The battlefield quaked as Su Quan’s blue aura surged outward, wrapping her like a roaring tempest. Her slender frame stood tall, yet her stance radiated unshakable confidence. Both fists rose as her presence hardened, a living wall before the bulky titan that was Situ Yan.
Opposite her, Situ Yan’s crimson aura exploded outward like a storm of fire, his eyes blazing with pride. His massive frame radiated raw power. With a guttural scream, he lunged forward, each stride cracking the tiles beneath his feet.
A faint smile tugged at Su Quan’s lips. With a sudden shimmer, her figure vanished, her steps carrying her weightlessly across the air—Areial Steps. Situ Yan’s eyes widened mid-rush as a blur appeared at his side. Before he could even react, Su Quan’s hand clamped around his face.
"Wha—?!" His cry was cut off as she laughed lightly, her voice brimming with playful disdain. In one swift motion, she slammed his skull downward.
Boom!
The ground split open beneath the impact. Dust erupted skyward, and chunks of stone shot into the air as if the battlefield itself had been torn apart.
Su Quan didn’t stop. Keeping her grip on his face, she dragged his bulky body across the fractured tiles, grinding him along the ground until she reached the edge of the stage. With a flick of her arm, she released him upward into the air like a discarded ragdoll.
Her body spun gracefully, her leg arcing like a blade of wind. Crack! Her back kick struck into his abdomen with bone-breaking force. The shockwave lifted him like a doll and sent him crashing into the arena wall. The reinforced stone cracked under the sheer violence, holding his body like a nailed board.
Silence fell for half a breath. Then, with the elegance of a descending phoenix, Su Quan touched down softly on the battlefield. She let out a sigh, her tone dismissive.
"That’s all? All that big talk... for this? Tch. How disappointing."
Turning on her heel, she left without sparing another glance.
From the stands, Luo Chen leapt up, whistling with both hands cupped around his mouth. The crowd erupted like thunder, cheers shaking the stadium foundations. Even the referee blinked in disbelief before snapping back to his duty.
"I-It’s over before it even began!" he cried. "Sanatan Flame Sect claims victory in Round Three, securing their place in the finals! The remaining rounds are only formality—but formalities must still be observed!"
The audience roared again, stomping their feet as the ground trembled beneath the force of thousands of voices.
With that, Sheng Lu leapt into the arena. He flipped mid-air, landing with an arrogant grin plastered across his face. Stretching his neck, he rolled his shoulders before cracking his knuckles.
From the opposite side entered a fighter wielding a massive grey hammer slung across his back. His eyes held no malice, only resolve. Resting the hammer on one shoulder, he smiled faintly.
"Your sect is strong. You’ve defeated us, and we will never forget this. Since we’ve already lost, I’ll fight without restraint. No rules."
His aura exploded, thick grey energy radiating in waves.
Sheng Lu laughed heartily, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Rules? Who cares if you follow them or not? To me, you’re just a little kid. Too weak, idiot!"
The man’s jaw tightened, teeth grinding as fury consumed him. With a roar, he leapt high, gripping his hammer tightly with both hands.
"I’ll crush you and your arrogance! Die, you damn brat!"
The hammer descended like a meteor, shockwaves cracking outward before it even landed.
But his triumphant roar froze in his throat. His eyes bulged.
Sheng Lu stood unmoving, a devilish grin on his face. His right hand lifted lazily—only his index finger pressing against the hammer’s head, halting the devastating strike as if it were nothing more than a feather.
"No way..." the man whispered, horror dawning.
Crack!
Sheng Lu’s left fist shot out, smashing into the hammer’s body. The weapon shattered into shards, scattering like dust in the wind.
The fighter’s jaw dropped, despair flickering in his eyes. Before he could even register what had happened, Sheng Lu’s right fist buried itself into his abdomen.
Boom!
Blood spewed from the man’s lips as his ribcage collapsed under the impact. His body lifted and was sent flying like a broken arrow, crashing into the ground far beyond. Alive, but utterly unconscious.
Sheng Lu roared with laughter, turning his back without another glance.
The referee hesitated, then raised his arm.
"Another easy victory for Sanatan Flame Sect! Round Four is complete. And now... the last battle! Round Five begins!"
The crowd cheered wildly, but an air of anticipation hung in the air. All eyes shifted to the next competitor.
Muo Qian, who had cheered for her comrades moments ago, exhaled deeply and stepped gracefully into the arena. The cheers grew louder as her presence radiated calm ferocity. Wang Tian’s voice pierced through the chaos, his cheer distinct above all others.
"Muo Qian! Go!"
