Chapter 54: The Ultimate Battle (Part 2)

At this moment, in the Confucian Garden, Master Haoyun was chatting and laughing with Master Xuan Yu. Meanwhile, Danqing, the Sword Sage, smiled and said to Master Zi Yang, "My friend, didn't I tell you so? Back then, I said that your disciples had broad minds and might bring glory to Eiyuan in the future. And now, isn't it coming true? If he wins this afternoon's battle, Eiyuan will rise to the top of the Six Academies, shining brightly across the land."

Master Zi Yang heard this and looked at Lunyun with excitement, saying, "His performance truly exceeded all expectations. None of us saw this coming. Yang Academy has never had outstanding talents, but this time, he has become the most outstanding individual in Eiyuan for many years. I'm truly happy. Regardless of the outcome of this afternoon's battle, he is the pride of our Eiyuan."

Outside the arena, the figures of the Phoenix Academy's disciples finally appeared. Cangyue and Yu Wushuang arrived side by side, with serene expressions on their beautiful faces. There was no trace of injury visible on Cangyue's face, while Yu Wushuang's beauty seemed dimmed, her eyes devoid of light. It was evident that Yu Wushuang had paid a great price to ensure Cangyue's ability to fight for the top spot.

Li Changchun scanned the disciples of Eiyuan and the Phoenix Academy, including Master Xuan Yu, Lunyun, Yu Wushuang, and Cangyue, then softly said, "Now that everyone is here, let's begin the final round of matches. As for the three-way battle for the top spot, we'll follow the usual procedure. The three participants can decide whether to withdraw and compete for the second spot instead. If no one withdraws, we'll proceed with the usual method of drawing lots to determine the order of matches. Each pair will compete in three matches, with a day's rest between each. After today's match, the next one will take place tomorrow afternoon to allow time for recovery and peak performance. Now, please come forward and decide whether to withdraw from the competition for the top spot and compete for the second spot instead."

Master Xuan Yu and all of Eiyuan's disciples looked at Lunyun with encouraging eyes, silently sending their blessings. With a casual smile, Lunyun turned and walked towards the arena. As he reached the center, Cangyue and Jian Wuchen also arrived, marking the first meeting of the three.

Jian Wuchen appeared calm, with a hint of arrogance in his demeanor. His body radiated dazzling five-colored light, exuding a mysterious aura. He glanced coolly at Lunyun, a hint of disdain in his eyes, before shifting his gaze to Cangyue's exquisite face. There was a flash of admiration mixed with confidence and pride in his eyes as he silently admired Cangyue.

Lunyun remained composed, seemingly unaffected by Jian Wuchen's arrogance, and calmly shifted his gaze to Cangyue's face. Looking at her, Lunyun's eyes carried a gentle smile and a hint of admiration, shining brightly with warmth. His faint smile, coupled with a sense of familiarity, quietly reached Cangyue's heart.

Cangyue, facing the attention of the two men, appeared calm and composed, without a hint of unease. After briefly glancing at Jian Wuchen, her gaze moved away and settled on Lunyun. As she looked at his handsome face, a gentle smile formed on her lips, revealing a hint of admiration and affection in her serene eyes.

Perhaps it was the memories of the past that left a deep imprint on her soul, making her heart flutter inexplicably at this moment. She smiled faintly at Lunyun, her eyes filled with a soft light, expressing emotions beyond words.

Jian Wuchen's gaze turned cold as he glared at Lunyun before shifting his gaze away. In this invisible contest, Lunyun had the upper hand due to his clear advantage. But could he maintain this advantage in the upcoming real battle? At this moment, no one could guess.

Approaching the three participants, Li Changchun looked at each of them and said, "Now, participants, please declare whether you will withdraw voluntarily, or I can ask each of you individually. Which method do you prefer? If no one wants to volunteer, I can ask each of you one by one."

After observing for a while and seeing no one volunteering, Li Changchun continued, "Since that's the case, I'll ask each of you one by one. Wuchen, would you choose to withdraw if you face Lunyun?"

