Chapter 109 Peak Showdown, Mutual Appreciation
The top of Lundao Peak, the main stage.
The wind seemed to still at that moment, hundreds of thousands of eyes converged on this spot, and the air was filled with suffocating anticipation. Sunlight streamed down the mirror-like surface of the arena, reflecting a dazzling light, though not as brilliant as the two figures on the stage.
Ye Li, clad in black as black, stood as straight as a pine tree, her Xuanbing sword still unsheathed, her hands behind her back. Her gaze was calm and unwavering, like a bottomless, icy pond. Only those familiar with her could discern the condensed fighting spirit in her slightly pursed lips. Six months of experience had allowed her to fully control her surging power. Her restrained aura made her seem even more unfathomable.
Qin Yixuan, her white robe whiter than snow, her sleeves fluttering gently in the breeze, like a banished immortal descending to earth. She held a longsword that flowed like ripples of water, the Cang Hai Ming Yue Pearl suspended at her side, emitting a soft and pure azure light. Her face still bore a hint of the pallor of fresh healing, but her eyes were unusually bright. In her clear eyes, Ye Li's figure was reflected, brimming with an indescribable complex of emotions: concern, admiration, and a resolute determination not to back down.
Without needing words, both men understood that this battle had nothing to do with personal grudges; it even transcended the honor of their sects. It was a test of their own paths, a testament to the fruits of six months of arduous cultivation, and a long-awaited, pure battle of dao between two peerless geniuses.
On the high platform, Xuanyun Sect's head, Xuan Chengzi, the head of the Bishui Pavilion, Mr. Shui Jing (who had personally attended the ceremony), and other sect leaders all wore solemn expressions. The outcome of this battle would directly impact the future of the younger generation in the Northern Territory for the next ten years.
"The Northern Territory Youth Competition, finals, begins!"
With the order from the leader of Tiangong Sect, it was as if the start switch was pressed.
Buzz!
The aura of the two men exploded almost at the same time!
On Ye Li's side, extremely cold spiritual power soared into the sky, the temperature of the arena dropped sharply, fine ice crystals condensed in the air, and a chill that seemed to be able to freeze the soul spread. Faintly, the shadows of extinguished stars flickered behind her.
On Qin Yixuan's side, a vast ocean of profound spiritual energy surged forth, gentle and mellow, yet imbued with a power that embraced and encompassed everything. The Cang Hai Ming Yue Pearl shone brightly, reflecting a shimmering expanse of boundless ocean behind her, and a phantom of a bright moon slowly rose.
One ice and the other water, one hard and the other soft, two completely different domains of power, instantly collided and squeezed in the center of the ring, making a teeth-grinding hissing sound, and the space was slightly distorted!
"please!"
"please!"
Two clear shouts rang out at the same time!
The next moment, the two figures disappeared from their original places at the same time!
Ye Li unleashed the "Universe Traceless Step," transforming into an elusive shadow at breakneck speed. The Mysterious Ice Sword suddenly unsheathed, releasing a stream of icy-blue sword energy, like a cold star tearing through the night sky, as it pierced Qin Yixuan's face. Even before the sword energy arrived, the fierce sword intent already chilled one's skin!
Qin Yixuan didn't dodge, the sword in his hand slicing a perfect arc like flowing water. "Mysterious Water Sword Technique—Water Curtain Heavenly Hua!" A seemingly fragile, yet resilient, aquamarine light curtain appeared out of thin air. The sword energy pierced the light curtain, as if it were stuck in a quagmire, its speed drastically reduced, its power gradually weakened.
But how could Ye Li's attack be so simple? Her sword tip trembled slightly, and the sluggish sword energy suddenly exploded, transforming into countless ice needles as thin as cow hair, enveloping Qin Yixuan like a rainstorm! It was the "Mysterious Ice Rain" in "...Ice Emperor Sealing Heaven Art"!
Qin Yixuan's beautiful eyes focused, and the Cang Hai Ming Yue Pearl spun, shedding even more intense moonlight. "Bright Moon, protect me!" The moonlight condensed into a crystalline shield, blocking countless ice needles with a tinkling sound.
The first round of confrontation was lightning fast and seemed evenly matched, but it demonstrated both men's exquisite control over strength.
"Be careful!" Ye Li shouted softly, and her figure became blurred again. She combined the "Universe Invisible Step" with the newly comprehended "Frost Condensed Finger" artistic conception. Every time she flashed, her fingertips pointed at the vital points on Qin Yixuan's body. The extremely cold sealing power continued to erode the opponent's body-protecting mysterious water.
Qin Yixuan brought the flexibility of the "Nine Heavens Mysterious Water Sutra" to the extreme. His body movements were like a fish swimming in water, extremely agile. He always avoided the finger wind at the critical moment, and at the same time swung his long sword. The mysterious water sword intent was like an endless wave, which in turn entangled and dissipated Ye Li's extremely cold field.
The two fought swiftly, their figures constantly intertwining and colliding on the ring, sword lights and palm shadows flying in the sky, ice crystals and water droplets splashing everywhere. Ye Li's offensive was fierce and domineering, with an unstoppable determination; Qin Yixuan's defense was dense and tenacious, embodying the principle of using softness to overcome hardness.
The arena sometimes transforms into a frozen land, everything frozen; other times, it transforms into a vast ocean, waves surging. These two completely different artistic concepts constantly change as they clash, dazzling the audience, who exclaim in surprise and cheers one after another.
"Too strong! This is a true duel between geniuses!"
"Ye Li's ice-based magical powers are simply superb!"
