A/N: All rights to the original content are reserved by the respective copyright owner.
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The air in Xianzhou was charged with anticipation. Weeks had passed since Y/N and Jingliu confronted and overcame their internal struggles. Now, with their emotions steadied and their focus sharpened, they immersed themselves in solitary training with their respective swords, honing skills that had already earned them renown.
The city was abuzz with excitement. The upcoming duel between its two most esteemed warriors had attracted not only locals but tourists from afar, all eager to witness a spectacle rarely seen. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of tension and exhilaration.
Prominent figures had also arrived to witness the event. The Emanator of Nous, a distinguished member of the Genius Society, appeared with an air of spectral grandeur. His arrival was marked by the use of an advanced gadget, capable of teleporting him anywhere, given his vast knowledge.
Accompanying him was the society's irregular lady, as cheerful and sensual as ever. Her presence added a flair of unpredictability to the already thrilling air.
On the night before the ceremony, Y/N visited Jingliu in her room. He wore his skin-tight suit, accentuating his toned physique, which didn't escape Jingliu's notice. Each glance from her carried a hint of admiration, her pale cheeks dusted with a blush that spoke volumes.
The room was quiet, the air still, as Y/N initiated a conversation. "It's been weeks since we last talked," he said, his voice a soft whisper in the calm night.
Jingliu met his gaze, her response equally hushed. "Yes... it has been weeks."
Their exchange was gentle, a reflection of the depth of their understanding and the mutual respect they held for each other.
Y/N eventually stood, breaking the momentary stillness. "Well... I'll see you tomorrow then." His goodnight was simple, yet laden with unspoken sentiments.
"Goodnight..." Jingliu replied. But as he neared the door, she called out, halting him. "Y/N!"
He paused, turning towards her, an unspoken question in his eyes.
She took a moment before speaking, her words laced with a hopeful undertone. "After our... fight, can we perhaps... go out together?"
Y/N studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then, a smile graced his features, a gesture of understanding and warmth. "Like a date? Of course, we always have time for that."
Jingliu's smile mirrored his, her eyes lighting up with a twinkle that made her even more captivating. "Thank you... now, shoo!" she playfully waved her hands, as if to usher him out.
His laughter filled the room, a sound that was both comforting and heartening. "Hahahaha! Now, now, don't get ahead of yourself," he teased.
With a final smile, Y/N left Jingliu's room. Each retreated to their own space, their minds undoubtedly filled with thoughts of the coming day. As they settled into their beds, the night embraced them, a silent guardian watching over the eve of a duel that would showcase their prowess to all of Xianzhou.
---
The long-awaited day dawned over Xianzhou, casting its vibrant energy across the city. The streets were swarmed with excitement, businesses thriving as they catered to the influx of spectators. The air was electric, anticipation palpable in every corner of the city. Cloud Knights stood guard, their presence a testament to the significance of the day, while Flagships hovered above, symbols of the city's might and prosperity.
The focal point of all this excitement was the colossal stadium at Xianzhou Zhuming. This architectural marvel, a fusion of ancient Chinese design and futuristic technology, stood as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the IPC and the Genius Society. Their sponsorship had transformed the stadium into a beacon of technological advancement and cultural heritage.
The IPC, known for their business acumen and influence, had thrown their support behind the event, eager to capture and preserve this historic moment. Their involvement added a layer of gravitas, underscoring the duel not just as a spectacle but as a momentous occasion to be recorded for posterity.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was feverish. The crowd, a sea of excited faces, erupted in cheers and chants as the announcer took to the stage. His words amplified through the stadium, reverberating with the collective energy of the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" he began, his voice quivering with excitement. "Today... you know what, let's skip the long talk and call them out!"
The response was immediate and deafening. Chants filled the air, echoing off the walls of the stadium and beyond.
"Y/N! Y/N! Y/N!"
"Jingliu! Jingliu! Jingliu!"
