Lin Xue's victories came swiftly, her dominance in the competition leaving no doubt in the minds of the spectators. Each opponent she faced was dispatched with ease, their techniques crumbling before her mastery of ice and darkness. The cold, calculated way in which she fought unnerved her challengers, and whispers of her talent spread through the crowd.
As she stood on the arena floor, watching the next match unfold, Lin Xue felt no satisfaction from her victories. To her, these battles were simply tests—an opportunity to measure her progress and refine her skills. The admiration of the crowd, the praise of the elders, and the envy of her fellow disciples held no value for her.
Xu Tian, however, was another matter. His victories were equally decisive, but his approach was different. Where Lin Xue's strength was quiet and controlled, Xu Tian's was loud and boastful. He relished in the attention, feeding off the admiration of those around him. His fiery techniques dazzled the crowd, and with each win, he would cast a glance in Lin Xue's direction, as if daring her to challenge him.
But Lin Xue remained indifferent. Xu Tian's arrogance was a distraction—a weakness she intended to exploit. As the competition continued, she could sense his frustration growing. He had expected her to falter, to be humbled by his presence, but instead, she had risen to meet him head-on.
The day wore on, and the number of remaining disciples dwindled. Soon, only a handful of competitors remained, and the final matches were announced. Lin Xue would face Li Zhen, a disciple known for his mastery of wind techniques.
The battle began with a flurry of wind blades, cutting through the air with precision. But Lin Xue remained calm, her icy aura protecting her from the onslaught. She moved swiftly, her steps light as she weaved through the attacks. With a wave of her hand, she summoned a blizzard of frozen shadows, overwhelming Li Zhen and ending the match in her favor.
As Lin Xue left the arena, she could feel Xu Tian's gaze on her. Tomorrow, she would face him in the final match. But to her, the outcome was already decided.