The Seven Sects Established, Suppressing the Present Age (Part Two) (5K)

As the four exciting matches came to a close, the atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena grew increasingly heated, with cheers and discussions rising and falling. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Clear Sky Sect each won one match, demonstrating their absolute strength to contend for the title of "Upper Three Sects". The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, though defeated, still performed admirably, with its support abilities being astonishing. The Wind Sword Sect and the Black Tortoise Sect also proved that they were qualified to be ranked among the "Lower Four Sects".

The selection process continues. The upcoming matches will mostly be between sects of similar or slightly weaker strength, aiming to further clarify the ranking of the middle and lower-tier sects.

The Cardinal stepped onto the stage again to announce the matchups, "Next match, Tang Lie, the Second Elder of the Clear Sky Sect, will face Dai Jingxuan, the Sect Master of the White Tiger Sect!"

Two Power Attack System Battle Soul Master took to the stage. Although Tang Lie was advanced in years, his level 94 Soul Power Cultivation Level, combined with the domineering power of the Clear Sky Hammer, made his attacks incredibly fierce. Dai Jingxuan's White Tiger Martial Soul was also extraordinary, fierce and sharp. The two fought fiercely for dozens of rounds, with hammer shadows and tiger roars intertwining. In the end, Tang Lie, relying on his superior Soul Power Cultivation Level and the ultimate attack power of the Clear Sky Hammer, knocked Dai Jingxuan back with a heavy hammer blow, winning a hard-fought victory.

"Next match: Azure Peak Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect versus Wind Sword Sect, Sect Master the Wind Feng Zaiyun!"

This was truly a duel between swordsmen. Qingfeng Douluo's true form was incomparably fierce, his sword intent soaring to the sky; Feng Zaiyun's sword was agile and swift, its attacks unconventional. The two transformed into sword lights, clashing at high speed on the arena, their sword energy crisscrossing, dazzling the eyes.

After a hundred moves, Azure Peak Douluo, with his deeper Soul Power and more profound understanding of swordsmanship, broke through Feng Zaiyun's protective sword aura with a wonderful move called "Azure Peak Single Ray of Sky". The tip of his sword touched Feng Zaiyun's shoulder and stopped there. Feng Zaiyun calmly admitted defeat.

Next up was the battle between the Fire Leopard Sect Master and the Sparrow Bee Sect Master. After a fierce fight, the Fire Leopard Sect Master emerged victorious.

"Next match: Elder Yu Mingfeng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will face off against Elder of the White Tiger Sect!"

However, when the name of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan appeared in the draw, the situation began to become somewhat delicate.

Yu Mingfeng was already an 88th-level Soul Douluo, possessing considerable strength. His opponent, Elder of the White Tiger Sect, was also an 88th-level Soul Douluo, known for his ferocious attacks. Everyone expected it to be a fierce battle.

Unexpectedly, at the very beginning of the match, the White Tiger Sect Elder symbolically unleashed a few Soul Skill, which were easily blocked by Yu Mingfeng. After exchanging a few more blows with Yu Mingfeng, the elder directly bowed and admitted defeat. "Elder Yu's Cultivation Level profound, I admire you and admit defeat!" The whole process took only a few minutes.

Yu Mingfeng was stunned for a moment, then shook his head helplessly and stepped off the stage. A murmur and low laughter rose from the stands.

At first, everyone assumed that the White Tiger Sect Elder were conserving their strength because they knew they were no match for the others. However, as the selection process progressed, similar situations occurred one after another.

When an 85th-level Soul Douluo Elder from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan faced off against an 84th-level Soul Douluo Elder from the Black Tortoise Sect Clan, the Black Tortoise Sect Elder only managed to withstand a dozen or so moves before shouting, "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Ultimate Skill are powerful; I humbly admit defeat!" and jumped off the stage.

When an Level 87 Elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was drawn to face an 86-level Elder of the Wind Sword Sect, the Wind Sword Sect Elder went straight up to the stage, clasped his hands in a fist salute to the referee and his opponent, and said, "I, Feng, am aware of my own limitations and dare not compete with your clan. I concede defeat in this battle!" He didn't even move his hand.

Once was a coincidence, twice was a coincidence, three times, four times... When almost everyone who encountered the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, regardless of their Cultivation Level level, chose to quickly admit defeat or only offer symbolic resistance, the atmosphere in the entire Martial Arts Arena became strange. Whispers turned into undisguised discussions and mockery.

"Hahaha, did the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan buy a kill-all bet? How come their opponents are all getting wiped out?"

"They're scared! Didn't they see how fierce the Sect Master and Young Sect Master are? Who would dare to really fight?"

"What if things escalate and they become too hostile? Besides, there's no benefit in winning even if we fight to the death. The title of 'Number One Sect Under Heaven ' will never be theirs."

