As Bai Yu observed the remaining quarter-final matches, the arrogant man who had previously attempted to recruit him for his faction took center stage. His opponent, a female cultivator, also stood at the mid-level of the Bone Forging realm. The two warriors clashed fiercely, their blades singing a deadly song as steel met steel.
The arrogant man, a stark contrast to his earlier swagger, locked blades with the woman for a grueling three minutes. Finally, seizing an opportunity, he delivered a decisive blow, securing his victory.
"You!" the woman shrieked, her face contorted with fury. "You cheated! Those were narcotics on your blade!"The arrogant man, a cold smile playing on his lips, merely shrugged. "A win is a win," he declared, his voice dripping with icy satisfaction.
The booming voice of Elder Xuan echoed through the arena, "The quarter finals have concluded! The semi-finals will commence in three days."
Bai Yu's heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and urgency. "Three days," he thought, clenching his fist. "Three days to break through to the Bone Forging Stage."However, instead of returning to his courtyard within the Azure Sword Sect, he made a resolute turn, leaving the familiar grounds behind.
He ventured into the depths of the surrounding forest. After a relentless walk for four hours, he emerged into a desolate clearing. Here, amidst the gnarled trees and barren earth, he found a place of solitude. He settled into a meditative pose, his eyes closed, his focus unwavering.
"Time to break through," he muttered, his voice laced with determination. As if on cue, a sharp crack echoed within him, a sound akin to a dam bursting open. The world around him pulsed, and a jolt of energy surged through his body.Above, the sky darkened ominously. Black clouds churned and coalesced, blotting out the sun. An oppressive energy descended upon the clearing. "So it begins," Bai Yu thought, a steely glint in his eyes as he gazed upwards at the menacing storm. "The heavenly tribulation."