"The final duel: Princess Bao Kexing versus Prince Chang Mozhou. Will both contenders please step into the arena!"
The announcement echoed across the dueling grounds. The surrounding crowd erupted into excited chatter some stared with anticipation, others whispered predictions about the outcome of the battle to come.
The middle-aged man who served as the announcer stood calmly beside the arena. His expression was relaxed, as though he already knew the result. In his hand, he held a piece of magical parchment that emitted a soft blue glow. Faint beams of light shimmered in the air. His ink-black eyes scanned the paper briefly before lifting to survey the arena with a composed gaze.
Suddenly, a shadowy figure pierced the air and soared toward the stage. A young girl appeared. Her pale orange hair fluttered with the wind, making her delicate face stand out even more. She wore a dark green garment, reminiscent of summer foliage, which accentuated her slender, graceful figure and drew the attention of all eyes.
Princess Bao Kexing somersaulted into the air from a group of young women. Her body floated agilely like a feather dancing in the breeze, and in the blink of an eye, she landed firmly on the dueling platform. Her gaze locked straight ahead with unwavering focus.
Moments later, another figure shot up onto the stage.
A young man appeared. His jet-black hair glistened in the sunlight. The dark blue robes he wore resembled the depths of the ocean. When both feet touched the ground, his tall figure stood confidently. He was Prince Chang Mozhou.
His smooth, fair face lifted slightly as his deep eyes assessed his opponent. In those eyes shimmered the reflection of the girl before him, followed by a faint, mysterious smirk curling at the corner of his lips.
Chang Mozhou's foot shifted slightly, placing his body in a defensive stance. Bao Kexing, too, adjusted her posture, ready for combat. A hushed silence fell over the area. Every gaze was fixed on the two figures on the stage. The battle everyone had been waiting for was about to begin!
"Let the duel begin!"
The middle-aged man standing by the stage called out loudly. Expectation flickered in his eyes as he glanced at the boy and girl facing each other. The entire arena fell silent for a moment, only to be overtaken again by the buzzing voices of the crowd. Onlookers widened their eyes with curiosity and excitement, eager for a fiery clash. They all hoped this would be the perfect finale to the day.
Chang Mozhou… a boy with a handsome, elegant face, though his elegance still paled in comparison to Wei Xue and Xiang Tiancai. He stood tall on the arena, his sharp eyes scanning Bao Kexing for a brief moment before his lips twisted into a faint, mocking smile.
In a flash, he lunged forward. His foot barely touched the ground, yet the force launched him forward like a tiger on the hunt. A dazzling silver dagger gleamed in the sunlight as it was hurled from his hand like a lightning bolt, aiming precisely at Bao Kexing's abdomen.
Bao Kexing swiftly twisted her body to the side. Her flowing robes trailed with her movement. Her eyes tracked the dagger that had narrowly missed her body by mere inches, glinting sharply with alertness. She wouldn't allow the momentum to fall into his hands.
She raised her hand. A soft green light shimmered from her pale palm, glowing as if the power of wood element was surging throughout her body. The energy gathered and coiled around her arm in the form of Evergreen Vines a powerful force swirling rapidly.
Thud!
Her hand slammed onto the arena floor. The ground trembled slightly. Green streaks burst from beneath the earth dozens of evergreen vines shot up like serpents freed from their cages. They twisted with menace before rushing toward Chang Mozhou with terrifying speed.
Chang Mozhou, who had been advancing on his opponent, halted abruptly. His steps faltered for just a fraction of a second in surprise. His sharp eyes reflected the glowing green vines surging toward him with unrelenting force.
But he gave a small shake of his head, regaining composure in an instant. His brows furrowed slightly as he leapt to dodge the incoming vines. His body bent left, then twisted right. His feet moved swiftly across the arena floor, with precision and confidence.
At that very moment, he stretched his hand to the side, catching the spinning silver dagger back mid-air. His slender fingers gripped the handle tightly. His body lowered into a crouch before he flicked his wrist sharply letting the blade's edge slice through the rushing vines. A screeching sound rang out as the knife cut through the powerful energy.
As the green lines of power were severed into fragments, Bao Kexing stared at her opponent with steady eyes.
This duel was far from over...