MTLNOVEL Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Battle Against the Shadow
Chapter 4: Battle Against the Shadow
Yuan's heart pounded as his shadow clone stepped forward, the air thick with tension. It looked exactly like him—same black hair, same determined eyes—but there was a darkness in its gaze that sent a chill down his spine.
Without warning, the shadow clone lunged, moving as fast as lightning. Yuan barely had time to raise his sword before their blades clashed, sending sparks flying in the pitch-black void.
The impact forced Yuan back a step. He gritted his teeth. It's fast… too fast.
Xiao Hua hovered nearby, her voice sharp. "Be careful, Yuan! This isn't just a copy—it's your negative emotions brought to life!"
Yuan's eyes narrowed as he studied his opponent. Every movement the shadow made was precise—too precise. It was as if it knew every technique he had ever learned.
The shadow clone smirked. "You've always doubted yourself, haven't you? You think you're not worthy of this power."
Yuan's grip on his sword tightened. "I don't need to listen to you."
The clone's voice grew colder. "You're afraid. Afraid that without Cultivation Online, you're nothing. Just a blind boy in the real world, helpless and weak."
For a moment, Yuan froze. The words struck a nerve, awakening the insecurities he tried to bury. The shadow clone seized the opportunity, striking with terrifying speed.
A sharp pain flared in Yuan's side as the clone's blade cut through his defenses. Blood trickled from the wound.
[System Alert: Vitality reduced by 15%.]
"Damn it…" Yuan hissed, stumbling back. His mind raced. If I keep letting it control the fight, I'll lose.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. Stay calm. Focus.
"I may have doubts," Yuan said, raising his sword, "but I'm not the same weakling I used to be."
Golden energy surged around him as he activated Empyrean Ascension, boosting his strength and speed. His sword flared with radiant light, pushing back the oppressive shadows.
The clone's smirk faded. "Interesting. But it won't save you."
The two clashed again—faster, harder. Yuan poured everything into his attacks, countering each strike with precision. He could feel the balance shifting.
As their swords locked, Yuan focused his spiritual energy into a single point. "Let's see how you handle this—Heaven-Slaying Strike!"
A blinding arc of golden light erupted from his sword, cleaving through the shadow clone's blade. The force shattered the clone's form into fragments of black mist.
[Phase 2 Complete: Shadow Reflection Defeated.]
Yuan exhaled heavily, his body aching but his spirit burning brighter. He had faced his inner doubts—and won.
The Shadow Disciple's voice echoed through the void. "You've overcome yourself… but one trial remains."
Phase 3: Embrace the Shadow – Accept the darkness or be consumed.
A new form emerged from the shadows—a towering figure cloaked in black flames. Its aura was suffocating, far stronger than anything Yuan had faced before.
Xiao Hua's voice trembled slightly. "That's… the true spirit of the Shadow Disciple's power."
Yuan's heart pounded in his chest. This was the final test—and the most dangerous one yet.
He raised his sword, determination blazing in his eyes. "I won't back down."
The final battle had begun.
To be continued…