The azure dragon and crimson demon faced each other across the shattered arena floor. The protective barriers hummed with strained energy as two titanic forces prepared to clash anew.
[System Notice: Power Convergence Detected
* Sacred Dragon Resonance: Active
* Battle Intelligence: Peak State
* Energy Output: Maximum]
"Finally..." Cheon Ma-Ryong's voice carried an almost reverent quality as his crimson qi began to pulse with newfound intensity. "Someone who can push me this far!"
The killing intent radiating from his blade made several spectators stumble back in their seats. Yet Tae-Won stood unmoved, the azure qi flowing around him with natural grace, each motion carrying echoes of ancient power.
"Jin Tae-Won!" Cheon Ma-Ryong's roar shook the arena. "I declare you my rival!" His blade erupted with power as he cast aside another layer of his restraints. "Let's see what you're truly capable of!"
The strike that followed carried enough force to split buildings in half. Dark crimson qi condensed into a crescent of pure destruction that howled through the air. Tae-Won's eyes remained focused as he moved to meet it, his body flowing like water around the attack.
[System Notice: Sacred Art Activation
* Ancient Patterns: Emerging
* Dragon Essence: Responding
* Power Grid: Stable]
Elder Ming watched with sharp eyes as Tae-Won's movements took on an increasingly fluid quality. "He moves like the ancient records described," he murmured, his fingers drumming against his walking staff. "Not forcing the technique, but letting it guide him."
"But didn't the previous Patriarch attempt this as well?" Elder Liu whispered.
"Indeed," Elder Ming nodded, his eyes never leaving the battle. "But he realized the Sacred Dragon Art wasn't his path to walk. Each warrior must find their own way. That's why he created the Azure River Path instead."
Below, the battle intensified. Cheon Ma-Ryong's attacks came like a crimson tempest, each strike carrying enough power to shatter stone. Yet Tae-Won met them with movements that seemed to defy martial convention, his sword guiding force away like a river diverts floods.
"YES!" Cheon Ma-Ryong's eyes blazed with battle-lust. "Show me more!" With each exchange, his crimson qi grew darker, taking on an almost malevolent quality that made the air itself feel heavy.
[System Notice: Combat Analysis Updated
* Opponent's Power: Escalating
* Sacred Dragon Integration: Natural
* Warning: Extended Combat Strain Detected]
The audience watched transfixed as azure and crimson qi clashed again and again. Tae-Won's movements remained fluid, but those watching closely could see the first signs of strain beginning to show. His reactions, while still precise, came a fraction slower with each exchange.
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Yet Cheon Ma-Ryong showed no signs of fatigue. If anything, his power seemed to be growing, his crimson qi now edged with shadows that made several of the observing elders exchange worried glances.
"You're more than just a mere opponent now, Jin Tae-Won!" Cheon Ma-Ryong laughed as their blades locked. "Let's push beyond mortal limits!"
The dark energy surrounding his blade pulsed hungrily, and for a moment, something inhuman seemed to flicker in his eyes. Several elders straightened in their seats, recognition dawning in their ancient gazes.
[System Notice: WARNING
* Physical Stamina: Declining
* Technique Stability: Maintained
* Opponent's Qi: Anomaly Detected]
Tae-Won felt the change in his opponent's energy even as he deflected another earth-shattering strike. The Sacred Dragon Art flowed through him naturally, but maintaining it against such overwhelming force was beginning to take its toll. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he guided another attack away, his movements still graceful but carrying the first hints of hesitation.
"Your technique is magnificent," Cheon Ma-Ryong's grin turned feral as shadows danced in his qi. "But can you maintain it as I show you true power?"
The air grew thick with killing intent as Cheon Ma-Ryong gathered his strength. His crimson qi darkened further, taking on an almost black quality that made the protective barriers flicker ominously.
In the stands, Elder Ming's eyes narrowed as he studied the changing quality of Cheon Ma-Ryong's energy. As the former Patriarch of the Jin clan, he'd seen this type of qi before, in darker times. Around him, other elders began to shift uneasily in their seats, ancient memories stirring at the familiar yet forbidden energy signature.
[System Notice: WARNING
* Physical Stamina: Declining
* Technique Stability: Maintained
* Opponent's Qi: Anomaly Detected]
Their qi surged higher, crimson and azure light clashing in violent bursts that made the protective barriers hum dangerously. Even for junior cultivators, the sheer intensity of their exchange was extraordinary.
"Show me," Cheon Ma-Ryong growled, his blade trailing shadows as he gathered his strength for one final strike. "Show me if you can withstand true demonic power!"
The air grew thick and heavy with clashing energies as they prepared to strike. In the stands, elders and disciples alike pressed back against their seats, many of the younger disciples overwhelmed by the pressure of the battle.
[System Notice: CRITICAL WARNING
* Power Output: Maximum
* Qi Convergence: Unstable
* Combat Intensity: Peak]
Azure qi swirled around Tae-Won like a living thing, while dark crimson energy writhed around Cheon Ma-Ryong like hungry shadows. Their eyes met across the battlefield – the demon-touched warrior and the inheritor of the dragon's legacy.
And then they moved.