Chapter Seventy-Four: Victory in a Single Move

Cheng Feng had originally planned to use "Thunder Shadow Step" to bring a swift end to the match, but to his surprise, Ye Lin suddenly exploded with blinding speed and launched the first attack.

Whoosh!

The moment she vanished from his sight, a fierce gust swept toward his side.

Cheng Feng reacted in time, turning around and raising his sword to defend.

Clang! The sound of clashing metal rang out as his blade met Ye Lin's spirit blade head-on.

Although Ye Lin's strike was a surprise assault, she failed to gain the upper hand in terms of strength.

Cheng Feng, endowed with tremendous power, easily intercepted her offensive.

That speed and footwork—it’s unmistakably my Thunder Shadow Step. When did she learn it?

While that thought flashed through his mind, Cheng Feng’s movements did not falter. He immediately delivered a heavy kick, sending her flying.

He showed no mercy; the kick caused Ye Lin's stomach to spasm, forcing her to cough up a mouthful of blood.

Ye Lin quickly regained her composure and climbed to her feet. She could vaguely sense Chu Xinghe's gaze from the VIP stand. Gritting her teeth, she advanced with her blade, engaging Cheng Feng in close combat.

Watch closely!

I'm no longer the burden I once was!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

In Ye Lin’s hands, the spirit blade moved at astonishing speed, unleashing dozens of rapid slashes in an instant, each one so swift they blurred into streaks of white light in the air.

Cheng Feng matched her, slashing with his own spirit blade, Thunder Sever, parrying every blow. Sparks flared like fireworks across the arena—beautiful, yet laced with peril.

Their perilous blade-to-blade skirmish enthralled the audience, who roared with excitement.

After nearly a hundred exchanges, Cheng Feng’s swordplay ultimately proved superior, and Ye Lin’s attacks began to falter.

With a sharp glint in his eye, Cheng Feng knocked aside her spirit blade with a deft strike. His free right hand clenched into a fist and smashed into Ye Lin’s abdomen with a dull thud.

Pain wracked her body, making her freeze for a split second. Her stance faltered, and Cheng Feng followed up with a sweeping kick that sent her crashing toward the edge of the arena.

She almost flew out of bounds. The world spun around Ye Lin, and the pain in her abdomen was so intense she nearly retched.

Cheng Feng, however, did not rush to pursue. He knew she would not be able to get up again. After all, she was only a seventeen-year-old girl.

Even though demon hunters possessed extraordinary physiques, to withstand his full-powered punch and not pass out immediately was already impressive.

Watching her clutch her stomach in agony, Cheng Feng strode forward with his sword, ready to kick her out of the ring and end the match.

Despite the clear difference in strength, the determination in Ye Lin’s eyes did not waver. Her unwavering desire for victory spoke to her pursuit of the championship.

Against such an opponent, Cheng Feng would never utter words urging her to surrender.

Such words would be an insult, and he would not stoop so low. He chose instead to defeat her honorably, with dignity.

Suddenly—whoosh!

A chilling, whistling sound tore through the air as Ye Lin flicked her wrist, hurling a sharp crimson object so fast it was just a streak of red.

Cheng Feng reacted instantly, cleaving the projectile in two with surgical precision. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a dagger formed from congealed blood.

Blood Duel Technique...

Cheng Feng was astonished. This was his own ability, yet Ye Lin had managed to use it.

Ye Lin coughed a couple of times, flecks of blood dotting the stone floor as she struggled to her feet, her eyes unwavering. "I won't lose. I have to win this match!"

Only by winning the championship could she earn that man's recognition.

In the VIP stand, Chu Xinghe watched the scene unfold, his brows knitting together.

"All these years, the child is still as stubborn as ever," he remarked.

The president beside him said, "Xinghe, it all started with the obsession you left her back then."

"Which is why I don't want her to win this match," Chu Xinghe replied.

"Ye Lin joined the Disaster Association back then all for you. Because of your promise, she waited three years for this promotion tournament," Su Ting sighed. "If she loses today, I fear she'll be devastated and leave the association forever."

Chu Xinghe’s face remained impassive. "She was never suited to be a warrior. If she chooses to leave, that would be for the best."

In the audience, Cheng Yi was waving a little flag from who knows where, cheering her heart out.

Though her voice was soon drowned out by the crowd...

On the stage, Cheng Feng looked at Ye Lin not far away and said, "You say you have to win? Is it for the championship, or to see that person?"

"I..." Ye Lin’s eyes dimmed briefly, but quickly reignited with determination. "When I was at my lowest, he gave me hope to go on. For the promise he made me back then... I must win!"

Only by winning the championship and becoming an elite member would she have the right to stand at Chu Xinghe’s side.

Compelled by some mysterious impulse, Cheng Feng asked, "Have you ever considered that he might not care about you?"

Ye Lin clenched her teeth, wrestling with herself. "Even if that's so, I want to hear him say it to my face."

"I see. I can understand you a little better now. But unfortunately, I will not lose. Your hope is destined to be in vain."

Cheng Feng advanced, blade in hand, intent on ending the match in a single blow.

"Spirit power... release!"

With a soft murmur, the young woman’s eyes flashed with a green radiance. Her emerald gaze shimmered as she struggled to her feet, a powerful aura surging from her as her fighting strength soared.

Cheng Feng halted, surprised for the second time. With Ye Lin's strength, it was impossible for her to have mastered Spirit Release.

Recalling how she had used both Thunder Shadow Step and Blood Duel Technique earlier, Cheng Feng finally understood. He spoke in astonishment, "So, your ability is to copy your opponent's powers."

If that were true, hers was no ordinary gift. No matter the adversary, she would always have an edge toward invincibility.

Ye Lin did not hide it. "Yes... but I can't copy everything."

Cheng Feng looked at the scars and wounds beneath her green robe and realized the nature of her ability.

She could copy all of his active skills, but not passive ones like "Vampire Physique" and "Super Strength."

Otherwise, her injuries would have already healed under the vampire's regenerative powers, and she wouldn't have lost out in their earlier contest of strength.

"I was only able to use Spirit Release thanks to you. Without it, I wouldn't stand a chance."

Ye Lin forced herself to remain upright despite her injuries. She sheathed her spirit blade at her waist, lowering her stance in a pose reminiscent of iaido—clearly preparing to unleash "Lightning Flash."

Cheng Feng’s eyes narrowed. "You copied Lightning Flash as well? Perfect—let’s settle this in one move."