She glanced his way, smiled faintly, and gave a small wave.
Her opponent entered then. He was unlike the others—draped in a simple white robe, his demeanor calm, like a scholar rather than a warrior. White hair flowed past his shoulders, and his blue eyes gleamed with intelligence and quiet confidence. Standing tall at six feet, he smiled warmly.
Muo Qian rolled her shoulders, her knuckles cracking as she clenched her fists.
"Let’s finish this quickly."
The man raised his index finger to his lips, a gentle smile forming.
"As you wish. I, Situ Hang, will also finish this quickly."
Blue aura burst from beneath Situ Hang’s feet, spreading in ripples like a pond disturbed by a falling stone. Lines of light formed a glowing circle—a formation brimming with power.
Muo Qian’s brows rose, her grip tightening on the sword at her waist. In an instant, hundreds of shimmering blue energy swords shot upward from the formation, spinning and locking onto her like predatory hawks.
Shing! Shing! Shing!
Her blade flashed. With rapid, precise movements, she countered every incoming strike, her movements sharp as lightning and graceful as flowing water. For a full minute she danced upon the stage, intercepting blade after blade, until at last the thousandth sword dissolved into particles of light. The formation beneath Situ Hang’s feet flickered out.
A single bead of sweat slid down her temple. She smiled faintly.
"Bring it on."
Situ Hang’s eyes widened. His lips curled into a grin. With a snap of his finger, another formation appeared—this one glowing deep red beneath Muo Qian’s feet.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"What—!?"
Clang!
Chains of crimson energy erupted upward, coiling around her ankles before she could react. More surged forth, wrapping her wrists and body in constricting binds. The crowd gasped.
Situ Hang chuckled as a talisman shimmered into his palm. Blue lightning crackled around its edges. Raising it high, he shouted with relish:
"Taste this Lightning Talisman!"
Boom!
A sphere of blinding blue lightning burst from the talisman, lashing out like a furious storm. It slammed into Muo Qian’s bound figure, engulfing her in raw electric fury. Sparks ripped across the stage, and the scent of ozone filled the air.
"Aaaahhh!" Her scream tore across the battlefield, her body convulsing under the devastating shock.
In the stands, Wang Tian’s eyes widened in horror.
"Muo Qian, no!" He surged forward, but Luo Chen seized him, holding him back.
The current tore at her body, her teeth grit so hard blood seeped from her gums. Then, head bowed, she trembled... and smiled. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, her pupils burning purple.
With a roar, her aura erupted outward like a volcano, shattering the chains in a storm of purple light.
Crack! Crack!
The ground split beneath her feet as she raised her fist, golden energy swirling.
"Mountain Breaking Fist!"
Her punch slammed into the earth. The entire formation shattered, fragments scattering like shattered glass. The battlefield cracked in a massive spiderweb pattern, dust spiraling skyward.
Situ Hang’s face darkened with surprise—then curved into a smile.
In an instant, Muo Qian blurred forward with aerial steps, her sword flashing as she closed the distance. But before her fist could land, Situ Hang whipped out a brown talisman.
Shing!
A protective barrier sprang forth, shimmering like bronze steel. Her strike crashed into it, sparking shockwaves across the arena.
Situ Hang laughed, snapping both fingers.
Pop! Pop!
Dozens of talismans spun into existence around him, forming a glowing ring. All of them flared blue, releasing orbs of lightning that zipped toward her like a hailstorm of thunderbolts.
"Too slow!"
Crossing her arms, Muo Qian braced herself. Boom! Boom! Boom! The orbs crashed into her guard, detonating in bursts of raw power. She was thrown backward, her body wreathed in electricity. But before she could strike the ground, she twisted midair, flipped, and landed on her feet with feline grace. Blood trailed from her lips as she steadied herself.
Wang Tian’s heart clenched. His voice rang through the stadium, desperate yet filled with faith:
"Muo Qian! I know you won’t back down from this battle—but please, be careful!"
Situ Hang turned toward the stands, his mocking grin cutting like a blade.
"He doesn’t look like your brother... or any family member. He must be your lover. What a pity. To watch his woman beaten and broken before his eyes."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Muo Qian wiped the blood from her lips, straightening with a smile.
"Don’t worry. He doesn’t have to see me lose... because I will win."
Situ Hang’s grin faltered. His jaw clenched.
"Your will—I will not just defeat you. I will break your will."
He pulled out an orange talisman, raising it high.
"Flame Tiger!"
The talisman burst apart, transforming into a massive roaring tiger of fire. Its eyes blazed crimson as it bounded forward.
