A new day dawned over Chang'an City, and with the first rays of sunlight, excitement filled the streets. The citizens, having had their morning meals, streamed toward the grand Martial Arena, the largest in the Sacred Tang Empire. Today marked the long-awaited duel between Princess Sarah Long and Ethan Ye, a challenge set three years ago, when the words "thirty years east, thirty years west; don't underestimate the young and humble" first echoed across the land.
Yet, the duel was not the only spectacle drawing crowds. The top ten prodigies on the Azure Sky Ranking were also gathering, promising a clash of talents that had the entire continent on edge. Representatives from the Pavilion of Secrets, renowned artists tasked with immortalizing the day's events, arrived early, ready to capture every moment for history.
In the Golden Sun Inn, Ethan Ye sat cross-legged on his bed, circulating his true energy. When he opened his eyes, they shone with sharp determination, focused in the direction of the imperial palace.
"Master, today I'll restore my family's honor," he murmured with steely resolve.
As his words faded, a graceful figure appeared in the room. Ivy Ning, her beauty both pure and ethereal, shook her head, smiling indulgently. "Such a young spirit!" she teased. For three years, Ethan had trained tirelessly, his efforts all culminating in this day.
"Focus, and Princess Sarah will be no match for you," Ning reassured him, confident in her protégé. After Jason Ji had taken the Netherworld Ghostfire from her, she had given Ethan a forbidden technique to compensate. This secret art, passed down from an ancient celestial family, was beyond anything the Misty Peak could rival.
With a flick of his wrist, Ethan donned his black robe and strode out, his anticipation palpable.
Ivy Ning lingered for a moment, her gaze distant as she whispered, "I wonder if I'll see him again today…"
As the massive Martial Arena filled with citizens and cultivators from across the continent, all eyes were on the high platform where Princess Sarah Long sat. Clad in a flowing white robe, she was the picture of serenity, her eyes closed in meditation. Behind her stood a tall, veiled woman exuding a divine, almost celestial aura that drew countless reverent glances from the audience. Though her face was hidden, her aura alone commanded deep respect.
This woman was none other than Sarah's master, Miranda Murong, also known as the Moonlight Fairy and the leader of the Misty Peak. Her presence, along with that of four stern middle-aged men and an elderly figure seated nearby, added a weight of authority to the event.
These were the four Protectors and the Elder of the Protectorate Sect, legends. Together, with Miranda Murong and the gathered dignitaries, their mere presence stilled the crowd of thousands, blanketing the vast arena in a tense silence.
Just then, a sultry, teasing voice broke through the stillness.
"Well, well, Sister Sarah, it's been ages! You're still as radiant as ever!"
The voice belonged to Sylvia Lu, the Saintess of the Ming Sect, who entered with two of her Sect's protectors. Her enchanting allure was matched only by her dangerous reputation, her words sending a ripple of excitement through the arena.
"It's been a long time, Sister Sylvia," Sarah replied calmly, opening her eyes to regard the fiery beauty before her. A flicker of wariness crossed her gaze; Sylvia was known for her seductive charm and ruthless methods, traits that kept even Sarah on guard.
Then, a solitary figure entered—a young man with silver hair, strikingly handsome yet as cold as ice. As he walked, countless women's eyes lit up, captivated by his aloof allure.
"Ryan Mo of Villains' Valley," Sarah murmured. Though he was often mentioned alongside Xavier Lo, she knew Ryan Mo was the more formidable of the two, having been trained by one of the continent's ten most notorious villains.
Ryan Mo acknowledged Sarah with a slight nod before finding a seat in silence.
Next to arrive was Ryan Yu, the prince of the Ascension Empire, dressed in a luxurious golden robe with a dragon motif, accompanied by twenty-four imposing guards and two legendary elders. The prince's extravagant retinue left a lasting impression as he entered.
Not far behind him, a cheerful monk named Skylar Do, the chief disciple of the Great Thunder Temple, arrived. Though he had been in Chang'an for over a month, his wide-eyed innocence contrasted sharply with the gravitas of the arena's atmosphere. After a brief greeting with Sarah, he quietly found a place to sit.
Suddenly, the hum of swords cut through the air, drawing everyone's attention to the sky, where a figure in blue robes approached, stepping lightly upon his sword as he descended. The crowd buzzed with recognition—it was Wyatt Ye from the Cangjian Villa, accompanied by an unassuming elder.
Upon entering the arena, Wyatt Ye immediately scanned the crowd, a razor-sharp gaze searching for someone. He approached Sarah and asked, "Princess Sarah, will Jason Ji, the Immortal Slayer Sword Master, be coming today?"
His words sent a shockwave through the crowd. With rumors of a budding romance between Jason and Princess Sarah circulating widely, even the youngest children of Chang'an had heard of their supposed affair. This topic had become the city's hottest gossip.
Sylvia Lu burst into laughter, adding her own jest. "Wyatt Ye, after all these years, you're still as single-minded as ever. But I admit, I'm also curious to see this so-called Immortal Slayer Sword Master."
Ryan Mo gave a dismissive snort. "Not a bad question."
Skylar Do, rubbing his gleaming bald head, added his own twist on a classic saying. "Indeed… This humble monk would also like to know if Jason Ji will be gracing us with his presence."
Even Ryan Yu joined in with a hearty laugh. "In truth, I came to Chang'an largely to see this Jason Ji myself."
Wyatt Ye looked around, bewildered by the sudden outburst of interest. He had only asked a simple question, yet it seemed nearly everyone present shared his curiosity. Were they all here to meet Jason Ji?
Sarah blushed slightly but quickly regained her composure, coughing lightly to mask her reaction. "I'm afraid I'm not well acquainted with him, so I can't say whether he'll appear," she replied, though her words only fanned the flames of speculation.
The laughter spread throughout the arena, and even Miranda Murong, standing behind Sarah, raised a delicate brow. Though she was intimately familiar with her disciple's typically composed nature, the mere mention of Jason Ji's name seemed to unsettle Sarah in a way nothing else could.
"Could it be that this Immortal Slayer Sword Master truly wields such charm?" Miranda murmured to herself. As Sarah's mentor and the epitome of elegance, she rarely took interest in matters of romance. Still, even she couldn't help but feel curious.
At that very moment, a powerful voice resounded through the arena, breaking through the crowd's chatter:
"Ethan Ye of the Ye family, here to fulfill the three-year vow!"
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