The capital of Cloud State was many times larger than that of the prefectural capital.
Even the Outer City walls were made entirely of White Rock, tall and magnificent.
Outside the dock, there is a river that is at least 300 meters wide.
at this time.
Warriors from all major factions gathered here.
All eyes were either on the giant ship approaching from afar or on Zhao Zhongming, who stood with his hands behind his back in front of him.
Being in the city, they knew the departure time of Jiang Shu's giant ship in advance, so they could naturally predict the time and wait here.
" The Millenary Commander has already gone there. I wonder if Jiang Shu will accept the challenge?"
"It's hard to say. He's in a bind now. If he hadn't made any threats in Azure Sky Prefecture and had come directly to the state capital, he could have simply turned back when this happened, and no one would have known. But now, he was the one who declared war first, so he can't just cower like a coward."
"Hilarious! If he really leaves, even if he climbs to a higher ranking later, he'll still be known as a coward. By the way, I bet Jiang Shu three rounds and lost. I think this life-or-death duel is just a publicity stunt. Both sides seem to be from the Danxia Merchant Guild. Even if they have a grudge, it wouldn't be to the point of a life-or-death struggle. The Chamber of Commerce wouldn't agree to it anyway. After all, to get to this point, Jiang Shu is actually quite a genius."
"Hehe, I'm about the same. I lost after ten rounds. I still have high hopes for Jiang Shu. He defeated Tang Yujian, who had already used his forbidden technique, in one move. His strength is quite good. He should be able to last a while longer."
Zhao Chengxuan stood at the very front. He took a deep breath and stared intently at a small boat in the distance, his heart pounding like a drum.
Compared to the martial artists behind him, he most wanted Jiang Shu to accept the challenge.
This time, with my cousin taking action, there will definitely be no surprises.
"In times of great importance, one must remain calm. After this battle, you must further cultivate your inner strength."
Zhao Zhongming spoke calmly, carrying his long spear and listening to his cousin's heartbeat beside him, before taking a step forward. With his sharp eyesight, he could clearly see Jiang Shu standing at the bow of the boat, signing a life-or-death wager.
Signature already signed.
Then I can take this life myself!
" Jiang Shu, you are doomed!"
Zhao Chengxuan's eyes gleamed with barely concealed excitement as he watched his cousin leave, his breathing quickening. The other martial artists also ceased their discussions; some couldn't resist watching, while others turned to call their friends to come and join the spectacle.
Zhao Zhongming and Jiang Shu are definitely among the top dozens of geniuses on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings.
Such a life-or-death duel would naturally not take place on the arena in the state capital.
Ultimately, ring battles have various limitations.
The residual force of the True Force alone is enough to collapse countless houses.
Therefore, the life-or-death battle can only take place outside the state capital!
On this vast river!
Zhao Zhongming walked slowly, the True Force beneath his feet condensing into lines True Force rapidly expanded forward. His spear also lightly traced the water's surface, its boundless power gradually gathering within it.
Although he has not yet fully comprehended the Superior Grade Cultivation Method, he is unable to draw upon the Origin Qi of heaven and earth.
But I can already sense the vast vitality of heaven and earth.
Every step taken is an adjustment of one's own momentum, bringing one into greater harmony with heaven and earth.
" Jiang Shu ..."
Vice President Jiang couldn't help but speak again. As a member of the Danxia Merchant Guild, he was well aware of the strength of the twenty-second-ranked member on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings.
He still hoped that Jiang Shu would consider it carefully.
A moment of patience will bring calm.
Many martial arts geniuses have died in a moment of impulsiveness.
"Thank you, Chairman Jiang, for watching over the package for me a little longer."
Jiang Shu turned around and smiled, holding his battle sword, and leaped off the bow of the ship. A huge whirlpool, like the shell of a giant turtle, appeared beneath his feet.
He casually tossed the Little Five Elements Sword Formation into it and hid it.
Although this Treasure Artifact is powerful, he acquired it through auction, which could easily expose his identity. If he can avoid using it, he should try not to.
He walked away step by step.
The giant ship slowly veered away, leaving ample space for the two to fight.
