The Finals [3]

Blood trickled from the cuts along Xue Hua's arms and torso, and her once-pristine silver hair was matted with sweat and grime. 

She stared at Hong Shi, her gaze unwavering despite the tremor in her legs. 

The crimson spear in Hong Shi's hand pulsed with energy, and the holy flames surrounding her body flared brighter, casting her in an almost divine glow.

She spat out a mouthful of blood, her lips curling into a savage grin. "Not bad, Hua," she said, her voice raspy but laced with amusement.

"But you'll need more than that to take me down."

Before Xue Hua could respond, Hong Shi slammed the edge of her spear into the ground.

The arena floor cracked and split beneath the force, and a surge of holy flames erupted from her body, engulfing the space around her.

The heat was suffocating, and the light was blinding, forcing Xue Hua to shield her eyes.