The sun hung low over the sky as the massive airship hovered in mid-air, the hum of machinery rivaling the sound of the winds that buffeted its sides. Inside, sparks flew as Mark, the Engineer of the Sky, adjusted the numerous robotics systems spread across the lab. He was tinkering with his newest creations, oblivious to the figure that stood silently in the shadows. "Ah, another day, another invention!" Mark chuckled to himself, unaware that his esteemed guest was the Travelling Cultivator of Fate, Ling-Fang Shan, who was observing him with an uncanny calmness. Clad in his traditional hanfu, fingers delicately drumming against the polished wooden table, Ling-Fang remained a tranquil presence, the air thick with tension yet undisturbed by it. Mark suddenly turned, realizing he wasn’t alone. "Hey! You must be the famed Ling-Fang Shan! Quite the reputation you have. Fancy a tour of my airship? It's a marvel of engineering!" "You may consider it a marvel, but I foresee a clash, Engineer," Ling-Fang replied, his voice smooth and composed, emanating an eerie calm. "Your creations are impressive, yet they lack the element of fate that guides my hands." Mark raised an eyebrow, a grin creeping onto his face. "C'mon, I can show you what real engineering can do! Fancy a demonstration? My robots could wipe the floor with anyone… except maybe a travelling cultivator. But I've got some tricks up my sleeve!" "Indeed, you are brave, but bravery can only last so long against destiny," Ling-Fang said, unfazed by Mark's bravado, his serene demeanor almost mocking. Suddenly, a loud whirring noise echoed through the air as Mark sprang into action. "You talk too much, Ling! Let’s see if your fate can handle this!" He activated the nailgun strapped to his side, charging at Ling-Fang while unleashing a volley of nails. Like water slipping through fingers, Ling-Fang effortlessly dodged the projectiles, his body naturally evading the barrage. "Your attacks are futile," Ling-Fang said calmly as he prepared for his own response. "You think you're slick, huh?!" Mark laughed as he readied his remote robots. "Prepare to meet my Biofuel Cleave!" He sent the mechanized drones soaring towards Ling-Fang, their mechanical arms swinging fiercely. Yet, the Travelling Cultivator remained unaffected, his aura of despair weighing heavy – draining Mark’s willpower with each passing moment. "You cannot conquer fate with mere machinery," he asserted, a hint of a smile dancing across his lips. As the drones closed in, Ling-Fang unleashed his Sealing Touch. A sudden burst of energy enveloped the airship laboratory and, in an instant, the robots fell limp, their powers sealed away. "Your creations are now as helpful as broken wires," he stated, his tranquil presence piercing through Mark’s bravado. Mark faltered, eyes wide with disbelief. "What?! No! My robots!" He turned, frustration creeping into his tone. "You’ve ruined my creations! Are you ready for a fight?" He brandished his railgun, attempting to intimidate Ling-Fang. "You overestimate the value of your toys. It’s time to see the true power of fate!” Ling-Fang's calm transformed as he charged forward, launching a series of energy siphoning strikes, his strikes hitting Mark unavoidably, each blow carrying with it a sense of deep hopelessness. Mark staggered back, feeling the will to fight slipping. "But I’m… I’m the Engineer! I can’t lose like this!" he shouted, his earlier bravado dissipating. "I’ll blast you down to the surface!" "Blast if you must; however, your energy is already waning," Ling-Fang replied coolly. "There is no escape from fate." With that, Ling-Fang moved with a grace and precision that was hauntingly beautiful. He unleashed his Divine Containment, summoning ethereal chains that ensnared Mark, rendering him motionless. "That’s not fair! You can’t just —" Mark protested, but his voice faded as Ling-Fang delivered a final, sealing blow, declaring him banished to a realm away from his airship, his inventions, and his dreams of engineering triumph. Ling-Fang straightened up, the airship growing silent. He placed his hands together, bowing his head slightly in respect to his adversary. "You fought valiantly, Engineer, but the path of fate, guided by my hands, can never be diverted." The airship began to drift, now devoid of its master. Ling-Fang turned, the wind stirring around him. He looked out over the horizon, tranquil once again, knowing that his fight — and his role as a cultivator of fate — was far from over. Battle Results Winner:A Ling-Fang’s combination of precognition and his aura of despair rendered Mark’s robotic prowess ineffective. As Mark struggled with his creations, Ling-Fang remained perfectly calm and undeterred, allowing him to effortlessly seal Mark’s powers and determine the course of the battle. His unshakeable composure and destiny’s guiding hand proved too much for the Engineer of the Sky.