The blue light within Zhao Lin's purple haze pulsed as Tae-Won focused on maintaining his stance. The Azure Dragon's Flowing Strike was still new to him, and using it against the Twin Shadow Blades required his complete concentration.

[System Notice: Combat Analysis

- Current technique efficiency: 76%

- Stamina consumption: Higher than optimal

- Defensive posture recommended]

Zhao Lin moved with the confidence of someone who had earned her reputation. Each strike of her Twin Shadow Blades followed a careful pattern, her expression focused as purple blade qi filled the air between them.

The match proceeded with neither side gaining a clear advantage. Tae-Won could feel the strain of his previous matches in his limbs, while Zhao Lin showed no signs of slowing. Her blade techniques came in rapid succession, each one forcing him to adapt his defenses.

[System Notice: Technique assessment

- Integration: Partial

- Refinement needed

- Risk of qi depletion: Moderate]

Her next combination caught him off-guard. One blade swept low while the other created a curtain of purple qi above. Tae-Won attempted to flow between the attacks as he had before, but his timing was off.

[System Notice: Warning

- Defense compromised

- Immediate adjustment required]

The edge of her blade qi grazed his shoulder. A clean hit, though not a match-ending one. Tae-Won stepped back, reassessing his approach. In his past life, he'd watched enough of her matches to know she rarely gave opponents time to recover.

Sure enough, she pressed her advantage, her Twin Shadow Blades weaving increasingly complex patterns. Tae-Won found himself struggling to maintain the Azure Dragon's Flowing Strike against her relentless assault.

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[System Notice: Alternative strategy available

- Focus on fundamentals

- Leverage existing skills

- Conserve energy for crucial moments]

Instead of forcing his new technique, Tae-Won began incorporating the basic movements he knew best. The foundation he'd built through countless hours of practice began to naturally complement the flowing strike.

The match continued, both cultivators pushing their limits. Neither had breath to spare for words as they exchanged techniques, qi clashing in brilliant displays of purple and blue.

Fatigue began to show in both their movements. Tae-Won saw his chance when Zhao Lin's rhythm faltered slightly – the same exhaustion he felt was affecting her too.

[System Notice: Opportunity detected

- Opponent stamina: Declining

- Optimal counter timing approaching]

His final attack was simple but effective, taking advantage of a moment when Zhao Lin had to adjust her stance. The Azure Dragon's Flowing Strike, while not perfectly executed, carried enough force to disrupt her blade qi. Her defense faltered, and Tae-Won's follow-up strike secured his victory.

Both cultivators stood catching their breath as the match was called. Zhao Lin sheathed her blades, her expression showing a mix of disappointment and acknowledgment.

[System Notice: Victory achieved

- Technical execution: Improving

- Energy reserves: 43%

- Recovery period recommended]

As Tae-Won made his way back to the waiting area, he caught sight of the next semi-final match beginning. Chen Feng of the Ancient Sword Sect had taken the stage, his presence notably different from the other young cultivators.

[System Notice: Analysis of next opponent

- Data collection in progress

- Unusual qi signature detected

- Caution advised]

The path to the finals had been hard-earned, but Tae-Won knew the real challenge was still to come. He had an hour to recover and prepare. This time, he would face the finals with everything he'd truly learned, not counting on any sudden breakthroughs or adaptations.

Around him, the crowd's excited murmurs grew as they anticipated the upcoming final match. Many were still discussing his victory over Zhao Lin, but Tae-Won's attention remained fixed on the platform where Chen Feng now stood.

Something about the Ancient Sword Sect disciple felt different from any opponent he'd faced so far.