The tournament commenced with Lu Feng from the illustrious Li family facing off against Huang from the venerable Jiahao family. Huang boasted, "I shall annihilate you and reduce your family's estate to rubble!" Lu Feng retorted with a chuckle, "Your words are as vacuous as a beggar's bowl. I'll vanquish you, and then you can beg for scraps!" Huang's countenance turned crimson with ire, "You may possess the beauty of a goddess, but your words are reprehensible!"
The bell tolled, signaling the inception of the match. The two young gods' auras clashed, releasing a kaleidoscope of energy. Lu Feng, at level 9, and Huang, at level 8, exchanged blows, their imagination creatures manifesting in a spectacular display. Huang metamorphosed into a massive, powerful ursine, striking a devastating blow towards Lu Feng. However, Lu Feng conjured a heavenly spirit hammer, knocking Huang to the ground and drawing sanguine fluid.
The crowd's eyes were riveted on Huang, anticipating his rise, but he remained supine. Suddenly, he forced himself to stand, and Lu Feng struck Huang's leg, sending him crashing to the ground once more. As Lu Feng prepared to deliver the coup de grâce, the bell tolled again, signaling the match's conclusion. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Lie Renwo murmured, "Incredible! Huang was defeated with a single technique. How astonishing!"
Just then, an eagle soared through the sky, catching Lie's attention. The eagle dropped a missive, which floated gently towards Lie. He unfolded the parchment, revealing a desperate message: "Lie Renwo, my love, I am captured and in peril. Please, I need your succor now!" Lie's eyes widened as he swiftly took to the skies, disappearing into the horizon without anyone noticing.
The crowd's attention returned to Lu Feng, who stood victorious, her aura still radiating an intense energy. Huang, meanwhile, struggled to his feet, his pride wounded but his body intact. As the crowd dispersed, Lie Renwo's sudden departure remained a mystery, known only to the eagle that had borne the missive.
A deafening explosion reverberated through the air, prompting the crowd to exclaim, "What's that?" An elderly spectator, wise and knowledgeable, whispered, "Is that...the formidable young warrior from the Wáng family? His reputation precedes him, and I've heard tales of his unparalleled prowess."
Mei, Lie Renwo mother and Ling Yin's role model , chimed in, "The next tournament will be a veritable crucible, but it will conclude in the blink of an eye." The bell tolled, signaling the commencement of the next match. The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as they chanted, "Jiao Long! Jiao Long!" The announcer declared, "Jiao Long from the Wáng family will face...Ling Yin from the Xiao Family!" Mei's eyes widened in indignation, and she sprang to her feet, exclaiming, "Preposterous!"
Master Hua, a wise and experienced mentor, placated Mei, saying, "Please, sit down. Let us have faith in Ling Yin. She has trained tirelessly and possesses a unique gift – the ability to harness the power of the elements." Mei nodded, though her concern remained evident.
As Ling Yin ascended to the stage, her twin sister, Ling Xia, watched anxiously from above. Ling Yin's determination and focus were palpable, her eyes burning with an inner fire. Master Hua cautioned Ling Yin, "Be careful of Jiao Long, he is a formidable foe."
"Lyráea!!! Lyráea!! Where are you?" Lie shouted, his voice reverberating through the air.
"I'm here, come," a voice responded, eerily reminiscent of Lyráea's, yet distinctly different.
Lie traversed the terrain, following the sound of the voice, when suddenly Tianyang, his trusted ally, emerged from nowhere, cautioning, "Lie, it's a trap! Flee! Your family needs you."
But Lie hesitated, "I received a missive from Lyráea, pleading for my aid. She claims to be in peril."
Tianyang's expression turned grave, "It's all a ruse concocted by the Dark Emperor. He's the one responsible for your father's demise."
Lie's eyes blazed with indignation, "Where is he? Reveal his location, that I might exact vengeance!"
Tianyang implored, "Lie, promise me you won't rush headlong into this peril. The Dark Emperor is a formidable foe, and you're no match for him. Please, depart before it's too late."
Lie's response was truncated, "But—"
Tianyang's urgency intensified, "Please, leave now!" Lie relented, flying back to his realm and descending to the ground.
Mei approached him, inquiring, "Where have you been, Lie?"
Lie dismissed her concern, "It's nothing, Mother. Where's Ling Yin?"
Mei gestured towards the stage, "Behold, your friend is engaging Jiao Long in combat."
Lie's eyes widened in astonishment, "What?! It can't be! I'm the one who's supposed to face Jiao Long, not Ling Yin!"
As the duel commenced, Jiao Long and Ling Yin clashed in a spectacular display of martial prowess. The air was electric with anticipation as the two warriors exchanged blows, their movements a blur of speed and agility.
Jiao Long, fueled by his formidable strength, unleashed a barrage of devastating strikes, each one aimed at Ling Yin's vital points. Ling Yin, however, proved to be a worthy adversary, dodging and weaving with ease, her reflexes honed to perfection.
Despite her valiant efforts, Ling Yin began to falter, Jiao Long's relentless assault taking its toll on her weary body. Her movements slowed, her breathing labored, as Jiao Long sensed victory within his grasp.
With a mighty roar, Jiao Long unleashed a crushing blow, striking Ling Yin with the force of a thunderbolt. Ling Yin's body crumpled to the ground, her limbs splayed at unnatural angles, as a rivulet of crimson blood flowed from her lips.
Jiao Long raised his foot, poised to deliver the coup de grâce, when suddenly, a figure burst onto the scene, racing towards the pair with incredible velocity. Lie Renwo, his face etched with concern, reached Ling Yin's side in the nick of time, grasping her hand in a gesture of desperation.
And in that instant, time seemed to freeze, the outcome hanging precariously in the balance...