After their victory in the Arena of Spirits, Zhang Xin and his friends return to the Zi Xuan Sect headquarters. The leader of the Zi Xuan Sect, an elderly man with wise, penetrating eyes and an aura of profound energy, steps forward, raising his voice to address the disciples who had successfully completed the second test.
"Congratulations, disciples. You have shown remarkable skill and teamwork. But your journey is far from over. Tomorrow, we shall begin the third and final test—a test of strength, technique, and inner resolve. In this trial, you will face one another in one-on-one combat to determine who possesses the true potential to carry the honor of the Zi Xuan Sect."
Zhang Xin listens intently, feeling both excitement and a spark of anxiety. The battles in the arena were difficult, but going head-to-head against his own sect members will be another level of challenge. As the disciples disperse, murmuring about the final test, Zhang Xin returns to his room to prepare.
Night Before the Final Test
In the solitude of his room, Zhang Xin takes a deep breath, his mind focused on the ancient stone he had retrieved and the powers it had begun to awaken within him. He closes his eyes, entering his sea of consciousness. Inside this vast, boundless realm, he senses the presence of the ancient stone, its energy pulsing like a heartbeat. Beside it, the golden dragon, Zhu Wei, coils majestically, watching over Zhang Xin.
"Qiyuan," Zhang Xin calls to the spirit within the ancient stone. "Guide me in your ways."
The spirit's voice echoes through his mind, calm yet powerful. "My techniques are ancient, Zhang Xin. They require patience, discipline, and balance. Focus on channeling your energy, and let your mind become as still as water."
Following Qiyuan's guidance, Zhang Xin visualizes the flow of energy within him. The ancient stone's techniques are complex, involving the manipulation of both light and shadow. He begins by practicing the "Celestial Shroud," a defensive skill that envelops his body in a protective veil of light energy. Next, he attempts the "Phantom Mirage," a technique that creates illusions of himself, capable of confusing opponents in combat.
In the midst of his training, Zhu Wei, the golden dragon, stirs. "Remember, young one, my techniques are meant to enhance your strength and instincts. Focus on your inner fire and let it guide your movements. There is also a hidden map within your consciousness—a skill that will reveal secrets and paths as you explore this realm further. Trust in it."
Zhang Xin continues cultivating through the night, focusing on these new techniques, determined to master them before the third test. Exhausted but filled with a renewed sense of power, he finally drifts into a deep sleep.
The Third Test Begins
The following morning, the disciples gather in the Grand Arena, a vast coliseum within the Zi Xuan Sect. The leader of the sect stands on a raised platform, his gaze sweeping across the gathered disciples. Beside him, the senior instructors and elders watch closely, ready to observe the students' progress.
"As I mentioned yesterday, today's test is a one-on-one battle between disciples. The winner of each match will advance to the next round until only one remains. Let this test reveal the strength and spirit of the Zi Xuan Sect."
Zhang Xin surveys the crowd, noticing a young woman standing alone near the edge of the arena. She exudes an air of quiet confidence, with a sword at her side and a calm demeanor. Her name is Lian Hua, a skilled swordswoman known for her grace and precision. She catches Zhang Xin's eye, and for a moment, they exchange a nod of mutual respect. Zhang Xin feels a sense of intrigue—he senses that Lian Hua is no ordinary opponent.
As the third test begins, disciples are paired off in random matches. The first few fights are intense as Zhang Xin watches his fellow disciples showcase their skills. Each combatant uses different techniques: fire blasts, wind shields, water strikes, and more. Lian Hua's match soon begins, and Zhang Xin watches with fascination as she faces her opponent.
Lian Hua's Battle: Grace in Motion
Lian Hua moves with elegance, her sword a blur as she deflects her opponent's attacks with precision. Her technique, the Lotus Dance, combines rapid footwork and sweeping blade movements, creating a flowing shield that blocks every attack. She gracefully counters her opponent's strikes, finally landing a decisive blow that leaves her victorious.
Zhang Xin watches in awe. Her skill is incredible, and he wonders if they might end up facing each other.
Zhang Xin's First Match: Unleashing New Techniques
Soon, it's Zhang Xin's turn. He steps into the arena to face a formidable opponent, Wu Lang, a brawler known for his physical strength and earth-based techniques.
