Qualifications for the Finals

Some time had passed since Bai Jian's victory over Lin Fang, and the tournament had now narrowed down to the final contenders. 

The atmosphere around the arena was filled with anticipation, as disciples and elders alike awaited the next rounds.

Wang Shao approached Bai Jian with a grin, clapping him on the shoulder. "Thanks for that, Bai Jian. Kicking Lin Fang out gave me the fifth place spot! Looks like I have you to thank for making it this far."

Before Bai Jian could respond, Elder He's voice echoed throughout the arena. "The next match will be Bai Jian versus Wang Shao!"

Wang Shao's grin faded as he glanced down at the ground, then back at Bai Jian. "I'll admit defeat," he said quietly. "You deserve to move forward, and I'm content with where I am. This is far enough for me."

Bai Jian met his friend's gaze, an encouraging look in his eyes. "You don't need to forfeit, Wang Shao. You've earned this spot. I'd like to see you give it a fair shot."

But Wang Shao shook his head, smiling gently. "No, really—it's alright. I'm not aiming for the top here, and I know where I stand. This is your chance, Bai Jian. Go on and show them what you've got."

Seeing his friend's resolve, Bai Jian nodded, choosing not to push further. "Alright. Thank you, Wang Shao."

Just then, Elder He's voice called out once more. "The next round of matchups is set! First, Bai Jian versus Shen Liang, as well as Bai Ming versus Li Feng."

The crowd murmured with anticipation as the announcement set the stage for the final matches. Bai Jian took a deep breath, steadying himself.

As Bai Jian and Shen Liang stepped onto the arena platform, the crowd quieted, the air thick with tension. 

Both disciples faced each other, the gleam of determination bright in their eyes. Shen Liang, his spear poised and his stance firm, gave Bai Jian a brief nod.

"I'll admit, I was wrong about you, Bai Jian," Shen Liang said, his voice even, a hint of respect in his tone. 

"You've proven yourself to be far stronger than the rumors. I won't make the same mistake Lin Fang made—I won't underestimate you."

Bai Jian inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression resolute.

The elder overseeing the match raised his hand and brought it down in a swift motion. "Begin!"

Without hesitation, Shen Liang lunged forward, his spear slicing through the air with a low hum. Bai Jian sidestepped, activating his White Mist Step. 

His body shifted like a wisp of cloud, gliding just out of reach of Shen Liang's first strike. Shen Liang's eyes narrowed in concentration as he adjusted his stance.

Bai Jian could sense the approach Shen Liang was taking. Each movement was deliberate.

"Impressive," Shen Liang muttered, his breath steady as he maintained his strikes. "But I'm only getting started."

With a burst of qi, Shen Liang called upon the technique Gale Thrust. His spear charged forward, enveloped in a sharp, swirling gust that magnified its reach and force. 

The spiraling wind threatened to pull Bai Jian into its path, but he grounded himself, focusing his qi into his legs as he executed White Mist Step. 

He dodged just as the spear grazed past him, missing by a hair.

Bai Jian, sensing the shift in momentum, struck back. Channeling his qi into his fist, he unleashed a Heaven-Shattering Fist aimed directly at Shen Liang.

The force of the attack radiated through the arena as Bai Jian's fist connected with Shen Liang's spear shaft, the impact sending a shockwave through both their arms.

Shen Liang staggered back slightly, his grip on his spear unwavering.

With a roar, Shen Liang yelled, "Piercing Gale!". 

His spear crackled with qi, the energy condensing into a sharp, concentrated point at the tip of his spear. 

He thrust forward, the force behind the attack was evident.

Bai Jian braced himself, focusing every ounce of his qi into Cloudsong as he prepared to counter.

At the last second, he sidestepped with White Mist Step. He gathered his remaining qi, channeling it into one final Heaven-Shattering Fist.

The audience fell silent, watching as Shen Liang's spear slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. 

"You've won," Shen Liang said, his voice low.

Bai Jian nodded, breathing heavily but standing tall.

The elder overseeing the match stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the end. "The victor—Bai Jian!"

The crowd erupted in applause, cheers echoing through the arena. As Bai Jian left the stage, Wang Shao gave him a thumbs-up from the sidelines, grinning broadly.