The fighting arena had been repaired, its surface gleaming under the sunlight, and the duel between Xue Taiyang and Yi Ran was about to begin.
Excitement surged through the crowd, their voices blending into a cacophony of speculation and eager anticipation.
"Hey, how many strikes do you think Xue Taiyang can take from Yi Ran?"
"No more than two. She's ruthless."
"I bet on three! Let's see if he lasts that long."
In the center of the arena, Reon, hidden behind the identity of Xue Taiyang, stood silently, his gaze distant.
"Why did Yang Lie suddenly provoke me?" he pondered, his brow furrowed.
"If it were the real Xue Taiyang, he would've lost control in an instant… I need to stay on guard around Yang Lie from now on."
Drawing a deep breath, Reon extended his hand and summoned Cloudia from the Inner Beast Domain.
She emerged in a swirl of ethereal mist, fully healed from her previous battle.