The moment Tang Xan unleashed Seal One, a golden storm burst from his body, blinding everyone in the arena. The air itself seemed to tremble, carrying the hum of divine power. The light was no longer gentle — it was alive, wild, burning through the cold frost that Duo had released.
The frost beast staggered back, growling, its claws digging into the shattered ground. The golden aura wrapped around Tang Xan like a living flame, his eyes glowing bright as two suns. Every breath he took cracked the earth beneath his feet.
Duo blinked, his beast eyes flickering with shock. What… what is this energy? Before the thought could even settle in his mind, Tang Xan vanished.
A single flash —And Tang Xan was suddenly in front of him.
"Too slow," Tang Xan whispered, his voice echoing with divine power.
His fist glowed brighter than the morning sun as it slammed into Duo's chest.BOOM!
The frost beast was thrown into the air, crashing through layers of energy barriers. The elders watching from above widened their eyes — even the ancient cultivators struggled to believe the speed they had just seen. The barrier that was meant to contain Tang Xan's aura trembled like glass.
Tang Xan leaped into the sky, chasing Duo's falling body. His movements were so fast that only trails of golden light could be seen, dancing in the air like burning feathers. The crowd could barely follow him.
Another punch — a strike filled with the will of light — hit Duo's side, twisting the air. Then another. And another. The sound of each impact echoed like thunder through the Frost City.
"Go down!" Tang Xan roared, his aura bursting outward.
He appeared above Duo in mid-air, palms glowing with blinding energy. The sky seemed to open with a divine brilliance as Tang Xan gathered all his strength into one final attack. The entire arena fell silent — even the howling wind stopped.
"Light Blast!"
A massive beam of light roared from his hands, cutting through the sky and striking Duo directly.The impact shook the entire court. Frost melted. The ground split open into a deep crater. Walls cracked and the audience screamed as the wave of energy washed over them.Then — silence.
When the dust finally cleared, Duo's enormous beast form was gone. Only the faint shimmer of frost crystals lay scattered across the broken ground. In the center of the crater, Duo lay unconscious, his power completely extinguished.
The light faded from Tang Xan's body, leaving behind trails of warmth in the cold morning air. He floated slowly downward, his strength draining with every breath. His knees hit the ground as the golden aura around him disappeared.
The judge raised his trembling hand, his voice echoing through the stillness.
"The winner… Tang Xan!"
For a moment, the crowd was silent. Then the cheers erupted — thunderous, wild, unstoppable.
"Tang Xan! Tang Xan! Tang Xan!"
The people of Frost City rose to their feet, shouting his name. Even the royal seats were buzzing — the King himself nodded in awe, while the princess clapped, eyes shining with excitement. The cultivators who had once doubted him could only stare in disbelief.
Tang Xan tried to smile but his vision blurred. His entire body ached — every muscle screamed from the force of Seal One. He could feel his consciousness slipping away. Still, a small, tired smile appeared on his face.
Leo… did you see that? he thought, his heart whispering the words. I opened the first seal. I did it… just like you said I would.
His body tilted, falling to the side, but a few healers rushed in, catching him before he hit the ground.The healers quickly carried him to the recovery room, their hands glowing as they began healing his wounds. Tang Xan's body was covered in light scars, his aura core faintly flickering with exhaustion. Yet, despite the damage, his expression remained peaceful.
Hours passed.
When he finally opened his eyes, he was in a white-walled hospital chamber. The scent of herbs filled the air, and faint rays of sunlight streamed through the window. Bandages were wrapped around his chest and arm, but the pain was much less now.
He turned his head and saw people standing outside his room — friends, cultivators, and even some of the townsfolk. They were smiling, whispering about his victory. For the first time, Tang Xan realized something — they were not afraid of his power anymore. They respected him.
"Rest, hero," one of the nurses said gently. "You saved Frost City from destruction again."
Tang Xan nodded slowly, a small smile touching his lips. "Thank you…"
He looked out the window where the stars were beginning to rise in the early dusk. His reflection shimmered faintly on the glass, his eyes still holding a trace of that golden light. He clenched his fist, remembering Leo's voice in his heart.
'Promise me you'll be strong…'
Tang Xan whispered softly, "I kept it, Leo. You'd be proud."
A soft breeze passed through the open window, brushing his hair. It almost felt like a reply — faint, warm, and full of light.
Outside, the city celebrated the victory. Fireworks lit the night sky, each explosion painting the heavens with colors of gold and blue. Children cheered, warriors toasted, and elders spoke of the boy who carried the light of the gods.
But inside the quiet hospital room, Tang Xan simply watched the stars. He knew this victory was only the beginning. The seal he had opened was only the first of seven — each one stronger, each one riskier.
He touched the pendant around his neck, the one Leo had left behind, and whispered again.
"Thank you… my friend."
The faint glow of the pendant shimmered once, like the spirit of Leo answering from afar.
Tang Xan smiled, closed his eyes, and let himself rest — not in weakness, but in peace.
Tomorrow, the journey would begin again.
End Of Chapter 20