The tournament had already seen intense battles, but anticipation surged as the next match was announced.
"Li Tian vs. Yan Zhen!"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.
Yan Zhen was no ordinary opponent—he was one of the top contenders, known for his mastery of a multi-element domain that few could withstand.
Up in the VIP section, even the elders leaned forward.
Yan Zhen – The Stormbringer
Tian stepped onto the stage, his gaze calm as he faced his opponent.
Yan Zhen smirked. "I've been waiting for this. Let's see if you live up to the hype."
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
Storm and Shadow – The Clash of Powers
Yan Zhen wasted no time.
A storm of elemental qi erupted around him, forming a swirling domain of fire, water, wind, and lightning fused together.
"Elemental Force Domain!"
The entire stage trembled under the sheer intensity.
Tian's expression remained composed. "A multi-element domain… this will be interesting."
Yan Zhen moved instantly, sending flaming tornadoes and arcs of lightning toward Tian.
Tian dodged, but the attacks adapted, shifting mid-air to cut off his escape.
'His control is impressive.'
BOOM!
A lightning spear struck near Tian's foot, forcing him to retreat.
Breaking the Storm – Tian's Counterattack
Tian exhaled.
Then, his own domain expanded—a surge of invisible force that countered the chaotic storm.
Yan Zhen's eyes widened. "What—?!
Tian vanished.
Before Yan Zhen could react, Tian reappeared right behind him.
"Too slow."
BOOM!
A single palm strike sent Yan Zhen flying.
He twisted mid-air, landing on his feet. But his face was filled with shock.
"What was that movement? I couldn't sense him!"
Tian didn't answer. He simply raised his hand—this time, unleashing a controlled force that shattered the storm around him.
The Final Clash – A Battle of Wills
Yan Zhen gritted his teeth.
He condensed all his power into a final attack—a spear of elemental energy that crackled with fire, lightning, and wind.
"Storm Piercer!"
The attack shot toward Tian, warping the air itself.
But Tian… did not move.
Instead, he lifted a single finger—and tapped the spear.
BOOM!
The entire arena shook.
When the dust settled—
Yan Zhen was on one knee, panting. His attack had been shattered.
Tian stood firm. Untouched.
A slow clap echoed from the VIP seats. "Incredible."
Even the sect master's eyes flickered with interest.
The referee finally spoke. "Winner—Li Tian!"
The crowd erupted.
Aftermath – Reactions and Schemes
As Tian walked off the stage, he felt the intensity of gazes upon him.
His friends rushed over.
Wu Xue grinned. "Brother Tian, that was insane! You barely broke a sweat!"
Han Lei nodded. "Yan Zhen is one of the strongest here, yet you made it look effortless."
Bai Ling, ever the strategist, frowned. "This win just put a huge target on your back."
Tian chuckled. "Let them come."
Rivals and Hidden Threats
Meanwhile, other contenders took notice.
Fang Zhen, the brutal spear-wielder, cracked his knuckles. "I want to fight him next."
Ji Xuan, the cunning tactician, smirked. "He's still hiding something. I'll force it out of him."
Yet, in the shadows, an unknown figure whispered—
"Li Tian must not reach the finals."