Liu Mei reappeared in his shadow, her breath like winter mist as she whispered:
"Freeze."
A wave of absolute cold engulfed Xiao Ling. His entire right arm turned blue, frost racing up toward his shoulder.
His golden flames flickered—and then died out. Impossible. Xiao Ling's mind reeled.
His spirit fire had withstood storms, curses, and even direct strikes from enchanted weapons. Yet now, under this unnatural frost, it was simply... gone?
His eagle screeched in distress, flapping wildly as it tried to shake off the sudden frost accumulating on its wings.
The arena fell silent.
Liu Mei stepped back, her fox standing proudly beside her, its five tails still shimmering with icy power.
Xiao Ling gritted his teeth, his arm numb and unresponsive.
"You—" His breath came out in white puffs.
Liu Mei tilted her head, her voice light and teasing.
"What was that about proving something?"
