Faced with this earth-shattering sword strike, Fang Han's eyes widened in surprise.
The Cloudsplitter Sword was drawn, its Dark Cyan blade shimmering with a restrained brilliance as it was infused with Internal Qi. The < Void-Sundering Sword Manual > was activated, and the sword met the attack head-on.
Bai Yan looked forward to a battle with him, and he, in turn, was eager to test his skills against a master Sword Technique like Bai Yan.
Therefore, he did not unleash a stronger combat power than Bai Yan, but instead suppressed his combat power to the same " First Barrier Breakthrough " level as Bai Yan.
As for the possibility of "crashing" during the battle, could it be due to the opponent being the culprit?
It doesn't exist!
Having already cultivated his Sword Technique to a higher level, even when using Sword Technique at the same level as Bai Yan, his Sword Technique skills were far superior to Bai Yan's.
"Clang--!!!"
The two swords clashed, unleashing a deafening clang of metal against metal!
A visible shockwave emanated from the point of impact, spreading rapidly outwards and stirring up the dust on the platform, creating a murky ripple in mid-air.
The shockwave was so powerful that even the contestants standing below the stage involuntarily took a half-step back.
Both of them swayed simultaneously, each sliding backward several feet.
"You are indeed very strong!"
A sharp glint flashed in Bai Yan's eyes.
Taking a deep breath, he leaped out again, his longsword transforming into a sky full of green sword shadows, pouring down on Fang Han like a storm.
Each sword strike was condensed to the point of being tangible, carrying the unique vitality and tenacity of the Wood Sword Intent.
The sword light intertwined to form a dense, impenetrable net, completely enveloping Fang Han Han's vital points.
Instead of retreating, Fang Han advanced, his Cloudsplitter Sword drawing streaks of azure-gold light in front of him.
Driven by the Wind Sword Intent, the sword light sometimes flashed like thunder, sharp and unparalleled, and sometimes poured like mercury, penetrating everywhere.
Sword Technique against Sword Technique, Artistic Conception against Artistic Conception.
"Ding ding ding ding--!"
The clanging of metal against metal was like a rapid explosion of popping beans, with sparks flying everywhere.
The two figures rapidly crossed paths on the stage, their green and cyan-gold sword lights colliding, intertwining, and annihilating each other.
The sharp Sword Qi dissipated on the tabletop, unable to damage the white jade material that even a grandmaster would find difficult to harm, but leaving white marks on the white jade.
The murmurs in the audience had long since subsided, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the two rapidly moving figures, their breathing even seeming to slow down.
In the blink of an eye, dozens of moves had passed.
Bai Yan's Sword Technique became increasingly fierce, each strike carrying the momentum of grass and trees breaking through the soil, an unstoppable force.
The Wood Sword Intent was unleashed to its fullest extent in his hands, and the entire Combat Platform seemed to transform into a forest of wood.
However, Fang Han's sword always managed to deflect his attacks at the most dangerous moments with the most exquisite angles.
Dozens more moves passed.
Bai Yan's breathing became slightly rapid, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
He found that although his attacks were relentless, he was firmly restrained by Fang Han and could not truly break through the "barrier" formed by the sword in Fang Han's hand.
Fang Han's Sword Technique possessed a terrifying sharpness, capable of shredding anything that stood in his way.
"Laugh--!"
With a soft sound, the sleeve of Bai Yan robe was sliced open by the Cloudsplitter Sword, leaving a thin gash.
Bai Yan's pupils contracted slightly, and he retreated several feet. He glanced down at the sword mark on his sleeve, then looked up at Fang Han.
Far from showing fear, those calm eyes were filled with even stronger fighting spirit.
"Excellent Sword Technique!"
He let out a low shout, took a deep breath, and his internal Internal Qi began to circulate in an unprecedented way.
The Wood Sword Intent surged suddenly on that pale green longsword, and the blade hummed and vibrated, emitting a deep sound like the sound of pine trees.
The next instant, he thrust out his sword.
This sword strike embodied all his energy and spirit; it was his strongest strike since reaching the Second Grade Late Stage.
The sword light was like a green lightning bolt tearing through the sky, carrying an indomitable and resolute intent, heading straight for Fang Han!
Fang Han's eyes showed a slight surprise.
This sword strike was extremely powerful, demonstrating exceptional Sword Technique skills.
Although there is still a gap compared to him, it is enough to show how strong Bai Yan's talent in Sword Technique is.
"Whoosh!"
Using the Wind God Step, Fang Han drifted past the azure sword light like a gentle breeze.
At the same time, the Cloudsplitter Sword rose from below, its tip striking precisely the weakest point in the flow of power within Bai Yan's sword.
"Bite--!"
A clear, crisp sound, like jade chimes striking each other.
Bai Yan felt a tremor in his sword; the sword strike, which had been imbued with all his might, was deflected by this slight touch.
He staggered forward half a step, revealing a slight opening in the center.
In that split second, Fang Han's sword arrived.
With a flash of sword light, the tip of the Cloudsplitter Sword was firmly positioned three inches in front of Bai Yan's throat.
The chill emanating from the sword's edge caused a fine granular sheen to appear on Bai Yan's skin.
His movements froze instantly. He glanced down at the sword tip pressed against his throat, then looked up at Fang Han.
After a moment of silence, he slowly sheathed his sword, the movement slow but carrying a sense of relief.
