And then they moved.

Two streaks of light – azure and crimson – collided at the center of the arena. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, cracking the ground beneath their feet. Tae-Won's blade flashed with brilliant blue light as it carried the full force of the Sacred Dragon Art. Cheon Ma-Ryong's sword blazed with dark crimson energy, shadows writhing around its edge as he poured everything into this final strike.

The collision of their techniques created a deafening roar that echoed through the arena. Waves of pure force radiated outward, causing the protective barriers to flicker and strain. In the stands, even the most seasoned cultivators found themselves gripping their seats as the raw power threatened to overwhelm their senses.

[System Notice: Power Surge Detected

Barrier Integrity: Critical

Energy Interference: Maximum]

Time seemed to slow in that moment of impact. Tae-Won could see every detail with crystal clarity – the way Cheon Ma-Ryong's demonic qi twisted and writhed against his Sacred Dragon Art, the subtle patterns of energy that danced between their clashing techniques, the look of pure exhilaration in his opponent's eyes.

"Thank you," Tae-Won whispered in that frozen moment of contact, his voice almost lost in the whirlwind of clashing energies. The sentiment was genuine—for the first time, he was truly testing his limits. In Cheon Ma-Ryong's answering grin, he saw the same understanding reflected back at him.

The air itself seemed to compress around their point of contact, energy building to impossible levels. Elder Ming's eyes widened as he recognized the pattern forming. "Everyone, strengthen your defenses!" he called out, his voice cutting through the tension. "This clash—"

Before he could finish, the accumulated energy exploded outward. Azure and crimson light merged into a blinding flash that forced everyone to shield their eyes. The ground beneath the combatants shattered completely, stone turning to dust under the pressure of their combined power.

[System Notice: WARNING

Energy Overload Detected

Technique Fusion Occurring

Anomaly Status: Unknown]

When vision returned, both warriors stood locked in their final positions, their swords still crossed. Energy continued to spark and crackle around them, but the violent storm of their clash had passed. For a moment, neither moved.

Then, slowly, Cheon Ma-Ryong's legs began to tremble. His crimson blade lowered inch by inch, the dark energy surrounding it flickering like a dying flame. Yet his expression showed no disappointment – instead, a smile of pure satisfaction spread across his face.

Several of the younger disciples leaned forward in their seats, weapons already half-drawn. The sight of a weakened demonic cultivator had awakened their ambitions. In the martial world, such an opportunity could change one's destiny overnight.

"Remarkable," Elder Liu murmured, studying the aftermath with sharp eyes. "The Sacred Dragon Art... it actually managed to overcome the Demon Shadow Technique."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Elder Ming shook his head slightly. "No, look closer. This wasn't just the Sacred Dragon Art. Young master Jin has begun to make it his own. Something new was born in this clash."

The moment the battle's outcome became clear, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Young martial artists surged forward from their positions, weapons now fully drawn. Their eyes fixed hungrily on the weakened demonic cultivator, each hoping to be the one to claim such a prestigious capture.

But before any could reach the arena floor, two shadows materialized from the darkness. Their appearance was so sudden that even the elders straightened in surprise. Dark qi crackled around them, bearing the unmistakable signature of the Heavenly Demonic Cult's highest techniques.

Among the elders, several sharp intakes of breath could be heard. Elder Ming's eyes narrowed as he watched the scene unfold below.

One of the figures executed the Heavenly Demon's Shadow Step technique, positioning himself beside Cheon Ma-Ryong with fluid grace. "Well, well," he murmured, eyeing the defeated warrior with a calculating gaze. "We didn't expect him to lose." Despite his words, there was no anger in his tone – only curiosity.

The other figure turned toward Tae-Won, his eyes glinting with something that might have been respect beneath his hood. "You've caught our interest," he said, his voice low but filled with quiet power. "We'll be watching you closely." The words carried both promise and warning.

With a flash of their legendary Shadow Wraith Steps technique, all three vanished, leaving no trace behind except for lingering wisps of dark qi. The disappointed cries of the opportunistic disciples filled the air, their chance at glory disappearing like smoke in the wind.

As the crowd's excitement gradually died down, Elder Ming turned to his fellow elders, his expression grave. "I wasn't expecting the Heavenly Demonic Cult to show such direct interest in this tournament," he said in a low voice, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "It's unlike the current Heavenly Demon to send his son to such orthodox tournaments."

Elder Liu leaned closer, keeping his voice equally quiet. "You don't think..."

"Indeed," Elder Ming nodded. "Young Master Ma-Ryong may have come here without his father's knowledge. The question is why?" His eyes drifted to where Tae-Won still stood in the arena. "Was he merely seeking strong opponents, or is there something more at play?"

"The Heavenly Demon's Shadow Guards don't move without direct orders," Elder Wang added, her weathered face creased with concern. "If they're here..."

"Then either the Heavenly Demon knew all along," Elder Ming finished, "or something much larger is stirring within the Heavenly Demonic Cult itself." He straightened, raising his voice to address the crowd. "The tournament will resume in one hour. Maintenance disciples, please begin repairs on the arena."

Tae-Won stood firm in the arena's center, his heart still pounding from the battle. His muscles ached from channeling so much power, but his mind was clear. Every movement of that final exchange had been burned into his memory – lessons that would prove invaluable in the battles to come.

As the crowd slowly dispersed, their excited discussions filling the air, Tae-Won finally allowed himself to lower his sword. His journey was only beginning, and he would face whatever came next with the same strength and determination that had carried him through this fight. But more than just victory, he had gained something far more valuable today—he had found a true rival, someone who could push him to heights he had only dreamed of reaching.

In the back of his mind, the Sacred Dragon Art hummed with new possibilities, forever changed by this clash of azure and crimson. Yet even as he contemplated the technical insights gained from the battle, another thought nagged at him: why had Cheon Ma-Ryong really sought him out? And what would the Heavenly Demonic Cult's interest mean for his future?

The lingering wisps of dark qi finally faded from the arena, but the questions they raised would not dissipate so easily.