Alix, Eryx, and Yara exchanged astonished glances, their eyes widening at the unexpected turn of events. The announcer's words resonated in their ears, and they grappled with the realization that their skills were about to be put to the test before a live audience.
The weight of the situation settled upon them as they processed the rules. They would be facing opponents of equal realm and could only employ the techniques they had recently mastered. It was an exhilarating and daunting prospect, for their abilities had been honed within the confines of the tomb, and now they would be tested against real opponents.
Yara's heart raced as his name echoed through the waiting room. "Without further delay, I will introduce to you the first challenger, Yara!" the announcer declared, his voice resounding with excitement and anticipation. Yara's eyes widened, surprise washing over his face as he comprehended the magnitude of the moment. He was about to step onto the grand stage, representing his mastery of the bow and facing an opponent of equal standing.
With a deep breath, Yara steadied himself, his determination unwavering. He glanced at Alix and Eryx, who met his gaze with silent support. They may not have anticipated this turn of events, but they would face it together, as they had faced every challenge thus far.
Alix placed a reassuring hand on Yara's shoulder, his voice filled with conviction. "Show them the skill and precision you possess, Yara," he encouraged. "Your bowmanship is unmatched, and tonight, you have the chance to demonstrate it to the world."
Eryx added, a confident smile gracing his lips, "Remember the countless hours we spent training and mastering these martial arts. This is the moment to put our efforts to the test. We believe in you, Yara."
Yara nodded, a mixture of excitement and nerves coursing through him. "Thank you, my friends," he replied, his voice tinged with determination. "I will step onto that stage and showcase the true potential of the bow. The audience will witness the power and grace that lies within."
As the doors swung open, revealing the grand arena once again, Yara took a step forward. The waiting room faded away, replaced by the dazzling lights and eager eyes of the spectators. Adrenaline surged through his veins as he strode onto the platform, feeling the energy of the arena envelop him.
The announcer's voice boomed once more, filling the air with anticipation. "Ladies and gentlemen, presenting our first challenger, Yara!" The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, their excitement filling the vast expanse of the arena.
Yara stood tall on the elevated platform, his bow in hand, as the thunderous applause of the audience washed over him. He absorbed the energy, allowing it to fuel his focus and determination. His gaze shifted to the center of the arena, where his opponent materialized.
To his shock, Yara found himself face to face with the very statue from the second stage of the tomb—the one he had studied and learned the entry-level martial arts from. The realization sent a jolt of surprise through his veins. He had expected a skilled bow user, but he had not anticipated facing the embodiment of the very technique he had recently acquired.
Yara's mind raced as he tried to process the implications. The limited time he had spent in the second stage had only allowed him to scratch the surface of the statue's martial arts. He had not fully grasped its depth or unleashed its true potential. Nevertheless, he knew he had to rely on his instincts and the fragments of knowledge he had gleaned from the statue to navigate this unexpected challenge.
With a respectful tone, Yara called out to his opponent, "Honorable cultivator, I greet you with respect. It is an honor to face the embodiment of the martial arts I have sought to master. Let us engage in a battle that shall push us both to new heights!"
However, his opponent remained motionless, unresponsive like a body without a soul. Yara's brows furrowed in confusion, unsure of how to proceed. The announcer's voice broke the silence, signaling the start of the battle.
"Three... Two... One... Begin!" the announcer's voice boomed, and the countdown reached zero.
Without a moment's hesitation, Yara's opponent sprung into action. The figure moved with an otherworldly grace, drawing an ethereal bow similar to Yara's own. The air crackled with anticipation as they faced each other, their bows at the ready.
The battle unfolded in a breathtaking display of speed, precision, and technique. Yara's eyes narrowed, his focus intensifying as he engaged in a deadly dance with his opponent. Arrows flew through the air, their paths intertwining in a display of sheer skill and artistry.
Yara drew upon his limited understanding of the statue's technique, utilizing the entry-level moves he had learned. He channeled his inner spirit, melding with the bow to unleash shots that were swift and true. The arena resounded with the whistling of arrows and the thud of impact as they found their targets.
His opponent was equally formidable, demonstrating a mastery of the technique that far surpassed Yara's own. Each arrow released from their bow found its mark with uncanny accuracy. The figure moved with fluidity and grace, evading Yara's shots with a preternatural ease.
As the intense battle raged on, Yara's admiration for his opponent's bow mastery grew with every passing moment. The figure's movements were a symphony of elegance and precision, displaying a deep understanding of the technique that left Yara in awe.
Yara's senses, heightened by his early-stage Golden Core Realm cultivation, allowed him to closely observe his opponent's every motion. He studied the subtleties of their footwork, the way they drew the bowstring, and the precise angle at which they released each arrow. He absorbed the details, seeking to unravel the secrets hidden within his adversary's technique.
With each exchange of arrows, Yara began to recognize patterns in his opponent's movements. He analyzed the timing, the subtle shifts in stance, and the interplay between offense and defense. Slowly, he started to anticipate the figure's next move, timing his own shots with calculated precision.
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