With a sigh of relief, Bai Yu slipped back into his courtyard within the Azure Sword Sect. The night had fallen, casting long shadows under the watchful gaze of the moon. He settled beneath the familiar tree, his breath ragged as he closed his eyes. It was time to assess the gains.
A jolt of surprise shot through him. As he examined his body, a wave of exhilaration washed over him. His meridians, once like a babbling brook, now resembled a vast, surging river. The heavenly tribulation had not only fortified his bones but had also strengthened his organs – an unexpected benefit.
A wide grin stretched across his face. This was more than he could have ever hoped for.Bai Yu sank into a meditative state, cultivating relentlessly for three days straight. When he finally opened his eyes, a faint spark of light flickered within them.
A deep voice boomed across the sect grounds, "The semi-finals of the competition will commence in two hours!"With renewed determination, Bai Yu rose to his feet and made his way towards the arena, a sense of anticipation thrumming through his veins.
The arrogant man strutted around the arena, soaking in the hushed whispers of the crowd. "Is Bai Yu chickening out?" someone snickered. "No wonder," another chimed in, "his opponent's a mid-Bone Forging expert, while Bai Yu's still stuck in Blood Condensation."
Just as doubt began to creep in, a rhythmic tapping of footsteps echoed through the arena. All eyes turned towards the entrance as a handsome young man with a sword strapped to his back confidently strode onto the platform. His eyes, the color of polished obsidian, gleamed with an unwavering focus, framed by brows that arched like sharpened blades. This was Bai Yu.
A sneer contorted the arrogant man's face. "Took you long enough, ant," he sneered.
Elder Xuan's voice boomed, "Let the battle commence!"A tense silence descended. Then, in a heartbeat, everything changed. Bai Yu erupted into action, his shout echoing like a dragon's roar, capable of shattering mountains. With a blur of speed, he charged towards the arrogant man, his obsidian eyes glinting with a steely determination.