Lu Xueqi and Bi Yao (79)

The next day, between seven and nine in the morning.

A sea of people surrounded the Number One main arena. After Su Han had shattered the Sword Puppet yesterday and still advanced despite being afflicted by the Demonic Seed, the attention on him had reached new heights. Many wanted to see just how far this Qingyun Sect youth, who had created so many miracles, could go against a stronger Xuantian Sect prodigy with an entirely different fighting style while carrying such a hidden danger within him.

Su Han stepped onto the stage right on time.

Across from him, Zhao Jinglei had been waiting for quite a while.

He was a tall young man in his early twenties, dressed in Xuantian Sect's signature dark-blue robe. Silver lightning patterns were embroidered along his sleeves and collar. His features were resolute, his brows thick and his eyes fierce. Every strand of his short hair stood upright, making him seem full of vigor. Simply standing there, he possessed the bearing of a deep pool and towering mountain. Fine arcs of lightning flickered around him, and a faint scent of ozone permeated the air.

"Xuantian Sect, Zhao Jinglei." Zhao Jinglei cupped his fists, his voice booming like a great bell. He looked openly at Su Han, without disdain or hostility, only pure fighting intent.

"Qingyun Sect, Su Han." Su Han returned the gesture.

"I watched your battle yesterday," Zhao Jinglei said bluntly. "Trading injury for injury, striking at the enemy's core—decisive and fearless. Your wounds have yet to heal, and I would rather not take advantage of you. But this is the tournament arena, concerning both the honor of our sects and our own opportunities. I will not hold back. If you believe you are no match for me, say so."

Su Han smiled faintly.