Chapter 114: The Elemental Queen's Challenge

Li Yang, holding the black charcoal square box, turned to Lysar. "Lysar, this is the second box I've come across. How many are there in total? What secrets do they hold?"

Lysar's voice echoed with an air of mystery. "There are three in total. When you gather all three, everything will become clear." The conversation's evasive nature left Li Yang itching for more answers, but he knew pressing Lysar would be futile. The impending challenge of the 1000th floor beckoned.

As they reached the peak, the Elemental Queen, Qiyana, awaited them. Surrounding her was an aura that danced with five elemental energies. Li Yang inquired, "Lysar, can she harness the power of all five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, all at once?"

But before Lysar could respond, Qiyana interjected, "Lysar, won't you come out to greet an old friend?" Lysar emerged from the jade pendant, surprising Li Yang. The recognition in Lysar's voice was evident, "Qiyana, it's been a long time."

Li Yang's head swirled with questions. How did Lysar, his trusted guide, know this final guardian? Qiyana smirked, "Is he your new master? He isn't thinking of challenging me, is he?" Lysar calmly responded, "He's not my master, but yes, he's here to challenge you."

Qiyana raised an eyebrow, "Should I hold back for old times' sake?" To which Lysar replied, much to Li Yang's shock, "No need. Fight him with all you've got."

Li Yang's confidence didn't waver, instead, he grinned, "Are you trying to sabotage me?" Ignoring the banter, Qiyana taunted, "Let's see what you're made of, young one." Bowing slightly, Li Yang retorted, "Please forgive me, senior," and called forth Ares amidst a tempest of lightning and wind.

Qiyana's form shimmered as she channeled water, wood, and fire, sending a cyclic barrage towards Ares. Without hesitation, Ares unleashed a dual elemental attack, bolstered by lightning and spearheaded by wind. The resulting collision caused a deafening explosion, erasing both their attacks.

Qiyana, impressed, exclaimed, "Impressive to fend off my three-elemental assault. But what about my four-element technique?"

The atmosphere grew thick with tension as Li Yang and Ares readied themselves for Qiyana's intensified assault. Every second felt like an eternity as the two opponents sized each other up, preparing for the next exchange.