The final arena expanded to its full scale, ancient formations blazing to life beneath the surface. Barriers rose into the sky, sealing the battlefield completely. Tens of thousands of disciples watched in absolute silence.
But today—this was not just a sect event.
High above the arena, four grand viewing platforms floated into position.
The Four Great Families of Vermilion Sky Nation had arrived.
Li FamilyZhao FamilyWang FamilySu Family
Their elders, heads, and elites observed the battlefield with sharp, calculating eyes.
At the Li Family platform stood a middle-aged man with a calm yet heavy aura—the acting head of the Li Family.
His gaze never left Li Hao.
Azure Cloud Sect stood on one side.
Golden Crown Sect stood on the other.
Before the elder could announce the start—
Zhao Kun stepped forward.
"Wait."
His voice echoed across the arena.
He pointed at Li Hao.
"Let's make it simple. You and me. One fight. Winner takes everything."
Shock spread instantly.
"Whoever wins… their team wins the tournament."
A pause.
Then—
"And the winner… claims Xu Mei."
The arena exploded with outrage.
Li Hao's eyes turned cold.
"She is not an object," he said. "You don't get to decide her fate."
Zhao Kun sneered. "Then prove you deserve her. Or are you still that trash?"
Before tension escalated further—
Xu Mei stepped forward.
"I accept."
Silence fell again.
Her gaze was steady.
"I believe in Li Hao."
Even the elders were stunned.
The Six Peaks elder finally raised his hand.
"Final match—modified."
"Li Hao versus Zhao Kun. Winner decides everything."
The barrier ignited.
The duel began.