Chapter 71: Behind the Mask

The grandeur of Infinite City's arena was electric with anticipation. A three-hour hiatus had passed since the previous bout, a welcome respite that allowed Feng Xuan to recover his strength. But now, the stage was set for another epic showdown, this time between Feng Xuan and the mysterious Lisa.

As the two opponents stood opposite each other, the crowd was particularly intrigued by Lisa, the enigmatic fighter who had always hidden her visage behind a mask. Whispers and speculations floated amongst the audience, all eager to unravel the mystery behind the mask.

Before the duel could commence, Feng Xuan, ever the audacious one, threw down a challenge. "Lisa," he began, his voice carrying across the vast expanse, "if I defeat you today, will you remove your mask and reveal your face to the world?"

Lisa, always composed and guarded, replied with a smirk in her voice, "If you're strong enough, try and take it off yourself." Her words dripped with confidence and challenge, setting the tone for the impending battle.

As the battle horn sounded, both fighters were quick to summon their iconic monsters. Feng Xuan called forth his formidable Wind Cog, its powerful turbines humming and ready for action. In contrast, Lisa invoked the Millennium Ice Dragon, its majestic form glistening in the arena's light, frost emanating from its every scale.

The early moments of the fight were a flurry of fast-paced attacks and evasions. The Wind Cog, with its rapid aerial maneuvers, tried to outpace the Ice Dragon, aiming to exploit any potential weakness. However, Lisa's command over her dragon was impeccable. With every gust of wind the Wind Cog unleashed, the Ice Dragon countered by erecting mighty walls of ice.

The arena transformed into a dynamic battleground of swirling winds and cascading ice shards. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, every eye fixed on the unfolding drama. Feng Xuan's determination to breach the ice walls was evident, but the Millennium Ice Dragon's defenses seemed impenetrable.

In one particularly heart-stopping moment, the Wind Cog charged forth, turbines at full throttle, aiming directly at the Ice Dragon's core. But just as collision seemed imminent, a massive ice wall materialized, halting the Wind Cog's advance.

Try as he might, Feng Xuan's monster could not break through. Every strategy, every feint, every direct assault was thwarted by the chilling barriers of the Ice Dragon.

As the minutes waned, it became evident to all that Feng Xuan was at a disadvantage. The final blow came when the Ice Dragon unleashed a blizzard, encapsulating the Wind Cog in a cocoon of solid ice.

Silence, once again, descended upon the arena. And then, as if on cue, a resounding cheer erupted. Lisa had emerged victorious.

Feng Xuan, gracious in defeat, approached Lisa, a rueful smile on his face. "Seems like the mask stays on for now," he remarked.

Lisa, her voice soft yet steely, responded, "Perhaps another time." With that, she turned and exited the arena, leaving behind a trail of questions, admiration, and the unending allure of the mystery behind her mask.