The two warriors made their entrance, each commanding the attention of the crowd in their own right. Y/N, clad in blue armor that harkened back to the days of noble knights, carried his greatsword with a dignified grace. Jingliu, in contrast, was the epitome of elegance and power, her warrior dress a dark blue cascade of fabric, her lightsword sheathed but ready at her side.
The announcer, standing between them, trembled with a mix of fear and awe at the aura emanating from these two formidable combatants.
"Now then, there's no need to wait longer! Match!" With a flourish, he vanished from sight, utilizing the advanced gadget provided by the Emanator of Nous.
Y/N and Jingliu faced each other, smiles playing on their lips, a mutual respect and understanding shared in their gaze.
"I believe there's no need for words, but do let out your all," Y/N said, his voice calm yet filled with anticipation.
Jingliu's smile widened, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "I am of the same opinion."
In a fluid motion, they unsheathed their weapons, the sound of metal sliding against sheath resonating in the hushed stadium. The crowd held its breath, the air thick with anticipation.
The public spaces outside the stadium, filled with onlookers watching through holographic displays, mirrored the tension inside. Every eye was fixed on the two warriors, their presence commanding, their determination palpable.
---
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, a tangible tension hanging in the air as Y/N and Jingliu faced each other. They began to circle, their gazes locked in an intense glare, each step a silent challenge to the other. The crowd watched with bated breath, the anticipation palpable.
Suddenly, Jingliu vanished, leaving nothing but a trail of dust in her wake. Y/N's eyes widened in surprise, but he reacted instantly, aligning his greatsword horizontally in the air. In a flash, Jingliu reappeared above him, her blade descending in a powerful arc, meeting his in a clash that resonated throughout the stadium.
The impact was monumental, creating a spider web of cracks beneath Y/N's feet, the earth itself seeming to shudder under the force. "Nghhhh!" Y/N gritted his teeth, steadying himself against the onslaught.
In his mind, a thought flashed, admiring Jingliu's ferocity. "She's really putting her all into this. I'll have to do the same."
With a powerful swing, Y/N repelled Jingliu, sending a gust of wind that swept towards the audience, causing a stir of excitement. Jingliu, elegant as ever, landed gracefully, a cheerful battlelust sparkling in her eyes. "I knew these small techniques wouldn't work on you!"
Without warning, ice began to form on the ground around Jingliu, a new display of power that took Y/N by surprise. "Let me show it to you properly!" she shouted, her blade now enveloped in a white aura.
Y/N smirked, acknowledging the escalation of their duel. "I will return the gesture. Arm yourself!" His greatsword radiated a dark blue aura, a visual testament to his readiness.
The two warriors then charged at each other with incredible speed, breaking the sound barrier and creating a sonic boom that reverberated throughout the stadium. The crowd erupted into cheers, the excitement reaching a fever pitch. Cloud Knights stood at the ready, vigilant against any potential collateral damage.
To the onlookers, the battle was a blur of incomprehensible lines, a dance of light and shadow too fast for the eye to follow. But to the seasoned warriors and experienced fighters in the audience, the duel was a spectacle of skill and power. They could discern the intricate movements, the precision of each strike and parry, a display of mastery that left some envious and others in awe.
Amidst this whirlwind of motion, Jingliu unleashed a torrent of slashes, hundreds within mere seconds, each aimed with deadly precision at Y/N. But Y/N was her equal in every way, his greatsword moving with a speed that matched hers, a dance of blades that was both beautiful and terrifying.
Their duel escalated as they sprinted around the stadium, their swords leaving gashes on walls and creating craters on the ground. It was as if their weapons were not merely steel but forces of nature themselves, reshaping the very arena in which they fought. The crowd followed the duel intently, their cheers never ceasing, a constant backdrop to the epic confrontation unfolding before them.
