The arena fell silent for a brief moment after Wei Xie led Ming Hui away from the dueling grounds. However, the atmosphere quickly reignited with excitement as a middle-aged man, responsible for overseeing the matches, stepped into the center of the field. His voice boomed across the entire arena:
"The second match of the tournament will be between Prince Xiang Tian Cai and Prince Kai Se! Both princes, please step onto the battlefield at once!"
His resonant voice echoed throughout the grounds, stirring another wave of murmurs among the spectators. Countless eyes turned toward the two directions from which the named princes emerged, their strides steady and their auras unrestrained clearly displaying their formidable strength.
The arena was about to erupt in flames once more...
The two young newcomers appeared on the dueling grounds simultaneously, met with another round of excited murmurs. The audience's gazes locked onto the new combatants with keen interest some whispering about their reputations, others eagerly speculating who would come out on top.
As for the young maidens who had been coldly ignored by Wei Xie earlier, they reluctantly returned to their seats in silence before turning their attention to the two young men on the battlefield, hoping that at least one of them could captivate their hearts as much as Prince Wei Xie had.
Xiang Tian Cai was a young man with jet-black hair and deep, mesmerizing green eyes that shimmered like precious gemstones. His sharp, chiseled features seemed meticulously crafted, his piercing gaze radiating intensity, and his lips curved into an indifferent smile. His high-bridged nose complemented his perfectly proportioned face, and his flawless skin glowed like polished porcelain under the sunlight. His hair cascaded naturally, swaying with an effortless grace.
He wore an elegant white-and-gold ensemble, standing silently as he observed his opponent across the field.
His rival, Kai Se , was a pudgy young man with dull brown hair and an unremarkable face as plain as a common stone. He wore a plain brown outfit, his appearance utterly unimpressive.
When the young maidens caught sight of Xiang Tian Cai standing prominently on the battlefield, their eyes widened in shock as if magnified by lenses utterly stunned! This young man possessed a strikingly handsome appearance, different from Wei Xie's allure but no less captivating. His sharp features, radiant eyes, and composed stance on the battlefield exuded an irresistible magnetism without him even uttering a single word.
"So handsome!"
"Yes! I completely agree!"
Whispers rippled through the crowd. The maidens, who had just suffered heartbreak from Wei Xie's cold indifference, now brightened with renewed hope, as if a breeze of optimism had swept through their hearts.
They gazed at Xiang Tian Cai with sparkling eyes, praying silently Please, just don't be as cold as the last prince!
"Why does the name 'Prince Xiang Tian Cai' sound familiar... Is he your son?"
The Emperor seated beside Emperor Xiang Ren Ti spoke softly, turning his head slightly in curiosity.
"Xiang Tian Cai is indeed my son. It's no surprise you find his name familiar."
Emperor Xiang Ren Ti replied with a faint smile, his eyes still fixed on his son standing confidently in the center of the arena.
"Good. I'm eager to see just how formidable your son's skills are."
The neighboring Emperor's voice carried a note of intrigue, his face betraying a hint of excitement.
Meanwhile, the murmurs of the audience gradually quieted as all eyes locked onto the two princes about to face off in the center of the arena… Tension thickened once more.