The central floating arena hummed, its defensive barriers glowing with pale blue light.
"The final match of the Group Two!" the referee elder's voice boomed across the valley. "Lin Yuying of Heavenly Cloud Peak versus Lin Yao of White Lotus Peak. Step forward!"
A heavy silence fell over the mountains. Thousands of spectators leaned forward, their eyes locked on the two figures rising from their respective seating galleries.
From the grand center gallery, Lin Yuying stepped onto the platform. She was serene and aloof, her posture carrying the quiet dignity of the Sect Master's personal disciple. She carried no steel weapon; instead, cold white fog drifted around her sleeves, condensing and evaporating in rapid cycles.
From the desolate side gallery, Lin Yao stepped forward. She wore simple white robes, her hand resting on the hilt of her standard disciple sword.
