At the summit of Moonwatch Mountain, the wind and sand gradually subsided.
The thunderous force slowly faded, and the shattered stones and dust swirling through the sky settled little by little.
Above the ruined arena, a brutal scene held every gaze captive.
Li Tai, grievously wounded and sent flying by a single punch, plummeted in a disheveled arc.
Thud!
The heavy, muffled crash of his body striking the ground suddenly rang out, making the cracked Bluestone Platform beneath him tremble. Carried through the fierce wind into every spectator's ears, that oppressive sound sent a shiver through their hearts, and they involuntarily held their breath.
Dust billowed from where he had landed, shrouding his body.
At last, this Jintai Grand Tournament, spanning several days of grueling battles and dramatic reversals, had finally settled. The final match had a decisive victor, and its ultimate outcome was sealed.
At the center of the arena.
Li Tai lay on his side with difficulty, his chest and abdomen heaving as agonizing pain tore relentlessly through his organs and meridians.
Another thread of crimson blood spilled uncontrollably from the corner of his mouth, trickling down his chin and staining the bluestone before him red.
He slowly raised his head and looked toward the tall, straight-backed figure in black standing at the center of the arena, untouched by any air of defeat. Shock, resentment, bewilderment, and ruefulness tangled in his eyes. He looked as though he had seen a ghost, utterly unable to believe it.
Even now, he still could not fully accept his defeat.
From the moment he had entered Jintai Prefecture to participate in this tournament, the possibility of losing had never crossed his mind.
He possessed a supreme scripture that served as a great sect's cornerstone. Since childhood, he had enjoyed the finest Martial