Guxingzi's Heavy Sword was as weighty as a mountain. His strike held the full cultivation of a Half-Step Heavenly Monarch and more than two thousand years of insight into the sword.
Chen Changqing's Immortal Execution Sword was incomparably sharp, its killing intent honed to the utmost.
The two swords locked in midair for three breaths.
Then—
Crack.
A fissure appeared in Guxingzi's Heavy Sword.
Starting at the tip, it raced along the spine. Within a few heartbeats, cracks covered the entire blade.
"Good."
Guxingzi withdrew his sword and stepped back three paces. In his hand, the Heavy Sword shattered into a shower of iron fragments.
A thread of blood seeped from the old man's mouth, yet his expression showed heartfelt satisfaction.
"My sword lost. I concede."
He looked at the Ancient Immortal-Slaying Sword in Chen Changqing's hand, his eyes filled with pure admiration.
"Mount Shu has found itself a fine talent. Your swordsmanship has passed beyond anything this old man can measure."
With that, Guxingzi turned and left the Battle Platform.
Clean and decisive, without another word.
Chen Changqing watched him go and cupped his fists.
That clash had felt good. Guxingzi had used no dirty tricks, no gimmicks. He had let his sword speak in an open, honorable fight.
An opponent like that deserved respect.
The Battle Platform stood empty once more.
Heavenly Venerable Taixuan swept his gaze over the crowd.
"Does anyone else wish to challenge him?"
Silence.
A long silence.
Even the waves lapping against the warships could be heard clearly.
Not one person stepped forward from the warships of the major powers.
The Ji Clan had backed down.
The True Martial Immortal Sect had backed down.
The Great Chu Dynasty had backed down.
Who else dared go up?
From Title True Lords to Half-Step Heavenly Monarchs,