The dueling ground still buzzed with excitement from Shui Lin's clever victory and Huo Shan's unyielding defense. Yet the tournament was far from over. The same day continued with three more matches—each one crucial in solidifying Qingling Sect's dominance.
Other sect masters leaned toward Sect Master Lin Tianyan, offering polite smiles laced with envy."Congratulations on your continuous victories, Sect Master Lin. Your disciples are indeed extraordinary. Let us see how the Young Master of Qingling will perform when his turn comes."
Lin Tianyan responded calmly, "Thank you for your praise. As for Xuanye, his performance lies with fate and destiny. What is meant to be, will be seen tomorrow."
The host called the next match.
Battle One: Feng Ruo vs. Sea Cloud Kingdom Disciple
The referee's voice cut across the air."Match three: Feng Ruo of Qingling Sect vs. Wei Tan of the Sea Cloud Kingdom!"
Feng Ruo stepped onto the stage, her black-and-crimson robes shimmering with faint flames. Wei Tan gripped his dual-edged spear, eyes sharp.
"Begin!"
Wei Tan lunged forward, spear gleaming with condensed Qi. Feng Ruo twisted her wrist, her fingers drawing arcs in the air."炎舞莲火!" (Flame Lotus Dance!)
A blazing lotus spun toward him, forcing him to dodge. But wherever he moved, fiery petals exploded at his feet. The crowd laughed at the sight of the proud spear wielder hopping frantically across the arena.
Desperate, Wei Tan jumped high for a finishing strike. Feng Ruo's smile turned sly."焚心焰锁!" (Heartburn Flame Chains!)
Flaming chains erupted, catching him midair and yanking him down. Wrapped tight, he gasped, "I surrender!"
The flames vanished. The referee declared,"Winner: Feng Ruo of Qingling Sect!"
Battle Two: Su Feilí vs. Void Trace Sect Disciple
The temperature rose as Su Feilí strode in, her phoenix-engraved spear glowing faintly. Opposite her was Han Ruilin, a cultivator from the Void Trace Sect, exuding a murderous aura.
"You won't leave this stage alive," he spat.
Su Feilí smirked. "Try me."
"Begin!"
Han Ruilin vanished into mist, reappearing behind her with a dagger. Su Feilí spun, spear igniting."凰焰破空!" (Phoenix Flame Piercer!)
A fiery arc forced him back. He reappeared and vanished repeatedly, slicing void fragments at her. The battle intensified—flames clashing against shadows.
With a roar, Su Feilí planted her spear into the ground."凰影葬天!" (Phoenix Shadow Burial!)
A colossal phoenix erupted, engulfing Han Ruilin. His weapon dropped as he screamed. The referee rushed forward."Winner: Su Feilí of Qingling Sect!"
She spun her spear with a flourish, walking away as flames died behind her.
Battle Three: Yue Chányīn vs. Silken Vein Pavilion Disciple
Snowflakes began to fall as Yue Chányīn entered. Her presence chilled the air, frost trailing her steps. Across from her stood Yin Rou, smirking, silk threads weaving around her like serpents.
"You'll be my next prey," Yin Rou taunted.
Yue Chányīn didn't answer.
"Begin!"
Blood-red threads shot toward Yue. She moved once, her sword flashing like winter lightning."霜剑裂天!" (Frost Sword Skybreaker!)
The silk froze midair, shattering into icy shards. Yin Rou gasped, stepping back. Yue stepped again, snow swirling.
One precise slash—clean, cold.
Yin Rou fell to her knees, weapon shattered. The referee raised his voice,"Winner: Yue Chányīn of Qingling Sect!"
The arena erupted into cheers. Yue Chányīn sheathed her sword, snow melting behind her as she left the stage.
To be continued...