Chapter 25: Triumph Amidst Turmoil

Liu Fan regained his balance, his heart pounding with a mix of frustration and determination. He had fallen into Huang Lin's trap, but he wasn't going to let that deter him. The crowd watched in anticipation, their excitement growing as they witnessed the unfolding drama on the stage.

With a fierce glare, Liu Fan scanned the area, searching for the real Huang Lin. He knew that defeating the illusion was only the first step. He needed to find his opponent's true location and strike with precision.

As Liu Fan's eyes swept across the stage, he noticed a faint shimmer in the corner of his vision. His instincts kicked in, and without a moment's hesitation, he lunged toward the shimmering figure.

Huang Lin, caught off guard by Liu Fan's tenacity, barely had time to react. Liu Fan's spear pierced through the illusionary image, dispersing it like smoke. The real Huang Lin, concealed in a hidden corner, stumbled backward in surprise.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, impressed by Liu Fan's quick thinking and resilience. Liu Ying, watching from the sidelines, couldn't contain her excitement as she clutched her fists, silently cheering for her brother.

Instructor Jiang, maintaining a vigilant eye, nodded in approval at Liu Fan's display of skill. He knew that this duel was more than just a clash of martial prowess; it was a test of strategy and adaptability.

As the duel reached its climax, the tension in the practice hall was palpable. The deafening cheers for Liu Fan clashed with the boos and jeers from those who had placed their bets on Huang Lin. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, as if the very air held its breath.

Liu Fan, fueled by determination, pressed forward relentlessly, his strikes precise and calculated. He suppressed the illusion figures created by Huang Lin, denying him the chance to retaliate. The crowd erupted in excitement, their voices echoing through the hall.

But Huang Lin, with his smug grin firmly etched on his face, had more tricks up his sleeve. He dispersed the illusions and confidently strode into the center of the stage. Liu Fan's intuition tingled with a sense of danger, his instincts warning him of an impending threat.

Sensing the imminent danger, Liu Fan's eyes locked with Huang Lin's, and a silent exchange passed between them.

Liu Fan, his voice filled with determination, spoke in a firm tone, "Huang Lin, is this the best you've got? Summoning illusions and relying on external powers won't change the outcome of this duel."

Huang Lin's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Oh, Liu Fan, you still don't understand. Talent alone won't save you. True strength comes from seizing every opportunity and exploiting every advantage. Brace yourself for what's to come."

With a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, Liu Fan responded, "We'll see about that. I won't back down."

Huang Lin's expression turned colder, his voice dripping with condescension. "You may have shown some skill, but you are not on my level. Prepare yourself for defeat."

Liu Fan gritted his teeth, determination fueling his resolve. "I may not be on your level yet, but I'll surpass you one day. And it starts by facing challenges head-on, without relying on external crutches."

In a display of arrogance, Huang Lin produced a golden brush from his concealed pouch. With swift, practiced strokes, he painted a shimmering spirit rune in the air. Gasps of awe rippled through the spectators as the rune materialized into a majestic golden falcon bird, its wings ablaze with ethereal light.

Time seemed to stand still as the falcon bird let out a thunderous roar, shaking the very foundations of the practice hall. Its power rivaled that of a cultivator in the 7th layer of the Body Forging Stage, an unprecedented force unleashed upon the duel.

The crowd fell into stunned silence, their cheers stifled by the overwhelming presence of the golden falcon. Whispers of disbelief and awe spread through the onlookers, their eyes locked on the imminent clash between Liu Fan and this formidable creature.

In that heart-stopping moment, Liu Fan's resolve wavered. He dropped his weapon, a silent acknowledgment of the insurmountable power before him, but he refused to utter the words of surrender. Determined to test the limits of his abilities, he stood his ground, prepared to face the oncoming storm.

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The falcon bird, its eyes gleaming with predatory intensity, hurtled toward Liu Fan with unrestrained fury. Its razor-sharp talons and beak aimed at his defenseless form, threatening to tear through flesh and bone.

The spectators held their breath, their eyes wide with anticipation. This was the moment that would define the outcome of the duel. Would Liu Fan succumb to the overwhelming force before him, or would he find a way to defy expectations and turn the tables on his adversary?

Tang Jian, observing the scene, couldn't help but be amused by the unfolding events. His sly smile deepened as he reveled in the success of his secret plan. The true outcome of the battle had been sealed behind the scenes, and Tang Jian relished in the knowledge that things were progressing according to his expectations.

