บท 206: The Grand Finals – Beauty, Power, and a Destructive Duel

The arena was filled with deafening applause as Ling Jie, the young disciple of the Heavenly Sword Villa, raised his hand in surrender. Yun Che stood victorious, having outperformed his opponent in an exhilarating battle. He had successfully advanced to the Grand Finals of the Ranking Tournament, the crowd roaring in admiration for his unexpected brilliance. The atmosphere was electric, with cheers echoing across the entire Sword Discourse Arena.

The clash between Yun Che and Ling Jie had been nothing short of extraordinary. Both fighters had displayed immense talent and skill, and the crowd was left in awe of their abilities, especially given their young ages. It was clear that this battle had pushed both to their limits. The applause grew louder, not only for the victor but also for the fierce combatants who had given everything for the fight.

Yun Che stood silently in the middle of the arena, his chest rising and falling with measured breaths. He was drenched in sweat, but his gaze was focused, contemplative. Despite his victory, his mind lingered on the technique that had made such an impact during the match—the King Haki Punch. He had unleashed a move inspired by the Fire Tempest Breaker, a technique that was nowhere near the legendary power of his Big Brother Raja's Tempest Breaker. However, Yun Che was proud of his progress. The technique, when coated with his Supreme King Haki, was something truly formidable. He clenched his fist, the thrill of his power coursing through his veins as he glanced at Raja, who was seated on the Blue Wind Empire Stage.

"Big Brother," Yun Che murmured under his breath, a sense of determination filling his heart.

Ling Jie, still catching his breath from the match, approached Yun Che with an expression of awe and respect. His admiration for Yun Che's strength was undeniable. "How did you train your body so... powerfully? And what was that Black and Red thing you used?" he asked, his voice full of genuine curiosity.

Yun Che, ever humble, offered a half-smile. "You should ask Big Brother Raja about that. It's a technique specially created for me by him."

Ling Jie's eyes widened, realizing that Yun Che's power stemmed not just from his own hard work but also from the guidance of someone far greater. He nodded, appreciating the answer, but his admiration only grew stronger.

As Ling Jie began to walk away, a new figure emerged from the crowd. Ling Kun, the representative of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, approached Yun Che with an unexpected proposal. Known for its powerful and respected status as one of the Four Great Sacred Grounds, the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region was not a place one could easily join. Yet, Ling Kun extended an invitation to Yun Che to join their sect.

The crowd immediately went silent, shocked by the bold offer. Even the most powerful figures in the arena, including Fen Juecheng, could not hide their astonishment. Some were envious of Yun Che's prospects, while others, like Fen Juecheng, began to worry about Yun Che's future influence and potential.

Yun Che, however, was unshaken. With a calm smile, he respectfully declined the invitation. "Thank you for the offer, but my loyalty lies with Big Brother Raja. I will follow him until the end," he said firmly.

Ling Kun, though surprised by the rejection, did not express anger. Instead, he nodded in approval. "You have wisdom beyond your years, Yun Che. It's not just your talent that has impressed me, but the way you handle your physical strength. You could revive a long-lost department in our sect with such prowess," Ling Kun explained. "But even so, the door to the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region will always be open to you, should you ever change your mind."

Ling Kun then handed Yun Che a small stone, glowing with an ethereal energy. "This is a special Sound Transmission Stone. Use it to communicate with me over long distances if you ever need help," he said with a warm smile. "I have no doubt that Raja will one day join our sect as well. Your family has great potential."

As Ling Kun turned to leave, Raja, who had been observing from the sidelines, approached Yun Che with a concerned expression. He had noticed that Yun Che's body was still bearing the remnants of their fierce battle. With a calm and practiced touch, Raja tended to Yun Che's minor injuries using the Great Way of Buddha. "How are you feeling?" Raja asked, his voice gentle but filled with care.

Yun Che, though tired, smiled and waved off the concern. "It's nothing, Big Brother. Just a few light scratches. No need to worry."

Despite the battle's intensity, Yun Che seemed completely unfazed. His calmness in the face of pain was reassuring to everyone around him, and the relief was palpable among his companions. Even Qin Wushang, who had been watching from the sidelines, could not help but inquire, "Why did you refuse the invitation to the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region?"