"This is too ugly! The Seven Sects Selection has turned into this, it's like a theatrical performance!"

"Exactly! They have no backbone whatsoever as Soul Master! Aren't they afraid of being laughed at if word gets out?"

The jeers and doubts grew louder. In the VIP section, the other Sect Master also looked rather displeased. While their disciples' or Elder' actions stemmed from their awe of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's formidable strength and their desire to avoid unnecessary injury or depletion, to uninformed outsiders, it was indeed undignified and could even be misunderstood as "fixing the match," damaging the sect's reputation.

In the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan territory, Yu Boxuan, Yu Qingtian, and the others frowned slightly, but they were helpless. They couldn't force others to fight them at full strength, could they?

Yu Yuanchen, who had been sitting quietly and observing calmly, raised an eyebrow slightly. He naturally understood the reason: his grandfather's previous performance and his own past achievements were too dazzling, coupled with the overall strength of the sects, which made these sects wary and unwilling to needlessly expend energy or even get injured in a duel they were destined to lose. Everyone present understood that this was a sign of respect for the strong.

But as those discussions have pointed out, if the news gets out, what will those who weren't there or don't know the inside story think? Will they think the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is abusing its power, or even secretly manipulating the selection? This will be of no benefit to his plans to build prestige in the future. A sect's reputation requires honorable strength, not this kind of slightly humiliating "concession."

Thinking of this, Yu Yuanchen slowly stood up.

His movement instantly drew everyone's attention. The noisy discussions ceased abruptly, and everyone looked at the Young Sect Master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, wondering what he intended to do.

Yu Yuanchen walked calmly to the center of the arena, his gaze sweeping over the sect leaders in the VIP seats: Tang Gan of the Clear Sky Sect, Ning Zhiyuan and Azure Peak Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Feng Wind Sword Sect of the White Tiger Sect Feng Zaiyun, Dai Jingxuan of Baihu Sect, Black Tortoise Sect Shi Feng, and the sect Sect Master of the Fire Leopard Sect who had just been defeated.

He clasped his hands in a fist salute, his clear voice echoing throughout the arena. "Esteemed Sect Master and seniors, today's Seven Sects Selection was originally intended to exchange skills, determine the order, and promote the Way of Soul Master. However, in the previous rounds, my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan disciples were fortunate enough to win, but their victory was not honorable, because you all had reservations and did not give it your all. If this continues, it may attract criticism, which would violate the original intention of the selection and is not what our sect desires."

Everyone held their breath, wondering what he was up to.

Yu Yuanchen continued, "In that case, to avoid rumors and to ensure that this selection process has an outcome worthy of its significance... I have a favor to ask."

His gaze swept over Tang Gan, Ning Zhiyuan, Qingfeng, and the other seven, and he slowly said, "Please forgive my arrogance, but I wish to use this arena to challenge the Sect Master of the six sects present at the same time! Sect Master Tang of the Clear Sky Sect, Sect Master Ning and Senior Qingfeng (considered one side) of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Sect Master Wind Sword Sect of the Wind Sect Master of the White Tiger Sect, Sect Leader Shi of the Black Tortoise Sect Master, and Sect Master of the Fire Leopard Sect."

Each time he called out a name, the person's expression changed. When he said "challenge simultaneously," the entire Martial Arts Arena fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a deafening uproar!

One against seven?! And against six Sect Master, including Super Douluo like Tang Gan, Qingfeng, and Feng Zaiyun. In their eyes, this wasn't just arrogance, it was downright insane!

"Yu Yuanchen! You!" Tang Gan suddenly stood up, his eyes wide open, his face filled with shock and anger. Although he knew that Yu Yuanchen's strength was unfathomable, such behavior was simply treating all the heroes of the world as nothing!

Ning Zhiyuan, Azure Peak Douluo, and the others' expressions instantly darkened. This was blatant contempt and insult!

However, just as their anger was about to erupt, Yu Yuanchen, seemingly unintentionally yet intentionally, slightly released his aura.

There was no earth-shattering burst of Soul Power, no dazzling display of Soul Ring. Instead, a vast and imposing pressure, as deep and boundless as a mountain, quietly spread out. This pressure wasn't domineering, but it was incredibly heavy, as if the entire sky had lowered itself, causing all the Soul Master present, especially the Titled Douluo level experts, to feel their breath catch in their throats, and an indescribable tremor emanating from the depths of their souls!

Level 98!

The clear fluctuations of Soul Power struck the hearts of every powerful individual like a heavy hammer! Although they had suspected it beforehand, the shock brought by the true manifestation of this terrifying aura, far exceeding level ninety-seven, was unparalleled!

