"The top forty have been decided. In one hour, the drawing of lots and the battles will begin."
After the presiding elder made the announcement, the vast plaza immediately fell silent.
"The drawing of lots begins!"
At the sound of the announcement, forty jade tokens flew from the presiding elder's hand.
Lin Ye caught a jade token, and information surfaced upon it:
"Heaven Arena, Number Three."
"Opponent: Hundred Flowers Palace—Hua Wuying."
"Heaven Arena, Lin Ye, Hua Wuying, take the stage!"
Lin Ye composed himself and landed on the arena.
Hua Wuying appeared on the arena. A light veil covered her face, and her eyes rested quietly on Lin Ye, making him feel a faint pressure.
"Junior Brother, be careful."
Hua Wuying's figure abruptly blurred.
The next second, Lin Ye discovered that he was no longer on the arena.
All around him stretched a boundless sea of flowers. Graceful fairies danced lightly through the air, while melodious celestial music echoed by his ears. Everything was so beautiful that it made one sink into it, forgetting all worries.
Lin Ye's mind went blank for an instant. This illusion was far too real, like the pure land his heart had longed for in its deepest depths.
"All is illusion. My Dao—prove eternity through annihilation."
Clarity returned to Lin Ye's eyes, and the illusion before him shattered like a mirror.
Hua Wuying had already appeared before him, her jade-like finger reaching for the center of his brow.
Sssht!
Hua Wuying's finger was blocked by an invisible force field. Her ten fingers flicked in rapid succession, sending several petal-shaped streams of true qi scattering over Lin Ye like flowers cast by a celestial maiden.
"Suppress!"
Lin Ye pressed both palms downward!
In an instant, space froze, and even time seemed to slow.
The dancing petals