His eyes widening, Asher blurted out, "I think Henry was referring to Yuan Xhin."
Alexia nodded in agreement, her features contorted in thought. "Yes, Yuan Xhin! It slipped my mind until now."
Just then, Henry entered the room, his presence calm and reassuring.
"You're both correct," Henry chimed in, his voice carrying a note of certainty. "It's indeed Yuan Xhin, the same old man."
Asher's thoughts whirled as he processed the information, a sense of bewilderment and intrigue clouding his features. He turned to Henry, his voice heavy with puzzlement, "But why didn't he tell us the truth?"
Henry's expression mirrored Asher's confusion, his response tinged with a shrug. "I can't say for sure. Perhaps there's a reason behind his secrecy."
Determination flickered in Asher's eyes as he made up his mind. "Well, I'll get answers from him during the match."
"Focus on the match for now," Henry advised, his tone firm yet supportive. "We're heading to the arena soon."
"Right," Asher affirmed with a thoughtful nod.
Later, the trio arrived at the arena, a spectacle of grandeur and anticipation. The arena was adorned with vibrant banners and shimmering lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere that heightened the sense of excitement. The VIP section, reserved for finalists and their families, offered a prime view of the impending showdown.
Guided by a courteous butler, Asher and his companions were ushered to their seats. As the commencement of the final match drew near, an enthusiastic commentator energized the crowd with his spirited announcements. The arena buzzed with fervor, the audience brimming with anticipation and energy. Yet, Yuan Xhin's absence cast a veil of mystery over the proceedings.
In a final moment of preparation, Henry imparted some advice to Asher, words of wisdom meant to guide him through the impending battle. Soon, Asher's name resonated through the arena as the commentator called upon him, prompting him to rise and approach the battleground with resolve.
Stepping onto the arena floor, Asher was met with a cascade of applause and cheers from the eager crowd. The commentator's voice rang out again, announcing the entry of Dark Blizzard. As the audience scanned the arena, Dark Blizzard materialized from thin air, his presence shrouded in an aura of intrigue.
Facing Asher, Dark Blizzard wore a familiar monk's attire from their shared training days, an unexpected sight that filled Asher with a mix of trepidation and intrigue. Taking a step back, Asher couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.
"What brings you here?" Asher's voice held a mix of incredulity and urgency. "And why keep it a secret?"
Dark Blizzard met Asher's gaze with a knowing smile. "What secret are you referring to?"
A rush of realization swept over Asher, his words quick and eager. "That you are Yuan Xhin!"
The old man's smile deepened, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "All in good time, my young friend. For now, let's focus on the match ahead."
The blare of a whistle marked the start of the battle, setting the arena abuzz with energy. Dark Blizzard, emanating an air of calm assurance, closed the distance between himself and Asher with measured steps. Recalling Henry's guidance, Asher moved with caution, his anticipation of his mentor's techniques evident in his wary stance.
With a swift clap of his hands, Dark Blizzard vanished from sight, leaving Asher and the crowd momentarily stunned by his incredible speed. Just as quickly, the old man reappeared, his movements a blur as he struck Asher with a powerful blow to the ribs. Asher was sent hurtling through the air, crashing into the arena wall with a resounding impact. Agonizing pain flared as he felt a rib give way.
Before Asher could regain his bearings, Dark Blizzard materialized before him once more, this time landing a crushing kick to his face. The blow shattered the wall behind Asher, leaving him dazed and bloodied.
Dark Blizzard's voice held a note of mild disappointment. "At this rate, the match will be over before it begins."
Grimacing through the pain, Asher struggled to his feet, his resolve unwavering. "Don't underestimate me," he retorted, his voice tinged with determination. "The real battle has only just started."
Dark Blizzard's chuckle reverberated through the arena as he acknowledged Asher's spirit. "Very well, my student. Show me what you're capable of."
As the two adversaries faced each other, the arena's energy crackled with tension, the air heavy with the promise of an epic clash.
Asher's voice carried a hint of indignation, his words cutting through the tension. "I refuse to be a student of a liar."
The old man's response was gentle, a touch of wisdom in his words. "But you are, my boy. The past remains unchangeable."
Struggling to rise amidst the chaos and pain, Asher recognized that his next hurdle was deciphering a way to counter Dark Blizzard's enigmatic technique. With renewed determination, he honed his focus on scrutinizing the old man's movements, seeking any hint of vulnerability.
Dark Blizzard's voice rang out, a mix of mockery and impatience. "Lost in thought, are we? I'm growing rather bored."
As Asher's mind whirred with thoughts, he couldn't help but wonder about the old man's motives. "What is this old man up to?"
Dark Blizzard's temper flared, his voice sharp and cutting. "Very well, let's bring this to an end. I tire of this lackluster display."
In response to the old man's challenge, Asher's voice boomed defiantly, carrying his determination. "And what exactly would entertain you?"
With a swift command, Dark Blizzard summoned his magic, calling forth his mirror-based sorcery known as "Scattered Mirrors."
Mirrors emerged around Asher, their polished surfaces aligned to him. In a rapid surge of motion, the mirrors unleashed a mesmerizing barrage of laser beams, painting the arena with a kaleidoscope of light and energy...