"Bai Xiuqi of the Celestial River Sword Sect requests a bout with Senior Brother Gu Changming, ranked twelfth on the Star Ranking."
Bai Xiuqi's words rang out.
Among the top thirty on the Star Ranking, a middle-aged man stepped forward, sword qi soaring skyward from his body.
The next instant.
He leaped onto the arena and cupped his fists. "Junior Brother Bai, please."
A two-pattern magical artifact flying sword appeared in Gu Changming's hand, its surface radiating fire-type spiritual energy.
"Senior Brother Gu, please go easy on me."
The two began exchanging blows.
In the other arena.
After some consideration, Si Shurong chose Le Ying, ranked eighteenth on the Star Ranking.
Le Ying landed in the arena and nodded slightly. "Be careful, Junior Sister Si.
I won't be holding back."
"Senior Sister Le, please!"
On Bai Xiuqi's side, an earth-type sword art clashed with a fire-type sword art.
Gu Changming slashed, and crimson sword qi swept out like a ribbon of silk.
Bai Xiuqi used Mystic Steps to dodge sideways. His earth-type flying sword swept across defensively, spreading an ocher Sword Screen before him.
The crimson sword qi struck the Sword Screen with a sizzling hiss, scattering sparks everywhere.
Then,
Gu Changming drove his magic power furiously, his sword strikes flowing without pause, each faster than the last.
Crimson sword qi poured down like a torrential rainstorm.
Bai Xiuqi fought as he retreated, focusing on defense while seeking an opening to counterattack.
At first, both were merely testing each other.
But to the watching disciples, it was already an exceptionally fierce battle.
"They're closely matched."
The First Sun Sect elder's gaze flickered slightly. "Fellow Daoists, who do you think will win?"
"It all depends on whether young friend Gu's fire-type sword art can break through his opponent's defenses.
If he