The once-roaring tournament arena had quieted, its stone platforms still scarred from the battles fought upon them. Only two names remained—Li Tian and Ji Xuan.
The entire sect was abuzz with discussions, some filled with admiration, others with skepticism.
Who would emerge victorious?
Would the undefeated Ji Xuan prove his dominance once more?
Or had Li Tian, the dark horse of this tournament, been holding back all along?
This wasn't just another match. It was a battle that would shake the foundation of the younger generation.
As Li Tian walked back to the waiting area, his body still buzzing with energy from his battle, his friends quickly gathered around him.
"That was insane!" Han Lei was the first to speak, his voice laced with excitement. "You barely even fought seriously, but you crushed Wei Rong!"
Wu Xue, arms crossed, gave a nod of approval. "I was expecting more of a struggle, but… you handled it too well." He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you hiding your real strength, Li Tian?"
Bai Ling glanced at the small silver fox on Li Tian's shoulder, her gaze lingering on Yue'r. "Your fox beast companion… there's something special about her. That ability wasn't normal suppression—it was bloodline suppression, wasn't it?"
Li Tian smiled faintly but didn't answer. Some secrets were best left unsaid.
"Forget about that!" Han Lei waved his hands. "The bigger issue is Ji Xuan! Did you see his last match?"
Wu Xue's expression grew grim. "Ji Xuan didn't just win. He completely destroyed his opponent. No wasted movement, no hesitation. A perfect victory."
Bai Ling folded her arms. "And that was against someone strong. But against you, things will be different."
Li Tian remained calm, his fingers lightly stroking Yue'r's fur. "I expected Ji Xuan to be powerful. But strength alone isn't enough to win."
Han Lei raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Got a plan?"
Li Tian's eyes glowed with a faint light. "Something like that."
High above the main sect grounds, a group of elders observed the tournament grounds from a secluded pavilion. The moonlight illuminated their aged yet sharp faces.
The Sect Master of the Heavenly Sword Sect, a dignified old man with a long white beard, sat at the center. His gaze was unreadable as he listened to the murmurs around him.
"Ji Xuan is the most terrifying talent the Xuan Dao Sect has produced in decades. His mastery over his domain is far beyond his peers."
"And Li Tian?" Another elder asked, curiosity tinged in his tone.
A different elder, dressed in dark robes, leaned forward. "That boy… there is something strange about him. His cultivation speed is one thing, but his adaptability? His combat instincts? That's not something you can teach."
"You all saw it, didn't you?" A fourth elder spoke, his tone slow but heavy with meaning. "He never goes all out. No matter who he fights, he's always holding back. Even against Wei Rong, he barely used any of his full strength."
The Sect Master tapped his fingers against the table. "Then tomorrow's battle will be truly revealing. If Ji Xuan forces him to show his real strength… we may finally see just how deep Li Tian's potential runs."
A long silence filled the room as the weight of those words settled in.
Late at night.
Li Tian sat alone in the courtyard of his residence, gazing up at the vast starry sky. The moon hung high, casting a silver glow across the quiet sect grounds.
Beside him, Yue'r lay curled up, her silver-white fur gleaming under the moonlight.
The final battle was tomorrow.
The entire sect would be watching.
This wasn't just about the tournament anymore—it was about proving something.
Would Ji Xuan maintain his perfect record?
Or would Li Tian shatter that illusion?
Li Tian closed his eyes, reaching deep into his cultivation. His dantian hummed with boundless energy, refined and strengthened through every battle. His progress had been terrifyingly fast, but he never let it overwhelm him.
His strength was still growing.
As he focused, Yue'r suddenly raised her head, her silver eyes glowing softly.
"Master," her voice rang in his mind, soft yet serious. "Ji Xuan's power is not simple. I can feel something dangerous about him."
Li Tian smirked. "You think I should be worried?"
Yue'r flicked her tail. "I think you should be careful. He is… different from your past opponents."
Li Tian remained silent for a moment before a faint chuckle escaped his lips.
"That just makes things more interesting."
The wind rustled the leaves as the night continued in silence.
Somewhere, deep within the Xuan Dao Sect, Ji Xuan also prepared for battle.
Two monsters would collide tomorrow.
And only one would walk away victorious.