Shen Hao had barely been seated for long when he heard the Referee Elder announce loudly, "Arena Fifteen, Zhang Shan versus Liu Bo!"
Zhang Shan's expression instantly turned grave. He took a deep breath, suppressed the tension in his heart, and cupped his hands toward Shen Hao. "Senior Brother Shen, I'm going!"
Shen Hao patted him on the shoulder, encouragement in his eyes. "Go for it. Believe in yourself! Your efforts these past days won't go to waste."
Zhang Shan nodded heavily and turned toward Arena Fifteen. His opponent, Liu Bo, was a disciple at the Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer. Tall and sturdily built, he held a broadsword in hand, his aura steady and composed—his strength was not to be underestimated. When the disciples in the stands saw that Zhang Shan was only at the Early Qi Refining Third Layer, they all shook their heads, clearly not optimistic about his chances.
The two stepped onto the arena and faced one another. Liu Bo sized Zhang Shan up from head to toe, a disdainful smile curling across his lips. "Early Qi Refining Third Layer? You dare enter the Inner Sect Grand Competition? You really don't know your own limits."
Zhang Shan ignored his mockery. He tightened his grip on the Flying Sword in his hand, his gaze unwavering. He knew his cultivation was inferior to his opponent's, but he would not surrender easily. During this time, he had trained bitterly day and night, making tremendous progress in both swordsmanship and footwork. He believed he might not be without a chance to fight.
"The match begins!" the Referee Elder ordered.
Liu Bo struck first. Broadsword in hand, he explosively drove off with both legs and pounced at Zhang Shan like a fierce tiger descending the mountain. His sword moves were fierce