The Duel Resumes: Shadows of the Past
The Jade Platform seemed to hold its breath as Li Wei and Lotus circled each other again.
"Why did you leave me?" Lotus's voice was soft, but sharp enough to cut steel.
Li's sword trembled in his grip.
"I didn't leave you," he said, voice cracking. "I never forgot. But someone erased my memories. Erased you."
Lotus's eyes flashed with pain.
"Then I'll force you to remember. Whether you want to or not."
Clash of Memories
Their swords collided, igniting sparks.
Each strike unleashed visions — flashes of a hidden childhood.
Lotus's mask shattered, revealing delicate features marked by sorrow.
"You were supposed to protect me," she whispered.
"I was a coward," Li admitted. "But I'm not anymore."
Their fight became a brutal ballet, each blow pulling Li deeper into his past.
Back in the Camp: Yue and Meiyu's Battle
Meanwhile, Yue and Meiyu engaged in their own clash.
"I won't forgive your betrayal," Yue snarled.
Meiyu dodged with grace.
"I'm not your enemy. I'm trying to change."
Their blades sang through the air, frost meeting starlight.
Yue's ice cracked under the light of Meiyu's celestial glow.
Shen Ruo's Intervention
Shen Ruo stepped between them.
"Stop this," she pleaded. "We have bigger battles ahead."
Yue's eyes burned.
"Fine. But she's being watched."
The System Warnings Grow
Li's system flashed alarms.
"Memory fractures detected. Potential timeline divergence."
He swallowed hard.
"This isn't just a trial. It's a reckoning."
The Final Strike
Back on the arena, Lotus launched a final attack—a whirlwind of silver and flame.
Li summoned every ounce of strength.
With a mighty roar, he unleashed his Burning Pulse, engulfing them both.
When the smoke cleared, Lotus was kneeling.
"Remember me," she whispered.
He nodded.
Aftermath
The crowd erupted.
Li helped Lotus up.
"You're part of me," he said.
Lotus smiled faintly.
"Together, we'll face what's coming."