After a brief silence, the audience erupted into thunderous applause and unprecedented cheers, acclaiming the spectacular duel.
Chen Xiaojun stood before Xue Shiming, breathing heavily. Exhaustion showed on his face, yet an indescribable sense of accomplishment welled up within him.
But he knew he had won this battle.
His voice was clear and gentle, without the slightest ripple of excitement. "Your Highness, thank you for the match."
Chen Xiaojun gently put away the Chun Jun Sword in his hand. The blade gave a faint hum, as though bringing the battle to a perfect close.
Xue Shiming was also struggling to catch his breath. He could feel the lingering aftermath of their soul power clashing in the air. Though unwilling to accept it, he knew he had lost.
He raised his head and looked straight at Chen Xiaojun, admiration in his voice. "Your soul skills truly exceeded my expectations. Even your second soul skill is a thousand-year soul skill. And its effect was a real eye-opener-it caught me completely off guard."
Chen Xiaojun smiled modestly. "Your Ice Seal Miles was extraordinary as well. Had I not happened to cultivate the Yang-Rigid Heart Method, I fear I would already be lying beneath your ice crystals."
Xue Shiming shook his head lightly, his expression composed. "I never imagined my first defeat would come here in Fasinuo Province, much less at your hands, when your soul power is nine levels below mine."
Chen Xiaojun waved a hand and smiled gently. "Victory and defeat are commonplace in battle. Today's victory was merely a stroke of luck."
Xue Shiming disagreed. "Luck? On a real battlefield, strength like yours would have been enough to kill me. I accept today's defeat wholeheartedly."
He paused, seemingly reaching a decision. A solemn look crossed his face as he asked, "Brother