Ling Feng swept his sword back to block. A crisp clang rang out. Though he stopped the force of the finger strike, the scorching true essence within it sent his blood and qi churning and drove him back three steps.
"Excellent!"
Cheers erupted from the Primordial Yang Dao Sect's side.
"Senior Brother Ling Feng!"
The Great Void Sword Sect's disciples, meanwhile, looked worried.
Yuanyangzi had gained a slight advantage in the opening exchange!
"Impressive skills, fellow Daoist!"
Ling Feng steadied himself, his expression grave.
He drew a deep breath, held the Ancient Sword upright before him, and ran two fingers of his left hand along its blade.
As his fingertips passed over it, the runes on the Ancient Sword lit up one after another. An even sharper, more ethereal sword intent began to gather.
"Taixu-Selfless Sword!"
With a low shout, Ling Feng seemed to merge with his sword, becoming a world-shaking sword rainbow that flickered between existence and nothingness. Every sword cultivator present turned to look as it stabbed straight at Yuanyangzi!
This was an exceedingly profound move within Taixu sword intent, demanding Unity of Man and Sword-with nothing remaining in one's world save the sword!
"You're no slouch either!"
Feeling the threat of that strike, Yuanyangzi's expression changed as well.
He dared hold nothing back. His hands rapidly formed seals, and the golden core within him spun furiously. The Primordial Yang True Fire around him changed from crimson to blazing white, its temperature soaring!
"Nine Suns Burning Heaven!"
He roared. Nine blazing white fireballs appeared behind him, revolving and merging until they became a vast white sun that seemed capable of burning all things to ashes, rushing to meet the selfless sword rainbow!
The ultimate collision of sword and fire!
There was no deafening crash, only a burst of