"Saint Qin's profound water skills are also unfathomable, and her defense is impenetrable!"
On the platform, the various leaders' eyes gleamed, and they nodded frequently. Whether it was Ye Li's unique combat system, which integrated multiple inheritances, or Qin Yixuan's profound and unique understanding of the Great Way of Water, they all saw the unlimited potential of the Northern Territory's future.
The fierce battle lasted for nearly half an hour, and the two were still evenly matched. However, their auras began to become somewhat disordered, and their spiritual energy was greatly depleted.
A flicker of determination flashed in Ye Li's eyes. She knew conventional means would be difficult to achieve. She took a deep breath, and the Yuan Dan in her body spun wildly. The fragments of the Samsara Mirror vibrated slightly, and a deeper, colder aura began to gather.
Qin Yixuan also felt the pressure. She shouted and pushed the "Nine Heavens Mysterious Water Sutra" to its extreme. The shadow of the bright moon behind her became more and more solid, as if it was really about to descend into the world!
"Xingji—the Ice Emperor has arrived!"
Ye Li finally unleashed her most powerful, combined killing move! Raising the Mysterious Ice Sword, endless icy spiritual energy converged with a trace of the Samsara Mirror's source power. Behind her, a hazy yet majestic figure of the Ice Emperor slowly emerged! The figure raised its hand, wielding a vast, icy-blue sword that seemed to freeze time and space and annihilate all things. With the will to destroy everything, it slashed down at Qin Yixuan! The power of this sword had already surpassed the realm of the Spiritual Mansion!
Facing this terrifying sword strike, Qin Yixuan's eyes were filled with deep sorrow, but she didn't flinch. She held the sword upright before her chest, and the radiance of the Cang Hai Ming Yue Pearl shone to its fullest, resonating with the divine essence within her body!
"Nine Heavens Mysterious Waters—A Bright Moon Rises from the Sea!"
The vast ocean behind her instantly boiled, and the shadowy silhouette of the bright moon suddenly rose into the sky, becoming incomparably larger and clearer! The moonlight was no longer gentle, but instead carried a sacred aura that purified and judged all things! The bright moon and the giant sword, one above and one below, collided with a loud bang!
Boom——!!!
A deafening roar, beyond words, shook the entire Lundao Peak! A blinding light devoured everything! A violent energy storm swept across, crashing into the protective light shield surrounding the arena, stirring up violent ripples. The shield emitted an unbearable humming sound, as if it would shatter at any moment!
Everyone held their breath and stared at the center of the light.
After a long time, the light gradually dissipated.
The arena was a mess. Ye Li knelt on one knee, leaning on his sword. A trickle of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. His face was pale and his breathing was disordered. It was obvious that he had consumed a lot of energy and suffered some internal injuries.
Qin Yixiuan was also in a bad condition. There were spots of blood on her white clothes, and the light of the Canghai Mingyue Pearl was dim. She had to hold on to her sword to stand steadily. Her breathing was rapid, and it was obvious that she had reached her limit.
The shadow of the Ice Emperor and the bright moon have both disappeared.
Tie!
It's a draw!
The entire audience was silent for a moment, then erupted into thunderous cheers and applause! This brilliant, evenly matched showdown was enough to go down in the annals of the Northern Territory Youth Competition!
Ye Li raised her head and looked across at Qin Yixuan, who happened to be looking back. Their eyes met, and they both saw fatigue in each other's eyes, but more than that, there was a sense of relief after a hearty experience, and an indescribable admiration, a feeling of mutual respect between heroes.
There is no obsession with winning or losing, only the highest recognition of each other's strength.
Ye Li struggled to stand up, walked to Qin Yixuan and stretched out her hand.
Qin Yixuan looked at the hand stretched out before her, startled for a moment, then smiled, a smile as breathtakingly beautiful as the first melting of ice and snow and the blooming of spring flowers. She gently placed her hand in Ye Li's.
Ye Li exerted a little force and pulled her up.
The two stood side by side on the broken arena, bearing the gazes of hundreds of thousands of people in the audience.
"Are you okay?" Ye Li asked in a low voice, with a barely perceptible concern in her tone.
"It's okay." Qin Yixuan shook her head gently, looking at the blood on the corner of Ye Li's mouth, she couldn't help but ask, "Your injury..."
"It's just a minor injury." Ye Li said lightly.
No further words were needed. A deep bond, transcending competition and even sect boundaries, was heightened in this all-out clash. They were each other's strongest rivals, yet also their most understanding confidants.
On the high platform, Xuan Chengzi and Mr. Shui Jing exchanged a glance, each seeing a mixture of relief and complexity in the other's eyes. Perhaps the future of Xuanyun Sect and Bishui Pavilion would truly be different because of these two children.
In the end, after discussion among the giants of the Northern Territory Alliance, it was determined that the final of this Northern Territory Youth Competition was a draw, and Ye Li and Qin Yixuan tied for first place!
When the results were announced, the entire audience erupted in excitement. A tie for first place was a rare occurrence in the history of the Northern Territory Youth Competition.
The names of Ye Li and Qin Yixuan, along with this legendary duel, resounded throughout the entire Northern Territory and became legends admired by countless young cultivators.
On the podium, the two stood side by side once again, accepting the glory that belonged to them. The moonstone championship tokens and generous rewards were handed to them, but their eyes lingered more on each other.
The peak showdown ended in a draw. But the brilliance that blossomed during this confrontation, and the rapidly growing mutual admiration, are far more precious than any reward. The road ahead may still be thorny, but with such a rival and confidant by my side, I'm no longer alone.
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