Zhao Feng’s Triple Wind Slash was upon him, three arcs of sharp Qi whistling through the air, leaving faint trails of distorted light. Evasion was barely possible, parrying all three was unlikely. Kai reacted instinctively, yet with calculated purpose, relying on the system.

  As the first slash came towards his neck, he dropped low, the wind of the blade passing just inches above his head. Simultaneously, he brought his carbon fiber bokken up in a sharp, angled block, deflecting the second slash aimed at his chest. The impact resonated up his arm, but his reinforced padding absorbed some of the force, preventing serious injury. The third slash, aimed lower, he couldn't fully evade or block while recovering. It sliced through the outer layer of his robes near his hip, drawing a thin line of blood – the first actual hit Kai had taken in the competition.

  He gritted his teeth against the sting, using the momentum of the impact to roll backwards, creating distance. Zhao Feng paused, surprised. He had expected that sequence to end the fight or at least severely injure Kai. The resilience of the 'wooden' sword and Kai's ability to mitigate the damage were unexpected.

  "You're tougher than you look," Zhao Feng commented coolly, preparing to press his attack again, sensing his opponent was slightly injured.

  "You're faster than you look," Kai retorted, breathing a little heavily. The Combat Module was burning through his points. [10 more Points deducted. Balance: 10]. He needed to end this quickly. Conventional fighting wasn't working. Time for unconventional solutions.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  As Zhao Feng flowed forward again, sword flashing, Kai’s free hand darted beneath his robe for a split second. He materialized a small, cylindrical object.

  [Item: Pepper Spray Gun (Compact Model - Oleoresin Capsicum Stream)]

  Description: Pressurized device ejecting a targeted stream of potent inflammatory agent. Causes intense eye pain, temporary blindness, respiratory distress.

  Cost: 50 System Points (Purchased earlier as emergency backup, adding to debt briefly before being paid off).

  Appearance: Small, dark metallic tube (System overlay). Rebranded: 'Irritant Mist Ejector'.

  Zhao Feng closed the distance, sword aiming for Kai's shoulder. Just as he entered optimal range, Kai raised the 'Irritant Mist Ejector' and fired a direct stream towards Zhao Feng's face.

  Zhao Feng, focused entirely on his sword technique and Kai's Qi fluctuations, had no defense against such a mundane, unexpected attack. The potent OC stream hit him squarely in the eyes and nose.

  His reaction was instantaneous and visceral. An agonizing, burning pain exploded in his eyes, forcing them shut involuntarily. He gasped, inhaling the irritant, which immediately constricted his airways, causing him to cough violently, choking. Tears streamed down his face. His precise swordsmanship dissolved into panicked, blind flailing.

  "Aaargh! My eyes! What sorcery is this?!" Zhao Feng staggered back, dropping his sword, clawing desperately at his burning face.

  The crowd gasped. Even the supervising Elders leaned forward, frowning. What was that mist? It carried no discernible Qi signature, yet its effect was devastatingly immediate.

  Kai didn't wait. This was his chance. He could have attacked the blinded, choking Zhao Feng directly, but that felt unnecessarily brutal and might draw censure. Instead, he employed another tool.