The next opponent is none other than Ji Juechen.
Huo Yuhao smiled slightly and calmly walked onto the field. He stood proudly in the center of the field, golden light flickering in his eyes. The students in the stands still looked unconvinced, whispering their dissatisfaction with Huo Yuhao.
In the VIP section, Jing Hongchen gazed solemnly at the scene. "It seems my grandchildren will never be able to catch up to him in this lifetime..." He sighed softly, "Such strength is truly unheard of."
Although Xuan Ziwen was surprised, he was even more pleased and appreciative. As Huo Yuhao's mentor, he knew the potential of this student better than anyone else.
Just then, a clear, cold voice broke through the noise:
Huo Yuhao.
Ji Juechen approached slowly, each step seemingly carrying an invisible sword aura. He held a long sword, his gaze piercing. "My name is Ji Juechen. You possess something I seek."
The entire audience erupted in uproar. Even Jing Hongchen and Xuan Ziwen showed surprise; this renowned Sword Fanatic from the academy had actually taken the initiative to participate in the competition.
The students in the stands erupted in cheers. Ji Juechen was known throughout the academy as unfathomable, and if anyone could end Huo Yuhao's winning streak, it would be him.
Jing Hongchen and the others knew Ji Juechen's strength, which is why they were so fearless, even though Huo Yuhao's strength was quite impressive.
However, Ji Juechen was no pushover in their academy either.
Ji Juechen's fighting spirit intensified. "Further words are useless." He pointed his longsword directly at Huo Yuhao, "I see in you what I've been searching for—fight me!"
"The match begins!"
Before Xuan Ziwen could finish speaking, Ji Juechen suddenly unleashed an extremely sharp sword intent. He lightly brushed the longsword in his hand, the blade drawing a cold arc in the sunlight. He slightly turned his wrist, the tip of the sword pointing diagonally at the ground, his voice low and firm:
Please enlighten me.
Huo Yuhao's gaze was calm, a faint smile playing on his lips, " Sword Fanatic Ji Juechen, I've long admired your name."
Ji Juechen's eyes burned with fighting spirit, his sword trembled slightly, emitting a piercing hum, as if even the air itself trembled under his sword's power. He spoke slowly, his voice filled with suppressed fervor:
"Further words are pointless. I see what I'm looking for in you."
"Fight me, Huo Yuhao!"
Before he finished speaking, his sword emitted a piercing shriek, and a sharp sword aura surged out, making the eardrums of the surrounding audience ache, as if an invisible storm was gathering.
Huo Yuhao's expression remained calm, but his gaze gradually sharpened. He nodded slightly and said:
"I don't know what you want, but you seem like a decent swordsman."
"To show you respect, you use a sword, and so do I."
As soon as he finished speaking, he raised his right hand slightly, and a chilling aura suddenly condensed in his palm, causing a crystal-clear ice sword to appear out of thin air. The sword was as white as frost, exuding a chilling aura, and was clearly formed from the condensation of the Ultimate Ice. In fact, it was a miniature version of the Snow Empress 'Emperor Sword.
Huo Yuhao flicked his wrist, his sword pointing diagonally, a chilling aura emanating from him, even causing a thin layer of frost to form on the ground beneath his feet. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice:
"Brother Ji, please."
Seeing Ji Juechen's fervor intensified, and a smile even appeared on his lips:
"Yes... that's it!"
"Come on, Huo Yuhao, let's fight! Let me feel the power of your sword!"
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly sprang up, his longsword transforming into a sharp, cold light, aimed straight at Huo Yuhao's face! This sword strike was devoid of any fancy moves, possessing only extreme sharpness.
Huo Yuhao remained unmoved, lightly raising his ice sword, its blade precisely meeting Ji Juechen's strike.
"Clang--!"
The sound of ice and metal clashing resounded throughout the arena. In the instant sparks flew, Huo Yuhao slightly turned his wrist, and the ice sword drew an arc like flowing water, skillfully neutralizing Ji Juechen's sword momentum.
Ji Juechen's fighting spirit intensified, and he laughed wildly:
"Good! Huo Yuhao, you are indeed the person I have been searching for!"
"Again!"
However, Huo Yuhao had no intention of continuing the fight. He narrowed his eyes, and a cold, moonlight-like light flashed in his eyes. The ice sword in his hand also shone with a dazzling cold light.
The next instant, he lightly swung his sword—
"Whoosh--!"
What seemed like a casual sword strike transformed into a massive storm of sword energy the instant it was unleashed, unleashing an aura of Ultimate Ice that caused the temperature of the entire arena to plummet! Ji Juechen's pupils constricted, and before he could even react, he was completely engulfed by this terrifying sword energy!
Faced with the overwhelming sword energy sweeping in from all sides, Ji Juechen's eyes showed no fear, but instead burst forth with a blazing light.
--To be defeated by such a sword, it's not a loss!
For a true Sword Fanatic, witnessing a higher level of swordsmanship is even more gratifying than victory itself. A slight smile appeared on his lips, and an unprecedented sense of exhilaration welled up within him.
"So... this is what I've been searching for..."
The moment the sword energy struck him, Ji Juechen closed his eyes.
