With a mere flick of my wrist, I activated yu-jian-shu, a technique that allowed me to control my ethereal swords with just my mind. Each blade, radiating an intense golden glow, sprang into action, darting towards Zhao-Feng with the speed and precision of an arrow loosed from its bow.
His amber eyes narrowed, fully aware of the stakes, he demonstrated his remarkable agility. He expertly maneuvered his jade-tipped spear with an unbelievable grace and speed, intercepting each of my attacks. His weapon whirled, spun, and twisted, the greenish hue of the jade blending into a whirlwind of color, each movement creating a hypnotic dance as he managed to deflect each of my ethereal swords.
The crowd gasped in awe, the spectacle before them was not just a simple fight, but an artform - a beautiful symphony of skill, speed, and strength. Each movement was a new note, the very air thrumming with the power of our duel.
My eyes narrowed, my resolve deepening. With a slight widening of my stance and a flexing of my fingers, the air around me seemed to shimmer with intensity. Twenty five glowing golden swords materialized around me, revolving in a tight formation, their radiance intensifying the aura of power around me.
With a flick of my wrist, they shot forward like starlight meteors, homing in on Zhao-Feng with unerring precision. His amber eyes widened, understanding the enormity of the incoming onslaught. His spear was a blur, moving in arcs and curves as he spun and twirled, trying to parry the hailstorm of ethereal blades.
Each collision between spear and blade sent sparks flying, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that left the crowd breathless. Despite his best efforts, one sword slipped past his defense, carving a shallow cut on his leg. A hiss escaped his lips, but he managed to stay upright, his eyes never leaving mine. His wound bled onto the sand, a stark reminder of the high stakes of our duel.
With a wild look in his eyes, Zhao-Feng reared his head back, letting out a laugh that echoed across the vastness of the arena. The sound, filled with excitement and anticipation, sent a shiver down the spines of the spectators. As the laughter faded, his voice rang out clear and resolute. "Jade dragon form!"
At his call, the atmosphere around him seemed to shudder and warp. The ground beneath his feet trembled as a tangible wave of energy pulsed from him. The jade markings on his armor began to glow, casting a haunting green light around him that held the crowd captive.
Then, the impossible happened. A specter of a massive dragon, majestic and mighty, formed from the pulsating green aura. It coiled around Zhao-Feng, its eyes aglow with an ethereal fire, its body shimmering in the dazzling light. The crowd held its collective breath as the jade dragon roared, an ethereal sound that echoed through the arena, making the hairs on the back of everyone's neck stand up. The transformation was awe-inspiring, commanding the respect and fear of all present. Zhao-Feng, now enveloped in the spectral form of the jade dragon, seemed an entirely different opponent.
In a flash, Zhao-Feng surged forward, the jade dragon's aura trailing behind him like a spectral cloak. His movements, previously measured and precise, had gained a wild, ruthless speed. The change was immediate and dramatic - each stride now covered an alarming amount of distance, and his attacks came faster, as though he had been uncaged.
Our blades met in a clash of steel and raw power. The dragon's aura seemed to augment Zhao-Feng's strength as each blow he landed was like a sledgehammer, shaking me to my core. It took all my strength to parry, my golden ethereal swords working overtime to deflect and counter his relentless assault.
The rhythm of our battle transformed, as though a switch had been flipped. Instead of the careful strategy of before, it was now a storm, uncontrolled and tumultuous. We traded blows, the speed of our exchange blurring our figures into a dance of golden and jade lights. Our shadows tangled and twisted under the stark arena lights, as we tested and teased each other's defenses.
Our strengths seemed matched. His speed and strength, increased tenfold by his jade dragon form, were met with my unyielding determination and unwavering focus. Every time he struck, I was there to meet him, turning his power against him and using the momentum to launch my counterattacks. The crowd was silent, on the edge of their seats as they watched our spectacle unfold. We were locked in a fierce dance, our strengths evenly matched and our resolve unbroken.
We pushed away from each other, the force creating some much-needed distance. Zhao-Feng's chest heaved under his jade armor, sweat trickling down his face and darkening his hair at the temples. His amber eyes glowed with a fierce determination, reflecting the aura of the jade dragon surrounding him. There was a raw, desperate energy about him now, an urgency that hadn't been there before.
"This jade dragon form," he began, his voice hoarse but steady, "burns my life essence every second I use it." His grip on his spear tightened, knuckles turning white. "I am fighting you with my full force, Sword Master."
His words hung heavy in the air between us, emphasizing the seriousness of his declaration. The crowd was silent, the normally boisterous spectators holding their collective breath in anticipation. I closed my eyes for a moment, taking in his resolve. I could sense his sincerity, his readiness to put everything on the line in this fight.
I let out a sigh, opening my eyes again to meet his unwavering gaze. There was a shift in the air, the tension escalating as I silently acknowledged his request.
"Very well," I responded, my voice echoing through the silent arena. The words were simple, but the meaning behind them was profound. I was accepting his challenge, agreeing to meet him with the same level of seriousness. I was ready to fight him with my full force.
The determination returned to my eyes, matching his. It was a silent promise - I would not hold back. I would face him with everything I had. The crowd erupted into cheers, the tension broken by my words. The fight was about to get even more intense.
Q: Do you read Wuxia novels?