After everything had settled and the atmosphere returned to order, a middle-aged man, who was in charge of overseeing the duel, stepped forth to stand prominently at the side of the arena with an air of elegance. He then announced in a loud, resounding voice that echoed across the ceremonial ground:
"First match: Prince Wei Xue versus Prince Ming Hui! Both Princes, please proceed to the dueling platform at once!"
His voice thundered and reverberated throughout the entire arena, prompting the spectators to turn their heads in unison toward the stage. The atmosphere instantly shifted back to a tense and focused silence... All eyes were filled with anticipation, eager to witness an exciting clash in this opening match!
The two young men stepped out gracefully from the line of youthful contenders, their bodies moving with composed elegance as they made their way to opposite ends of the dueling platform. Hundreds of watchful eyes were fixed upon them with hope and excitement.
The first young man, Prince Wei Xue, had long, lustrous violet hair that fluttered gently in the breeze. His light purple eyes resembled the faded glow of moonlight, yet sparkled like morning dew under the first rays of dawn. The white-and-blue robe he wore only enhanced his striking presence, making him stand out above all others. His handsome features possessed a mysterious charm that effortlessly drew the attention of everyone in the arena.
On the opposite side stood Prince Ming Hui, whose jet-black hair and deep brown eyes conveyed a calm yet resolute spirit. He wore a dark green robe that appeared modest yet powerful. As the two stood facing each other from a respectable distance, the air around them grew heavy with the intensity of impending battle.
Spectators from all directions held their breath. Countless gazes locked onto the platform, not wanting to miss even a single second of the important duel that was about to unfold right before their eyes!
"Let the duel begin!!"
The commanding voice of the middle-aged man echoed powerfully throughout the dueling arena. For a brief moment, silence reigned so complete that the sound of breathing and pounding hearts among the audience seemed to fill the air, as if the entire stage stood still, waiting for the first move.
The small figure of young Prince Wei Xue, his lustrous violet hair gleaming like a perfectly polished moon, moved swiftly. He was merely around six years old, yet he burst forward like a stream ignited by flames!
He launched himself ahead without hesitation. Though still just a child, his steps and posture radiated confidence and command. As he drew closer, his small palm shrouded in a glowing purple flame lashed out in front of him. The heat, akin to molten lava, surged toward his opponent with blinding speed, distorting the air around it as though the arena might burst into flames at any moment!
On the opposite side, Prince Ming Hui, upon seeing the searing force hurtling toward him, swiftly dodged to the right. Without delay, he closed the distance and lifted a foot, aiming a powerful kick at Wei Xue's chest.
But Wei Xue ducked just in time, then countered with a swift palm strike to Ming Hui's chest.
"Ugh!"
A loud thud resounded as Ming Hui was knocked backward several paces. He twisted in midair before landing and regaining his footing. Without pause, he darted left and right, charging back at Wei Xue with renewed determination.
Ming Hui's small foot shot toward his opponent, but Wei Xue raised his leg and counter-kicked with precision. The force of the strike made Ming Hui stumble and retreat with a startled expression.
He raised a palm to block the impact in time, while quickly scanning for an opening.
Then, Ming Hui lunged again, one hand glowing with brilliant yellow light, driving it straight toward Wei Xue with fierce momentum.
Seeing this, Wei Xue responded by unleashing a dark purple power from his palm. The two forces collided in midair with explosive intensity. A thunderous blast echoed as the lights extinguished upon impact perfectly matched in strength.
But it wasn't over yet.
Ming Hui quickly rushed forward again, aiming a strong kick directly at Wei Xue's chest. Yet, his opponent raised a palm and blocked it with such precision that the force cracked the ground slightly beneath their feet.
Neither of them gave in. They moved with incredible speed, exchanging strikes with fists, feet, and bursts of power. The sounds of clashing limbs rang across the arena in an unrelenting rhythm, as if neither would concede an inch!
"How old are you?" Ming Hui asked in a firm voice, his sharp eyes locked onto Wei Xue. He dodged another attack with agility and swung his palm down toward Wei Xue's head but Wei Xue twisted aside just in time, then swept his foot in a sharp arc toward Ming Hui's waist. Ming Hui spun backward to narrowly evade it.
"I'm six years old, big brother. And you? How old are you?" Wei Xue replied in a calm tone, though his eyes gleamed with fierce determination.
Suddenly, he surged forward, clashing palms with Ming Hui once more. The impact echoed midair as their hands struck each other repeatedly, so fast it was nearly impossible to follow with the naked eye.
Then, in a single decisive moment, Wei Xue dashed in and landed a direct palm strike to Ming Hui's chest!
Ming Hui was thrown back slightly but quickly charged forward again. He raised his palm, now glowing yellow, and unleashed a wave of pale yellow energy toward Wei Xue. The latter flipped out of the way swiftly, gliding like a flickering violet light.
"I'm eight. That makes me two years your senior," Ming Hui said as he clashed with Wei Xue once more. "You're younger than I am, yet your skills and power are incredibly advanced. Truly astonishing."
Wei Xue struck again, showing no sign of retreat. His blazing foot surged forward like molten fire, aiming straight for Ming Hui's chest.
Ming Hui was knocked back once again, but immediately regained balance and charged at Wei Xue at high speed.
Wei Xue leapt and brought a single foot down toward Ming Hui's body but Ming Hui ducked just in time.
He then clenched a fist and swung it toward Wei Xue's head, but Wei Xue caught it with his palm just in time. The two spun apart slightly, then engaged in close combat again, exchanging strikes with hands and feet in rapid succession. After a brief breath, they lunged at each other without mercy!
Wei Xue tilted his body and slammed his foot into Ming Hui's clenched fist. Then, he flipped several times through the air before dashing in and striking Ming Hui's abdomen with his palm.
But Ming Hui dodged swiftly and counterattacked.
Wei Xue met his opponent's hands once more, both palms clashing with such speed and precision it was like watching lightning.
Ming Hui refused to lose. He dodged nimbly and countered with skillful fists and kicks.
Before long, both boys flipped into the air and hurled themselves toward each other again. Their palms collided in a thunderous impact, the shockwaves echoing loudly throughout the arena!
"This prince called Wei Xue… judging by his techniques and movement, he must be an extraordinary prodigy," remarked Emperor Xiang Ren-Ti, his tone filled with sincere admiration as he gazed upon the violet-haired youth whose brilliance lit up the entire arena.
"You truly think the same as I do," said another emperor seated nearby, nodding in agreement. "I'm convinced this young boy will grow into a master no one can underestimate. I wonder who his father is which emperor, and from what powerful lineage? Perhaps he hails from a family of unmatched strength."