" Jiang Shu! In Yongning Prefecture, you first insulted my cousin and shattered his martial arts aspirations; in Azure Sky Prefecture, you showed no remorse and insulted my friend, then challenged me to a duel. Today, I challenge you to a life-or-death duel, a fight to the death, with no clear winner or loser. Do you dare?"
Zhao Zhongming's aura grew stronger and stronger, and behind him, five water columns, like ferocious dragons, appeared.
His words are always profound truths.
Righteous and awe-inspiring.
Standing on a moral high ground, they want to directly define Jiang Shu's crime.
A battle of martial arts is not simply a contest of skill levels.
Victory is influenced by many factors; whoever gains the advantage is the one who wins first.
Jiang Shu's ability to defeat Tang Yujian in one move indicates that he must possess some extraordinary skills.
He certainly wouldn't underestimate them.
"Spreading rumors and barking wildly."
Shaking his head, Jiang Shu had no intention of explaining; his eyes were fixed only on Zhao Zhongming.
Without a doubt, Zhao Zhongming was the most powerful enemy he had ever encountered since he came into this world.
When it comes to Cultivation Method, " Five Flood Dragons Viscera Melting Force " ranks higher than his " Four Symbols Viscera Transformation Force ".
In terms of cultivation level, Zhao Zhongming entered the late stage of the Blood Exchange Realm much earlier, and his blood has now been condensed. It's unknown how much Essence Blood is stored within him, or what kind of immense power it will unleash once he uses a forbidden technique.
But so what? It's all about fighting!
His body was as large as a giant pill, and the Alloy Battle Blade in his hand was as easy to wield as an extension of his arm.
Four Seasons Swordplay
Spring Rain.
Jiang Shu Big Dipper, and countless water droplets rose from the water's surface, falling like raindrops. A stunningly beautiful blade of light burst forth from the rain curtain.
He came to the state capital with many things to do.
Killing Zhao Zhongming was just the first thing they did.
"Stubborn to the end!"
"Go!"
Zhao Zhongming snorted coldly, and the five dragon-shaped water columns that had been gathering behind him blasted away at once.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
The force of the blade collided with the water column, and the calm water surface was as if it had been detonated by a bomb, blasting some fish into the air.
"Not bad swordsmanship, but that's about it!"
When Jiang Shu's blade energy shattered the five water columns.
Zhao Zhongming finally raised his spear.
His spear was taller than a man, its entire shaft crafted from Millennium Sea Rock Jade. While slightly lacking in flexibility, it possessed unparalleled strength and power. Combined with Meteor Sea Gold, capable of forging Treasure Artifact, the sheer force it could unleash was unimaginable!
He simply swung the gun lightly.
The entire world seemed to be filled with only this one azure blue spear shadow, as if it pierced through all space and all barriers.
The water droplets in mid-air were rapidly evaporated, forming wisps of mist. Under the shadow of the gun, they resembled a mist tornado, creating an astonishing spectacle. They swiftly carved a long crack across the entire water surface, with countless fish corpses mixed in, vast and overwhelming.
Jiang Shu's stunning sword light and blade power were overshadowed by the shadow of the gun.
All were pulverized.
"Use the forbidden technique, or you will surely die."
Zhao Zhongming's voice was cold.
He knew that Jiang Shu must have learned forbidden techniques to have been able to leave Yongning Prefecture. But in such a short time, he figured he had only just begun to grasp the basics.
In his eyes, a forbidden technique that could boost combat power by 50% was not worth mentioning.
Killing Jiang Shu is like killing a chicken or slaughtering a dog.
The only thing to consider is how to rebuild my cousin's martial arts spirit!
He was holding back his full strength for the time being, also because he wanted his cousin to see what was going on.
What truly defines a martial arts genius?
He wanted to defeat Jiang Shu time and time again.
Make contributions within the Great Elder's faction!
To the Zhao Family's reputation!
To rebuild my cousin's passion for martial arts!
"Have you Zhao Family family members always been this confident?"
Black Tortoise True Strength.
Four Seasons Swordplay, Winter Snow.
