Chapter 22: Claiming the Championship by a Narrow Margin. After Ling Yu steadied himself, the resolve in his eyes burned even fiercer. Spiritual energy surged around him once more. Though wounded, he still stood proud and tall, like an unyielding god of war on the battlefield. His hands swiftly formed seals as he chanted under his breath. The air around him began to warp with the fluctuations of his spiritual energy, creating an eerie atmosphere. Mu Chen dared not let his guard down for an instant. He knew Ling Yu was preparing one final, desperate assault. He focused all his attention, spiritual energy rushing through his meridians like surging rivers, every cell bracing for the impact to come. He watched Ling Yu intently, trying to find a way to counter him through his movements. Suddenly, Ling Yu let out a fierce shout, and phantoms of spiritual energy appeared around him. They took all manner of shapes, some resembling savage beasts, others mighty eagles with wings outspread. They circled Ling Yu, roaring and screeching. Each phantom contained tremendous spiritual energy. They were Ling Yu's final killing move-Spirit Shadow Illusion Kill. Ling Yu swept both hands forward, and the phantoms lunged at Mu Chen like arrows loosed from a bow. They bore down with the force to destroy heaven and earth, tearing deep furrows into the ground wherever they passed, as though the earth itself were groaning in agony beneath their power. Mu Chen's heart tightened, and he reacted at once. He stamped both feet hard against the ground and leaped high into the air. At the same time, his hands formed seals, transforming the spiritual energy within him into blades that shot toward the phantoms below. The spiritual energy blades fell thick as raindrops, colliding with the phantoms in a series of thunderous blasts. Yet these phantoms were extraordinarily powerful. Although the blades battered them, they could not halt their advance completely. Several broke through the barrage and continued lunging at Mu Chen. With nothing to push off against in midair, Mu Chen could only rely on his nimble movements to twist and tumble out of their path. But the phantoms were frighteningly fast. One still grazed his clothes, tearing them apart in an instant and leaving a bloody slash across his skin. A flash of excitement crossed Ling Yu's eyes when he saw some of his phantoms breach Mu Chen's defenses. He poured out more spiritual energy, directing the remaining phantoms to press their attack. They closed in on Mu Chen from every direction, forming a ring that left him nowhere to flee. Mu Chen remained calm within the encirclement. He knew he had to find a way to break through now. Suddenly, he recalled an account he had read in an ancient scroll about using soul power to shatter illusions. The method required powerful soul perception and precise control of spiritual energy. He closed his eyes and released his soul power. Through his perception, he found that although the spiritual energy phantoms looked real, they contained faint traces of discord on the level of the soul. He concentrated his soul power and struck at those discordant points. As his soul power touched the phantoms, they began to waver. Their movements grew sluggish, and their forms blurred. Mu Chen seized the opportunity and unleashed his spiritual energy blades once more, this time imbuing them with his soul power. The blades struck the phantoms' weak points with precision. After a flicker of light, the phantoms shattered one after another. Ling Yu was aghast when he saw Mu Chen unravel his spiritual energy phantoms. He had never imagined that Mu Chen possessed such an extraordinary means of defeating his family's signature technique. "You..." Ling Yu's eyes widened, disbelief written across his face. But he quickly regained his composure. He knew this was not yet the time to give up. There was scarcely any spiritual energy left within him, but he still chose to stake everything on one final throw. Long spear in hand, he charged at Mu Chen. He moved even faster than before, as though burning away the last of his life force. A faint light flickered along his spear, the gathering of his final reserves of spiritual energy. Watching Ling Yu charge toward him, Mu Chen drew a deep breath. He, too, gathered all the spiritual energy he had left, and a longsword formed from it appeared in his hand. He rushed to meet Ling Yu, the two hurtling toward each other like blazing meteors. In the instant before they collided, time seemed to slow to a crawl. Mu Chen saw nothing but Ling Yu and the spear in his hand. He could feel the final thread of resolve contained within that spear. Without the slightest hesitation, he thrust his spiritual energy longsword toward it. With a clang, the two weapons collided, unleashing a dazzling light. It was fiercer than the light from any of their previous clashes, as though the sun had exploded between them. A tremendous shock wave spread outward from the two fighters. Under its impact, the spiritual energy restriction surrounding the arena finally buckled, cracks spreading across it. Both Mu Chen and Ling Yu were hurled backward by the force. They spat great mouthfuls of blood in midair before crashing heavily to the ground. A deathly silence fell over their surroundings. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the two. After a moment, Mu Chen stirred with difficulty. His body felt as though it had been crushed, every inch of his skin wracked with pain. Yet one conviction sustained him: he had to stand up. Summoning all his strength, he planted both hands against the ground and tried to rise. Ling Yu struggled as well, his eyes filled with unwillingness to accept defeat. He, too, wanted to stand and keep fighting, but his body had reached its limit. He tried several times without success and could only lie helplessly on the ground. Gritting his teeth, Mu Chen walked toward Ling Yu one step at a time. His steps were heavy but firm, each one demanding that he endure tremendous pain. When he reached Ling Yu's side, he stopped. "You're strong," Mu Chen said softly as he looked at him. His voice was weak, but full of respect. Ling Yu looked at Mu Chen, a complicated emotion flickering in his eyes. He wanted to say something, but in the end, he merely gave a bitter smile. "You won." With those words, the entire arena erupted in thunderous cheers. The spectators went wild over the breathtaking battle, cheering and leaping with joy at Mu Chen's victory. Mu Chen had become the champion of this Spirit Road tournament. He stood in the center of the arena, and despite the wounds covering his body, a gratified smile spread across his face. He knew this championship had not come easily. He had earned it with sweat and blood through countless trials and battles on the Spirit Road. His companions rushed forward, their eyes brimming with excitement and joy. They crowded around Mu Chen to celebrate his great victory. "Mu Chen, you were amazing! We knew you could win!" "Exactly! That fight was incredible. We were all sweating for you." Mu Chen smiled in response to his companions' cheers, his gaze turning toward the distance. He knew this was only one milestone on his journey along the Spirit Road. He still had a much longer road to travel and many more challenges awaiting him. But for now, he savored the joy of victory and took pride in how far he had grown. Amid the cheers, the administrator of the Spirit Road stepped forward, carrying the prizes for the tournament champion-an ancient book emanating a mysterious glow, a Spirit Pearl containing tremendous spiritual energy, and an exquisitely crafted Spirit Soldier. "Mu Chen, you are the rightful champion of this tournament. You have earned these prizes. I hope you continue onward along the Spirit Road and achieve even greater glory," the administrator said with a smile, handing the prizes to Mu Chen. Mu Chen accepted them, sensing the tremendous power within these treasures. His heart filled with gratitude. He knew these prizes would be an immense help on his path of cultivation. Surrounded by the others, Mu Chen left the arena. His figure seemed especially tall in the sunlight. Bearing the glory of a champion and newfound hope, he headed deeper into the Spirit Road, ready to meet new challenges and opportunities.
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