Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 25: Rising Challenges

His next opponent was Bai Jun, the clever and strategic heir of the Bai family. Bai Jun was known for his exceptional agility and cunning tactics, often outsmarting his opponents before they realized what was happening. As the two stepped into the arena, Li Tian could see the calculating glint in Bai Jun's eyes.

"Ready to lose?" Bai Jun taunted, a confident smirk playing on his lips.

Li Tian shot him a defiant look. "I don't plan on losing today."

The match began, and Bai Jun immediately took advantage of his speed, darting around Li Tian in a blur. Li Tian struggled to keep up, feeling the weight of Bai Jun's agility. The crowd gasped as Bai Jun launched a series of rapid strikes, testing Li Tian's defenses.

Li Tian focused, relying on his training to anticipate Bai Jun's next moves. He blocked and countered as best as he could, but Bai Jun was relentless, his strikes landing with precision. It became clear that brute strength alone wouldn't be enough to win this match.

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After a few minutes of dodging and defending, Li Tian realized he needed a new strategy. He took a step back, allowing Bai Jun to come at him full force. As Bai Jun lunged, Li Tian feigned a weakness, dropping his guard just slightly. Bai Jun took the bait and unleashed a powerful punch.

At the last moment, Li Tian sidestepped, using Bai Jun's momentum against him. The move surprised both Bai Jun and the audience. With Bai Jun off-balance, Li Tian seized the opportunity and struck with a quick jab to Bai Jun's side, followed by a sweeping kick that sent Bai Jun sprawling to the ground.

The crowd erupted in cheers, but Li Tian knew this wasn't over. Bai Jun quickly recovered, his expression shifting from surprise to determination. He launched himself back into the fight with renewed vigor, using his agility to dodge Li Tian's attacks.

For every strike Li Tian landed, Bai Jun seemed to have an answer, countering with clever feints and quick movements. Frustration bubbled within Li Tian as he realized that this match would require more than just raw power. He needed to outsmart his opponent.

As the fight continued, Li Tian began to anticipate Bai Jun's movements, predicting his feints and attacks. With each passing moment, he felt himself growing more in tune with the rhythm of the battle. The tide began to turn once more.

With a sudden burst of energy, Li Tian feinted to the left, drawing Bai Jun in. When Bai Jun took the bait, Li Tian pivoted, executing a powerful roundhouse kick that connected with Bai Jun's shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground once again.

The crowd roared as Li Tian stood over his fallen opponent, panting but triumphant. He had learned to adapt, to think on his feet. With a nod to Bai Jun, he extended a hand to help him up.

"Good match," Li Tian said, a smile breaking through his exhaustion.

Bai Jun accepted the gesture, a look of respect in his eyes. "You've got skill, Li Tian. I underestimated you."

With that, Li Tian advanced to the next round, his heart swelling with pride. Each victory felt like a step toward his ultimate goal—acknowledgment and respect.

As the tournament progressed, Li Tian faced several more opponents, each battle a test of his abilities. Some matches were grueling, leaving him battered and weary, while others showcased his growing confidence and skill.

During his downtime, he spent time with Xu Fang and Li Xue, sharing stories of their respective matches. Xu Fang's eyes sparkled with admiration as she listened to Li Tian recount his battles, and he reveled in the attention. Their relationship had deepened, and he cherished every moment they spent together.

Li Xue, too, had become a source of support. Her playful banter and encouragement kept his spirits high, reminding him of the bond they shared as siblings. They often trained together, exchanging techniques and pushing each other to improve.

But as the tournament approached its final stages, Li Tian could feel the weight of the competition pressing down on him. The stakes were higher than ever, and he was determined to show the world what he was capable of.

In the next match, he would face Zhao Ren, the formidable heir of the Zhao family, known for his exceptional strength and combat prowess. Li Tian knew he had to dig deep and push beyond his limits. This was his chance to prove that he was not just a product of his family's legacy but a force to be reckoned with in his own right.