Btth: Second chance of Xiao yan

As the referee's hand dropped, signaling the start of the match, the arena erupted in cheers. Xiao Yan and Lin Shan stood motionless for a brief moment, their eyes locked. The tension in the air was thick, each combatant analyzing the other.

Lin Shan was the first to move. His Dou Qi flared, creating a crimson glow that enveloped his body. With a roar, he dashed forward, his movements leaving faint afterimages as he activated the Crimson Cloud Technique.

Xiao Yan stood his ground, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to counter.

---

Lin Shan's fist, coated in fiery Dou Qi, streaked toward Xiao Yan like a meteor. Xiao Yan activated Iron Shadow Steps, sidestepping the attack at the last possible moment. As Lin Shan's fist struck the ground, the impact left a shallow crater, sending dust and debris into the air.

Taking advantage of Lin Shan's momentary pause, Xiao Yan countered with the upgraded Flame Serpent Palm. A fiery serpent burst forth, its flames crackling as it flew toward Lin Shan.

Lin Shan raised his arms, summoning a crimson barrier around himself. The serpent struck the barrier with a loud boom, but it dissipated harmlessly, leaving Lin Shan unscathed.

"You'll need more than that to get through my defenses," Lin Shan taunted.

Xiao Yan smirked. "Good. I wouldn't want it to be too easy."

---

The two combatants engaged in a series of rapid exchanges, each testing the other's limits. Lin Shan's attacks were powerful and relentless, his mastery of the Crimson Cloud Technique evident in every strike. Xiao Yan, however, relied on his agility and precision, using Iron Shadow Steps to evade and counter with calculated strikes.

The crowd watched in awe as the arena became a battleground of fire and shadow. Neither fighter seemed to gain a clear advantage, their skills evenly matched.

But Xiao Yan knew he couldn't afford to drag the fight out. Lin Shan's technique was designed for prolonged battles, and his Dou Qi reserves were undoubtedly larger.

---

As Lin Shan launched another powerful strike, Xiao Yan purposely allowed it to graze his shoulder, using the momentum to position himself closer. The pain was sharp, but he didn't falter.

Channeling his upgraded Flame Serpent Palm, Xiao Yan aimed a point-blank strike at Lin Shan's chest. The serpent-shaped burst of flames exploded on impact, forcing Lin Shan to stagger backward.

The crowd gasped as Lin Shan's crimson aura flickered, showing signs of strain for the first time.

"You're full of surprises, Xiao Yan," Lin Shan admitted, his tone serious. "But I'm not done yet."

He took a deep breath, and the crimson glow around him intensified. Flames erupted from his body, swirling chaotically as he prepared his ultimate move.

---

Lin Shan raised his hands, gathering all his energy into a massive crimson sphere. The heat radiating from it was intense, causing the very air to ripple.

"This is the end, Xiao Yan!" Lin Shan shouted as he launched the sphere toward Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened. He activated the system's temporary boost, channeling every ounce of Dou Qi he had into his upgraded Flame Serpent Palm. The serpent grew larger and fiercer, its flames tinged with golden light.

With a shout, Xiao Yan unleashed the attack, sending the flaming serpent hurtling toward the crimson sphere.

The two attacks collided in a blinding explosion of fire and energy. The shockwave shook the arena, forcing spectators to shield their eyes.

---

As the smoke cleared, the crowd held their breath. Both fighters were still standing, but Lin Shan's crimson aura had faded completely. His knees buckled, and he fell to the ground, unable to continue.

Xiao Yan stood tall, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. The referee stepped forward, raising his hand.

"Winner: Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan!"

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers, chanting Xiao Yan's name. His victory was hard-fought and well-deserved, solidifying his status as a rising star of the Xiao Clan.

---

Lin Shan struggled to his feet, his expression a mixture of frustration and admiration. "You're stronger than I expected, Xiao Yan. I'll train harder and challenge you again someday."

Xiao Yan nodded, extending a hand. "I'll be waiting."

The handshake between the two fighters drew another round of applause from the crowd. Xiao Yan's composure and sportsmanship left a lasting impression on everyone present.

---

End of Chapter 14

---