Tang Gan's angry expression froze, turning into extreme shock and disbelief. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in Ning Zhiyuan's hand trembled slightly. Azure Peak Douluo's knuckles turned white as he gripped his sword. Feng Zaiyun, Dai Jingxuan, Shi Feng, and the others were even more pale, with sweat beading on their foreheads. The Fire Leopard Sect Master's legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

Level 98! Just one step away from the legendary Level 99 Titled Douluo! This is a realm they can only look up to, and he's only in his thirties! With this level difference, the advantage of numbers seems pale and powerless.

Their burning anger was instantly extinguished by this glimpse of absolute power, leaving only a deep sense of powerlessness and... a touch of bitterness. They finally understood that Yu Yuanchen was not arrogant, but rather... possessed the confidence of absolute strength!

Yu Yuanchen concealed his aura, still smiling, and spoke sincerely, "I have absolutely no intention of belittling you all. I simply believe that this method can both showcase your strength to the world and completely quell any gossip. If I am fortunate enough to withstand a few of your moves, then my sect has won in terms of magnanimity in this selection; if I am defeated, then it proves that my sect still has shortcomings, and we are better off without the title of ' Number One Sect Under Heaven.' I wonder if you would be willing to offer your guidance?"

Having said all that, and with the gesture already made (releasing an aura to intimidate), and with a plausible reason given (to quell rumors and demonstrate strength), Tang Gan and the others, though unwilling and resentful, could no longer refuse. To refuse would mean lacking even the courage to step onto the stage and fight—that would be far more shameful than admitting defeat!

The seven exchanged glances, each seeing the complexity and resolve in the other's eyes. Tang Gan took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Very well! Since Young Master Yu has such refined tastes, we will gladly accompany you and learn from your superior skills!"

Ning Zhiyuan, Qingfeng, and the others nodded in agreement and leaped onto the arena. The seven of them spread out in a fan shape, surrounding Yu Yuanchen in the center. Although they were outnumbered, no one felt it was unfair to face a terrifying Level 98 being; on the contrary, they felt immense pressure.

"The match begins!" The Cardinal's voice trembled slightly.

Almost the instant the words fell, Yu Yuanchen moved!

Without any earth-shattering display, a faint flash of Purple-Gold light enveloped his body, and a magnificent, majestic, and streamlined Purple-Gold full-body battle armor instantly covered his entire body! Lightning patterns flowed across the armor, and the Dragon Might was contained within. This was his new form, combining the Martial Soul Avatar, the Dragon Transformation Secret Method, and the Thunderous Armament — the Martial Soul True Body Possession!

Upon entering this state, Yu Yuanchen's aura became completely concealed, yet it gave off an even more dangerous feeling, like the calm before a storm.

"Attack!" Tang Gan roared, knowing he couldn't give Yu Yuanchen a chance to defeat them one by one; they had to launch a coordinated attack! He took the lead, his Clear Sky Hammer smashing towards Yu Yuanchen's back with the force of a mountain collapsing!

Azure Peak Douluo Man-Sword Unity, transforming into a blue lightning bolt that pierced straight at his throat;

The Feng Zaiyun, transforms into a raging storm, sweeping across the lower body;

Dai Jingxuan's White Tiger Heaven-Splitting Strike aimed straight at his face;

Although Shi Feng was skilled in defense, he also conjured a huge phantom of Black Tortoise Shield, which pressed down with immense force.

Ning Zhiyuan then activated the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda with all his might, simultaneously granting all the amplification halos to his six allies;

The Fire Leopard Sect Master roared and unleashed his strongest Soul Skill, a blazing leopard shadow pouncing.

The seven of them joined forces, their attack like a raging storm, instantly engulfing Yu Yuanchen. Their Soul Power shone brightly, and the Destruction energy fluctuations caused the entire arena to groan! The spectators' hearts were in their throats; such an attack would likely have severely injured any of the Super Douluo present besides Yu Yuanchen!

However, faced with this overwhelming attack, Yu Yuanchen simply raised his hands.

With a slight press of his left hand, the Two Forms Divine Thunder was activated. A resilient yet incredibly powerful black and white lightning field spread out from him, like a swamp, abruptly slowing down Tang Gan's heavy hammer, Dai Jingxuan's tiger claw, and Shi Feng's shield strike, and weakening their power layer by layer!

With his right hand forming a sword shape, lightning gathered at his fingertips. The Annihilation Divine Thunder struck first, hitting the tip of Azure Peak Douluo's sword and the strongest point of Feng Zaiyun's sword wind with unparalleled precision!

"Break."

A single, soft word, yet it was as if the words themselves were law!

Ding! Bang!

Azure Peak Douluo felt an irresistible force flowing through the sword, his entire arm instantly went numb, Azure Peak True Body trembled violently, almost collapsing, and his body was sent flying backward! Feng Zaiyun's sword wind was directly shattered, he groaned and staggered backward!

