Chapter 83: The Encounter Above the Skies

As Central City's majestic outline came into view, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. Two hours away from reaching their destination, another imposing airship sailed alongside Zephyr's vessel, its silhouette illuminated by the fading daylight. 

"Zephyr!" a voice echoed, brimming with familiarity. The call drew Zephyr's attention, and without hesitation, he led Feng Xuan, Lisa, and Li Yang to the ship's viewing platform. As they emerged, they could clearly see the emblem emblazoned on the side of the neighboring ship: a towering cliff overshadowing a serene ocean, the hallmark of Xuan Cliff City.

Standing at the helm of the Xuan Cliff City airship was a stately figure, Grandmaster Yuan, his posture straight and his gaze sharp. An old acquaintance of Zephyr, they had crossed paths multiple times at various academic conferences and tournaments. They shared a bond of mutual respect forged through years of interaction.

Beside Grandmaster Yuan were three young prodigies, each radiating an aura of power and confidence. The first was Xi Lian, a young woman with cascading blue hair and a talent in water manipulation. Next to her stood Jian Feng, an agile young man known for his unparalleled speed. The last, and perhaps the most striking, was Yin Yue, a mysterious figure who always wore a silver mask, concealing his true identity.

The reunion of the two leaders was warm, but it was clear there was an underlying competitive spirit. Spotting Lisa's Ice Dragon card, Xi Lian, one of Xuan Cliff City's top students, challenged her to a friendly duel. A tradition before entering Central City, this duel was both a show of skill and a means of establishing early dominance.

Lisa, never one to back down, accepted. In a flourish, she summoned her Ice Dragon, a magnificent creature with crystalline scales and wings that shimmered like the northern lights. Xi Lian responded by summoning her own beast, a colossal Water Serpent. The two creatures clashed in mid-air, ice against water, in a breathtaking spectacle.

The duel was intense. The Water Serpent, with its fluid movements, attempted to encircle and constrict the Ice Dragon. However, Lisa's dragon, with its icy breath, managed to freeze parts of the serpent, slowing it down. The two beasts were evenly matched, but with a brilliant tactical move, Lisa's Ice Dragon managed to pin the serpent's tail to the ship's mast, gaining the upper hand.

The duel concluded with Lisa having a slight edge over Xi Lian. Both parties, however, displayed commendable skill and sportsmanship. The spectators, including the students and leaders from both cities, erupted in applause, acknowledging the talents of both young duelists.

As the ships continued their course, the brief but exhilarating duel served as a prelude to the challenges and encounters that awaited in Central City. Everyone aboard knew one thing: the journey might be nearing its end, but the real adventure was only just beginning.