The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 151

The arena lights snapped back on. The floor was still stained with the blood from the last round, but the crew didn’t even bother cleaning it up.

Nobody cared.

Everyone was watching the stage. Waiting for the next name to be called.

The announcer’s voice came sharp through the speakers.

“Up next, representing the Blackgate Syndicate… Master Soryu of the Ten Thousand Palm Monastery!”

The crowd stirred.

Even the rowdy front-row types straightened up.

You didn’t joke around when that name came up.

Soryu stepped out, bald head glinting under the spotlights, hands tucked behind his back. Dressed in deep crimson robes, he looked like a monk—but not the peaceful kind. His body was cut from years of training, and the air around him crackled with presence.

He was known. Respected. Feared. A hired weapon wrapped in holy cloth.

Jaden stood waiting at the center of the arena, arms loose, like he was out for a walk.

They met in the middle.

Soryu looked Jaden over once, then chuckled.

“You are young. Too young. You think you’ve seen war, boy? You think strength is just blood and fury? You’re still in the tutorial.”

Jaden smirked.

“No. I just think you talk too much.”

The crowd flinched like they’d been slapped.

Soryu’s smile dropped. Just a twitch. But it was there.

Then the bell rang.

---

Soryu moved first. No warning. He was suddenly right there in Jaden’s space, palm slicing through the air like a blade.

Jaden ducked it with half a step, slid sideways, then flicked the monk in the forehead.

Tap.

The crowd went nuts.

Soryu’s eyes twitched. His next palm came harder—three quick strikes meant to crush bone. Jaden weaved around them, slow and deliberate. Like he was watching a child throw a tantrum.

He didn’t even hit back. Just dodged. Walked circles around the monk. Every now and then, he’d tap him again—shoulder, wrist, forehead—just to make a point.

Soryu grunted.

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