The grand clearing of the Battle Maiden Sect buzzed with energy as disciples discussed strategies, made predictions, and exchanged playful taunts.
In the center of the clearing, the grand stage where Aelina and the Sect Elders stood began to transform. The intricate runes on the jade pillars lit up.
A barrier enveloped the grand arena, sealing the combatants within and protecting the spectators. The insides of the barrier projected a massive translucent screen where the names of the top 32 participants floated.
"Remember," Aelina's voice echoed throughout the clearing, capturing everyone's attention, "this tournament will be single-elimination. Once you lose, you're out. The matchups will be determined randomly, so prepare for any opponent."
With a graceful gesture, Aelina invoked a spell. The names on the screen started to swirl in a vortex, blurring into one another, leaving the audience in suspense. After a few tense moments, the vortex began to slow, and pairs of names started to solidify on the screen:
[1. Mira vs. Zaria
2. Seraphina vs. Laela
3. Nova vs. Calla
4. Rayna vs. Freya
... ]
Gasps of surprise, nervous laughter, and excited murmurs filled the air. Mira tilted her head slightly, observing her first opponent. Zaria, ranked 32nd, was a gifted cultivator, but the vast point difference between them made it evident who was more dominant. Yet, Mira wasn't one to underestimate anyone.
Zaria, huh? Is this fate?' Mira chuckled, remembering that Maria's last name was Zaria. '1st Stage of the Soul Transformation Realm, huh? It looks like she broke through quite recently, as well. I guess she'll soon be a newly promoted Core Disciple after all this.' Mira examined Zaria intently, making the woman feel uncomfortable.
It was as if she was seen through in a single glance.
Immediately losing interest, she closed her eyes and waited for the round to start.
Zaria, on the other hand, gulped nervously. Facing Mira in the first round wasn't something she had anticipated, but she squared her shoulders and steeled her resolve.
"Time to show them what I've got," she whispered to herself, resolve shining in her eyes.
Nova and Calla's pairing drew a considerable amount of attention. While Nova was a powerhouse, Calla was known for her unpredictable battle techniques. They were both Direct Disciples under one of the Elders. The outcome of their match was anyone's guess.
Aelina, noticing the charged atmosphere, smiled and announced, "The first matchup will commence shortly. Prepare yourselves."
Mira and Zaria stepped onto the battleground, with the barrier sealing behind them. The vast contrast between their ranks created a clear underdog scenario, making the crowd's anticipation even more palpable. However, so long as there were no mishaps, Mira would claim an easy victory."
Zaria initiated their standoff, a respectful bow in Mira's direction. "I know the odds are against me, but I won't go down without a fight."
Mira nodded, a hint of a smile forming on her lips. "Then, you better go all out from the start."
Zaria nodded. She'd be a fool not to do so.
As the two readied themselves, the atmosphere grew thick with tension. A silent countdown echoed in everyone's minds. Then, without warning, the two combatants lunged at each other.
The sheer force of their clash created a shockwave that resonated throughout the barrier, leaving the crowd in awe. Utilizing her agility and nimble techniques, Zaria tried to outmaneuver Mira, but the latter's overwhelming power made it challenging.
'No blindspots and no weaknesses. Shit! Why is she so strong?!' Zaria inwardly muttered while dashing around Mira, who just stood there with an amused smile. She hadn't even taken out her scythe yet!
Zaria was skilled enough to know she didn't stand a chance. One attack from Mira, and she was done for. She looked into Mira's eyes and noticed the woman beckoning her to attack, not out of disdain but something else…
'She's giving me a chance.' Zaria instantly realized. 'She's giving me a chance to show my strength despite knowing there's no possibility of me winning.'
Zaria, feeling a surge of respect for Mira, used this opportunity to display her newfound techniques. She summoned her spiritual weapon - a pair of silver-chained kunai. With a swift twirl, she launched them towards Mira, trying to bind her.
Mira, not moving an inch, caught one of the kunai with her hand while expertly evading the other, leaving it to strike the ground, creating a burst of dust and debris. The crowd gasped. It was a diversion!
