Zhao Fang's face turned ashen. He stood there for a long time, unable to speak. In the end, he could only grit his teeth, cup his hands, and slink off the platform.
The chatter below nearly lifted the roof off the Martial Arts Arena. No one had expected a newcomer to the sect to defeat Zhao Fang, who had already reached the seventh level. Many began speculating that Yun Che could place in the top three of this tournament.
In the next half-round of matches, Yun Che defeated two more opponents in succession and fought his way into the final. His opponent was Zhou Yan, a long-renowned expert of the inner sect who had already reached the threshold of the Ninth Layer of the Immortal Realm. His mastery of the Setting Sun Sword Technique was extraordinary, and everyone had favored him to win the tournament from the start.
Before the final began, Yue Mingsha suddenly spoke from the stands, her voice traveling straight to Yun Che's ears.
"Zhou Yan is our inner sect's most outstanding disciple apart from Changming. You needn't hold back against him. Just show what you can do."
Yun Che nodded in acknowledgment and looked up at Zhou Yan opposite him. Dressed in a dark blue martial outfit, with the Setting Sun Bow on his back and a sword in his hand, Zhou Yan solemnly cupped his hands toward Yun Che.
"I've long heard of you, Junior Brother. You were born with a Dao Body and could even awaken an Ancient Fiendish Weapon. I've wanted to spar with you for a long time."
"You're too kind, Senior Brother Zhou. Please." Yun Che returned the salute and took his stance.
At the officiating elder's command, Zhou Yan moved first. His sword left its sheath and became a streak