On the arena stage, Shen Hao held his Flying Sword as spiritual energy around him continuously gathered into the blade like a hundred rivers returning to the sea. The spiritual light on the Flying Sword grew ever richer, gradually shifting from indigo to a profound deep blue. Wrapped in that light, the blade trembled faintly and gave off a hum, radiating a fierce aura sharp enough to tear through the air.
Sensing the aura Shen Hao emitted, Zhao Lei's expression finally changed slightly, and a trace of gravity flashed through his eyes. He could clearly feel that the power of this strike far surpassed any of Shen Hao's previous swords. He did not dare be careless, gathering all his spiritual energy over the surface of his body. Golden light rippled outward like waves, growing increasingly dense until it enveloped his entire body and pushed his defenses to their limit.
"Kid, bring out all your strength! Let me see just how much substance this so-called dark horse of yours really has!" Zhao Lei roared, his voice shaking the heavens. Rather than continuing to defend, he charged fiercely at Shen Hao, both fists blasting out with a world-destroying force, as though he intended to break skill with strength and forcibly receive Shen Hao's sword.
Shen Hao's gaze sharpened. Instead of retreating, he advanced. This was exactly the opportunity he wanted! With Flowing Cloud Steps beneath his feet, his figure seemed to teleport, appearing before Zhao Lei in an instant. The two stood scarcely inches apart, and the force of Zhao Lei's fists nearly scraped Shen Hao's cheeks.
At that moment, the Flying Sword in Shen Hao's hand moved.
The sword thrust out, swift as lightning and carrying an unstoppable momentum, straight toward Zhao Lei's brow. This strike gathered all of Shen Hao's