In this clash of titans, Y/N and Jingliu were not just fighting for the title of the strongest swordsman in Xianzhou. They were also showcasing the depth of their bond, their mutual respect, and the culmination of their emotional and physical journeys. Each strike, each parry, was a testament to their growth, their strength, and the unspoken understanding that existed between them. The duel was more than a competition; it was a celebration of their shared path, a path that had led them to this moment of ultimate confrontation.
---
High above the fervent energy of the Zhuming Colosseum, a different type of audience observed the monumental duel with keen interest. The voice of the Flint Emperor, a being of immense power and ancient wisdom, resonated through the ethereal space, a mix of amusement and admiration coloring his tone.
"Marvelous indeed!" he exclaimed, his dragon form exuding an aura of excitement. Flames flickered from its nostrils as he laughed, a sound that echoed the centuries of witnessing countless battles and epochs. Its eyes, like burning coals, were fixed on the spectacle below, where Y/N and Jingliu's swords danced a fierce ballet.
Beside the dragon, Lan, in his mortal guise, had created a white space in the air, a magical window that allowed them an unobstructed view of the battle. His arms were crossed, his expression one of intense focus, yet it was clear that he, too, was captivated by the display of skill and power unfolding in the arena.
"They have indeed grown spectacularly," Lan remarked, his voice a mixture of pride and nostalgia. The journey of these two warriors had not escaped his notice, their growth reflecting the very essence of life's relentless push towards greatness.
The Flint Emperor, caught up in the thrill of the moment, let out a comment that seemed to transcend the boundaries of their reality. "I'm sure that the readers also appreciate your comment," it said, unwittingly breaking the fourth wall.
Lan turned to him, a look of confusion on his face. "What?" he asked, unsure of what the Emperor meant.
The dragon, realizing its slip, echoed Lan's confusion. "What?" it muttered, the momentary lapse in his usual composure evident.
Lan, deciding to let the odd comment pass, simply shrugged. "Let's just focus on the scene," he suggested, turning his attention back to the battle.
The Flint Emperor nodded in agreement. "Indeed! A history in the making, unfolding before our very eyes!" Its enthusiasm was infectious, its dark red eyes alight with the fire of a thousand battles. It chomped on a piece of meat, a gesture that seemed both mundane and extraordinary, given his nature.
Lan stood silently next to the dragon, both of them lost in the spectacle of the duel. The clash of Y/N and Jingliu's swords was more than just a fight for a title; it was a testament to the human spirit, to the endless cycle of growth, struggle, and triumph.
---
In the vast arena of Zhuming, the ground trembled under the might of two unparalleled warriors. Y/N and Jingliu, each a master of their craft, faced each other amidst the ruins of their own creation. The field, once a testament to Jingliu's control over ice, lay in tatters, a victim to the unstoppable force of their duel.
Y/N, his expression a mix of determination and exhilaration, launched another ferocious attack towards Jingliu. His greatsword, cloaked in a fierce blue aura, sliced through the air with a power that seemed to tear the very atmosphere apart. Jingliu, with the grace of a dancer and the precision of a master, parried each of Y/N's strikes. Their swords sang a symphony of steel and aura, a dance of attack and defense that left the onlookers spellbound.
The two warriors paused, a brief respite in their epic battle, standing apart to survey the destruction they had wrought. Craters pockmarked the ground, a testament to the intensity of their fight.
Y/N's smirk broke the tension. "That is not your fastest, is it?" he taunted, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of the challenge.
Jingliu, sensing the provocation, allowed a sly smile to curl her lips. "If that's what you want," she replied, her voice tinged with both promise and threat.
In a display of astonishing speed, Jingliu surged forward, her movements a blur to even the sharpest eye. She darted past Y/N, striking him with a force he had not anticipated. Y/N coughed, blood staining his lips, the impact of her hit shattering his aura-protected armor.
Jingliu, her expression tinged with a hint of regret at harming Y/N, steeled herself against the wave of concern. This was not the time for weakness, not in front of the expectant crowd.
Y/N, hand pressed against his wounded side, smiled through the pain. "Not bad... not bad at all!" he praised, admiration evident in his tone.
