Blood Battle

Zhuge Xiang versus Ji Wuxue. The moment the two stepped onto the Duel Platform, they drew the attention of many.

Everyone knew who Ji Wuxue was—a genius disciple who had comprehended Qi Energy five months ago, rivaling even Lu Yuling. Moreover, he possessed a strong spirit of adventure, spending nearly all of those five months slaughtering Monster Beasts in the Endless Mountain Range, rarely even returning to the sect.

No one knew just how far Ji Wuxue's strength had grown after five months of slaughter. However, months ago, his successful cultivation of the Bloodthirsty Technique had already made him famous.

The disciples who had comprehended Qi Energy were all well aware of the Bloodthirsty Technique, but fewer than a hundred had the courage to cultivate it. Of those, over eighty had died in the process. Ji Wuxue was one of the rare few—barely two or three—who had succeeded.

Judging by his appearance, he had not only mastered the Bloodthirsty Technique but also acquired a sharp sword technique. The combination of the two was far more than a simple sum of their parts. It could be said that Ji Wuxue was a strong contender for the Grand Tournament championship.

However, while Ji Wuxue was formidable, Zhuge Xiang was no pushover either. Although he had faced only Qi Cultivation Realm First Layer disciples in his first three matches, everyone clearly remembered his first duel against Zhao Feiyun.

The power he had unleashed in that instant, the complete reversal of the situation at the critical moment, the fleeting appearance of the Bloodthirsty Technique—who could guarantee that he had revealed his full strength then? And Ji Wuxue's words had confirmed everyone's suspicions: it was indeed the Bloodthirsty Technique, and at the Proficient Level at that.

Well, at this moment, almost everyone's attention was drawn to the duel between these two. Although this was only the mid-to-late stage of one particular Duel Platform, the quality of this fight was no less than that of the top eight. Qi Cultivation Realm Third Layer with an Entry Level Bloodthirsty Technique against Qi Cultivation Realm Second Layer with a Proficient Level Bloodthirsty Technique—how powerful was this Martial Art, said to be useful throughout the entire Refining Essence to Qi stage? Everyone watched with bated breath...

Ding...

With the boost of the Bloodthirsty Technique, Ji Wuxue's clean, decisive sword strike was fast. But Zhuge Xiang was not slow either. He activated the Bloodthirsty Technique in an instant, boosting all his attributes by 50%. The Blood Refinement Saber swung horizontally, blocking Ji Wuxue's sword. Blade and sword clashed, producing a crisp, clear ring of metal.

One should return a favor received. Although Ji Wuxue was at the Qi Cultivation Realm Third Layer, Zhuge Xiang's Proficient Level Bloodthirsty Technique increased his attack power and speed by 50%. After blocking the sword strike, he swung his hand back, and the Blood Refinement Saber slashed in reverse at an unbelievable speed.

As the saying goes, a sword moves with lightness and agility, while a saber moves with vigor and force. This illustrates that the sword is a weapon known for its attack speed, while the saber is known for its sheer power. However, with the Proficient Level granting a 50% attack speed boost, Zhuge Xiang's saber strike possessed not only overwhelming force but also incredible speed. Disciples at the Qi Cultivation Realm could still see it clearly, but those who had not yet grasped its essence could only catch a fleeting flash of blood-red saber light.

Knowing that Zhuge Xiang's Bloodthirsty Technique had reached the Proficient Level, Ji Wuxue was naturally prepared. His black longsword similarly blocked Zhuge Xiang's attack. After a single probing exchange, the two tacitly stepped back a few paces.

A profound silence fell. At this moment, everyone held their breath, staring intently at the two on the Duel Platform. Especially those disciples with ambitions to win the Grand Tournament championship—they didn't even blink. No matter who won, they would be a formidable rival in their minds, so they had to clearly see the extent of each opponent's strength.

Although it was just a single probing exchange, the danger involved went without saying. Setting aside the force of their attacks, the sheer speed of their strikes was enough to make one's heart race. Many asked themselves honestly: if they were up there, they wouldn't be able to block either the sharp sword techniques or the terrifying saber flashes.

"How about we settle this in three moves?" After stepping back a few paces, Ji Wuxue's expression remained cold, but a keen observer could detect a hint of seriousness deep in his eyes as he looked at Zhuge Xiang and spoke coolly.

Three moves to decide the victor? Zhuge Xiang nodded in agreement to Ji Wuxue's proposal.

Although the Bloodthirsty Technique was powerful, it had a period of weakness. After their probing exchange, both realized that their attack power and speed were roughly equal. If they prolonged the fight, keeping the Bloodthirsty Technique active for too long would heavily impact the winner's subsequent battles. Thus, settling it in three moves would allow the victor to be in better condition for the fights ahead.

Proposing this was, on one hand, Ji Wuxue acknowledging Zhuge Xiang's strength, knowing he couldn't achieve a quick victory. On the other hand, it required enough confidence for Zhuge Xiang to dare accept.

The agreement to decide in three moves made the tension even thicker. Although those vying for the championship might regret if the two didn't cripple each other, the three-move pact meant both would unleash their full strength—a sight not to be missed.

"Three moves?" A faint smile curled at the corners of Lu Yuling's lips as she looked at Zhuge Xiang with a hint of anticipation. Could he win against Ji Wuxue? Having only comprehended Qi Energy for half a month, if he could win this battle, he would surely make a stunning name for himself in the Asura Sect.