At the same time, Yu Yuanchen moved like Gui Mei, seemingly in danger, yet always managing to avoid the most fatal attacks at the last second. His movements were concise, efficient, and precise to the extreme, as if he had already calculated the trajectory and power of every attack.

"My turn." Yu Yuanchen's voice remained calm. He flashed forward and launched his attack! His target was Tang Gan, who was the most aggressive!

"Stop him!" Ning Zhiyuan shouted urgently. Azure Peak Douluo mustered his Soul Power, and his sword light rose again. Dai Jingxuan and Feng Zaiyun also gritted their teeth and attacked.

Yu Yuanchen neither dodged nor evaded, but threw a punch! Purple-Gold Lightning condensed on his fist. It was not Soul Skill, but it contained terrifying physical strength and the Thunder Law!

Boom! The space itself seemed to distort where the fist's force passed! Qingfeng's sword light, Dai Jingxuan's tiger shadow, and Feng Zaiyun's sword energy were torn apart instantly like paper! The fist's momentum remained undiminished, heading straight for Tang Gan!

Tang Gan's pupils contracted sharply, and he held the Clear Sky Hammer horizontally in front of his chest, ready to defend with all his might!

"Thump--!!!"

A deafening roar, like the striking of a bell! Tang Gan was struck as if by lightning, sent flying with his hammer, crashing heavily into the barrier at the edge of the arena. His Blood Essence churned, and he nearly vomited blood!

In the blink of an eye, four out of seven were gone! The remaining Shi Feng, Ning Zhiyuan, and the Fire Leopard Sect Master were all horrified!

Yu Yuanchen didn't stop, his figure flashed again, and he was already in front of Shi Feng. Shi Feng roared, and the Black Tortoise Shield shone brightly, its defensive power pushed to the limit!

Yu Yuanchen pointed his fingers like a knife and lightly slashed the shield with a hand chop.

A soft cracking sound rang out, and a tiny crack appeared on Shi Feng's Black Tortoise Shield, which was known for its absolute defense! He himself was as if he had been hit hard, staggering back more than ten steps, his face deathly pale!

Yu Yuanchen didn't even look at the result, turning his gaze to Ning Zhiyuan. Ning Zhiyuan felt a chill in his heart, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda flashed with light, but Yu Yuanchen simply pointed a finger from a distance.

A condensed bolt of lightning instantly traversed space and struck the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Ning Zhiyuan was struck as if by a heavy blow; the pagoda's light dimmed instantly, and he collapsed to the ground, his body paralyzed in an instant.

Finally, his gaze fell on the Fire Leopard Sect Master, who was already terrified. The Fire Leopard Sect Master let out a strange cry, turned around, and jumped off the arena.

From beginning to end, it took less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn!

On the arena, the seven Sect Master -level experts were either lying on the ground, retreating in defeat, or standing frozen in place; none of them were able to fight anymore.

Yu Yuanchen stood with his hands behind his back, his battle armor quietly dissipating, revealing him in a blue robe. His aura was steady, as if he had just casually swatted a few flies.

The entire Martial Arts Arena was deathly silent.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, mouths agape, at the scene unfolding on the arena in disbelief. One against seven, over ten rounds, a complete victory! What an astonishing difference in strength! Level 98, and so incredibly powerful?!

After a long silence, it was broken by a roar of exclamations and frenzied shouts!

"Yu Yuanchen! Yu Yuanchen! Yu Yuanchen!"

The sound was deafening, filled with worship and awe for the absolute powerhouse!

In the VIP section, Angel Douluo Qian Chongxiao slowly opened his eyes, which had been slightly closed. He looked deeply at Yu Yuanchen, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—a mixture of amazement, solemnity, and a hint of... relief? He nodded slightly and whispered a few words to the Cardinal beside him.

The Cardinal took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, leaped onto the stage, and shouted with all his might:

"In this battle, Yu Yuanchen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan emerges victorious!"

"After joint deliberation by the Spirit Hall and notaries from all parties, and taking into account the overall strength and performance of each sect in this competition, the final rankings of the first Seven Sects Selection are as follows!"

"The foremost of the Upper Three Sects, the Number One Sect Under Heaven — the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"

"The second-ranked sect among the Upper Three Sects — the Clear Sky Sect!"

"The lowest of the Upper Three Sects — the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"

"The Lower Four Sects are, in order: Wind Sword Sect, White Tiger Sect, Black Tortoise Sect, and Fire Leopard Sect!"

"The Seven Sects have established themselves as leaders of the Soul Master World! May all sects unite as one to jointly promote the might of Martial Soul!"

The announcement marked the birth of a new order among sects on the continent! With Yu Yuanchen's absolute strength that dominated the world, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan undeniably ascended to the top as the "Number One Sect Under Heaven"!