Chapter 13
Zhen Yu vs. Cheng Wei
Zhen Yu and Cheng Wei stepped into the arena
"Fire versus Earth. This is going to be explosive—literally," someone murmured.
"I've seen Cheng Wei withstand an entire landslide," another replied.
Zhen Yu's younger brother, Zhen Hai, whispered to their father.
"Brother's fire techniques are the best. He'll win, right?"
Their father, Zhen Liang, stroked his beard. "If he remains focused, yes. But Cheng Wei is no pushover."
Cheng Wei's mentor watched intently.
"Patience is the key. Let Zhen Yu tire himself out."
Match begins
Cheng Wei started with the Boulder Wall, a towering barrier that blocked Zhen Yu's initial Flame Spiral.
"Smart move," Elder murmured.
But Zhen Yu was unfazed, moving seamlessly into Fire Dance, chaining fire-infused strikes that melted parts of the wall.
"He's relentless," Zhen Hai said, excitement in his voice.
Cheng Wei countered with Earthquake Stomp, sending tremors that disrupted Zhen Yu's rhythm.
Zhen Liang leaned forward. "Focus, Zhen Yu. Use your instincts."
The Finale
As the battle raged on, Cheng Wei used Mountain Grip, earthen hands reaching up to restrain Zhen Yu.
"That's it!" Elder cheered.
But Zhen Yu ignited his ultimate move, Phoenix Ascend, breaking free with fiery wings that dazzled the audience.
Gasps and cheers filled the air as Zhen Yu soared, unleashing Scorching Rain, a barrage of flaming meteors.
"Magnificent," Zhen Liang said, his eyes gleaming with pride.
Cheng Wei attempted to shield himself with Earth Fortress, but Zhen Yu's final Solar Strike shattered his defenses.
Cheng Wei collapsed, and the crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
"Brother did it!" Zhen Hai yelled, jumping up and down.
As the dust settled, the audience buzzed with excitement. Each fight had been a masterpiece of skill and strategy, leaving everyone eager for the next round.
The Second Round Battles
The second round began, bringing together stronger and more seasoned participants.
The air was thick with tension as the audience whispered in anticipation of the next thrilling fights.
Each match carried stakes far higher than the first round, and the crowd's excitement was palpable.
Mei Hua vs. Lin Feng
The arena fell silent as Mei Hua and Lin Feng stepped forward.
Lin Feng, known for his agility and precision, moved with lightning speed, trying to close the distance between him and Mei Hua.
However, Mei Hua's mastery of wind techniques created a protective barrier around her.
"She's untouchable with those winds," someone in the crowd whispered.
Lin Feng darted through the gusts, but Mei Hua remained calm, her movements elegant and deliberate.
With a sudden motion, she unleashed a whirlwind, sending Lin Feng sprawling across the arena.
Dazed, he struggled to recover. Mei Hua didn't waste a moment. With a final gust, she knocked Lin Feng out of the ring.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Her control is impeccable!" said a young cultivator, impressed.
Mei Hua bowed gracefully, leaving the arena as the victor.
"We have winner Mei Hua"...
Audience cheered.
Next battle, we have
Zhen Yu vs. Chen Hao
Zhen Yu entered the battlefield with an air of confidence, his fiery aura almost visible to the naked eye.
Across from him stood Chen Hao, a stoic figure with a spear in hand.
The match began with Chen Hao charging forward, his spear glowing faintly with energy.
"Chen Hao might have the upper hand in close combat," someone murmured.
But Zhen Yu was prepared. He summoned a blazing wall of flames, forcing Chen Hao to halt his advance.
Undeterred, Chen Hao circled, looking for an opening.
Zhen Yu smirked and raised his hand, summoning a burst of flames that spiraled toward Chen Hao like a fiery dragon.
Chen Hao dodged but was pushed back repeatedly by Zhen Yu's relentless attacks.
Each strike grew more intense, the heat palpable even to the audience.
"This is over," a spectator whispered as Zhen Yu gathered an inferno in his palm and launched it at Chen Hao, who had no choice but to yield.
The crowd roared as Zhen Yu stood victorious, his fiery energy dissipating into embers.
Next match we have Bohang vs. Tang Wei
The clash between Bohang and Tang Wei was one of brute strength versus resilience.
Bohang was a mountain of a man, his arrogance evident in his towering stance.
Tang Wei, smaller in comparison, seemed undaunted.
"Bohang looks unbeatable," someone muttered.
The fight began with Bohang charging forward, his massive fists slamming into Tang Wei's defenses.
Tang Wei managed to deflect the blows initially but was visibly struggling against the sheer force.
Bohang grinned arrogantly, enjoying the cheers of the crowd.
"Come on, Tang Wei! Don't let him bully you!" shouted a spectator.
Tang Wei tried to fight back, landing a few strikes on Bohang's arms and legs, but it wasn't enough.
Bohang retaliated with a devastating punch, sending Tang Wei crashing to the ground. The arena trembled as Tang Wei struggled to stand but ultimately conceded defeat.
Bohang stood triumphant, his grin widening as the crowd's cheers fed his ego.
"We have the winner Bohang"
Bohang strutted through the training grounds after his second victory, his broad shoulders swaying with arrogance.
The crowd of spectators and participants couldn't help but glance at him, his presence demanding attention.
His booming laughter echoed as he approached Yin, who was calmly meditating on a stone bench nearby.
"Well, well, if it isn't the underdog himself,"
Bohang said, crossing his arms and smirking down at Yin.
"I'll give you credit for surprising everyone, Yin. Beating Zhe Bu was no small feat, but don't let it get to your head."
Yin opened his eyes slowly, his calm gaze meeting Bohang's.
He didn't respond, which only seemed to irritate the towering fighter.
"Do you really think you stand a chance against someone like me?" Bohang sneered, stepping closer.
"Luck carried you this far, but that luck's about to run out. Better to save yourself the humiliation and surrender before you get hurt.
I'd hate to break you in front of everyone."
The crowd nearby murmured at Bohang's brazen declaration.
"Bohang's strength is terrifying," one spectator whispered.
"But Yin's victory over Zhe Bu was no fluke. He's not the same as before," another retorted.
Bohang leaned down, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.
"You may have fooled the others, Yin, but I see right through you. You're just a lucky stray clinging to scraps of glory.
Once you step into the ring with me, you'll realize what true power is."
Yin's expression didn't waver.
He stood slowly, meeting Bohang's gaze without a hint of fear.
"We'll see whose strength prevails in the arena," he said simply, his calm tone carrying an edge that caught even Bohang off guard.
For a moment, Bohang's smirk faltered, but he quickly regained his composure, laughing loudly.
"Don't say I didn't warn you. When I'm finished, they'll call you the steppingstone of the tournament!"
Bohang strode away, his laughter echoing behind him, but the faint murmurs of doubt in the crowd hinted that Yin's silent confidence was beginning to turn the tide of opinions.