Using the dust as a screen, Zaria appeared from Mira's side, intending to land a solid hit. Her movements were fluid, and her attacks were precise; she had practiced endless hours to perfect her techniques, and she was going to show off every one of them!
But Mira was no ordinary opponent.
Utilizing her expertise with the Mystic Chain Techniques, Zaria swiftly moved her kunai in intricate patterns. Each throw and pull of her kunai was aimed at entangling and entrapping Mira, making it difficult for her to retaliate.
"Viper's Stranglehold!" Zaria shouted as her chains aimed for Mira's neck. This technique was designed to quickly strangle the opponent, disabling their movements.
Mira nimbly evaded, her eyes tracking every movement of Zaria's chains. But Zaria wasn't done.
"Silver Rain!" Zaria cried out. The kunai spun rapidly, releasing a flurry of sharp, ethereal blades resembling raindrops, all targeting Mira.
Mira deflected the majority with her bare hands, but some found their marks, creating minor cuts… Scratch that, they couldn't even penetrate her skin, merely leaving behind white lines.
The crowd gasped, realizing that although Zaria had indeed managed to inflict damage on the renowned Mira, it was trivial at best.
Zaria didn't let up, quickly transitioning to her next move, "Lunar Lasso!" The chains began to glow with a pale light, and like a lasso, they aimed to bind Mira by her limbs, restricting her movements.
Mira was momentarily caught, her left hand trapped by the shining chain. But with a quick jerk, she broke free, clearly impressed by Zaria's tactics.
Not missing a beat, Zaria unleashed her most powerful technique, "Twin Serpent Strike." The silver chains transformed into two large, ethereal serpents, hissing and lunging at Mira with fierce speed and precision.
Mira, for the first time, drew her scythe. With a swift movement, she sliced through one of the serpents, causing it to disperse into silvery mist. The other serpent managed to coil around Mira's leg, but with a flick of her scythe, she severed it too.
The crowd watched with bated breath as Zaria took a deep, ragged inhale. She was drawing upon every ounce of her strength, pushing herself to her very limits.
"Heavenly Chains!" Zaria roared, her voice filled with desperation.
The atmosphere grew heavy, and the area around her seemed to distort, warping the air itself.
The jade pillars that sustained the barrier emitted a low hum as they tried to counteract the force.
The chains on Zaria's kunai started to glow intensely, vibrating with chaotic energy. They rose high, touching the very top of the barrier, before descending rapidly in an arc, aimed directly at Mira with the force and intent to annihilate her.
Mira, still holding her scythe, calmly watched as the energy-infused kunai neared.
Just moments before impact, Mira effortlessly swung her scythe upwards, colliding with the kunai. The resonating clang echoed throughout the arena.
A brilliant burst of light temporarily blinded the audience, followed by a gust of wind so fierce it sent many disciples off their feet.
When the dust settled, Mira stood there, unscathed, the glowing chain wrapped around her scythe, while Zaria was panting heavily, drained of energy.
It was evident that the "Heavenly Chains" took a massive toll on her. Mira's eyes softened for a moment, appreciating the young cultivator's courage and determination. But the battle wasn't over.
Taking advantage of Zaria's exhausted state, Mira took a single step forward, her movements almost a blur to the naked eye.
Before Zaria could react, Mira's leg swung out, delivering a powerful kick to Zaria's midsection. The sheer force sent Zaria soaring through the air, crashing violently into the barrier, which cracked upon impact, absorbing some of the force but still causing immense pain.
Zaria's vision darkened, and her strength abandoned her. As her consciousness faded, the last thing she heard was the resounding applause and cheers from the spectators, acknowledging her valiant effort against a formidable opponent.
"Winner-Mira!" Aelina announced, and the crowd went wild.
"Holy shit! Zaria did a lot better than I thought!"
"I know, right? Who knew she'd get so powerful in the Secret Realm?"
"Heh~ She's not the only one who improved. Every single one of us here did."
The disciples chattered amongst themselves, satisfied with the results. Mira winning was a given, but they were glad that the woman at least gave Zaria a chance to shine.
However, now it was time for the next battle, one that was sure to be a lot different.
Seraphina versus Laela.
