The arena shimmered again as the names for the next sets of matches were called. Wu Tangge leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, watching the next contestants with narrowed eyes.
Match 3: Yun Ling'er vs. Mo Xue (Blood Demon Hall)
A hush fell over the crowd.
Yun Ling'er stepped lightly into the Spiritual Combat Arena. She wore a cloud-white robe embroidered with ice blossoms, her long dark hair cascading down her back. Her expression was calm, distant—but a glint of killing intent burned in her eyes.
Mo Xue was a sinister youth clad in dark crimson, with sharp eyes and a blood-stained saber. His cultivation was--Immortal, 3rd Layer—and many feared the cruel techniques of the Blood Demon Hall.
Wu Tangge smirked. Let's see what my little fiancée can do.
The moment the elder called for the match to begin, Mo Xue made the first move—his saber drawing arcs of black and red, slicing open the air.
Yun Ling'er didn't flinch.
"Frost Lotus Domain."
In a blink, the entire arena floor froze over. Icy petals swirled upward like a blizzard caught in starlight. Mo Xue tried to move but found his limbs stiffening.
"W-what is this…?"
Yun Ling'er raised one finger.
"Lotus Pierce."
A spear of crystallized ice lanced through Mo Xue's shoulder, dropping him to his knees.
"Yield," she said, emotionless.
But Mo Xue laughed, blood pouring from his lips. "You're too soft."
He raised a talisman. A blood formation surged behind him—breaking the arena's illusion limit.
The elders stood in shock.
"Interference magic?!"
Wu Tangge narrowed his eyes. Ah. So someone's pulling strings again.
Yun Ling'er's eyes flashed cold.
She didn't hesitate.
"Frozen Heaven Blade—Moonlight Descent."
Her aura exploded. A giant arc of ice cleaved through the formation, shattering it entirely. Mo Xue's illusion projection vanished into smoke, his defeat absolute.
Other Fights:
From the Bei Clan, a blue-robed youth named Bei Feng manipulated lightning with elegance and cruelty. He eliminated his opponent by locking him inside a prison of thunder and frying his nerves until the illusion shattered.
From the Heavenly Sword Sect, a cold woman named Xu Qingmei defeated two illusion enemies simultaneously—her sword style was like flowing water, yet every movement threatened death.
From the Yang Clan, Yang Jue, a bulky, arrogant cultivator, crushed his opponent through brute strength—shattering the ground with his fists alone.
Wu Tangge watched them all with folded arms, memorizing techniques, power levels, and habits.
He leaned toward Yun Ling'er, who had returned to her seat beside him.
"You were beautiful out there," he whispered. "But I saw your hesitation."
Yun Ling'er didn't look at him. "Unlike you, I don't enjoy violence."
He chuckled, voice low. "But you were smiling when he bled."
She flinched ever so slightly.
Before she could answer, another announcement shook the arena.
---
Final Round Announcement: Illusion Heart Trial Begins Tomorrow.
Location: The Dream Void Pagoda.
Only the top 500 contestants would qualify.
One night to prepare.
---
Wu Tangge stood and stretched.
The sky was turning gold with dusk.
"Tomorrow…" he muttered.
"Let's see whose heart shatters first."