Chapter 32: The Final Opponent
The arena was buzzing with excitement as the final match of the Iron Blood Tournament drew near. The once-crowded list of competitors had dwindled to just two names—Lin Yun and Ji Rong, a prodigy from the Crimson Wolf Sect.
Ji Rong was a name that carried weight across the martial arts world. Known for his ferocity and precision, he was undefeated in every tournament he had entered. His weapon of choice was a pair of twin daggers, their curved blades gleaming with a faint crimson hue, rumored to be coated with poison.
Lin Yun stood in the waiting area, his body tense but his mind sharp. Yu Xian and Mei were by his side, their presence a steadying force amidst the storm of anticipation.
"This isn't just another fight, Lin Yun," Yu Xian said, her tone serious. "Ji Rong is dangerous. Don't underestimate him."
Mei added, "And don't let him get close. Those daggers of his are as deadly as his reputation."
Lin Yun nodded. "I've made it this far. I won't falter now."
---
The crowd erupted as Lin Yun and Ji Rong stepped onto the stage, their names echoing across the massive coliseum.
Ji Rong was tall and lean, his movements as smooth as a wolf stalking its prey. His crimson robes swayed lightly in the breeze, and his sharp eyes locked onto Lin Yun with a predatory focus.
"You're the talk of the tournament, Lin Yun," Ji Rong said, his voice smooth but laced with menace. "But this is where your journey ends. I'll make sure of it."
Lin Yun met his gaze, his expression calm. "We'll see."
The announcer's voice boomed, signaling the start of the match.
---
Ji Rong moved like a shadow, his twin daggers flashing in the sunlight as he closed the distance between them. Lin Yun barely had time to react, parrying one dagger while evading the other.
The clash of metal echoed across the arena as the two fighters exchanged blows, their movements a blur to the watching crowd. Ji Rong's strikes were precise and relentless, forcing Lin Yun to stay on the defensive.
"You're quick," Ji Rong said, his daggers spinning in his hands. "But not quick enough."
He lunged forward, his daggers aiming for Lin Yun's chest. Lin Yun sidestepped and countered with a slash of his own, but Ji Rong twisted mid-air, avoiding the strike and landing behind him.
The crowd gasped as Lin Yun spun around just in time to block another attack, the force of the impact pushing him back.
---
Lin Yun's mind raced as he analyzed Ji Rong's movements. His opponent was faster and more experienced, but there was a rhythm to his attacks—a pattern hidden beneath the chaos.
"Every time he spins, he leaves his left side open," Lin Yun thought, his grip tightening on his sword.
He waited for the right moment, baiting Ji Rong into another lunge. When Ji Rong spun to avoid a counterattack, Lin Yun struck, his blade grazing Ji Rong's side.
Ji Rong winced, blood staining his crimson robes. His eyes narrowed, and a smile tugged at his lips. "Not bad. But let's see how you handle this."
He channeled his Qi into his daggers, their crimson glow intensifying. The air around him seemed to ripple with energy as he unleashed a barrage of attacks, each strike faster and more powerful than before.
---
Lin Yun's body ached as he blocked and dodged, the strain of the fight beginning to take its toll. But he refused to back down.
"Think, Lin Yun," he told himself. "If I don't outsmart him, I'll lose."
As Ji Rong lunged again, Lin Yun feigned a stumble, baiting his opponent into overcommitting. When Ji Rong's daggers came down, Lin Yun sidestepped and delivered a powerful upward slash, his blade cutting across Ji Rong's chest.
Ji Rong staggered back, his breathing heavy. The crowd erupted into cheers, but Lin Yun didn't let his guard down.
"You're tougher than I thought," Ji Rong said, his voice strained. "But this isn't over."
He channeled the last of his Qi into a final attack, his daggers moving with blinding speed. Lin Yun steadied his breathing, his mind clear.
As the daggers closed in, Lin Yun focused all his Qi into his blade, deflecting the first dagger and stepping inside Ji Rong's guard. With a swift strike, he knocked the second dagger from Ji Rong's hand and pressed his blade against his opponent's neck.
The crowd fell silent as Ji Rong raised his hands in surrender.
---
The announcer declared Lin Yun the winner, and the arena erupted into applause. But Lin Yun's focus was elsewhere. As he stepped off the stage, he noticed the cloaked man watching from the shadows, his expression unreadable.
Yu Xian and Mei met him at the edge of the arena, their faces a mix of relief and pride.
"You did it," Yu Xian said, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Barely," Lin Yun replied, his voice weary.
Mei handed him a water flask. "Enjoy the moment, Lin Yun. You've earned it."
But Lin Yun couldn't shake the feeling that his journey was far from over. The cloaked man's gaze lingered in his mind, a silent reminder that the real battle was still to come.