The Celestial Jade Sect's Grand Arena was filled with an electrified crowd.
This was no longer a mere trial—it was the Main Tournament, where the most talented disciples clashed with everything on the line.
Unlike the earlier battles, there were no handicaps here.
Power. Strategy. Cunning.
Only those who possessed all three would walk away victorious.
Tian stood among the contestants, feeling the gazes of both elders and disciples on him. His display in the preliminary trials had shaken the sect, but now, it was time to prove whether he was a true genius or just a fleeting spark.
The Strongest Contenders Appear
As the match-ups were being decided, Tian glanced at his potential opponents—all of whom had their own reputations.
1. Ji Xuan – The Crimson Sun Prodigy
A master of Crimson Sun Flame Arts, capable of turning the battlefield into a sea of fire. His confidence showed in his relaxed stance.
Ji Xuan smirked. "I hope we meet in the finals, Li Tian. Let's see if your strength is real."
2. Yue Ling – The Ice Queen
Her presence was like a frozen winter night—still, yet carrying an overwhelming chill. A practitioner of Glacial Dao Arts, her icy techniques could freeze an opponent's meridians instantly.
Her cold gaze swept across Tian briefly, but she said nothing.
3. Fang Zhen – The Tyrant Spear
A warrior known for his unmatched spear techniques. With a single thrust, he had previously split a stone golem in half. His eyes glowed with battle intent.
"Tch. Hope you don't disappoint me, kid."
4. Lin Xiu – The Phantom Blade
Unlike the others, this disciple was nearly invisible, blending into the shadows of the arena. Lin Xiu was a practitioner of the Phantom Blade Style, a deadly technique based on stealth, speed, and lethal strikes.
No one knew the full extent of his strength, as his battles always ended before his opponent realized they had lost.
He simply chuckled. "Li Tian, I hope you can entertain me."
Tian's First Opponent – The Phantom Blade
The elders announced the first match.
"First Round—Li Tian vs. Lin Xiu!"
The crowd exploded with excitement.
"Lin Xiu?! The undefeated Phantom Blade?"
"This is bad for Li Tian. Lin Xiu's speed is insane—many have lost to him without even seeing his attacks!"
"Heh, let's see how a so-called genius deals with an assassin."
Tian stepped onto the platform calmly, hands behind his back.
Lin Xiu, dressed in dark robes, stood at the opposite end, his dagger-like sword shimmering with a strange glow.
"Ready?" the elder asked.
Tian nodded.
Lin Xiu grinned.
"Begin!"
A Battle of Shadows and Light
The moment the battle started, Lin Xiu vanished.
The crowd gasped.
"He's gone!"
Tian remained still. Calm. Unmoving.
A whisper of wind.
A flicker of shadow.
A blade aimed straight at Tian's throat!
CLANG!
A golden barrier flashed into existence, deflecting the attack at the last second.
Lin Xiu appeared behind him, eyes wide.
"Oh? You actually reacted?"
Tian turned slightly, his golden eyes gleaming. "Not bad. But is that all?"
Lin Xiu smirked.
"Far from it."
SHH!
In an instant, Lin Xiu's form split into five afterimages, all moving at insane speed.
Phantom Steps—Ghostly Mirage!
Five figures darted around Tian, each one carrying a lethal blade aura.
Tian's eyes flickered. "A decent illusion technique... but too slow."
BOOM!
His aura exploded outward, revealing his Heavenly Divine Sense.
For an instant—
Time seemed to slow.
Tian saw through the mirage, identifying the real Lin Xiu.
"There."
BANG!
Tian struck with a golden palm—but Lin Xiu vanished mid-air, flipping over the attack.
His blade flashed toward Tian's back.
"Phantom Blade—Heart Piercer!"
A killing move!
The crowd held their breath.
But just before the blade could land—
Tian disappeared.
Lin Xiu's eyes widened. "What—?"
BOOM!
A shockwave exploded, and before Lin Xiu could react, a golden fist slammed into his gut.
CRACK!
Lin Xiu flew backward, crashing onto the stage.
The audience was stunned.
"He countered it?!"
"How?! No one has ever dodged Lin Xiu's finishing move!"
Lin Xiu groaned as he got up, blood dripping from his lips. "Not bad... You really are a monster."
He wiped his mouth and grinned. "Then let's get serious."
SHH!
Lin Xiu's aura changed.
The air around him dimmed, as if the very light was being sucked away.
Even the elders stirred.
"The Phantom Domain...!"
Tian narrowed his eyes.
The entire stage was now shrouded in darkness, making it nearly impossible to see.
Lin Xiu's voice echoed from all directions.
"Let's see how you deal with my true ability, Li Tian."
Tian smirked.
"Alright. Let's end this, then."