The cheers hadn't yet faded when the sect master raised his hand. The booming voice of the presiding elder echoed over the arena:
"By the will of the Sect Master, we grant the unprecedented request! The final three will battle in a triple threat match to determine the champion!"
The crowd exploded into a frenzy. Disciples jumped from their seats, elders leaned forward with glittering eyes, and the betting pavilions went into a chaotic roar as wagers were hastily rearranged.
This was history, no one could remember a tournament where the final ranking would be decided like this.
Gojo stretched lazily at the edge of the arena, yawning and rubbing his neck. He looked over at Su Qingshi, whose face was pale but set in a determined line, and at Li Tianheng, who kept a graceful, composed air, his white fan flicking open and shut, but whose eyes flickered dangerously.
Su Qingshi gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, her knuckles white. She turned briefly to her junior sisters watching nervously at the sidelines. "I didn't think it would come to this," she murmured under her breath. "But no matter what, I can't step back now."
She walked out, her face solemn, as she walked on slowly to the arena. Meanwhile, Li Tianheng made his entrance. A massive white bird took to the skies and landed on the stage in style. He stood on its head, holding onto the small white fan. He held an amused smile as he regarded Gojo.
Gojo flicked his hair back and stretched his waist. "You remind me of someone. It's awfully uncomfortable.." Li Tianheng raised a brow. And then he scoffed. "You're strong, Chen Zhen, but you're not invincible. The fact that you think you are would be your downfall.."
Gojo scoffed and simply waved his hand dismissively. Of course, he liked to brag, but to stubborn mules like Li Tianheng, only by beating them down will he be able to change his mind. Soon, all three contestants were on the stage. Gojo stood at one edge, Li Tianheng and Su Qingshi stood on two adjacent edges, side by side.
None of them had uttered a word to each other, but their stance was clear. They needed to take out this monstrous genius, if they'd have a shot at 1st place.
The presiding elders weaved several hand signs, moulding Yuan Power into a large net around the platform, to contain any and all the destruction.
Meanwhile, at the stands, discussions went on. The inner disciples, and even the honorary core disciples watched excitedly.
"Oi, Jiang Wushuang who do ya think is going to win this thing? All bias aside.." Feng Jianhong laughed excitedly. Jian Wushuang scoffed, his eyes turning sharp. "Su Qingshi. To me she's even special than that Chen Zhen and his Saint Physique. There's no doubt that she'll emerge victorious."
His words were concise. Feng Jianhong shrugged. "We can agree to disagree. But I think that Chen Zhen fellow must have a lot of tricks under his sleeves to request such a battle. He's not foolish.."
The Elders spectated amongst themselves as well. "If that brat wins this, I'll take him in as my third disciple." The first elder exhaled a puff. "Keep dreaming. Su Qingshi will win this." The fourth elder chipped in with a raspy voice.
Luo Ping and Zhao Mei, who were seated within the inner court circle were quiet, their faces solemn. Whether Gojo wins this or not, to them it was a win win for him. His reputation will shoot to the stars. Luo Ping clenched his fists tightly. He needed to put an end to that fools reign within this sect.
MeiYing sat quietly. Her hands fidgety. She looked towards the silver haired figure who stood proudly within the battle arena and a small smile blossomed on her face which she quickly hid. Du Yun on the other hand was solemn. The grip on his sword tightening every passing second.
"If Chen Zhen wins this, there's no doubt that he's the greatest talent within the outer court in the past decade or so.."
"I don't doubt his strength, but he's reaching too high. Su Qingshi and Li Tianheng are geniuses on the level of Xiao Wusheng whom he drew with. Logically, he's fucked either ways."
"I believe. Senior brother Chen can pull anything off. I don't doubt him at all!"
The crowd buzzed excitedly. The elders completed their Yuan Power field around the battle arena. "This battle will decide the top disciples of the outer court. Second and third place will be decided by votes from the Elders. Begin!!!!"
The moment the elders words sounded, jubilation and joyous chants rang out from within the crowd. All eyes turned to the battle arena where three figures stood ready for battle.
Su Qingshi took in deep breaths and exhaled. Her slim silver sword materialized in her hand swiftly and she took a step forward. Boundless Yuan Power tore through the skies. Golden light blossomed from beneath her feet, she readied herself, like a goddess from heaven.
Li Tianheng waved his fan. The ground beneath his feet seemed to shift into shadows with a burst of Yuan Power. The shadows wriggled, as if it was ready to give birth to monstrous creatures within limbo itself.
Meanwhile, Gojo laughed in the face of it all. "Let's do this!!" His hands spread to his side, his face adorned with a feral smile like the lunatic he was. Boundless silver energies erupted from his body. Reality turned bleak for a moment. He strode forward amidst the chaos, the fraying of gaps between dimensions echoed like the shattering of glass and within the storm he stood like the Lord of it all.
Su Qingshi attacked first. She was smart. Allowing Gojo to attack first was simple suicidal. "Crimson Petal Severance!!!" She put her all into one slash. Mysterious golden miasma bloomed to life around her, bearing an aura that seemed to be able to cut through anything in its path.
"That's sword intent! She's really going all out!!"
"Yeah! Things don't look good for Chen Zhen!"
The crowd were astonished. A massive golden red light wave of petals and luminesce, cracked the air, tearing through towards Gojo without mercy. She was going straight for the kill. Li Tianheng flaunted a smile. With a wave of his hand, slithering sounds echoed. Dozens of large red millipedes tore out of the shadows in hordes, biting and tear towards Gojo. Li Tianheng's tactics were clear. He wanted to overwhelm Gojo with numbers.
Gojo clenched both fists. His figure exploded with power. And the he struck.
"Black Flash!!!
Riftstorm Barrage!!"
Both fists blasted out with incredible force. Red and black lightning exploded along with an earth shaking force that forcefully tore apart Su Qingshi's Crimson Petal Severance. The gaps between dimensions frayed, and for a moment there, reflections in other planes became visible.
The elders and Sect Master were stunned in their seats. Towards the incoming hordes of spiritual beasts, Gojo executed the Riftstorm Barrage. Incredible Yuan Power flooded out. Dimensions were torn asunder. Cracks webbed out from his fist. Like a hundred thousand mirrors exploding at the same time, a wave of shattered spatial shards tore through the incoming beast horde.
Blood exploded everywhere, painting the arena in a bloody mess and gore. The dust settled...the entire area was silent. The display of power was too shocking. Su Qingshi exhaled sharply, her eyes solemn. The hand that held onto her sword shivered, and her eyes strained towards Gojo. Overwhelming power. Two words that could describe him.
Li Tianheng's smile had vanished. His fan had been folded into his pockets. He was shook. The difference between their strengths being thrust in his face like this was uncomfortable for a genius like him. Gojo needed to be put down. The shadows beneath his feet wriggled. Something was coming. Something monstrous.
Meanwhile, Gojo finally walked out of the debris. His blindfold was gone. His hair fluttering in front of his face, his piercing sapphire eyes shining brightly with incredible power.
A/N: Slow but steady. We're heading to at least 300 chapters for this fic.