Making Money Isn't Easy

After Clay shouted, he looked toward Qi Yan. He knew he couldn't keep going like this, or the reputation of Clay the Thunder Sword, a Nine-Star Swordsman, would be completely ruined.

For all he knew, he might even end up with some title like "Clay the Runaway King." If he ever heard a title like that, he would probably want to die.

"You head-chopping freak, let's settle this once and for all!!"

Boom—!!

Powerful magic erupted from Clay's body.

Crackle! Crackle!

Blue-white lightning coiled around Clay's body, shattering the ground around him with its strikes.

Clay assumed the stance for a quick-draw slash.

"Haahhhhh!!"

Clay let out a furious roar, magic continuously pouring from his body. He knew that competing with that monster in swordsmanship was nothing but a death wish.

If he wanted to win, his only option was to use his strongest move at the fastest possible speed and kill his opponent in a single strike.

He would have only one chance to attack. If he failed to finish his opponent in one blow, then he would be the one finished. He was staking everything on this strike.

"Ooooooh!!"

"It's here!! Clay's ultimate finishing technique!!"

"Back then, Swordsman Clay used this very move to slay a Nine-Star monster in one blow! Is he finally using it again?!"

"Thunderclap: Flash!!!"

Boom—!!

The ground beneath Clay exploded, and he shot toward Qi Yan like a bolt of lightning.

"Sun Breathing, Fourth Form: Illusory Sun Rainbow!"

Clay charged before Qi Yan. Seeing that Qi Yan was still standing where he was, an uncontrollable thrill surged through Clay's mind.

"I've won!!"

Swish—!!

Clay's sword slashed through Qi Yan's body, yet he felt no sensation of striking solid flesh.

Clay's heart skipped a beat.

"Damn it! An afterimage!!"

He himself specialized in fighting with afterimages, so he immediately guessed that he had not struck Qi Yan's true body.

"Where?! Where is he?!"

Clay hurriedly searched Qi Yan's former position, but even after looking around, he could not find Qi Yan anywhere.

Suddenly! Qi Yan's emotionless voice came from directly above him.

"Sun Breathing, Tenth Form: Glorious Grace!"

Qi Yan descended from the sky like a flaming vortex. That vortex was a high-speed spinning slash wreathed in flames.

Boom—!!

The ground exploded violently.

"Uwaaaaaah!!!"

Clay let out a scream of agony. His clothes were shredded to pieces as he was sent flying backward, crashing onto the ground and lying motionless.

"The victor has been decided!!!"

"Winner: Yoriichi Tsugikuni!!!"

"Amazing!! Absolutely amazing!! He defeated Nine-Star Swordsman Clay in a single strike! As expected of the God of Swordsmanship! Yoriichi Tsugikuni!!!"

"God of Swordsmanship!! God of Swordsmanship!! God of Swordsmanship!!"...

The entire audience shouted excitedly. Nine-Star Swordsmen had always represented the highest standard among swordsmen, and everyone believed their swordsmanship had already reached the pinnacle.

But the appearance of Yoriichi Tsugikuni had completely shattered their understanding of swordsmanship. It turned out that swordsmanship could reach such an incredible level.

"So strong!!"

Erza's eyes shone as she watched Qi Yan. She had never imagined that a person's swordsmanship could reach such heights. Even merely watching from afar, she felt that she had gained immensely.

If she could fight him, how much would her swordsmanship improve? At that moment, she desperately wanted to battle him.

Arthur clenched his fist without saying a word. His heart was equally aflame with excitement. He needed to adjust his mindset and prepare himself for his battle against this man.

He could sense that if he could defeat this opponent, both his swordsmanship and strength would enter an entirely new realm.

"Next comes the final! The match will be held in one hour! Until then, please enjoy a spectacular performance from our adorable swordsmanship beauties!!"

A group of beautiful young women in slightly revealing outfits took the stage and began performing a fiery dance.

Qi Yan returned to the waiting room, canceled his transformation, and rested properly.

"Whew! Making this money really isn't easy!!"

Fortunately, the fights had not been back-to-back. Otherwise, he definitely would have been exposed.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni consumed very little magic when he did not act, but once he started fighting, his magic drained incredibly quickly. His own magic power was still far too low.

The strength Clay had suddenly unleashed was also terrifying, even greater than Erza's.

Fortunately, Yoriichi Tsugikuni was strong enough. Otherwise, taking down that guy would have been truly difficult. This world really was full of hidden talents. He still needed to keep drawing cards.

An hour passed quickly, and Qi Yan's magic had mostly recovered.

"Everyone!! The thrilling grand final is finally upon us!!"

"Now, please welcome the two finalists to the stage!!!"

Qi Yan stepped forward, while Arthur emerged from the opposite direction.

"The two finalists are Arthur and Yoriichi Tsugikuni. There is no need to say much about Arthur—he is the strongest swordsman of our Sobeia Kingdom."

"Mr. Yoriichi Tsugikuni easily defeated two Nine-Star Swordsmen. His peerless swordsmanship showed us what it truly meant to be humbled by greater masters."

"Which of these two swordsmen will earn the title of the world's strongest swordsman? And what kind of breathtaking battle will they bring us? Let us all wait and see!!!"

"Oooooooooh!!!"

"God of Swordsmanship!! God of Swordsmanship!! God of Swordsmanship!!"

"Arthur!! Arthur!! Arthur!!"...

Everyone in the stands wildly shouted the two men's names. Meanwhile, the higher-ranked swordsmen focused with all their might, preparing to watch the battle ahead. Merely observing a clash between the greatest swordsmen could benefit them tremendously. If they were fortunate enough to gain even a little insight, they might make a breakthrough and become Nine-Star Swordsmen. This was a heaven-sent opportunity for them.

"The grand final!!!"

"Nine-Star Swordsman, the Swordsman of Light Arthur, versus the God of Swordsmanship, Yoriichi Tsugikuni!"

"Now~~~!"

"Begin—!!!"

Clang—!

The bronze gong rang, officially announcing the start of the final.

"Light's Radiance!!!"

The instant the gong rang, Arthur unleashed a massive area attack. Countless swords of light shot toward Qi Yan.

Arthur did not waste any words. Speaking at a time like this would only make his presence seem weaker. Only an unwavering belief in victory could let him unleash all of his strength.

"Sun Breathing, Sixth Form: Scorching Bone, Blazing Sun!!"

Qi Yan swung his blade, unleashing a spinning slash of solar flames. The spiraling strike shredded every sword of light.

"Flash: Cross Slash!!"

Arthur swung his sword, releasing a cross-shaped slash of light.

"Sun Breathing, Twelfth Form: Flame Dance!!"

Qi Yan also unleashed two consecutive semicircular slashes, crossing them into an X as they met the attack head-on.

Boom—!!