of strikes. It was clear that he intended to end the opponent's life within these brief moments. He was determined not to let the opponent have an easy time.

But in the end...

The attack was once again dodged.

No matter how many times he struck, each was evaded, making a hit seem utterly impossible.

Denying any chance of a hit was infuriating indeed.

His senior brother's attack had ceased unexpectedly. How could this happen?

It was utterly humiliating.

With so many onlookers, the spread of this incident would be a severe blow to his reputation.

Without absolute certainty, his senior brother wouldn't dare to strike again.

"What's the matter? Why the stare? You instigated this duel, and now you hesitate to act. Are you just here to dawdle? Do you think I'm interested in dawdling with you? You're babbling nonsense!"

"Act with some dignity, young man. Don't strut around when there's no need. I have a temper too, you know!"

"Where's this temper then? Bring it out for me to see!"

"I'm telling you, you've really put me in a foul mood!"

"Are you considering suicide?"

"Suicide? Of course not!"

"Well, if not, then quit your boasting!"

"How am I boasting? Can't you just have a proper conversation with me?"

"No, I can't!"

Ye Qinghui's response was unequivocal.

"As for today's skirmish, fine, let's call it a draw. But next time I get the chance, I'll make sure to finish you off!" Senior Brother declared, pointing at Ye Qinghui.

"No need to wait for next time. Let's settle it today. Seize this chance to try and take me down!" Ye Qinghui nodded in agreement.

Senior Brother, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, knew that leaving in such an abrupt manner would not reflect well on him.

What to do?

How should he handle this?

This infuriating man's aggression was driving him to the brink.

No, he couldn't just be led around by the nose; he wouldn't allow this situation to continue.

Senior Brother was ready to exit the stage ungracefully.

"If you step down now, you're admitting defeat. Have you considered that? We should follow the rules!" Ye Qinghui, perceiving his intentions, offered a reminder.

Senior Brother was indecisive.

His opponent hadn't even drawn a weapon, and yet, was he being coerced into surrendering? If he did surrender, how could he face anyone again? Damn it all!

Minutes ticked by, a full ten of them.

Finally, Senior Brother leaped down from the stage.

"Disappointing," Ye Qinghui muttered, shaking his head.

Senior Brother was itching to charge back and settle the score. This accursed man was taunting him to his core.