Muo Qian’s blade ignited with golden energy. Raising it high, she slashed downward.
"Ultimate Sword Strike!"
A golden arc split the air, cleaving through the flaming beast in a single strike. The energy slash tore through its body, splitting it in two, then raced onward toward Situ Hang. He barely dodged, his robes singed as the golden strike ripped past.
Snarling, he flicked a pale blue talisman into the air. It shattered, releasing a storm of ice arrows.
Muo Qian’s sword gleamed as a hundred ethereal blades manifested, circling around her. She pointed toward him.
"One Hundred Swords Strike!"
The spectral swords rushed forth, clashing with the ice arrows midair in an eruption of sparks and frost.
Situ Hang, however, was already preparing. Slamming his foot into the earth, a white formation bloomed beneath him. His voice thundered:
"White Tiger Formation!"
A colossal tiger of pure spiritual energy emerged behind him, its spectral form glowing like moonlight. He grinned.
"Now... let’s end this!"
The tiger charged, its claws raking through the air.
Muo Qian clenched her teeth, her aura blazing. She leapt forward, her sword colliding with the beast’s claws. The impact blasted shockwaves across the battlefield, tiles cracking and flying apart as both fighters were forced backward.
But Situ Hang wasn’t done. With a snap of his hand, talismans encircled Muo Qian. Blue, orange, and crimson flared at once—lightning, flame, and binding force.
Boom!
The talismans detonated simultaneously. A colossal explosion shook the arena, dust and fire roaring into the air.
Situ Hang laughed, his voice echoing across the battlefield.
"Hahaha! It’s over!"
Wang Tian’s face twisted in horror. "Muo Qian!" Shaurya rose from his throne, his fists clenching so tight his knuckles whitened. Elders restrained them both, fear gripping their hearts.
All eyes fixed on the smoke-filled battlefield.
Then—
Wooooosh!
A purple light shone through the dust. Situ Hang froze, his eyes narrowing.
Suddenly, a tidal wave of purple aura erupted, shredding the dust apart in a violent gale. The battlefield quaked under the sudden pressure.
At the center stood Muo Qian, her body battered and bleeding, but her right fist glowing with golden energy.
Situ Hang’s instincts screamed. "White Tiger—attack now!"
The spectral beast lunged. Muo Qian roared back, purple light blazing from her wounds. She raised her fist.
"Dragon Fist!"
A golden dragon erupted from her strike, its massive form colliding with the White Tiger. The two beasts of energy clashed, shockwaves splitting the ground. The audience cried out in awe as the dragon roared, overpowering the tiger and surging forward.
Situ Hang’s eyes widened in horror.
"Impossible—!"
The explosion thundered across the stadium, shaking every wall, every pillar. Dust and broken stone whirled into the air, swallowing the battlefield in chaos. The audience shielded their eyes, straining to glimpse the outcome through the storm.
When the haze began to clear, Situ Hang stood at the center, body torn and bleeding, his white robe reduced to tattered strips. Dozens of defensive talismans had turned to dust at his feet. He coughed blood, staggering slightly, but his lips still curved into a smirk.
"I never expected this much power from you... Seems I truly underestimated you."
Muo Qian, breathing ragged, smiled faintly through bloodied lips.
"Yes, you did. And that will be the reason for your loss."
Her aura surged again, propelling her upward. Sword raised, it blazed with golden energy. She swung downward with all her might.
"Ultimate Sword Strike!"
A titanic golden slash cleaved the air toward him.
Situ Hang’s smirk widened. From his sleeve he pulled a purple talisman, pressing it between his palms.
"Soul Striking Talisman!"
The talisman flared with sinister light, transforming into a sphere of writhing purple energy. It burst forward, colliding with her golden slash and swallowing it whole.
Muo Qian’s eyes widened in horror.
"No—!"
The orb expanded, consuming her in violet radiance. Blood streamed from her eyes, ears, and nose as phantom skulls swirled around her, their laughter echoing in her ears.
"Ahhhhhh!" Her scream pierced the stadium, raw agony ripping through every word.
On the throne, Shaurya shot to his feet, fist trembling with fury. But Lin Shu seized his wrist, holding him back with all her strength. In the stands, Luo Chen and the Single Mingle gang restrained Wang Tian as he roared desperately:
"Muo Qian!"
Inside the orb, her body trembled violently. Pain wracked her from within, as if her soul itself was being torn apart. Her thoughts spun in fragments.
No... our sect has never lost a match in this tournament. Not in this one... not in the past. If I fall here, that record ends with me. Master will be disappointed. And...