He began to gather his aura, a visible build-up of energy that crackled around him. Jingliu recognized the telltale signs of his technique and rushed towards him, her sword a whirlwind of strikes. Y/N, despite the onslaught, focused on channeling his aura, defending against her attacks.
The stadium itself seemed to groan under the strain of Y/N's gathering power. The IPC members watched in dread, their once-proud materials appearing fragile before these two titanic beings. The Genius Society members, on the other hand, observed keenly, their minds already racing with the possibilities of innovation drawn from this extraordinary display.
Y/N raised his greatsword, its blade pointing skyward, enveloped in a dense, dark blue aura. "Prepare yourself," he said, his voice a terrifying promise of unleashed power.
He brought the sword down in a mighty arc towards Jingliu, who braced herself with a defensive aura. The resulting impact was cataclysmic—Zhuming shook to its core, the sky itself seeming to split under the might of Y/N's strike.
The spectators, initially panicked, looked up in awe as the heavens appeared to open, the sky having been split. The warriors present were left in a mix of wariness and awe; such power was beyond the realm of mere mortals.
As the dust settled, cleared away by Y/N's greatsword, Jingliu was revealed kneeling before him, gasping for breath, her sword her only support.
"Haah... haah... hahhh..."
Y/N, though victorious in the clash, had not escaped unscathed. The build-up of aura had taken its toll on him, and he too breathed heavily from the exertion.
Yet, in the spirit of a true warrior, he stood tall. "Jingliu... round two?" he asked, a playful challenge in his tone despite the fatigue.
Jingliu, hearing his invitation, pushed herself to her feet with a grunt. Y/N presented his greatsword, its blade pointing towards her in a silent call to continue.
She responded with a smirk and a respectful clank of her blade against his. "Gladly."
---
In the arena of Zhuming, amidst the anticipation of a captivated audience, Y/N and Jingliu stood as titans, their childhood memories serving as a silent backdrop to their epic confrontation. Each strike, each parry, was a testament to their growth, their bond, and the shared journey that had honed their skills to this pinnacle.
With every exchange, their swords sang a tale of rivalry and camaraderie, of battles fought and challenges overcome. The air crackled with the intensity of their duel, a display of raw power and refined skill that left the stadium in awe.
As Y/N launched a powerful slash, Jingliu felt the full force of his resolve, a determination that spoke of a deep-seated desire to prove his worth. She responded in kind, her blade a blur of motion, delivering a flurry of precise, rapid strikes. The air around them was alive with the energy of their combat, a maelstrom of aura and ambition.
Amidst this torrent of swordplay, their movements spoke a silent dialogue - questions and affirmations exchanged in the language of warriors. "Have I done enough?" "What more must I show you?" Each swing, each block, a word in their ongoing conversation.
The battle escalated, reaching a fever pitch as Y/N, with a fierce cry, unleashed a devastating strike. The ground beneath them shattered, a testament to the sheer power of his greatsword.
Y/N and Jingliu's intense battle reached its zenith. Each parry, each swing of their swords was filled with determination and strength. Despite the fatigue that should have been setting in, their movements remained fluid and powerful, a testament to their exceptional skill and training.
Jingliu, realizing the need for a decisive move, took a step back, her eyes locking onto Y/N with a new intensity. She adopted a stance that was unfamiliar yet breathtakingly graceful, extending one hand outward while her lightsword, now enveloped in a dense white aura, pointed menacingly at Y/N. "This is my final move," she declared, her voice resounding throughout the stadium.
Y/N, acknowledging the challenge, mirrored her stance, his greatsword poised for an equally devastating strike. "A stab for a stab, I shall follow too," he replied, his voice steady and filled with anticipation.
As the two warriors charged towards each other, the crowd watched with bated breath, the tension in the air almost palpable. Their childhood visions ghosted beside them, symbolizing the journey that had brought them to this moment.
