The strength Chen Changqing had displayed could no longer be measured by the standards of ordinary young cultivators.
He overwhelmed his opponents in every respect. Whether in footwork, physical strength, or divine abilities, he had no obvious weakness to exploit.
At that moment, aboard a void chariot, a steward of the Heavenly Secrets Tower gave a slight signal to a short black figure beside him.
This was the final part of the plan devised by the hostile factions.
Since they could not defeat him head-on, they would resort to the most ruthless assassination method, severely injuring Chen Changqing's soul in the instant his vigilance slackened after three consecutive battles.
The void rippled almost imperceptibly.
The short black figure silently vanished from where he stood.
On the battle platform, Taixuan Heavenly Venerable had yet to announce the start of the next match.
Not even the defensive barrier around the platform had opened a gap.
Suddenly, disaster struck!
From the void behind Chen Changqing, a black dagger as thin as a cicada's wing stabbed out without a sound.
There was no fluctuation of spiritual power, no outpouring of killing intent.
Shadow Fiend, an elite deathsworn assassin of the Heavenly Secrets Tower!
He practiced an ancient secret assassination art and had long since refined his body into the folds of space. His specialty was delivering a fatal blow when his opponent relaxed, believing victory was assured.
The black dagger aimed straight for the Jade Pillow acupoint at the back of Chen Changqing's head!
It was barely half an inch away!
"Changqing, watch out!"
Aboard the Divine Dynasty's warship, Xuanyuan Xiaoyu cried out in alarm.
The sword aura surrounding Daoist Chen Yuan nearly erupted beyond his control.
Yet.
At the very instant the dagger was about to touch the hair at the back of