Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Jianzhu and Kelsang (1)

Timeskip. Present.

"Fight me," I said again, my voice steady as I faced the two master benders. 

The reason? Well, it wasn't solely because of my quest. That was part of it, yes. But as a martial artist, the hunger to test my skills against the strongest was always there. My quest merely gave me the push.

Jianzhu's eyes narrowed slightly, studying me with that sharp gaze of his. 

"Kid, you're here for the wrong reason," he said, his voice laced with caution.

I met his gaze. 

"I know you're looking for the Avatar," I replied calmly. "But I'm not interested in that."

Kelsang, standing beside Jianzhu, tilted his head, curiosity creeping into his expression.

 "Oho? Then why are you here, kid?" he asked, his tone lighter but no less attentive.

"To ask for a duel," I said simply.

There was a brief silence. The two masters exchanged a glance. Jianzhu frowned, clearly annoyed by what he likely saw as a waste of time.

"That's a little difficult, I'm afraid," Kelsang replied, his voice gentler but still firm. "We're here to find the Avatar, not to entertain challenges."

"And I'm not here to play games," I responded. "I humbly ask both of you—masters of bending—to accept my request for a duel."

Jianzhu's frown deepened. "Why?"

"To prove…" I hesitated for a second. I couldn't exactly tell them it was for a quest, but it was also true that I needed this fight for myself. "To prove the fruits of my labor."

Jianzhu's eyes bore into mine, skeptical. "To prove what, exactly?"

"To prove that what I've trained for wasn't meaningless," I said, standing firm. "I was born without the ability to bend the elements, but I didn't let that define my worth. I've practiced my martial arts since I was three years old. I've fought, bled, and suffered to make something of myself."

I took a deep breath, the weight of my words hanging in the air. "And what better way to test my growth than against a master of bending?"

Kelsang's expression softened, his curiosity now mixed with a touch of admiration. "You've got quite the bold spirit," he said, glancing at Jianzhu. "He reminds me of someone."

Jianzhu exhaled sharply, clearly unimpressed. "Boldness isn't enough to survive in a fight against a master, especially without bending. What makes you think you're ready for that?"

I stood tall, meeting his eyes. "I don't think I'm *ready*. But I'll never know until I try."

Jianzhu looked at me for a long moment, then at Kelsang. There was a brief, unspoken exchange between them before Kelsang sighed and stepped forward.

"I admire your tenacity," Kelsang said, his tone more serious now. "But you must understand, this won't be easy. We're not just here for you to 'prove yourself.' We have important matters to attend to, and wasting time—"

"Let's not be too harsh," Jianzhu interrupted, his tone still gruff but with a hint of reluctant curiosity. "The boy wants to test his skills. Maybe this will teach him something."

Kelsang chuckled softly. "Perhaps. Very well, kid. I'll give you your duel."

The moment those words left his mouth, I felt a surge of adrenaline. This was it—the opportunity to fight someone on a level I hadn't faced before. But I also knew the gap between us was immense. Still, this was not about winning. It was about growth.

Kelsang stepped forward, positioning himself across from me. His demeanor was calm, his body relaxed but ready. There was a quiet intensity about him, one that spoke of deep control and mastery. He gestured with a sweep of his arm. "Whenever you're ready."

I steadied my breath, the energy of Phoenix Breathing coursing through me, filling my limbs with strength. I couldn't waste any time. I had to act swiftly.

Divine Hundred Step.

In an instant, I was in front of Kelsang, my fist flying towards him, aimed straight for his chest. But before I could make contact, a gust of wind surrounded him, pushing me back effortlessly.

I barely had time to react before Kelsang struck back. He moved with the fluid grace of an airbender, his attacks as light and swift as the breeze. 

He didn't overpower me with brute force. Instead, he redirected my energy, turning my strikes into missed opportunities.

Every attack I launched was effortlessly parried, and every move I made felt like I was striking against air itself. 

My heart pounded, frustration growing as I struggled to land a single blow.

 Kelsang's calm expression never wavered, his body moving in perfect harmony with his bending.

I grit my teeth, pushing harder, trying to find an opening. But every time I thought I had one, Kelsang was already ahead of me. 

He spun gracefully, sending a gust of wind that knocked me off balance, forcing me to stagger back.

"You fight with passion," Kelsang said calmly, "but you lack control. You rush in, seeking power without understanding balance."

His words stung, but I knew he was right. I was overextending myself, pushing too hard without considering the flow of the fight. 

I have yet to fully refine my martial path. That's why its still that sloppy. But its with reason, after all I have only discovered it for a year.

I tried to adjust, calming my mind, focusing on my breathing, but Kelsang was relentless. He danced around me, his movements fluid, never allowing me to find my footing.

Finally, in a swift motion, Kelsang knocked me off my feet with a burst of air, sending me crashing to the ground.

I gasped for breath, my body aching from the impact. But despite the pain, I pushed myself up.

Kelsang watched me rise, a small smile on his lips. "You've got spirit, kid. But this is where it ends."

He raised his arm, preparing for one final strike. But before he could unleash it, Jianzhu stepped forward, raising a hand to stop him.

"Enough," Jianzhu said. He looked at me, his expression unreadable. "He's proven his point."

Kelsang lowered his arm, his smile widening. "You fought well. Most would have given up long before now."

I was breathing hard, my body sore, but their words didn't feel like empty praise. I had pushed myself to the limit, and while I hadn't won, I had held my own against a master.

Jianzhu nodded, his eyes studying me carefully. "You've got potential. But if you want to survive in this world, you'll need more than just spirit."

"Say kid, why don't you work with us? After all, we would need more hands to find the avatar?" It was Kelsang who asked me catching me by surprise.

"Excuse me? Would you repeat that?" I barely squeezed the words out of my mouth.

"Come with us and help us find the avatar. He or she is probably around your age, the avatar is gonna need someone his or her age for her team avatar anyways so who's better candidate than you?," Kelsang said with a smile.

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