"Yama Sword Technique, Fanged Thrust." Ji Wuxue was undoubtedly a qualified swordsman. Seeing Zhuge Xiang agree, he wasted no time and moved. A black Sword Light, like a black bolt of lightning, flashed past. A chilling Sword Intent pointed straight at Zhuge Xiang's brow. Though the sword had not yet arrived, it already sent a faint stabbing pain through Zhuge Xiang's forehead.

Fanged Thrust—this sword move had no tricky angles or profound swordplay. It was just a straight thrust. But in that single strike, the speed was incredibly fast, so fast it was hard to react.

In what seemed like an instant, the icy sword tip was already before Zhuge Xiang's eyes. His pupils contracted sharply. He had never seen such a fast attack, such a fast sword. Ji Wuxue indeed had a trump card to dare propose a three-move settlement.

With the Proficient Level Bloodthirsty Technique boosting speed by 50%, plus his Boots adding another 30% speed increase, Zhuge Xiang twisted his waist and turned his head at the critical moment. Though he couldn't fully dodge the sword, he avoided the vital spot. A sharp pain struck his brow as Ji Wuxue's sword cut open the skin there, blood streaming down...

"Reverse Style, Swallow Return." Having wounded his opponent with one strike, Ji Wuxue passed by Zhuge Xiang. But almost at the same time, his cold voice rang out, and a chilling Sword Intent locked onto Zhuge Xiang's heart.

Turning around, the black Sword Light, entwined with the blood-red Qi Energy of the Bloodthirsty Technique, appeared again like a ghost. After that ultra-high-speed charge, Ji Wuxue had not only stopped his momentum but, under seemingly impossible conditions, launched an attack as fast as the thrust...

This sword strike was unexpected. By common sense, after a high-speed thrust, inertia would force one to charge forward some distance before stopping and attacking again. But Ji Wuxue's Swallow Return seemed to defy the laws of inertia.

Blood blossomed. Though the heart's vital point was avoided, this sword pierced into Zhuge Xiang's chest and out through his back, running him through. Even bypassing the heart, this strike left Zhuge Xiang severely injured, his combat power reduced by at least half. With such a result, turning the tables seemed as difficult as reaching the heavens...

Having set the three-move pact and boldly claiming victory beforehand, Ji Wuxue indeed had his own trump card. Although it was a three-move agreement, Zhuge Xiang had no chance to fight back under his sharp sword techniques. After just two moves, he was left severely wounded, nearly dead. This battle was the most perilous Zhuge Xiang had ever faced.

"Ji Wuxue wins..." Seeing this, many declared the outcome. Indeed, though their strengths were similar, a severely injured Zhuge Xiang, with his combat power halved, had almost no hope of turning things around.

Even Lu Yuling's brow furrowed slightly. Although she had great confidence in Zhuge Xiang, at this moment, she couldn't imagine what trump card he could have left to reverse the situation.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Zhuge Xiang ignored it, his blood-red eyes fixed tightly on Ji Wuxue. He knew clearly that if he didn't act now, under the relentless sword strikes, he would have no chance to strike back. He swung the Blood Refinement Saber, slashing directly at Ji Wuxue's arm.

This was a desperate move. If Ji Wuxue tried to twist his wrist and kill Zhuge Xiang, his arm would surely be severed. For a swordsman, losing an arm meant—needless to say. So Ji Wuxue had no choice but to pull back his sword and retreat.

Fierce. That was Ji Wuxue's direct impression of Zhuge Xiang. He was ruthless not only to his enemy but also to himself. When his life was threatened, Zhuge Xiang's first reaction wasn't to retreat and protect himself, but to fight to the death.

As the saying goes, to survive a desperate situation, one must risk death. If he had retreated to save himself, Ji Wuxue would have pressed forward, and with his severe injuries, turning the tables would have been impossible. But by fighting desperately, he managed to snatch a sliver of opportunity.

Watching Ji Wuxue retreat, Zhuge Xiang did not pursue. He lowered his body slightly, like a leopard poised to strike. The surging Qi Energy within him poured into the Blood Refinement Saber. The ghostly face formed by the blood-red Qi Energy was grim and terrifying.

Originally, Blood Thunder Slash required seven or eight breaths to gather Qi. But with Zhuge Xiang's breakthrough to the Qi Cultivation Realm Second Layer, his Qi Energy was denser, needing only four or five breaths. With the Proficient Level Bloodthirsty Technique, his Qi Energy was even denser, and his attack speed increased by 50%. Now, it only took two breaths.

As Blood Thunder Slash gathered power, an unprecedented sharp Blade Intent radiated from Zhuge Xiang. Everyone knew this was Zhuge Xiang's offensive Martial Art.

Locked onto by Zhuge Xiang's terrifying Blade Intent, the retreating Ji Wuxue's expression changed. Zhuge Xiang's attacks were already powerful, and this Blade Intent, requiring Qi gathering, would surely unleash a devastating blow. Stopping his retreat, Ji Wuxue lunged at Zhuge Xiang again, his decision resolute—he had to interrupt this move.

Ji Wuxue's decisiveness was swift. But would Zhuge Xiang let him interrupt? Staring at Ji Wuxue charging toward him like a leopard, Zhuge Xiang let out a low shout in his heart and activated the effect of the Frost Headband. An invisible force spread, and Ji Wuxue's speed suddenly dropped by 20%.

Ignoring the shock in Ji Wuxue's eyes, Zhuge Xiang watched as Ji Wuxue closed in. With a fierce roar, he stomped the ground and charged forward—Blood Thunder Slash!