Mu Chen unleashed a sword strike containing every ounce of his strength, hurtling viciously toward Su Ling like a burning meteor streaking across the heavens. The strike surged with tremendous momentum, compressing the air violently in its wake and sending rings of visible spiritual energy rippling outward. Su Ling's expression grew grave; he knew full well how formidable this blow was. He stamped both feet hard against the ground, and powerful spiritual energy poured from his soles into the surrounding space. A crystalline Spiritual Energy Shield instantly appeared around him, its surface shimmering with intricate runes that flowed continuously, strengthening its defenses. At the same time, his hands rapidly formed seals as he murmured an incantation. Strands of spiritual energy flew from his hands like threads, weaving into a vast net before him. Mu Chen's sword collided with Su Ling's shield and net, unleashing an earth-shaking roar. Light blazed so fiercely that the surrounding spectators could not help closing their eyes. The tremendous impact swept outward in every direction like surging waves, making some of the smaller spiritual energy restrictions in the square tremble. At the instant of collision, Mu Chen felt an immense recoil travel along his blade. The web between his thumb and forefinger went numb, and his arm felt as though it would snap. Yet he gritted his teeth, with only one conviction in his heart: I have to break through! He poured his soul power into the sword without reservation, fusing it with his spiritual energy to strengthen the blow. Su Ling was suffering as well. Although he had successfully blocked Mu Chen's attack, cracks had already appeared in his shield under the tremendous impact. The vast net also began to falter, its interwoven strands of spiritual energy snapping one after another beneath the enormous force. His face turned pale, beads of sweat the size of beans appeared on his forehead, and the drain on his spiritual energy left him feeling weak. After a brief deadlock, Mu Chen's sword finally broke through Su Ling's net and continued thrusting toward the shield. With a pfft, the blade pierced the shield, and the fierce friction between spiritual energy and shield produced a shrill sound. Su Ling was alarmed; he had not expected Mu Chen's attack to be so relentless. He hastily increased his spiritual energy output, trying to repair the shield, but Mu Chen gave him no opportunity. A glint of resolve flashed in Mu Chen's eyes. He gathered his strength once more and unleashed all the spiritual energy remaining in his body. Like a raging river bursting its banks, that power poured ceaselessly into the sword. The blade shone even more brilliantly, its force growing stronger as it tore an opening in the shield through sheer might. Seeing this, Su Ling knew he could no longer remain on the defensive. A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes, and he decided to risk everything on one attempt. He suddenly withdrew some of the spiritual energy from his shield, gathered it in his palm, and struck toward Mu Chen's blade. That palm strike contained his powerful spiritual energy and its unique attributes. If it landed, not only would Mu Chen's sword be knocked back, but Mu Chen himself would also suffer severe internal injuries. Mu Chen sensed Su Ling's intent, but he had no way to retreat now. Rather than dodge, he charged straight into Su Ling's attack. Just as Su Ling's palm was about to strike the blade, Mu Chen abruptly changed the sword's direction, sliding it aside to evade the frontal blow. At the same time, he used the force of the impact to spin his body and kick toward Su Ling. Su Ling had not expected such a deft response from Mu Chen. He tried to dodge, but it was already too late. Mu Chen's kick landed squarely in his abdomen, and its tremendous force sent him flying. Su Ling spat a mouthful of blood in midair, his body sailing backward like a kite with its string cut. But Su Ling was, after all, a powerful cultivator. The instant he landed, he forcibly steadied himself. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes burning with anger and unwillingness to accept defeat. Without the slightest hesitation, he charged at Mu Chen again. He unleashed an even fiercer attack, his hands becoming blurs as countless spiritual energy palm imprints slammed toward Mu Chen. Each imprint contained powerful spiritual energy, enough to pulverize a massive boulder. After his previous attack, Mu Chen's spiritual energy was already severely depleted. Yet he faced Su Ling's assault without a trace of fear. He quickly regulated his breathing and mobilized his remaining spiritual energy, forming a thin shield over his body. At the same time, he used his movement technique to weave through the gaps between the palm imprints. His figure moved with ghostlike agility, evading Su Ling's attacks again and again. As he dodged, Mu Chen discovered that although Su Ling's attacks were ferocious, his earlier injury had disrupted the flow of his spiritual energy. Flaws had also appeared in his attack rhythm. Mu Chen seized his chance. Just after Su Ling launched another round of attacks, he suddenly charged toward him. Su Ling was startled; he had not expected Mu Chen to take the offensive at this moment. He tried to redirect his attack, but it was already too late. Mu Chen deftly evaded his frontal assault, then punched toward his chest. The punch looked ordinary, yet it carried the last of Mu Chen's spiritual energy and his indomitable will. With a bang, the fist struck Su Ling heavily in the chest. Su Ling's eyes widened in utter disbelief. His body flew backward again and crashed heavily to the ground. This time, he no longer had the strength to stand. His spiritual energy was exhausted, and his body had suffered grievous injuries. Mu Chen also sank to one knee as his spiritual energy ran dry, panting heavily and drenched in sweat. Yet his eyes shone with the joy of victory. He had finally won this bitter battle. The surrounding spectators were stunned by the spectacular fight. A moment later, thunderous applause and cheers erupted across the square. They were won over by Mu Chen's tenacity and brilliant performance. This was undoubtedly the most spectacular battle of the Spirit Road competition. Mu Chen's companions were even more excited. They rushed forward and helped him to his feet. "Mu Chen, you were amazing! We knew you would win!" "Yes, that fight was so dangerous! We were all sweating for you." Mu Chen smiled at his companions, knowing how hard-won this victory had been. It was not merely a demonstration of his strength, but a triumph of his indomitable will to never give up against a powerful opponent. Supported by his companions, he slowly left the competition grounds, ready to face the next round of challenges. He knew that many more hardships and challenges awaited him along the path of the Spirit Road competition, but he was no longer afraid.
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