The semifinal arena felt different.
Smaller crowd, only the truly invested remained. The casual spectators had left after yesterday's upset, but those who stayed understood they were witnessing something unusual. A damaged Stage 8 who'd beaten a healthy Stage 9. Now facing another.
[AUDIENCE: 800 SERIOUS CULTIVATORS]
[ATMOSPHERE: TENSE ANTICIPATION]
[YOUR CONDITION: DETERIORATING]
[FOUNDATION DAMAGE: 31% → 34%]
[IT'S GETTING WORSE JUST FROM EXISTING]
Liu Mei stood across from me, serene and composed. Her Verdant Valley robes seemed to shimmer, suggesting techniques already active. Stage 9 cultivation radiated from her like subtle perfume, present but not aggressive.
"Lin Tian," she said pleasantly. "I watched your match yesterday. Impressive use of concentrated power. But I wonder, can you hit what you cannot see?"
[PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE: SOPHISTICATED]
[SHE'S ALREADY SETTING UP MENTAL GAMES]
The judge raised his hand. "Semifinal Match One. Begin!"
Liu Mei vanished.