Wu Lang smirks, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see if you're as tough as they say, Zhang Xin."
Without hesitation, Wu Lang charges forward, slamming his fists into the ground and sending a wave of earth toward Zhang Xin. But Zhang Xin is prepared. Using the Celestial Shroud, he surrounds himself with a veil of light, deflecting the attack. As the dust settles, Zhang Xin activates Phantom Mirage, creating two illusory clones that surround Wu Lang.
Wu Lang, confused, swings wildly at the illusions, only to leave himself vulnerable. Zhang Xin capitalizes on the opening, channeling his energy into a focused strike that sends Wu Lang tumbling back.
The crowd watches in awe as Zhang Xin emerges victorious, having used his new techniques with skill and precision. He catches a glimpse of Lian Hua observing him from the sidelines, her expression unreadable.
The Final Rounds: Zhang Xin's Team vs. Rival Disciples
As the rounds progress, the remaining disciples include Zhang Xin, Lian Hua, Xiaobo, Mei Lan, Wei Luo, and Chen Bo, along with a few other strong contenders, including Luo Yan and his team.
In the quarterfinals, Zhang Xin and his friends find themselves paired against Luo Yan's team in a multi-combat match. The air is tense as the two groups prepare for a fierce fight.
"Stay close," Zhang Xin whispers to his friends. "Use the techniques we've practiced, and watch each other's backs."
Team Fight: Zhang Xin's Friends vs. Luo Yan's Team
The battle begins with a clash of energy blasts and sword strikes. Luo Yan's team uses dark energy techniques, surrounding Zhang Xin and his friends with shadows that attempt to immobilize them. But Zhang Xin activates the Celestial Shroud, breaking through the shadow binds and shielding his friends.
Xiaobo and Mei Lan team up, combining Xiaobo's fire techniques with Mei Lan's water abilities to create a steam screen, obscuring their positions and confusing their enemies. Wei Luo raises an earth wall to protect Chen Bo, who launches himself into the fray with his sword.
In the chaos, Zhang Xin senses Luo Yan approaching, and the two rivals meet in a heated exchange. Luo Yan grins, dark energy crackling around him. "So, the prodigy finally shows his face. Let's see if you're worthy."
Luo Yan launches a barrage of shadow tendrils, but Zhang Xin counters with the Celestial Shroud and strikes back with a swift, blinding energy burst. He then activates the Map Skill, allowing him to detect every movement within the battlefield and coordinate with his team.
With this advantage, Zhang Xin and his friends execute a synchronized attack:
Chen Bo charges forward, clashing with Luo Yan's teammates.
Wei Luo uses his earth abilities to trap the enemies' feet, while Xiaobo launches fire blasts.
Mei Lan supports from the back, healing injuries and boosting their stamina.
Zhang Xin confronts Luo Yan, channeling the energy of the ancient stone to create an energy blade.
The energy blade, infused with Qiyuan's ancient power, cuts through Luo Yan's dark energy and lands a decisive hit, forcing Luo Yan to retreat.
With Luo Yan's team overwhelmed, Zhang Xin's group secures victory, advancing to the semifinals.
The Final Duel: Zhang Xin vs. Lian Hua
After several rounds, only Zhang Xin and Lian Hua remain. The arena falls silent as the two step forward. Lian Hua offers a respectful nod, and Zhang Xin returns the gesture.
Their fight is graceful yet intense. Lian Hua's Lotus Dance creates a mesmerizing array of sword movements, each strike carefully aimed to probe Zhang Xin's defenses. Zhang Xin counters with the Celestial Shroud and Phantom Mirage, creating illusions to mislead her. He uses the energy blade, pushing Lian Hua to her limits.
But Lian Hua surprises him with a hidden technique—Lotus Bloom, an energy-infused sword strike that splits into multiple petals, each one deadly. Zhang Xin narrowly dodges and retaliates, using the ancient stone's power to create a shield that absorbs the attack.
After an intense exchange, Zhang Xin manages to land a critical hit, winning the duel. Exhausted but exhilarated, they share a respectful nod, acknowledging each other's skill.
As the sect leaders declare Zhang Xin the winner of the third test, he glances at Lian Hua, feeling both respect and admiration. But in the back of his mind, he senses that his journey is just beginning and that powerful secrets still lie within the ancient stone, waiting to be unlocked.