As the second round of the competition commenced, anticipation crackled in the air. The arena, now dusted with a light layer of snow, stood as a testament to the skills and resilience of its participants. The first matchup of the round would see two strong contenders: Yan Mei from Crimson Spire and Fù Rèn from Azure Crest.
Yan Mei
Yan Mei stepped forward, a vision of grace and quiet strength. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, glimmering under the ambient light, framing her gentle but determined features. Dressed in a flowing robe of soft pink adorned with delicate lotus patterns, she exuded an aura of tranquility. Her eyes, bright and hopeful, reflected the essence of her element—the Lotus Blossom—symbolizing purity, beauty, and an unwavering spirit.
As she took her stance, Yan Mei summoned her element, the air around her shimmering with the delicate petals of the lotus. Each petal floated gently, a soft fragrance wafting through the arena, grounding her and giving her strength.
Fù Rèn
On the opposite side, Fù Rèn emerged, embodying resilience and raw power. With a determined expression and a stature that spoke of unwavering resolve, she wore a fitted dark green and black robe that hugged her form, accented with obsidian shards that glinted ominously. Her hair was tied back in a practical braid, revealing sharp cheekbones and intense eyes that seemed to absorb the light around her. Fù Rèn's name resonated in her being—she was meant to bear burdens and rise against adversity.
As she stepped onto the battlefield, the ground around her began to pulse with energy. Fù Rèn called upon her element, Obsidian Earth, and the air thickened with a tangible sense of pressure. The ground trembled slightly as dark, glass-like formations emerged, swirling around her like a protective shroud.
The Match
The proctor signaled the start of the match, and the crowd quieted, their breaths held in anticipation. Yan Mei moved first, her hands weaving gracefully in the air as she summoned the Lotus Blossom. The petals swirled around her, forming a barrier of soft light. "I won't hold back," she declared, her voice steady.
Fù Rèn smirked, her posture unyielding. "Good. I wouldn't expect anything less." With a swift motion, she unleashed shards of obsidian from her elemental cloak, sending them hurtling toward Yan Mei like deadly projectiles.
Yan Mei reacted swiftly, her barrier of lotus petals shimmering to life, absorbing the impact of the obsidian shards. With each collision, the petals glowed brighter, channeling the energy of her element. "Purity will always triumph over darkness!" she shouted, the warmth of her conviction radiating from her.
But Fù Rèn was relentless. Drawing upon the resilience of her element, she shaped the earth beneath her, summoning a wave of obsidian to rise and crash toward Yan Mei. The ground heaved, creating jagged spikes aimed to ensnare her opponent.
In a flash, Yan Mei danced away, her movements fluid and precise as she weaved through the spikes. The petals of the lotus transformed, forming tendrils that lashed out at the obsidian, attempting to bind and hold them in place. "You underestimate the strength of beauty!" she called out, determination igniting within her.
The crowd gasped at the sight of the two elements clashing—one a vibrant symbol of hope and purity, the other a dark embodiment of strength and resilience. Yet, Fù Rèn's focus sharpened as she felt the tide of the match turning. She dug her feet into the ground, channeling energy into her core. With a fierce shout, she unleashed a shockwave, sending a tremor through the arena.
The ground split beneath Yan Mei, but she wasn't caught off guard. In that moment, she embraced her element fully, the Lotus Blossom bursting into a radiant bloom around her, lifting her off the ground in a swirling vortex of petals. The shockwave hit her, but she remained suspended, the petals shielding her from the force.
With newfound clarity, Yan Mei launched herself toward Fù Rèn, the petals around her transforming into sharp, spiraling blades of light. "Let the lotus rise!" she cried, unleashing a flurry of strikes aimed directly at Fù Rèn.
Fù Rèn met the assault head-on, forming a massive obsidian shield to counter the barrage of light. The impact echoed like thunder, the arena vibrating with their clashing powers. But the shield cracked under the relentless assault, and Fù Rèn could feel the pressure building.
As the last wave of petals struck, Fù Rèn stumbled back, a brief flicker of uncertainty flashing across her face. Sensing her opening, Yan Mei pressed forward, the petals glowing with an ethereal light as they formed a brilliant lotus above her head. "This is for everyone who believes in beauty and strength!"
With one final surge of energy, she hurled the radiant lotus forward, exploding into a dazzling display of light and color that enveloped Fù Rèn. The brilliance momentarily blinded the audience, and when the light receded, Fù Rèn was on her knees, the remnants of obsidian shards scattered around her like broken glass.
The Victor
Breathing heavily, Yan Mei stood tall, her petals still swirling protectively around her. The crowd erupted into applause, awe and admiration washing over them. She had demonstrated not only the beauty of her element but the power of resilience and strength that lay within her spirit.
Fù Rèn looked up, a mix of respect and determination in her eyes. "You fought well, Yan Mei," she said, pushing herself back to her feet. "Wench."
Yan Mei's eyes widened, all she could think about is how she'll drag Fù Rèn by her hair one day and that day isn't today atleast...