"I lost."
He spoke, his voice calm, yet carrying a genuine sense of joy.
"This battle was exhilarating; it's been a long time since I've had such a satisfying fight."
Fang Han sheathed his sword, looked at Bai Yan, and nodded slightly.
"Your Sword Technique is also very strong. If there is an opportunity, let's fight again another day."
A faint smile appeared on Bai Yan's lips. There was no resentment in that smile, only a pure satisfaction born from meeting a worthy opponent.
"Alright, let's fight another day."
He turned around, strode off the Combat Platform, his back straight and his steps composed. Losing this battle did not seem to affect him much.
The referee, an elderly man in a red robe, spoke calmly:
" Qingyang Prefecture Fang Han, but it is victorious."
After a brief silence, the audience erupted into even more heated discussions.
" Fang Han actually won!"
"I originally thought Bai Yan had a better chance of winning, after all, he comes from Overlord-Level Faction. I didn't expect that Fang Han, who came from an ordinary background, would win in the end."
" Bai Yan is already strong enough, but Fang Han is still a notch stronger!"
"The strongest below the First Grade, Fang Han truly deserves this title!"
"That being said, his path to advancement probably ends here."
Someone suddenly spoke up, their voice carrying a hint of objective analysis.
"Tomorrow is the seventh round, the round of sixteen to eight. The Martial Arts Tournament will not allow the eight first-rank First Grade to face off in advance; they will definitely arrange for the eight first-rank First Grade to face off against the remaining eight Second Grade."
"Although Fang Han strong, he is ultimately only at the Second Grade Late Stage. The First Grade contestants he will face are also top geniuses who can fight across multiple realms. To win... it will be difficult, extremely difficult."
This statement immediately gained the approval of those around him.
Fang Han sheathed his sword, turned around, and stepped off the Combat Platform.
Eight pairs of eyes fell on him almost simultaneously, belonging to eight prodigies who had already reached the First Grade rank.
Qin Yuan stood on the left side of the crowd, his Dark Gold outfit gleaming subtly in the sunlight.
His deep eyes lingered on Fang Han for a moment before looking away, his expression remaining calm and revealing no emotion.
He remembered the name, but that was all.
Lin Qingyin stood on the other side of the crowd, her slender figure outlined in a light blue outfit.
Those clear, elegant eyes swept over Fang Han, a very faint ripple flashing in their depths before returning to silence.
She gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, without saying anything more.
Chu Jinghong stood with his hands behind his back, his moon-white robe remaining perfectly still in the wind.
His gaze lingered on Fang Han for a moment, a very subtle ripple appearing in his clear, cold eyes before quickly disappearing.
For him, the only opponents he truly cared about were Qin Yuan and Lin Qingyin.
Zhen Feixuan stood at the edge of the crowd, her white outfit highlighting her tall and graceful figure.
Her gaze lingered on Fang Han, autumn-water-like eyes.
She had witnessed every round of Fang Han's battles, from that stunning sword strike in the first round to the fierce battle with Bai Yan just now. Fang Han's combat power seemed to have no limits.
Just when you think you've reached your limit, they immediately unleash even greater power, surprising you time and time again.
"Perhaps the combat power he's displaying now isn't Fang Han's strongest?"
This thought couldn't help but cross her mind.
This was an exaggerated guess, but her intuition told her that it might be true.
"Fortunately, he's only at the Second Grade Late Stage!"
Not far from Zhen Feixuan, a young man dressed in a bright red outfit with a cold and stern face had his brows slightly furrowed.
His name is Blazing Sun, and he comes from the Blazing Flame Sect, Overlord-Level Faction in Heavenfire Prefecture, Central Thirty-Six Prefectures.
His gaze fell on Fang Han figure, and a hint of indescribable relief flashed in his fiery eyes.
If this person's cultivation level were to advance further and reach the First Grade, then he would likely become a formidable enemy that he would have to take seriously.
Another man in a dark blue robe also narrowed his eyes slightly. His name was Jiang Lan, and he came from the Emerald Wave Pavilion, Overlord-Level Faction in Azure Wave Prefecture, Central Thirty-Six Prefectures.
He watched Fang Han's retreating figure as he walked off the stage, his fingers tapping lightly twice on the hilt of his sword at his waist, silently memorizing the name.
He was secretly relieved that the other party was only at the Second Grade Late Stage.
The other two, though silent, conveyed the same emotions in their eyes.
On the seventh day, the first rays of dawn broke through.
When Fang Han stepped into the venue, the audience seats were already packed.
The stands were almost completely filled with a sea of black heads, and the noise of 100,000 spectators echoed through the venue like a tidal wave, making the air tremble slightly.
The number of participants has plummeted from 32 yesterday to 16.
The auras of the eight participants with First Grade cultivation remained as steady as an abyss, standing in various parts of the crowd like eight insurmountable mountains.
The remaining eight contestants with Second Grade cultivation levels, except for Fang Han, all looked tense.
They knew that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would most likely stop here today.
Unless the Martial Arts Tournament arranges for the eight First Grade participants to face off against each other, but such a possibility is extremely small.
The elderly man in the crimson robe slowly walked to the center of the platform, his gaze sweeping over the sixteen figures below. His voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly:
"The seventh round, the battle for the top eight, the rules remain the same: the winner advances, the loser is eliminated."
He took a scroll from his sleeve and slowly unrolled it.