Before the Trial Tower

As he pondered, he watched the battle. "Interesting... Feng Rulin's martial strength was clearly a notch weaker than Yang Zhi's, yet he had been suppressing Yang Zhi the entire time. He must have planned it out before issuing the challenge. His abilities probably happened to counter Yang Zhi's techniques."

Just as Yang Chen's thought fell into place, the match seemed to be drawing to a close.

Feng Rulin fought ever more fiercely, his momentum rising higher and higher. He showed no mercy in his attacks. Meanwhile, Yang Zhi's momentum grew weaker with every exchange. His true qi seemingly could no longer support him against Feng Rulin's moves!

"Defeat!" Feng Rulin roared.

"Not good." Yang Zhi's expression changed drastically. He saw a storm of true qi sweeping toward him and tried to resist, but could not. He retreated step by step.

When there was nowhere left to retreat, Yang Zhi could only stop. He spat out a mouthful of blood, then collapsed to the ground.

Feng Rulin finished his attack, deeply pleased with the outcome. A trace of delight flashed in his eyes, yet he still hypocritically tossed out, "You let me win!"

A vicious glint flashed through Yang Zhi's eyes. Clearly, he bore resentment toward Feng Rulin, though he did not reveal it on his face.

"Haha, well done!" Delight appeared on the faces of the Eastern Emperor Sect's higher-ups.

"This Feng Rulin is also a top-tier genius."

"Feng Rulin must have been unwilling to let Yang Chen steal all the limelight, so he stepped forward as well."

"I'd say Feng Rulin is fully capable of standing proud above the masses!"

"Don't say that too soon. Have you forgotten Wu Sheng, the genius sent by the imperial court?"

"This... I nearly forgot about him."

Hearing this, everyone recalled Wu Sheng,