16. Finale 2

At the end of the 4th round, only 3 people were left: Yun Liang, Yu Zhou, and Su Ling, the elder sister of Su Mai.

All of them stood in the arena at this moment to start the 5th round of their fight.

Yun Liang, who looked at the universe, could only marvel at the speed at which he learned to fight. He had observed every single fight of universe.

In the beginning, he was just an average fighter. But as he kept fighting different opponents, his fighting sense grew tremendously.

Now, even Yun Liang was not sure if he could defeat him.

As for Su Ling, she could be said to be the luckiest person here. Since the battle began, she had only fought once; the other times, she won by default.

As they were assessing each other, the host finally spoke.

"Now, I can see that everyone is eager to watch the next fight. Then we shall not wait any longer. Now, for the final round..."

Suddenly, he was interrupted by a voice coming from the highest platform where all the major clans were seated.

"This round will be different. Instead of fighting one on one, they are going to fight together, like a battle royal."

Hearing this, not only the host but also all the audience, Yun Liang, Su Ling, and the others were surprised.

They had just changed the rules at the last moment, but nobody tried to deny them. As a matter of fact, everyone was also wanting to see something different and exciting.

As for the changed rules, it was all Yun Tian's plan. Just like Yun Liang, he also felt quite disturbed by Universe's growth and didn't want to give him another chance. He thought of this plan.

Yu Ming tried to deny it, but a majority of clan leaders accepted this proposal. So Yu Ming could only gnash his teeth in anger and stay silent.

Seeing that the decision had been made, the host also didn't care and gave a signal for the fight to begin.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the arena changed, and the anticipation of the audience grew even higher.

In the sprawling arena bathed in the golden hues of sunset, the clash between Universe, Yun Liang, and Su Ling unfolded like an intricate dance of martial prowess and arcane mastery. The crowd murmured with anticipation as the three champions squared off, each radiating a unique aura of power and determination.

Universe stood like a monolith of strength. His long sword, a gleaming extension of his formidable presence, reflected the fading sunlight in dazzling arcs as he prepared for battle. Yun Liang, a figure of grace and agility, moved with the fluidity of the wind itself, his sword catching the light with each precise movement. Su Ling, the expert in illusion, exuded an ethereal aura, her eyes shimmering with colorful light as she conjured illusions that danced around her like specters.

The battle commenced with a cautious approach. Universe, with his expertise in basic sword techniques, tested Yun Liang's defenses with measured strikes aimed to exploit any opening. Yun Liang responded with swift counters, his blades a whirlwind of calculated attacks that sought to keep Universe off balance. Meanwhile, Su Ling weaved illusions that shimmered on the edge of perception, creating phantom images and shifting illusions that tested the champions' focus and resolve.

As the battle progressed, the ebb and flow of combat drew gasps and cheers from the spectators. Universe's relentless assaults were met with Yun Liang's nimble evasions and skillful parries. Su Ling's illusions, though initially disorienting, were gradually deciphered by Universe's disciplined mind, who adapted his strategy to distinguish reality from deception.

And one more thing people noticed: both Yun Liang and Su Ling were trying to remove Universe before they could start their real battle. But this was in Yun Liang's favor, so he cooperated quite nicely.

Time seemed to stretch as the champions' endurance was tested. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the arena as the battle continued under the glow of torches and magical runes. Each champion, driven by their own motivations and strengths, pushed themselves to the limits of their abilities.

Midway through the contest, Su Ling's illusions took on a new complexity. She conjured phantom warriors that mimicked the fighting styles of Universe and Yun Liang, forcing them to contend not only with each other but also with spectral adversaries that seemed to multiply and fade at her will. Universe's long sword cleaved through these illusions with methodical precision, his strikes fueled by determination rather than blind fury.

Yun Liang, his blades now a blur of defense and offense, launched a daring assault that briefly pushed Universe back. Their clash resounded across the arena, a testament to the skill and strategy that defined their confrontation. Su Ling, observing from a distance, adjusted her tactics, sending waves of illusory flames and frost that danced between the combatants, seeking to unsettle their rhythm and exploit moments of hesitation.

As the night wore on, fatigue began to set in, visible in the strained breaths and sweat-drenched brows of the champions. Yet, none would yield. They fought with a determination that transcended mere victory, driven by pride and honor in their respective disciplines.

In a climactic exchange, Universe unleashed a final surge of strength and resolve. With a resounding clash of steel against steel, he broke through Yun Liang's defenses, sending his blades spinning from his grasp. The arena fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted in a thunderous roar as Universe stood victorious, his broadsword raised in triumph.

Yun Liang, though defeated, bowed in acknowledgment of Universe's victory, his respect evident in the way he met his gaze. Su Ling, her illusions fading into the night, offered a nod of admiration for Universe's resilience and mastery.

The battle, though long and demanding, had been a spectacle of skill and perseverance, celebrated by the crowd as a testament to the spirit of competition in the arena. As Universe accepted the applause of the spectators, he knew that this night would be remembered not just for its spectacle, but for the lessons learned from worthy adversaries.