Substitute Rival

The Blood Demon

The demonic sect was a place where power and respect were earned through strength and fearlessness. Meng Qingshan—disguised as Chen Ming—had been diligently working to prove his worth, navigating the complex politics and deadly rivalries of the sect. Despite his progress, there remained those who viewed him with suspicion or outright hostility.

One afternoon, as Meng Qingshan was practicing his cultivation in a secluded training area, a commotion erupted nearby. He could hear raised voices and the sounds of a scuffle. Curiosity piqued, he approached the source of the disturbance.

In a clearing surrounded by curious onlookers, a fierce argument had escalated into a full-blown fight. The central figure was a burly, arrogant cultivator named Zhang Lu, known for his brash demeanor and aggressive attitude. He was facing off against a young disciple who had dared to challenge his authority.

Meng Qingshan observed from a distance, recognizing that Zhang Lu was a well-known troublemaker. His involvement in the fight was not unexpected, but the situation was about to take an unexpected turn.

The young disciple, clearly outmatched, was struggling to defend himself against Zhang Lu's relentless assault. As the fight continued, Zhang Lu's blows grew increasingly vicious, and the situation began to look dire for the disciple.

Meng Qingshan saw an opportunity. He stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate attention from the crowd. "Enough!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the din of the fight. "This is not how disputes are settled."

Zhang Lu, momentarily distracted, turned his gaze toward Meng Qingshan. "And who might you be?" he sneered, his eyes narrowing with disdain. "Another pretender who thinks he can show off?"

Meng Qingshan's eyes glinted with a cold determination. "I'm here to put an end to this nonsense."

Without waiting for a response, Meng Qingshan launched himself into the fray. His movements were swift and precise, a stark contrast to Zhang Lu's brute force. With a series of well-executed strikes and fluid maneuvers, Meng Qingshan managed to neutralize Zhang Lu's attacks and gain the upper hand.

The crowd watched in stunned silence as Meng Qingshan's skill and speed became apparent. Each movement was calculated, every strike executed with flawless precision. Zhang Lu, taken aback by the unexpected challenge, struggled to keep up.

Within minutes, Meng Qingshan had turned the tide of the fight. With a final, decisive blow, he incapacitated Zhang Lu, sending him crashing to the ground. The fight was over, and Meng Qingshan stood victorious, his breath steady and his expression resolute.

The onlookers erupted into murmurs of awe and respect. Zhang Lu, humiliated and defeated, was helped away by his followers, his reputation tarnished by the unexpected defeat.

Meng Qingshan, still catching his breath, looked around at the gathered crowd. His performance had been nothing short of spectacular, and the impact was immediate. Whispers began to spread, and soon, the name "Blood Demon" was being murmured among the sect members.

The title, given due to the fierce and unyielding nature of his combat, quickly became associated with Meng Qingshan. It was a name that commanded respect and fear, reflecting the ruthlessness and power he had demonstrated in the fight.

As the crowd began to disperse, Meng Qingshan felt a mix of disbelief and relief. He had won, but the reality of the situation was still sinking in. He had managed to defeat Zhang Lu, but the extent of his own strength and the respect he had garnered were both overwhelming.

Just then, Sua Quan approached him with a bright smile. "You did it," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You really did it."

Meng Qingshan turned to her, still processing the events. His eyes met hers, and he could see the pride and warmth in her expression. Her support and approval were unexpected, and he felt a strange warmth in his chest.

"I... I didn't expect it to turn out like this," Meng Qingshan admitted, his voice tinged with awe. "It was all so sudden."

Sua Quan chuckled softly. "You surprised everyone, including yourself. You've earned their respect and fear. It's a powerful position to be in."

Meng Qingshan nodded, though his mind was still racing. He had won the fight, and his reputation had shifted dramatically. Yet, despite the accolades and the new title, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of uncertainty.