The sun blazed over Celestial Crossing, the arena stone shimmering as banners danced on every tower and stand. By midday, the crowds had swelled—a river of spectators flowing into the seats, each one restless for the next spectacle. The commentator's voice soared across the stadium, woven with spiritual energy:
"Prepare yourselves! A highlight match is about to begin—Lin Su of the Radiant Moon Sect versus Zhen Fan, the Tiger Blade of Steel Willow Hall! Place your wagers, disciples and masters—this is one for the annals!"
Kai Jin watched from the Dawning Blades stand, his expression unreadable, but his attention caught. Lin Su, the striking silver-haired core disciple who had spoken to him before, strode onto the arena with a calm grace that drew every eye. Her robes hugged her curves, silver and moonlit blue, as she moved with effortless poise—a vision both alluring and dangerous. Her sword, slender and rune-carved, glinted at her side.
Her opponent, Zhen Fan, cut an opposite figure—broad-shouldered, bronze-skinned, his saber heavy as a log and aura fierce as a storm. He stalked onto the platform, flexing his arms, a cocky grin plastered beneath close-cropped hair. The crowd greeted him with raucous cheers and scattered boos.
The referee, an ancient cultivator with a flaming staff, raised his hand. "Begin!"
A hush fell. In a blur, Zhen Fan charged—saber whistling, feet drumming on the stone. Lin Su moved sideways, almost gliding, her blade drawing a silver arc as she parried the first blow. Steel rang on steel, sparks leaping. Zhen Fan pressed his advantage, each attack heavier, faster—a tiger battering a waterfall.
Lin Su bent with the onslaught, her blade flowing around his like moonlight dodging shadow. She let Zhen Fan drive her back, heels scuffing near the platform's edge. The crowd gasped as he pressed harder, blade striking like a battering ram.
Kai's gaze sharpened, watching every twitch of Lin Su's wrist, every subtle shift in her stance. She wasn't overwhelmed—she was measuring, learning, waiting.
Zhen Fan roared, swinging in a wide arc. Lin Su spun beneath his guard, her blade flicking out to score a line of blood on his forearm. The crowd cheered; Zhen Fan only grinned, aura flaring with red-gold Qi.
"Impressive!" he barked. "But not enough!"
He unleashed a barrage of blows—so quick and forceful that the air itself howled. Lin Su blocked, dodged, each movement a study in balance. Sweat shimmered on her skin, her breath steady as she began to press forward. She circled Zhen Fan, every step measured. Her eyes narrowed, lips curling in a tiny smile.
Kai leaned forward, intrigued. The World Eye's voice slid through his thoughts: *"You like her style. Careful, boy. Some blades cut deeper than flesh."*
On the arena, Zhen Fan gathered his Qi, his saber now wreathed in roaring tiger energy. He stomped, launching a tiger-shaped force straight at Lin Su. The illusion leapt, jaws open. Lin Su's blade gleamed; she met the tiger with a sweeping cut, moonlight slicing through illusion and dispersing Qi in a brilliant flare. The crowd shouted, dazzled.
Zhen Fan rushed in, saber spinning. Lin Su ducked, barely evading—her sleeve torn, a line of crimson beading along her arm. Her only reaction was a small, wry smile, her sword steady.
She murmured, too softly for the crowd, "You're strong, but you're still chasing power."
He hesitated. That was all she needed.
Lin Su shifted, a ripple of moonlight trailing her blade. In a dance of pure technique, she disarmed Zhen Fan with a twist, then flicked the saber aside with a sweeping kick. He scrambled, off-balance, as she pressed her advantage—her blade moving too fast for the eye, striking again and again, each cut light but precise.
Zhen Fan fell to one knee. The crowd was breathless.
Lin Su pressed her blade to his throat. "Yield."
He glared, wiped sweat from his brow, then bowed in defeat. The referee called the match for Radiant Moon Sect. Applause crashed across the arena, mingled with wolf whistles and cheers for Lin Su's performance.
She bowed, turning—her silver hair spilling over her shoulder—and for the briefest moment, her eyes found Kai in the stands. He felt a flicker of something new—a spark of curiosity, a subtle pull.
The World Eye hummed in his mind: *"So, which will it be, boy? Rival or companion?"*
Kai only watched as Lin Su strode from the arena, her legend growing with every step. The tournament had only just begun.
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