Liu Ying, Liu Fan's sister, watched with a mix of disappointment and concern. She had hoped that her brother could overcome the odds, but it seemed that the power gap was insurmountable.

As the reality of Liu Fan's defeat settled in, the atmosphere in the practice hall became tense. Speculations and murmurs filled the air, with some questioning Liu Fan's decision and others pondering the extent of Huang Lin's strength.

As the falcon bird closed in on Liu Fan, he dropped to his knees, despair evident in his eyes. There was nothing an early-stage martial artist like him could do in the face of such a formidable opponent. The crowd held its breath, torn between cheering for Liu Fan's valiant effort and mourning his impending defeat. Liu Fan's grip on his weapon loosened, his resolve faltering.

Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, an unexpected ripple coursed through the air. Time seemed to slow down as the Falcon Bird, inches away from its target, froze mid-flight. Confusion rippled through the spectators, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. Liu Fan's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest.

In that frozen moment, a voice, barely audible, echoed in Liu Fan's mind. "Do not yield, Liu Fan. Your journey has only just begun." The voice was ethereal, carrying a weight of ancient wisdom and unfathomable power.

Liu Fan's determination surged within him, fueled by the enigmatic words. His grip on his weapon tightened, and a surge of energy coursed through his veins. The spectators watched in astonishment as Liu Fan rose to his feet, his gaze locked on the motionless Falcon Bird.

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Huang Lin's face as he stared at the frozen scene before him. Sensing an opportunity, Liu Fan seized the moment. With a resolute expression, he raised his weapon, gathering every ounce of strength and focus he possessed.

Time resumed its course, and Liu Fan unleashed a lightning-fast strike, aiming directly at the heart of the Falcon Bird. The air crackled with energy as metal clashed against feathers, creating a resounding explosion that reverberated through the practice hall.

To the amazement of all, the Falcon Bird shattered into a burst of golden light, dissolving into nothingness. Silence fell over the crowd as they tried to comprehend the incredible feat they had just witnessed. Liu Fan stood there, his weapon still raised, his eyes ablaze with determination.

Huang Lin stumbled backward, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. He clutched his chest, coughing up blood, his arrogance shattered in an instant. The spectators watched in stunned silence as Huang Lin collapsed onto the ground, defeated.

Instructor Jiang, the referee, was equally dumbfounded. His gaze shifted between Liu Fan and the vanquished Huang Lin, struggling to comprehend the turn of events. Finally, he composed himself and raised his voice, announcing Liu Fan as the victor.

The practice hall erupted into a whirlwind of emotions. Some cheered for Liu Fan's incredible display of strength and resilience, while others marveled at the mysterious intervention that had saved him from certain defeat. Liu Ying, Liu Fan's younger sister, rushed to his side, her eyes brimming with pride and joy.

Amidst the chaos, Tang Jian, a cunning and perceptive figure, observed the scene with a cold and calculated smirk. He had anticipated this outcome, knowing that there were forces at play beyond mere martial prowess.

Amidst the confusion and speculation in the practice hall, Zhao Zhiming approached Tang Jian, his eyes filled with curiosity. He wanted to know how Tang Jian managed to orchestrate Liu Fan's victory, but he hesitated to ask such a question in the midst of the crowd.

Offering a congratulatory smile, Zhao Zhiming said, "Saviour Tang, congratulations on winning the bet. You must have earned quite a sum of money from this unexpected turn of events."

Tang Jian smirked, his gaze fixed on the system screen before him. "Indeed, Zhao Zhiming," he replied cryptically, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction. "But let me tell you, the rewards I gained go far beyond this meager amount of money."

!Ding

[Side mission has been completed]

Completion Success Rate - 83%

Reward - Soul Binding Talisman

[Reward has been sent to the inventory]

As Tang Jian stared at the system screen, he couldn't help but mumble to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the surrounding commotion. His expression turned stern, his mind racing with thoughts and calculations.

"This is quite unexpected," Tang Jian muttered under his breath, his tone tinged with both surprise and intrigue. "A talisman instead of a technique... Well, it doesn't seem to be too bad of a deal. I suppose I should graciously accept it."

A sinister smile crept across Tang Jian's face, his eyes gleaming with a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. He was known for his cunning nature, always seeking an advantage in every situation, and now with this newfound talisman, he saw endless possibilities.