Their blades met with a thunderous impact, unleashing a wave of energy that threatened to engulf everything around them. The sky itself seemed to tremble under the force of their clash, a testament to the sheer power they wielded.
The impact was monumental, their blades meeting with a force that threatened to rend the very fabric of the world. The stadium shook, the air electrified with the power of their clash.
"RAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!"
Locked in their struggle, Y/N and Jingliu pushed against each other with all their might, their roars of effort echoing across the stadium. The blades, unable to withstand the immense power, shattered, sending a shockwave that rippled through the arena.
Dan Feng, with his water dragons, and other Cloud Knights sprang into action, shielding the crowd from the worst of the blast. The effort left Dan Feng visibly exhausted, a clear indication of the incredible power Y/N and Jingliu possessed.
And then, silence.
As the dust settled, Y/N was found lying on the ground, his greatsword's handle beside him. Jingliu, on her knees, gasped for breath, her strength nearly depleted. The crowd, after a moment of stunned silence, erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.
The crowd erupted into cheers, a tumultuous wave of admiration and respect for the warriors who had given their all. Y/N, with a pained grin, conceded his defeat. "Welp, it's my loss," he declared, his torn armor revealing the skin-tight suit beneath, eliciting blushes from the crowd.
The impact was monumental, their blades meeting with a force that threatened to rend the very fabric of the world. The stadium shook, the air electrified with the power of their clash.
Jingliu, disoriented by the intensity of their duel, refused to accept his concession. "Huh? No... it should be a tie!" she protested, her voice laced with a mix of exhaustion and disbelief.
Y/N coughed, insisting on his defeat. "I was on the ground, and you were kneeling. That makes you the winner," he pointed out, despite Jingliu's protests.
The announcer, materializing beside them, sought confirmation. "Sir, so... you accept the loss?"
Before Jingliu could interject, Y/N affirmed, "Yeah, it's my loss. She deserves the title."
Jingliu, desperate to share the honor, proposed, "But- How about we share the title?"
Ignoring her suggestion, Y/N approached Jingliu and embraced her affectionately. The crowd erupted into cheers, celebrating the tender moment between the two warriors.
"OOOOOOO!!!!"
Caught off guard, Jingliu initially resisted. "He- Hey! Not here!" she stammered, overwhelmed by the public display of affection. Y/N, however, deepened the hug, his voice soft but firm. "This is your reward for winning the ceremony."
Relenting, Jingliu returned the embrace, her actions intensifying the crowd's cheers to a fever pitch.
As they separated, the announcer's voice boomed across the arena, declaring Jingliu the newly crowned Sword Champion of Xianzhou.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and warriors of Xianzhou! What a monumental battle we have witnessed today, a duel that will be etched in the annals of our great city's history! Two of the mightiest warriors have clashed in an epic display of skill, strength, and honor. And now, it is time to crown our champion. By the virtue of her indomitable spirit, her unparalleled skill with the blade, and her unwavering resolve in the face of a formidable opponent, I am honored to announce the victor of this grand duel. Please join me in a thunderous applause for the newly crowned Sword Champion of Xianzhou – the valiant, the incomparable, Jingliu!"
The crowd chanted her name, honoring her hard-earned victory with resounding applause and admiration.
"Jingliu! Jingliu! Jingliu! Jingliu!"
Not content with celebrating only Jingliu, a member of the audience shouted, "Hey! Let's also show our respect to Y/N for the entertainment!"
"..."
"..."
"Screw it!"
"Y/N! Jingliu! Y/N! Jingliu! Y/N! Jingliu!"
The crowd readily followed suit, chanting both their names in a unison that echoed the deep respect they held for both warriors.
Y/N and Jingliu, acknowledging the adulation, waved to the crowd, their gestures signaling both gratitude and farewell.
---
In the quiet aftermath of the ceremony, the room where Y/N and Jingliu rested was a haven of tranquility and reflection. Y/N lay on his bed, his body still echoing the pain of the epic duel, while Jingliu sat beside him, her presence a comforting constant. Both were enveloped in an air of exhaustion mixed with the satisfaction of having given their all.