The mist swirled, moving at a visible speed amidst this icy blade. The mist condensed into shards of ice, which fell to the ground and vanished in an instant, leaving only a spear shadow, hurtling towards them with lightning speed.
The Four Seasons Swordplay, Autumn Wind.
The waves surged like a storm, and the world seemed desolate and bleak.
Jiang Shu unleashed two slashes, his figure neither dodging nor flanking, his voice neither hurried nor slow.
"Someone at the bottom of the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings has the right to criticize me?"
As soon as Zhao Zhongming stepped onto the water, his entire figure resembled a dragon stirring up wind and rain, and a blue spear shadow shot out from the water curtain.
"Once you've hit them, you'll know if it's enough."
"Boom!"
The Alloy Battle Blade clashed with the spear for the first time.
The True Force, originating from the center, bursts out in all directions, with bursts of residual energy exploding on the water's surface.
"You didn't learn the Five Flood Dragons Viscera Melting Force? It seems I overestimated you."
The moment they clashed, his true strength became clear. Zhao Zhongming's clothes ripped open, his veins bulged like dragons, and every hair stood on end. An exaggerated Qi and Blood erupted from his body. His spear skills were already at Furnace Fire.
Each clash between the spear and the sword would chip a small nick in the sword.
The Cultivation Method is inferior.
In terms of martial arts, he is inferior.
The weapons are inferior.
Jiang Shu is doomed!
The battle was naturally observed by the warriors on both sides.
On the giant ship, Tang Yujian was overjoyed. No one knew what kind of life he had been living these past few days!
He didn't hate Zhao Zhongming, who had sent him to the Danxia Merchant Guild.
But he hated Jiang Shu.
If it weren't for Jiang Shu, I would have been the one admired by everyone in Azure Sky Prefecture back then!
Vice President Jiang looked anxious and worried, yet powerless to do anything about it.
The gap is huge.
Jiang Shu, you've overestimated yourself.
The spear in Zhao Zhongming's hand was no ordinary weapon. Even the branch of the Yanding Merchant Guild in Azure Sky Prefecture might not be able to produce a sword that could rival this spear.
Countless martial artists began to shake their heads.
Everyone could see that Jiang Shu was already at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, the martial artists from the state capital on the dock were all beaming with joy. Most of them had bet on Zhao Zhongming to win. Although it was inevitable and they wouldn't make much extra money, winning was still a happy thing.
Zhao Chengxuan clenched his fists, imagining himself as his cousin Zhao Zhongming, wielding a long spear and beating Jiang Shu to a pulp.
Let this nightmare of the past be shattered into pieces of flesh and blood, and vanish into the world.
Chu Xisheng, who had been watching the fight for a while, sighed deeply. If it weren't for the fact that it was a life-or-death duel signed under the watchful eyes of everyone, he would have certainly intervened, considering his past pleasant conversation with Brother Jiang. Although, Zhao Zhongming had improved again.
But if he wanted to stop it, it wouldn't be a problem at all.
What a pity.
"The knife is shattered! Jiang Shu, why haven't you surrendered yet!"
"You're just at the bottom of the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings, how could you know my strength! My cousin once said you could manipulate the Origin Qi of heaven and earth, but now it seems that was just an exaggeration. I'm almost at the point of comprehending Superior Grade Cultivation Method and have fully sensed the Origin Qi of heaven and earth. Even without weapons, I can crush you with my bare fists!"
Zhao Zhongming burst into laughter.
Before him, Jiang Shu's sword was completely shattered by the spear, breaking in two!
Jiang Shu, it's over!
Everyone seemed to have foreseen the outcome.
The Millenary Commander of the Sky Patrol Guard, who had witnessed the life-or-death duel, also sighed and prepared to collect the body.
At this moment, looking at the Alloy Battle Blade that had been with him for who knows how long, Jiang Shu suddenly shook his head and smiled, then let go of the sword, which sank to the bottom of the river.
"Don't tell me you only sensed the Origin Qi of heaven and earth..."
"Even if you truly enter the Aperture Opening Realm, so what?"
He said softly.
The vortex beneath their feet grew larger and larger, and an Formation Disk appeared.
He really didn't want to use this trump card unless absolutely necessary.