Her gaze, blurry with tears, searched the crowd in her heart. Wang Tian... How could I face him, if the only stain on our history is because of me? Google seaʀᴄh novel⟡fire.net
Her hands clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.
No... I cannot lose. I will not.
Her eyes snapped open, glowing entirely purple.
"AHHHHH!"
Her aura exploded outward, cracks spidering through the cursed orb.
Situ Hang’s confident grin faltered. "What—?!"
Crack. Crack. BOOM!
The orb shattered into fragments, dispersing into the void. A shockwave rippled outward, shaking the battlefield as her aura surged like a tidal wave.
From the throne, Shaurya’s sharp whisper carried into the silence.
"Golden Vein Stage... Level Two."
The crowd erupted in gasps and whispers, disbelief flooding the stadium.
Muo Qian stood at the center, bloodied and battered, but her aura now blazed higher than ever, its brilliance shaking the heavens.
Situ Hang stumbled back, fear flashing in his eyes. Desperately, he hurled talisman after talisman—ice, fire, water—every elemental attack he could muster, converging into a storm of destruction.
Muo Qian sheathed her sword in one smooth motion. Her hands glowed with a gentle pink aura as she pressed them forward.
"Lotus Art: Blooming Lotus."
A radiant lotus unfolded before her, its petals shimmering like crystal. The barrage of attacks slammed against it one by one—ice arrows, fire blasts, waves of water—and every strike dissolved against its petals, unable to pierce its serene defense.
Situ Hang’s eyes widened in despair.
Then, Muo Qian’s voice rang clear, a roar of defiance.
"Shine!"
The lotus burst open, releasing a devastating pink beam.
Situ Hang’s eyes bulged. He crossed his hands, slamming them together as a yellow formation appeared. Lightning cracked within it.
"Thunder Formation: Lightning!"
Bolts of golden thunder erupted, clashing against the pink beam midair. The ground shuddered violently, cracks spidering across the battlefield. Shockwaves battered against the protective barrier surrounding the arena, forcing even the audience to shield their eyes from the light.
Both fighters screamed, their voices drowned by the roar of colliding powers.
Situ Hang frantically flung his remaining talismans into the formation, pouring everything he had into the struggle.
On the stands, Wang Tian shouted at the top of his lungs, his face red with desperation.
"Muo Qian!"
Her aura flared. She closed her eyes. In her heart, faces flickered before her: Lin Shu, Elder Liya, her comrades, her master’s warm smile. And finally—Wang Tian, turning back to her, whispering with conviction: "You can do it."
Her eyes snapped open, burning with purple fire.
"I will win!"
Her aura surged like a tidal wave. The pink lotus beam thickened, pushing back the lightning with unstoppable force. Situ Hang’s eyes filled with horror as the beam consumed his formation, swallowing him whole.
BOOOOOOM!
The battlefield exploded. Dust and debris shot skyward, consuming the arena in a cloud of destruction. The protective barrier trembled violently as the audience cried out in awe and fear.
When the dust cleared, Situ Hang’s broken figure was hurled out of the ring, his arm torn away, blood streaming from his wounds. He collapsed in a heap, barely breathing.
The referee, pale and stunned, glanced at him. Then, raising a trembling hand toward the heavens, he declared:
"It’s over! Round Five is finished! Sanatan Flame Sect has won the semi-finals—five to zero! A perfect clean sweep!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, their voices shaking the heavens.
On the throne, Shaurya exhaled deeply and lowered himself back into his seat, a proud warmth softening his eyes.
The referee continued, his voice loud and awed.
"What a battle! Four rounds of overwhelming dominance—and one final round that risked life itself! She could have withdrawn; her sect was already qualified. Yet she fought on, risking her life, and achieved victory! Sanatan Flame Sect’s disciples... are built different!"
Muo Qian’s sword slipped from her grasp as her aura flickered. She swayed midair, her body giving out.
Her eyes fluttered shut. She began to fall.
Before she could hit the ground, a figure blurred forward like lightning. Wang Tian caught her gently in his arms, descending to the earth with her cradled close.
Her eyes opened faintly, a weak smile tugging at her lips.
"I won. Sorry... I used too much energy. You had to save me."
Wang Tian smiled softly, flicking her forehead.
"What are you saying? You did great. I respect your warrior’s will. Even if you had lost... I’d still be here for you."
Her eyes softened. A faint laugh escaped her, and she wrapped her arms around him in a tired embrace.
High above, Shaurya watched them silently, his lips curving into a gentle, proud smile.
The semi-finals had ended. The path to the finals lay ahead.
To be continued...