In the arena, although the violent tremors had severely blurred the projection, the audience still saw the final moment of the "Fallen One" being annihilated in the replay on the giant screen. The outcome of this match had not surprised anyone, but the dark horse "Fallen One" holding out against Lei Chan, the strongest contender, for so long had exceeded many people's expectations.
Only Chen Rui knew how narrowly Lei Chan had won. Whether Bai Ye had been a hero or a tyrant, whether his deeds over the past few centuries had come from his own heart or the influence of the Blood Annihilation Pearl, in that final moment, the man who had always "thought himself" to be something else was the true Bai Ye. He would rather be annihilated than bend the knee.
Perhaps Bai Ye had entered this martial tournament precisely for this moment. The Blood Annihilation Pearl had controlled his life, but it could not control his pride.
Chen Rui was deeply moved and sighed softly. "Since ancient times, famed generals have been like beauties—Heaven does not permit mortals to see them grow old."
The famed general was gone. But what of the beauty?
Catherine, too, was sighing inwardly. Bai Ye had ultimately fallen at Lei Chan's hands...
As she watched that lonely figure, a strange emotion suddenly rose in the Shadow Empress's heart. She glanced toward Chen Rui in the distance, only to meet his gaze.
This time, their eyes met with none of the tit-for-tat hostility they had shared during registration. Instead, they both saw the tenderness in the other's eyes, their hearts understanding each other without words.
Catherine reacted swiftly, immediately turning her gaze cold. Yet that fellow actually gave her a frivolous wink. Though his face was hidden behind a mask, she could