Jian Wuchen looked coldly at Lunyun and replied, "No, I won't. Since I'm here, I won't give up."

Li Changchun nodded with a hint of approval and asked, "And if you face Cangyue, would you choose to withdraw?"

Jian Wuchen glanced at Cangyue, pondered for a moment, and said, "Likewise, I won't give up, no matter who I face."

Li Changchun nodded again, then turned his gaze to Lunyun and asked, "And you, Lunyun, would you choose to withdraw if you face Jian Wuchen?"

Lunyun looked calmly at Li Changchun and then at Jian Wuchen before replying with a smile, "Just as he said, since I'm here, I aim for the top six. So, I won't give up."

Li Changchun gave him a curious look before shifting his gaze to Cangyue and asking, "Cangyue, would you choose to withdraw if you face Jian Wuchen?"

Cangyue's gaze swept over the three men and then landed on her master's face. Seeing the slight sigh in Yu Wushuang's eyes, Cangyue understood her master's concerns. In fact, when they came, Yu Wushuang had already instructed her to withdraw automatically if she faced Jian Wuchen. The only hope was to compete with Lunyun for the second spot, as there was still a glimmer of hope.

She looked at Li Changchun and said, "I would like to ask Lunyun something first before answering this question. May I?"

Li Changchun glanced at Lunyun and nodded, saying, "Of course, you can. Go ahead and ask. After you've asked, you can answer the question."

Cangyue nodded slightly, her gaze shifting from Li Changchun to Lunyun. She looked at him quietly, her eyes carrying an inscrutable expression, waiting for his response.

The atmosphere around them became tense as everyone watched the two, wondering what Cangyue would ask. Yu Wushuang looked at Cangyue with a hint of curiosity and sighed softly. Aoxue also looked at Cangyue and Lunyun, understanding what Cangyue might ask.

Amidst the silence, Cangyue finally spoke, her voice calm and composed, "If I withdraw, what will you use to defeat him?" She looked at Lunyun, wanting to know what he would rely on to surpass Jian Wuchen.

Outside the arena, everyone was stunned by Cangyue's question. No one

 had expected her to ask such a question. At the same time, they were all pondering the same question: what did Lunyun have that could surpass the Heavenly Sword Nine Strikes of the Heavenly Sword Academy? This question puzzled everyone, including all of Eiyuan, Li Changchun, and Jian Wuchen.

Lunyun looked at Cangyue, his face revealing a faint, confident smile, and then his expression turned serious. "I rely on determination to defeat him," he said in a calm but resolute tone.

Watching Lunyun, Cangyue softly said, "I hope you can live up to your words. I wish you luck." With that, she turned and walked towards Yu Wushuang.

Seeing Cangyue's actions, everyone understood her decision. Yu Wushuang sighed softly and asked, "Why give up the chance to compete for the second spot? You have a chance to win against him."

Cangyue replied calmly, "There are many things about him that you don't know. In terms of cultivation, he is stronger than me. Among the top six, he is the only one who has a chance against Jian Wuchen. Otherwise, Aoxue wouldn't have withdrawn voluntarily." Yu Wushuang sighed again, saying, "I hope your judgment is correct, or else all my efforts will be in vain."

In the arena, Li Changchun looked at Lunyun and said, "Since Cangyue is withdrawing, the first place of this round will be contested between you two. Do your best. Now, prepare yourselves. The match is about to begin." With that, he gave Jian Wuchen a meaningful look and left with him.

Standing there quietly, Lunyun looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with a hint of pride. The crucial battle had finally arrived. Who would emerge victorious remained uncertain, but Lunyun was determined to surpass Jian Wuchen.

Gazing at the horizon, a majestic aura suddenly emanated from Lunyun, as if he was laughing defiantly at the heavens. It seemed as though he was saying, "Watch me, as I, Lunyun, dominate the Six Academies and shake the world of cultivation."