Chapter 64: The Brief Respite
Amidst the vibrant hustle of the massive coliseum, as contenders whispered strategy and spectators bickered over future matches, the grand announcer's voice boomed over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, our Final Five have been decided! They shall have two days of rest to regain their peak conditions. The draw for the next round will be held tomorrow!"
The crowd erupted into animated chatter. Predictions, discussions, and theories about the potential matchups dominated the conversations.
In one of the quieter corners of the vast arena, Li Yang sat on a bench, still catching his breath. The weight of his recent victory pressed down on him. It wasn't just the physical toll; it was the realization that his win had a significant component of sheer luck. The awakening of the dual attributes in his Lion-Eagle card had been as unexpected to him as it had been to his opponent.
He fondly reminisced about his earlier, simpler life on Earth. Hours spent lazily shuffling poker cards with friends, the coolness of an air conditioner blowing against his face, and the complete lack of cosmic battles. Oh, how he yearned for those uncomplicated times, even if just for a fleeting moment.
Interrupting his train of thought, Feng Xuan approached, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Li Yang! Celebrate your entry into the top five with a drink!" he exclaimed, holding up a bottle of wine as an enticing offer.
Li Yang raised an eyebrow, fatigue evident in his gaze. "Didn't you see the match, Feng Xuan? I'm spent," he replied, massaging his temples. "All I want right now is to lie down in my bed and pass out. Drinking will have to wait."
A laugh escaped Feng Xuan's lips, "Always so serious, aren't you? Fine, go get your beauty sleep. Maybe next time you won't need a miracle to win."
Li Yang, despite his exhaustion, couldn't help but chuckle. "You never change. Go ahead, drink to my health or whatever you had planned. But remember, you'll be toasting alone tonight."
With a mock salute and a smirk, Feng Xuan retorted, "As always, my friend. Off you go to dreamland. I'll be here, making merry and dancing with the stars."
Li Yang merely shook his head, amusement evident. "Somehow, I believe you would," he murmured, slowly making his way out of the arena.
Left to his own devices, Feng Xuan uncorked the wine bottle. He took a moment to appreciate its aroma before taking a sip, letting the rich flavor settle on his palate. Raising the bottle slightly, he silently toasted to friendship, battles, and the unpredictable journey they were on.
He then took out his flute, letting its melodic tunes fill the night air. It was his way of connecting with the universe, of finding his center amidst chaos. Each note resonated with the emotions of the day: the thrill of the battle, the pride in his friend's victory, and the bittersweet nostalgia of days gone by.
As the moon climbed higher into the night sky, Feng Xuan continued his solo celebration. The wine and music were his companions, and in that moment, they were all he needed. The night was young, and for now, the battles could wait.