Yue Shanshan tore through the ice wall like it was paper.
Shards scattered everywhere.
She came down with both swords, silver light cutting through the cold air.
Mu Chen crossed his arms to block.
BANG!
The impact pushed him back hard, sliding across the frozen floor.
His boots left long marks in the ice as he stopped himself.
For a moment, both fighters were still.
Mist drifted around Mu Chen.
Wind swirled around Yue Shanshan.
Then they moved again.
Yue Shanshan rushed forward, swords flashing.
Mu Chen stepped in with calm, precise strikes.
Her blades swung left—Mu Chen blocked with his ice-coated arm.
She spun and slashed again—Mu Chen tilted his body just enough to avoid it.
He countered with a cold palm toward her ribs—she twisted away, feet barely touching the ground.
They were fast.
Too fast for many in the crowd to follow.
The sounds of metal, ice, and impact filled the arena.
CLANG.
CRACK.
WHOOSH.
THUD.
