They all seemed on edge, Lin Yun’s journey in the Ten Thousand Flowers Tournament, surely it wouldn’t end like this?
Up front.
“What’s up with this bloke?” Jin Yao’er muttered, her face full of confusion and worry.
With Lin Yun still absent, Emperor Xingwu’s expression darkened, was Lin Yun about to no-show the finals?
Just then, the imperial guard commander approached the emperor.
“Your Majesty, contestant Lin Yun for this match still hasn’t arrived, your decision, please,” the commander saluted with a fist.
“To be late for such a grand event, he’s the first to dare tardiness at the Ten Thousand Flowers Tournament, give him one more minute, if he’s not here, declare him forfeit,” Emperor Xingwu said coldly.
The commander took the order, announced it to the crowd.
During the wait, chatter swelled, all sorts of guesses and rumours flew about, some saying Lin Yun was too scared to face defeat, others claiming he was big-headed or arrogant, all manner of criticism swirling.
One minute ticked by fast.
Lin Yun still hadn’t shown.
The commander declared, “This match, Lin Yun’s absence counts as an automatic forf—”
“Wait!”
Just as the final word was about to drop, a booming voice cut through.
Then, a figure streaked low overhead, landing on the arena under countless watching eyes.
It was Lin Yun!
“I’m late, my apologies,” Lin Yun bowed to the crowd.
“Since you’re here, get ready to fight,” the commander said.
“Thanks, Commander,” Lin Yun saluted again.
The Heavenly Sword Sect crew, Jin Yao’er, and the Wanderer, all breathed easier seeing Lin Yun arrive.
With him here, the match could proceed, and betting for this round officially opened.
Most bets naturally favoured Li Shi, though some backed Lin Yun.
Overall, though, the crowd clearly leaned toward Li Shi.
“Lin Yun’s a dark horse too, but his realm’s too low, against an equally stacked opponent, that gap’s massive, winning’s like climbing the sky!”
“Yeah, his dazzling run, probably ends here, but hitting top seven’s already stunning, he’s brought heaps of glory to Heavenly Sword Sect.”
…
Few genuinely rated Lin Yun’s chances!
At the Wanderer’s spot.
“Wanderer, you old dog, this round’s your disciple, you’re not skipping a bet on him, are you?” Di Yong prodded.
“Rubbish, of course I’m betting on my lad, win or lose, two million spirit crystals on him! Di, you old mutt, don’t stir me up, you just want to see me lose cash!” The Wanderer chugged another gulp.
“Haha, you backed the wrong horse last round, now you’re playing the fool again, I’m betting five million spirit crystals on Li Shi, easy money!” Di Yong laughed.
…
Up front.
“That Lin Yun chap, not much hope there, this match hasn’t got much suspense, I’ll chuck two thousand Tribulation Pills on Li Shi,” the scruffy immortal old man waved out his stake.
“I’m obviously betting Li Shi too, he’s my pick,” Immortal Li Ba tossed out two thousand Tribulation Pills.
“Mm, I’ll back Li Shi too, just a small punt, one thousand,” another immortal offered up his bet.
Six immortals, five on Li Shi, one sitting it out.
Emperor Xingwu eyed the arena, “He’s got slim odds of winning, true, but reaching top seven’s already beyond my expectations…”
On the arena.
Li Shi grinned at Lin Yun, “Lin Yun, I thought you wouldn’t dare show, you should’ve forfeited, coming here just means losing face.”
“Li Shi, don’t talk too big, underestimating your foe’s a rookie mistake!” Lin Yun shot back with a cold smirk.
“Haha, Lin Yun, you’re not even fit to be my rival, just a stepping stone on my path! My goal’s the tournament crown!” Li Shi bellowed.
“Sorry to say, your Ten Thousand Flowers Tournament run might end here,” Lin Yun’s lips curled.
“You two, betting’s closed, match starts now!” the referee called.
Li Shi whipped out his black metal staff, his peak Third-Order Mahayana Realm aura bursting forth!
“Lin Yun, back in the barrier space, I had you scurrying like a rat, today, I’ll thrash you just as hard!”
Li Shi’s face twisted, “Last time, you got lucky in the barrier, I let you off for that point orb, but today, no escape, I’ll fix that regret and crush you flat!”
As his words landed, energy surged in his black staff, dense grey runes flickering to life.
“Lin Yun, embrace defeat!”
Li Shi’s staff jolted, a buzzing roar erupted, its phantom piercing the void, lightning-fast, hammering at Lin Yun.
No holding back, Li Shi piled on every trick.
This move’s power, bloody ferocious!
Lin Yun’s Qingfeng sword gleamed, a slash unleashed, raw power pouring out!
His Second-Order Mahayana Realm aura, laid bare.
Bang!
Under all eyes, sword met staff in a thunderous clash, insane force spilling out, whipping up a wild gale across the arena.
Both staggered back, “thud thud.”
Back in the barrier, that same attack had forced Lin Yun to flee.
This time, with the same power, Li Shi got no edge!
Steadying himself.
“Second-Order Mahayana! You’ve broken through to Second-Order Mahayana!” Li Shi stared, shock flaring in his eyes.
The crowd buzzed with noise.
“Lin Yun’s hit Second-Order Mahayana!”
“He was late, probably for this, eh? Must’ve been close already, used last night to today to push through!”
“Haha, brilliant, now this match’s got some real juice.”
“Bollocks, I bet on Li Shi, now it’s looking dicey!”
…
Those who’d backed Li Shi, started sweating…
“Haha, Second-Order Mahayana! Good! My lad’s got a shot now! How’s that, Di, you old mutt?” The Wanderer beamed.
“No way, I dropped five million spirit crystals on Li Shi!” Di Yong tensed beside him.
At Heavenly Sword Sect’s spot.
“Second-Order Mahayana! Lin Yun’s made it, now there’s hope!” The sect leader’s face lit with excitement.
Though winning’d still be a slog, at least they saw a glimmer!
On the arena.
Li Shi’s gaze turned venomous, “So what if you’re Second-Order Mahayana? Even Third-Order, I’d still smash you!”
