Kyrian's first blood spear marked the end of the observation phase. The air in the arena grew heavier, saturated with the now-open intent of both combatants.
Li Fen abruptly stopped his retreat, a predatory smile stamped across his face.
"So you finally decided to fight." He whispered.
His own blood then seeped from minimal cuts between his fingers, rising and wrapping around the black dagger, extending it into a sinuous, living blade of coagulated blood.
"Let's see whose blood is superior."
He dashed forward, closing the distance in a zigzag. Kyrian did not retreat. The blood spear in his hand dissolved, recomposing itself into two short, compact daggers of solid crimson. He grasped them.
The duel then resumed.
The sound of solidified blood colliding echoed. Li Fen was a hurricane of movements, his blade a red blur seeking openings.
