Chapter 19: The Tournament's Climax
The arena blazed with the intensity of the ninth round, the grand melee for the Spirit Essence Crystal transforming the space into a battlefield under the midday sun. The crowd's roar was a living entity, their excitement a tidal wave that crashed against the stone stands, where Ji Clan and Hei Clan banners fluttered in the breeze. The prize—a crystalline orb pulsing with spiritual energy—hovered above, guarded by Zhi Clan and Crimson Claw prodigies, all at the 1st Layer Qi Transformation. Lin Xuan stepped into the chaos, his dark robes swaying, his crimson eyes a focal point of the storm, burning with determination. Liu Yue stood at the edge, her raven hair a midnight beacon, her moonlight eyes shining with hope, her golden coin clutched tightly as she watched with bated breath.
The melee erupted with a clash of qi and steel, the air thick with the scent of blood. Lin Xuan's heart pounded, but his training steadied him. Abyssal Lotus Step, his body gliding with mixed martial arts footwork, dodging a spear thrust from a Zhi Clan prodigy with a lean frame and cold eyes. Illusion Diversion scattered the foes' focus, conjuring mirages that sowed chaos, the prodigy's spear striking a phantom that dissolved into mist. A Crimson Claw cultivator charged, his claw storm tearing the ground, and Lin Xuan met it head-on. Celestial Wrath Elbow surged, the qi-enhanced strike shattering the cultivator's arm with a crack, the elbow's power sending him sprawling, blood pooling on the stone.
The battle pressed on—a qi blast from another foe forced Lin Xuan to weave aside, his movements a blur, the blast grazing his leg, a sharp sting flaring. Liu Yue's shield rose, a golden barrier that absorbed a retaliatory strike from a Zhi Clan attacker, the Celestial Unity Crest on her coin pulsing brighter. Her qi blade slashed through the air, a silver arc that wounded the attacker's side, her movements a dance of grace and fury. Their teamwork was a symphony, each move a testament to their bond. Lin Xuan pressed forward, Abyssal Lotus Step carrying him to the crystal's guardian—a tall Crimson Claw prodigy with a claw storm that tore the air. Celestial Wrath Elbow met the storm head-on, the strike breaking through with Muay Boran power, the prodigy's arm snapping as he fell. Lin Xuan leapt, seizing the Spirit Essence Crystal, its energy flooding his core with a warm tide as he broke through to the 9th Layer. The crowd erupted, a thunderous wave of applause, but the Hei Clan's dark qi pulsed from the stands.
Elder Hei Long rose, his 7th Layer Qi Transformation aura a crushing force that made the air tremble. "The Scriptures are ours, boy!" he roared, his voice laced with menace, his black robes billowing as he pointed a qi-infused spear. Lin Xuan met his gaze, unflinching, bowing slightly with a defiant tilt. "Senior Hei courts death with such greed," "I would rather die than giving the scriptures to a dog like you," he retorted, his voice steady, the crowd gasping at his audacity. Elder Gao Feng intervened, his 3rd Layer Qi Transformation aura calming the storm. "The tournament ends here," he declared. "Lin Xuan is the victor." The Hei Clan's anger simmered, but they relented, their dark qi a lingering threat.
That night, the courtyard was bathed in moonlight, the silver-blue flame casting dancing shadows as Lin Xuan refined the Spirit Essence Crystal. The Celestial Unity Crest guided his hands, the crystal's energy merging with his qi, a cool rush that steadied his nerves. Liu Yue sat nearby, her raven hair glowing softly, her moonlight eyes shining with pride. "Senior Brother, you did it!" she exclaimed, her voice warm with admiration. "We're so close now—to strength, to safety." Her pride deepened the ache in his chest, a bittersweet pang tied to her trust and the weight of their journey. He smiled faintly, nodding. "Your shield saved me, Junior Sister. Rest now—we'll face their retaliation together." The courtyard fell silent, the flame's crackle a soothing companion as he prepared for the Hei Clan's next move.