Lu Fa's Battle

Central Legion, War God Temple.

The temple's vaulted ceiling soared high overhead, painted with grand murals of the heroic campaigns of past War Gods, as if recounting the glories of bygone days.

The hall was brilliantly lit, its radiance shining over the enormous arena. At this moment, two figures stood atop it, and an intense duel was about to begin.

Around the arena, energy ripples gently stirred, while the glowing patterns on the floor and walls suddenly dimmed somewhat.

Immediately afterward, a soft yet resilient curtain of light slowly emerged, tightly enclosing the arena. It was a powerful barrier set up to ensure the battle would not affect the outside world.

At the center of the arena, thirty meters apart, the two men stared at each other.

The young man on the left was lean and ordinary-looking, yet he exuded an aura that could not be underestimated. He was the War God Temple's Ninth War God—Jiang Zhanheng.

With both hands clasped into fists, he solemnly saluted the young man opposite him. His voice was firm and resonant. "War God Temple, Ninth War God, Jiang Zhanheng. Title: Thunder Flame. Please."

As his words fell, the air around him began to distort slightly. Lightning Flash flickered faintly, while flames appeared and vanished around his body.

From the Ninth War God's title alone, it was clear that he was an immensely powerful Soul Master who specialized in offense. His poised stance made it seem as though he would unleash a thunderous assault at any moment.

In contrast, Lu Fa remained calm, and his tone was equally unruffled. "Blacksmith Association, Lu Fa. Please." Yet beneath that composure seemed to lurk an endless storm, giving off the oppressive sense of a tempest about to break.

He simply stood there quietly, without releasing a powerful aura