With his first victory under his belt, Zhao Shang continued to advance through the tournament, his confidence growing with each match. The Super Extraction System proved to be an invaluable asset, adapting to his opponents' techniques and making him a formidable adversary. Each victory brought him closer to the final round and the rare cultivation resource awaiting the champion.
The tournament had attracted attention from many influential figures, and it was no surprise that Zhao Shang's progress had not gone unnoticed. Among the spectators was a young noble named Liang Feng, the son of a powerful family with deep ties to the local cultivation sects. Liang Feng had been watching Zhao Shang's progress with growing interest, intrigued by the boy who had seemingly come out of nowhere to challenge and defeat seasoned cultivators.
As the tournament reached its penultimate stages, the competition intensified. The field of participants had narrowed to a select few, each of them highly skilled and eager to claim the coveted prize. Zhao Shang found himself among them, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The energy in the arena was electric, with spectators whispering eagerly about the upcoming matches.
The judge, a venerable elder with a long white beard and sharp eyes, called for the next match. Zhao Shang stepped forward onto the platform, only to find himself facing Liang Feng. The noble's presence was imposing, his demeanor calm and composed. He wore a finely crafted robe that shimmered with the faint glow of protective talismans, and his eyes were sharp, reflecting a mix of curiosity and assessment.
"Zhao Shang, is it?" Liang Feng said, his voice smooth and confident, yet carrying an edge of challenge. "I've heard quite a bit about you. It seems you've surprised many people here today."
Zhao Shang nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "I'm just here to do my best," he replied, his voice steady.
Liang Feng's smile held a hint of steel. "I admire your determination, but you should know that I won't be holding back. Let's see how far your best can take you."
The judge's signal marked the beginning of the match, and Liang Feng immediately unleashed a powerful burst of energy. The air around him crackled with intense heat, and Zhao Shang could feel the force of the attack even from a distance. Reacting swiftly, he activated the Super Extraction System, focusing on enhancing his defenses to withstand the initial onslaught.
Liang Feng's strikes were precise and relentless, each one infused with years of rigorous training and honed skills. Zhao Shang dodged and blocked as best as he could, but the noble's speed and power were overwhelming. The force of Liang Feng's attacks pressed him back, each blow testing the limits of his endurance.
Despite the pressure, Zhao Shang remained calm. He knew he couldn't rely solely on brute strength; he needed to outthink his opponent. Liang Feng's fighting style was aggressive and methodical, leaving little room for error. Zhao Shang observed the noble's movements closely, searching for an opening amidst the barrage of attacks.
Liang Feng's aura grew fiercer with each passing moment, and Zhao Shang could sense the growing intensity in the air. Just as Liang Feng prepared to deliver a finishing blow, Zhao Shang made his move. He shifted his stance, using his enhanced agility to slip past Liang Feng's guard. With a swift, decisive movement, Zhao Shang struck at a critical point on Liang Feng's body, disrupting the flow of his energy.
The impact caused Liang Feng to stagger, momentarily stunned by the unexpected attack. Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Shang unleashed a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed at weakening his opponent's defenses. The crowd gasped, their eyes glued to the platform as Zhao Shang pressed his advantage.
Liang Feng's composure began to crack under the relentless assault. The noble, once calm and collected, now struggled to fend off Zhao Shang's strikes. His protective talismans flared brightly, but they dimmed with each hit, unable to keep up with the force of Zhao Shang's onslaught.
The arena buzzed with excitement as spectators witnessed the unprecedented turn of events. Liang Feng, known for his skill and poise, was being overwhelmed by Zhao Shang's unexpected and fierce offensive. The crowd's reaction was a mix of shock and awe, their cheers and gasps creating a cacophony of sound.
Zhao Shang, fueled by adrenaline and determination, continued his relentless assault. He could see the exhaustion setting in on Liang Feng's face, the noble's breaths coming in ragged gasps. With each strike, Zhao Shang felt the weight of his own efforts, but he pushed through, driven by the desire to prove himself.
Finally, with one last powerful strike, Zhao Shang knocked Liang Feng off balance, sending him crashing to the ground. The protective talismans on Liang Feng's robe flared briefly before dimming completely, signaling his defeat. The judge raised Zhao Shang's hand, declaring him the winner.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable. Zhao Shang had defeated one of the tournament's most formidable opponents, an accomplishment that left many spectators in awe. The buzz of conversation around the arena grew louder as people debated the outcome and speculated on the implications for the final round.
As Zhao Shang stepped off the platform, he noticed Liang Feng struggling to his feet. The noble's expression was a mixture of frustration and grudging respect. Despite his defeat, Liang Feng's eyes held a glint of admiration.
"You fought well," Liang Feng said, his voice strained but sincere. "I underestimated you, and that was my mistake. But don't get too confident—the final round will be even tougher."
Zhao Shang nodded, appreciating the noble's words. "Thank you. I'll be ready," he replied, his voice steady and determined.
With that, Zhao Shang turned and walked away, his mind already focused on the next challenge. The final round was approaching, and he knew it would be the toughest battle yet. But with the Super Extraction System by his side, Zhao Shang was ready to face whatever came his way.
The arena was abuzz with speculation and excitement as the tournament moved into its final stage. Zhao Shang's unexpected victory over Liang Feng had shifted the spotlight onto him, and the anticipation for the final round reached a fever pitch. Spectators discussed the match's significance, and cultivators whispered about the new challenger who had risen to prominence.
In the quiet moments before the final round, Zhao Shang took time to reflect on his journey. He had come a long way from his humble beginnings, each victory a testament to his growth and the power of the Super Extraction System. The system had not only enhanced his physical abilities but also sharpened his strategic thinking, allowing him to adapt and overcome formidable opponents.
As he prepared for the final match, Zhao Shang knew that the real test awaited him. The final round would pit him against the best of the best, and the stakes were higher than ever. The rare cultivation resource was within reach, but so were the challenges that came with it.
The arena was packed for the final showdown. Spectators filled the seats, their anticipation palpable. Zhao Shang's eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the faces of those who had followed his journey. His heart raced, not with fear but with determination. He had come this far, and he was ready to push beyond his limits.
The judge took his place at the center of the arena, his presence commanding attention. With a raised hand, he called for silence. The crowd's chatter died down, replaced by a tense hush as they awaited the announcement of the final combatants.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the judge's voice echoed through the arena, "we have reached the final round of the tournament. The remaining competitors have proven themselves worthy of this stage, and now we shall witness the ultimate battle for supremacy."
The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement infectious. Zhao Shang stood tall, his gaze fixed on the judge. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, but he remained focused, channeling his energy and preparing for the challenge ahead.
"Let us welcome our final contestants," the judge continued. "In one corner, we have Zhao Shang, whose rise to prominence has captivated us all. And in the other corner, the reigning champion, renowned for his skill and prowess—prepare yourselves for an epic confrontation!"
The crowd's cheers grew louder as the reigning champion was introduced. Zhao Shang turned his attention to the opposing fighter, preparing to face the ultimate challenge of the tournament. The final round was not just a test of strength but a culmination of everything he had worked for.
As the combatants took their positions, Zhao Shang felt a surge of determination. The Super Extraction System had been a key factor in his journey, but now it was up to him to prove his worth on the grandest stage of all. He was ready to face the challenge and claim his place among the greats.
The final match was about to begin, and Zhao Shang was prepared to give it everything he had.