"This is..."
Zhao Zhongming's laughter paused, and his brows suddenly furrowed. He didn't know what this Formation Disk was, but he could clearly sense that Jiang Shu's aura had suddenly changed.
The Origin Qi of heaven and earth gathered as Jiang Shu turned his palm over and over.
The five precious Treasure Blade in the Formation Disk suddenly unsheathed and floated into the air.
"Playing tricks!"
With a loud shout, Zhao Zhongming suddenly retreated, creating distance, and his Essence Blood instantly ignited.
Forbidden Technique!
A roaring wave followed the burst of gunfire.
Middle-Grade Martial Art.
Thousand Shadow Overlapping Waves Spear!
Countless tiny waves piled up one after another amidst the shadows of gunfire, numbering in the hundreds in just a few breaths.
The waves rose higher and higher, like a dragon raising its head.
He had no idea what Jiang Shu was doing.
But his intuition told him that this time, he had to play all his cards!
" Spring Rain, Summer Thunder, Autumn Wind, Winter Snow, this is the Four Seasons Swordplay. But the Four Seasons Swordplay can also Limit Break."
Jiang Shu murmured to himself, finally accumulating that last bit of proficiency from the previous battle.
Four Seasons Swordplay
Limit Break.
Five Elements Swordplay.
The Four Symbols True Strength covers the four precious Treasure Blade.
The Azure Dragon roared in fury.
The red Vermilion Bird chirps.
The White Tiger roared.
Black Tortoise remained silent.
The four Treasure Blade spun rapidly, and the Essence Blood within Jiang Shu's body instantly ignited.
Forbidden techniques, I also possess.
It's a pity that my " Four Symbols Viscera Transformation Force " hasn't Limit Break yet; otherwise, this time, I would have unleashed all five strikes at once.
Jiang Shu stood on the crest of the wave.
Facing Zhao Zhongming's ultimate attack.
The four blades spun, their True Force overwhelming the sea, their primordial Origin Qi surging forth!
"Boom!"
Thousand Shadow Overlapping Waves Spear!
Five Elements Swordplay!
Guns and knives clashed once again.
This time, however, Jiang Shu's sword flashed as brilliantly as a comet streaking across the sky.
Whether they were warriors on the dock or on the giant ship, all they could see in their eyes were the four-colored blades.
With a single strike, the Meteor Sea Gold clashed violently with the tip of the spear, causing a spark to erupt like a volcano.
Two blades blocked the entire shaft of the spear, which was made of Millennium Sea Rock Jade. At the junction of the blades and the shaft, there were two clearly visible blade marks on the shaft!
One more strike, and it will cleave through a thousand waves.
" Zhao Zhongming, I have one more strike left, how can you block it!"
Jiang Shu shouted out, his feet planted on the Big Dipper, and the last floating Treasure Blade was like a central emperor, majestic and awe-inspiring.
"No!"
Zhao Zhongming finally realized the final danger.
He unleashed all his True Force at this moment to resist in front of him.
However, this strike was too fast, too fierce, and too direct!
How could he, unarmed, possibly resist?
Layer upon layer of True Force.
It broke in an instant.
This slash struck right between the eyebrows!
Blood, spilled into the river, created an extremely beautiful color.
"Pfft..."
Jiang Shu took a few steps forward and sheathed the Treasure Blade in his hand.
He channeled his True Force, gripped the spear, and with a single stroke severed Zhao Zhongming's head. Amidst the horrified gazes of the crowd, he strode across the waves and landed on the dock.
At this moment, everyone was still immersed in the shocking flash of the blade.
Unable to react in time.
He looked at Zhao Chengxuan, who was staring blankly, and said in a low voice, "Your cousin talks too much nonsense."
A cold, indifferent voice, like a demon, entered Zhao Chengxuan's ears.
The nightmare in my heart has risen again.
More powerful, more irresistible!
Zhao Chengxuan suddenly lost control of his mind and collapsed to the ground.
A life-or-death duel that has captured the world's attention.
Jiang Shu wielded his knife, beheading people, and rode the waves into the city.
He ranked twenty-second on the Little Dragon-Tiger Rankings.