Xu Wuyi retracted his spear.
Its tip drooped toward the ground, the dark golden flames vanishing completely, as if they had never been there.
"Thank you for the match," he repeated, his tone calm.
Ta Shan took a deep breath and flexed his numb wrist.
The pain simulated by the Battle Network was fading fast, but the oppressive pressure from that last strike lingered in his mind.
"I lost, fair and square," Ta Shan finally said. There was a hint of bitterness in his voice, but it was mostly overshadowed by acceptance. "No wonder Tana was so insistent... Junior Brother Xu, your strength is truly far beyond mine."
He looked at Tana. "Little sis, you have a good eye."
Only then did Tana laugh, lifting her chin smugly. "Of course! I told you so."
Xu Wuyi ignored her remark and simply asked, "So, about the competition spot..."
"As agreed, you will represent the Royal Family," Ta Shan said decisively. "I'll go explain things to the one from Black Stone."
