Chapter 131: The Ascent of a Challenger

As the sun cast its golden hues over the arena, Li Yang confidently stepped onto the dueling platform, his every step echoing the determination that had brought him this far. The murmurs of the crowd faded, replaced by the electric anticipation of the imminent showdown. The entire arena felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting for the spark to ignite the explosion.

Facing Mentor Fred, Li Yang asked calmly, "Am I to understand that the highest rank I can challenge now is the 11th?"

Fred's response was firm, "Yes, that is correct."

Without missing a beat, Li Yang declared, "Then, I'll challenge the 11th."

Whispers spread like wildfire. From 51st to 11th - that was a gigantic leap, fraught with risks. Some thought him too audacious, a classic case of overestimation. However, Feng Xuan, always the cheerleader, shouted, "Go for it, bro! You've got this!" His words resonated, drawing nods and shouts of agreement from several others.

The 11th ranked student, Valen, gracefully hopped onto the stage. A lanky figure with sharp, eagle-like eyes, he wore a smirk of arrogance. "One step away from the top 10," he mused aloud, "This should be a good warm-up."

Li Yang, unfazed, simply nodded, "Let's begin."

Valen's card monster was the Celestial Griffin, a magnificent creature with the body of a lion and the wings of an eagle. Its feathers shimmered like a cascade of stars, and its roar was enough to shake the very foundation of the arena. The Griffin was known for its unparalleled speed and razor-sharp talons capable of tearing through the toughest defenses.

As the duel began, the Griffin took to the skies, circling high above Li Yang's Ares. With each swoop, it unleashed a barrage of starry projectiles, which Ares skillfully dodged using his wind powers. Li Yang, however, did not let his monster unleash its godly elements. He was playing a strategic game, using only Ares' basic powers to counter the Griffin.

The audience watched in awe as Ares summoned gusts of wind, creating tornadoes to fend off the Griffin's attacks. Meanwhile, Valen, confident in his Griffin's abilities, kept pushing, directing it to strike with greater force and speed. The sky lit up with the Griffin's celestial energy, creating an ethereal glow.

But Li Yang had a plan. Using Ares' control over thunder, he summoned a massive lightning bolt. As the Griffin swooped down for another attack, the lightning struck its wing, sending it spiraling down. Before it could recover, Ares summoned a powerful gust, pushing the Griffin out of the ring.

Valen stood shocked. He had underestimated his opponent and paid the price. Li Yang, without resorting to Ares' godly powers, had bested him.

The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices blending into a chorus of admiration and respect for the young challenger who was making his mark in the world of dueling.