However, the expected pain did not occur.
"Whoosh--!"
A sharp, cold glint grazed his temple, a few strands of hair fluttering in the wind. Huo Yuhao's sword, in the end, only touched him to the side.
Ji Juechen slowly opened his eyes, looked at the young man before him who was younger than him but so powerful, and sincerely clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, saying:
"I lost."
"Your sword... is very strong."
Huo Yuhao sheathed his ice sword and nodded slightly. "Your sword is not weak either." He paused, his tone sincere. "The way of the sword is nothing more than the three key principles of 'speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness,' and you already possess all of these."
"More importantly—" Huo Yuhao's gaze deepened, "Your path is not wrong, and I also see your sword intent in your sword."
Ji Juechen's body trembled.
"Everyone's sword intent is different. There's no need to force yourself to pursue anything; instead, pursue your own," Huo Yuhao's voice was calm and unhurried, yet every word was profound. "The sword reflects the person. Heaven rewards diligence, and success will come naturally."
Sunlight streamed onto the field. Ji Juechen gazed at the young man before him, and for a moment, he felt as if the other was enveloped in a faint halo. He took a deep breath and bowed respectfully.
"Been taught a lesson."
"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Huo."
Huo Yuhao waved his hand and turned to leave. "I have also benefited greatly from this battle with Brother Ji."
Just as he was about to step off the field, Ji Juechen suddenly called out urgently from behind:
"Brother Huo!"
Huo Yuhao paused slightly, but didn't turn around. "Hmm?"
Ji Juechen clenched his fist, his voice filled with unprecedented anticipation. "If there is an opportunity in the future... would it be possible to spar with Brother Huo again?"
A gentle breeze stirred, causing Huo Yuhao's robes to flutter slightly. He turned his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Of course."
"But--"
The boy's departing figure was dashing and unrestrained, his lingering voice carried on the wind:
"It depends on whether I have time."
In the audience, Ke Ke's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth in disbelief:
"Oh my god! That Ji Juechen... he actually lost?" She grabbed the railing tightly, her eyes gleaming with excitement. " Yuhao is amazing!"
Zi Mu, standing to the side, was equally shocked, shaking his head with a wry smile:
"Truly astonishing... Even that ' Sword Fanatic ' was defeated by him." He looked at the tall figure in the arena, his tone complex, "Is this the strength of the Shrek Academy?"
On the field, as soon as Huo Yuhao stepped down the He Caitou rushed up, patted him on the shoulder, and laughed loudly:
"Junior Yuhao! Well done!" His honest face was filled with pride. "Even a strong opponent like you is no match for you!"
Huo Yuhao smiled slightly and said modestly, "Just lucky."
Just then--
" Yuhao!"
A clear, crisp female voice came from the direction of the stands. Before anyone could react, a figure in orange-red rushed down the steps like a whirlwind. Ke Ke practically pounced, crashing directly into Huo Yuhao's arms in full view of everyone!
"Wow!" He Caitou exclaimed in surprise as he looked in Huo Yuhao's direction.
Even Ms. Fan Yu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Huo Yuhao froze, his hands awkwardly hanging in mid-air. The girl in his arms, however, seemed oblivious, tilting her flushed face up excitedly and saying:
"That's amazing! You haven't lost a single match since the start of the competition!" Her eyes sparkled. "I knew you were the best!"
Coming to his senses, Huo Yuhao smiled helplessly and reached out to ruffle her hair.
"Now you believe me?" He deliberately put on a stern face. "I told you I was the strongest."
"Mmm!" Ke Ke nodded emphatically, only then belatedly realizing the teasing looks from the people around her. She hurriedly took two steps back, her ears turning bright red.
At this moment, Zi Mu also walked over slowly, and solemnly clasped his hands in a salute:
"Brother Huo truly deserves to be called a genius of Shrek Academy," he sincerely praised. "To have achieved such accomplishments at such a young age is truly admirable."
Huo Yuhao waved his hand. "The academy is full of talented people, I was just lucky."
"Brother Huo, you are too modest." Zi Mu shook his head and chuckled.
He Caitou leaned close to Fan Yu's ear and whispered, "Teacher, it seems that Junior Brother Yuhao is very popular wherever he goes."
Fan Yu looked at Huo Yuhao, who was surrounded by everyone, and then glanced at Ke Ke, who was secretly watching him. She smiled awkwardly.
"Yes"
Sunlight shone on the boy, gilding his features with a golden edge. At this moment, Huo Yuhao seemed born to stand in the center of the light.
Those standing in the center of the spotlight might say he's a chosen one, blessed with good fortune wherever he goes. While that's undeniable, everything ultimately depends on his own hard work, striving, and perseverance.
How can we erase all the suffering and experiences he has endured by simply calling him a chosen one of destiny?
A new star is born, bringing good fortune, but its destiny is fraught with hardship.
Those who overcome hardship will eventually shine brightly, and will surely ascend to the highest heavens and the spiritual realm.
P. S.: My poetry may not be very well written, please forgive me. I just felt like I wanted to express that although Huo Yuhao is the chosen one, it's not that he has come this far solely because he is the chosen one.
Fate has many detours; how can it be measured by mere luck?