At the highest platform overlooking the dueling grounds, Elder You Yichen sat in a calm and composed posture. His eyes radiated with wisdom and authority as he glanced down at the stage below, where the young man and woman were fiercely battling. Yet within his gaze was not merely interest in the duel.
As he witnessed the two youths fight with such remarkable ability, a faint smile curved the corner of You Yichen's lips. This is the final match… Soon, everything would be over and he could return to his granddaughter.
Though she was not of his blood, to him, she was the shining star that illuminated his life.
She filled his world with light. She gave him a reason to keep protecting something precious. No matter the trials he had endured, no matter how heavy the secrets he bore, he was willing so long as his star could keep shining, untouched by any shadow. You Yichen lowered his gaze slightly, concealing the depths of his thoughts within.
Some secrets could not be revealed... at least, not yet. He had hidden many truths from his granddaughter not out of deceit, but because he was not yet ready to tell her. Not ready for the truth to alter her life. But when the day came that she had grown strong enough when he was certain she could face it all with resilience...
That day, he would tell her everything. The whole truth whether she could accept it or not.
Chang Mozhou leapt into the air, dodging the green tendrils that surged toward him from the side. The sound of wind slicing past his body echoed loudly. His feet touched the ground only briefly before his body spun nimbly. His slender hand gripped the silver dagger tightly, the pressure of the battle beginning to show on his face.
His brows furrowed. His sharp eyes scanned his surroundings, assessing the situation. The dueling floor was filled with glowing green energy vines, like spiritual vines brimming with inner force. His foot moved toward one of the vines cutting across his path, and he decisively thrust his dagger straight into it.
Crack! A sharp sound rang out as the green energy burst apart in a brilliant display, casting light across the arena. On the other side, Bao Kexing did not remain idle. She retreated several paces, her keen eyes fixed firmly on her opponent before her.
One of the green tendrils shone brightly. Soon, the light condensed into a short, verdant dagger. She extended her pale golden hand and slowly gripped the hilt tightly, sensing the powerful energy radiating from it.
Then, in just a blink, she flipped and twisted her body, flipping away to the right about three meters from Chang Mozhou. Her movements were elegant yet brimming with power. At the same time, the hand gripping the green dagger tightened. She was ready. This battle would not be decided easily!
In a fraction of a second, the blades of the two clashed with fierce intensity.
Clang! Scree! The sound of metal grinding against metal echoed through the dueling grounds. Sparks and light flew from the collision of their weapons, drawing gasps from the surrounding crowd, who now held their breath, eyes fixed on the scene without blinking.
Chang Mozhou increased his strength, pressing his silver blade downward in an attempt to slice into Bao Kexing's left arm. But she was no slower raising her green dagger in time to block the strike.
The sound of metal-on-metal clashing rang out again, and the tension in the air peaked.
Suddenly, Chang Mozhou seized an opportunity. With precision, he stomped his foot into the back of Bao Kexing's knee.
The blow, like a lightning strike, caused her balance to break. Both knees slammed down onto the arena floor hard.
"Urgh!" Bao Kexing gritted her teeth. A sharp pain shot through her legs. But before she could move, Chang Mozhou's tall figure shifted swiftly. He stepped deftly to the right, raising his silver dagger, the tip pressing close to the slender line of her throat. A cold wind swept by.
Bao Kexing froze barely even daring to breathe. Her reflection flickered in Chang Mozhou's eyes. Silence enveloped the dueling grounds. All eyes were riveted on the two.
Then, Princess Bao Kexing stomped forcefully on the ground.
The motion released a shockwave that hurled the young man backward. His body was flung far, crashing hard onto the arena floor. But he didn't stop moving his arms remained tense and ready to rise again.
As Bao Kexing regained her balance, she slowly steadied her breath. Her torso tilted slightly forward, her eyes still locked onto her opponent. Her brows were tightly knit, and her thin lips bit down lightly. She couldn't hide the fury on her face the resentment burning in her chest. She had nearly lost just now if not for the inner power still pulsing within her.
Bao Kexing knew it was time to use every ounce of strength she had. There would be no turning back.
"You won't defeat me that easily," she said in a voice that was icy, tinged with rage, and yet unwavering in confidence.
Even though the young man stood several steps away, the ferocity of the battle had never once diminished. Bao Kexing was ready to charge at him once more, her power gathered and burning.
She raised her hand into the air, drawing out her inner power to its fullest. Countless vibrant green leaves floated around her, like a swarm of blades or sharp swords spinning around her body. She swept her gaze toward the opponent standing across from her, then flicked her hand swiftly sending the leaves hurtling toward him at lightning speed.
The young man's eyes widened in shock. His body reacted swiftly, twisting and dodging through the open air with agility. Yet some of the leaves came so fast that they were impossible to evade. Still, he refused to back down. He flipped his grip on the dagger firmly and slashed at one of the oncoming leaves with confidence. The blade sliced through it cleanly, shattering it into tiny fragments instantly. But even as one was destroyed, he knew that hundreds more were still pursuing him relentlessly.
Yet the young man merely smiled faintly. He raised his dagger once again, already thinking of a strategy to counter her wave of energy. Not long after he cut through the first leaf, he gathered all the inner power within his body. Suddenly, a brilliant beam of light burst from within him like a surge of overwhelming destruction.
At that moment, all of the leaves flying toward him disintegrated into the air with incredible speed, vanishing completely without leaving even a single shred behind.
The light that had burst from his body spread outward, illuminating the entire dueling arena. It was as if the sunlight itself had appeared in the midst of darkness. The spectators surrounding the arena were stunned, mouths agape in astonishment at the sheer magnitude of his power.
Bao Kexing, witnessing the scene before her, was equally shocked. Her eyes were fixed on the young man standing across from her, watching the light radiating from his body and how it effortlessly destroyed her leaves. She could feel the depth of his power and how well-prepared he was.
Yet, it was not the time to surrender.
She clenched her teeth tightly, gathering her energy once again, preparing herself to enter the next phase of battle.