Dan Feng entered, his presence as serene as ever. "Congratulations, you two," he greeted them, his smile warm and genuine.
Y/N, despite his fatigue, managed to raise a thumbs up in response, while Jingliu offered a soft hum of acknowledgement, her energy spent but spirits high.
Their moment of quietude was suddenly interrupted as the door burst open. Baiheng, along with Jing Yuan and Ying Xing, entered the room, each carrying their own mix of concern and pride.
"UWAAAAAGHHHH! ARE YOU TWO FINE?" Baiheng exclaimed, her worry palpable. The sight of her friends in such a state was evidently distressing to her.
Jingliu, ever composed, waved off her concerns with a weary hand. "We will be fine, there's nothing to worry about," she reassured them, her voice a gentle echo of her usual strength.
Jing Yuan stepped forward, his respect for the two warriors evident in his demeanor. "Congratulations are in order, Master Y/N, Master Jingliu."
"Thank you," Jingliu replied softly, her eyes then drifting to Ying Xing, who held a sword shrouded in a white cloth. The weapon, a symbol of her victory, awaited its rightful owner.
"The two of you put on an entertaining spectacle," Ying Xing commented, his tone laced with satisfaction.
Y/N, still recuperating, chimed in with a hint of playful accusation. "It's practically your fault, boy."
Ying Xing, slightly flustered, rubbed the back of his head, a habit he had picked up from his mentor. "I apologize for any wrongdoing," he offered, a touch of humility in his voice.
"Apologies accepted," Y/N replied, his gaze still fixed on the young artisan.
"By the way, Dan Feng," Ying Xing called the Elder's name.
Dan Feng, drawn into the conversation, responded to Ying Xing's call. "What do you want, boy?" he inquired, mirroring Y/N's earlier tone, much to Ying Xing's chagrin.
The room soon filled with light-hearted banter, Baiheng and Jing Yuan joining in, their voices a tapestry of camaraderie and teasing. Y/N and Jingliu observed the scene, smiles gracing their faces, a testament to the bonds they shared with their friends.
Then, Y/N broached a topic that had lingered in the air. "So... about that date?" he asked, turning towards Jingliu.
Her eyes met his, the softness in her gaze speaking volumes. "Maybe, next time. Once we're healed," she suggested, a promise of future moments together.
"Huh... Alright. Next time, it is," Y/N agreed, his words a vow.
Jingliu moved closer to Y/N, sitting beside him on the bed. Their hands found each other, touching gently, then cradling in a silent expression of mutual support and affection. In this quiet room, away from the cheers and the spectacle of the arena, they found a moment of peace, a shared space where their journey together was acknowledged and cherished.
As the Sword Champion Ceremony concluded, so too did a significant chapter in the lives of Y/N and Jingliu. This grand event not only crowned a champion but also marked the end of the 'Genesis Arc' - a journey through memories now reaching a poignant pause. In this defining moment, the saga of two warriors, transcending their limits and cementing their bond, reached a crescendo of unity and resilience.
Their journey, more than a testament to individual prowess, was a celebration of the power of friendship. Together, they faced trials and triumphs, their bond growing stronger with each challenge. As they sat, basking in the glory and adulation, their story stood as a narrative of unyielding spirit and mutual respect, a legacy that would resonate for ages.
In the echoes of the cheering crowd, the memories of their past adventures came to a rest, setting a foundation for the future. The Sword Champion Ceremony was more than a title's quest; it was an acknowledgment of their growth from fledglings to champions, a testament to their shared genesis. As this chapter closed, it left behind a legacy of camaraderie, a beacon guiding them to the next horizon of their remarkable journey.
End of Chapter
A/N: Well, what do you all think?
Genesis Arc have ended, revealing how Y/N and Jingliu were like in the past.
Just a side note, I will be on a break for one week. That is all. Thank you!