As his words fell, he, the other Saint Realm experts, and the Heavenly Origin Sacred Land masters maintaining order all retreated farther away. Their auras blanketed the entire arena, both to prevent the aftershocks from spreading and to ensure that no one interfered.
On the vast bluestone arena, only Gu Sheng and Shi Wufeng remained, facing each other from afar.
The air seemed to have completely frozen at that moment. Countless gazes from within and beyond the valley focused on the arena.
A life-and-death battle between opponents of vastly unequal strength, yet one that tugged at the thoughts of many parties, was about to begin!
Shi Wufeng was the first to respond to the Myriad Phenomena Holy Lord's inquiry. His voice was thunderous, carrying deliberately displayed confidence and arrogance.
"This Holy Son has no objections!"
Then, his gaze, like two icy awls, stabbed viciously toward Gu Sheng, who still stood opposite him with his hands behind his back and a calm expression. A cruel curve rose at the corner of his mouth, and his voice carried undisguised killing intent and condescending charity.
"Gu Sheng! The arena has been opened, and the rules have been set! If you kneel and kowtow now, repent and beg forgiveness from my Myriad Phenomena Sacred Land, and swear a Heart Demon Oath to serve as a slave of the Sacred Land for all eternity, then for the sake of your talent, this Holy Son may spare your worthless life and accept you into the Sacred Land as the lowest-ranking menial disciple! What do you say?"
These words were both humiliation and psychological pressure, meant to crush Gu Sheng's will before the battle even began.
Yet Gu Sheng showed no anger. Instead, a faintly amused smile appeared on his face.
He raised his eyes and calmly