Yun Che's response was simple but sincere. "My loyalty to Big Brother Raja means more to me than anything. No sect, no power, can change that. I will follow him to the ends of the earth."

Raja smiled at Yun Che's words, feeling deeply moved by his disciple's unwavering loyalty. Qin Wushang, too, nodded in approval, acknowledging the young man's maturity.

Meanwhile, Fen Juecheng stood quietly at the edge of the arena, his eyes narrowed with malicious intent. He had witnessed Yun Che's refusal to join the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, and his thoughts quickly turned dark. "If Yun Che remains free, he could become a formidable rival in the future," Fen Juecheng thought, his mind racing with plans. "I must find a way to eliminate him before he can make a move against me."

His eyes flickered toward Mu Tianbei, who was visibly angry, and a wicked idea began to form. Fen Juecheng knew how to manipulate others, and he was determined to use Mu Tianbei to his advantage in eliminating Yun Che. However, Raja, with his extraordinary perception, had already sensed the killing intent and made a mental note to keep an eye on Fen Juecheng.

Just as these dangerous thoughts lingered in the air, the announcer called for the start of the second semifinal match. The tension in the arena shifted as Ling Yun and Xia Qingyue stepped onto the stage.

Xia Qingyue, wearing her ice-themed attire, took a poised stance, her icy demeanor fitting the image of a powerful ice mage. Ling Yun, with his Celestial Yuan Sword in hand, exuded confidence and calmness. The two combatants stood facing each other, and the atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation.

The battle began with a graceful yet intense exchange of swordplay. Xia Qingyue unleashed her Ultimate Ice Arts, while Ling Yun wielded his sword with ease, his movements casual yet precise. The crowd watched in awe as the battle unfolded, each blow from Ling Yun being met with the frosty barriers of Xia Qingyue's ice.

However, Ling Yun was not one to be underestimated. His true strength quickly revealed itself as he launched the Heavenly Star Frenzy, a devastating sword formation that shattered Xia Qingyue's defenses. The sheer power of his swordsmanship overwhelmed her, and many in the crowd believed the match was over. Even the seniors in the audience were stunned by the scale of Ling Yun's technique.

Yun Che, watching from the sidelines, felt frustration boil within him. Despite the admiration he had for Xia Qingyue, he couldn't help but feel a growing rivalry with Ling Yun. "I will defeat you one day," Yun Che muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on Ling Yun with a fierce determination.

Xia Qingyue, surrounded by a deadly sword formation, remained calm. With a subtle wave of her ice crystal sword, she summoned several ice lotuses that blocked the oncoming sword beams. The ice cooled the air around her, and soon, Ling Yun's sword beams were sealed within the petals of the flowers.

Ling Yun, momentarily stunned by her defense, quickly adapted. He used the Celestial Yuan Sword to move with lightning speed, cutting through the ice lotuses and continuing his assault. But just as he did, Xia Qingyue's face veil fell away, revealing her breathtaking beauty to the entire arena.

The world seemed to stop for a moment as the crowd gazed upon her, mesmerized by her flawless skin and delicate features. The silence in the arena was profound, and even the toughest men were transfixed. Xia Yuanba, unaware of the strange atmosphere, innocently remarked, "Wow. Big Sis looks even prettier now."

Ling Yun, closest to Xia Qingyue, was visibly shaken by her beauty. His composure faltered, and even his mother, Xuanyuan Yufeng, noted the jealousy in her heart. Seeing her son so deeply affected by Xia Qingyue's presence, she could not help but feel a surge of frustration.

Xia Qingyue, aware of the impact her appearance had on those around her, sighed softly and covered her face with a new ice veil, concealing her beauty once more.

The crowd continued to murmur, comparing Xia Qingyue to the legendary beauties of the Profound Sky Continent. Whispers of Princess Snow, the top beauty of the Divine Phoenix Empire, filled the air, and Yun Che, observing the entire scene, couldn't help but admire Xia Qingyue's poise and strength.

Meanwhile, Raja, observing everything through his Almighty View, took note of the spectators' reactions. He silently cataloged those with evil thoughts toward his little sister, preparing for the future with a watchful eye.