My sword clashed directly against a palm of internal energy.
When I looked ahead, I saw the former elder leader.
Seeing that it was him, I let my sword return to its usual size and sheathed it at my waist, while continuing to control my clone.
The clone, empowered by my soul energy, techniques from the Black Lotus Phantom lineage, and the use of threads, had become even more lethal and agile.
Even when the others tried to defend themselves with their internal energy, the phantom lotus energy invaded and destroyed their defenses with ease.
The threads cut through their bodies — colorful threads, white threads, thread bullets, and even flaming threads. Many carried faint traces of a dark-purple energy. At one point, even a flaming thread transformed into a ghostly fire.
In the end, none of them were able to do anything against my clone and they were eliminated.
When it was over, I simply recalled my clone.
Using the threads and its body, the clone quickly returned to my side.
I placed my hand on its back and absorbed the threads back into myself.
With that done, I turned my attention fully to the elder.
"You decided to act? Are you trying to stop me, or the invaders?" I asked curiously.
I noticed small stains of red on the edges of his clothing.
"Neither one nor the other. I simply eliminated a few who attacked me or the protectors of this dimension. Beyond that, I do not intend to intervene. As I told you before, we are neutral," he replied.
Hearing his answer, I looked him over once more.
"I would advise you to do the same," he continued. "Even if you are a friend of the Iron Fist, you do not belong to an Immortal City. If you keep interfering, there will be those who won't like it."
His voice sounded like a gentle warning, but there was a barely noticeable undertone of threat.
I stared at him without fear.
Suddenly, projections appeared behind me:
a bold silver crown, strong enough to devour dragon blood;
a black lotus capable of challenging — and even subjugating — the Ghost King;
a divine turtle and an ancient divine dragon, towering in larger projections.
And in front of them, a silver and black sword with bluish eyes behind it, seemingly able to cut through and perceive everything.
The elder was surprised but didn't react.
I then spoke up:
"I, too, follow similar principles, Elder. I am not a hero like Captain America, nor a Samaritan. I have no intention of sacrificing myself or my family for the sake of others or the world. Nor do I intend to give up rest, happiness, and doing what I love."
I paused briefly.
"Given my powers, some may call me selfish — but I don't care. Of course, I also don't intend to stand entirely neutral, like you or the sorcerers.
I will protect innocent people, my friends, and those important to me.
Even if I don't always interfere directly, if danger arises, or things escalate, I will act to protect them."
I spoke with conviction and certainty.
The elder stared at me for a few seconds longer and then gave a soft chuckle.
"As you wish. I will not move against you. I look forward to seeing your future," he said.
Hearing his words, I smiled in response and withdrew my powers and energy.
I then redirected my focus, using my mental energy to observe the battles of the others.
...
Iron Fist's POV
Standing in front of me was Davos.
This time, our fight was much more serious than any we had had before.
It was clear that Davos truly intended to eliminate me.
"Davos, we grew up together. We learned to fight, we played, we got into trouble, we ate together, did so much.
Stop this," I said, trying to reason with him — but it seemed pointless.
"Haha... Yes, we were like brothers. But my father always cared more about you," Davos said.
"Your abilities were never better than mine. Even in our final match, you shouldn't have won. I should have inherited the Dragon's power.
No... I will inherit it."
His body radiated a dark energy that resembled that of a dragon, but it was weaker and different from the true Qi within my Fist.
I tried to speak again, but Davos lost all patience.
Without hesitation, he rushed at me with great speed.
He unleashed several hidden weapons; I countered some, caught others with my hands, and dodged the rest with agile movements.
Quickly, I closed the distance between us.
I was always better at close combat, while Davos specialized in medium-range attacks using hidden weapons.
As soon as we got close enough, we exchanged countless blows — punches, kicks, elbow strikes, palm strikes, even careful use of hidden weapons.
Our battle continued for several minutes, our Qi clashing and surging in all directions.
Eventually, we both stepped back and took deep breaths.
This fight was going nowhere.
No other assassins showed up to assist Davos either.
Naturally — there was someone else moving through the area, silently eliminating anyone who came too close.
I stared at Davos with an unprecedented seriousness.
"This ends here. Let's finish it," I said.
He said nothing but seemed to agree.
I saw dark energy gathering in his right hand, while in my own right hand, a powerful draconic energy began to surge.
My fist glowed with a golden-yellow light, filled with power capable of consuming and destroying everything.
Without another word, we both charged at each other — and our fists collided.
A dense explosion of energy spread out, blowing dust and debris everywhere.
When the dust cleared, our bodies became visible.
My hand was wounded, and my body was covered with countless injuries.
I was utterly exhausted.
Still, I stood firm and looked ahead.
There stood Davos, in an even worse condition, but he stubbornly forced himself to stay on his feet.
Slowly, we approached each other.
Honestly, neither of us had any strength left.
And judging by Davos' condition, it was clear he had lost this fight — yet he still moved out of sheer stubbornness.
"Davos, let's end this," I tried one last time to reach him.
But he showed no sign of caring.
"There's no turning back. Only one of us can live," he said.
I still hoped to reach him — but when I saw him lunging at me with a small dagger, I knew it was too late for any more negotiations.
"It's the end of the games," said a new voice, carried by an unusual gust of wind — and a person appeared.
I recognized him immediately.
Before I could greet him, I saw him raise something like a wand or a piece of wood in his left hand and point it at Davos.
"Stupefy!"
A colorful burst of energy shot from the wand, striking Davos squarely.
He flew backward and immediately passed out.
Next, I saw the newcomer cast another spell, binding Davos' body with magical cords.
He then approached and touched Davos' forehead and chest with two quick taps.
I couldn't see clearly, but if I had looked closer, I would have noticed faint sealing symbols and letters spreading across Davos' body —
Fūinjutsu techniques, sealing his energy and paralyzing his body.
Then, I noticed pinkish wings spreading from a small ring on the man's finger — healing some of Davos' wounds.
Satisfied, he clapped his hands once and approached me.
"Well, Danny. You fought well. Now rest," he said warmly.
He raised his right hand toward me.
I saw the ring on his finger glow with a magical pentagon, and divine pink wings appeared behind him.
My severe and minor wounds were quickly healed, and a deep relaxation washed over my body.
This healing was clearly physical — but by relieving my injuries, my mind also calmed.
Soon, exhaustion took over and I fell asleep.