Seeing Xu Qingtong's protective barrier shatter, Zhuang Shengren was overjoyed and was about to unleash another thunderous attack to defeat him. Suddenly, his heart tightened as he sensed a hint of danger. He hastily checked his movement and tried to deploy a defense, but it was already too late.
A speck of Cold Star struck his left shoulder, and a tingling numbness immediately surged through him. Then he saw Xu Qingtong slowly collapse to the ground, blood pouring incessantly from his chest.
Zhuang Shengren laughed heartily, his face full of pride as he declared, "Swallowtail Peak disciples are nothing special!"
Everyone watching below the platform froze. Wasn't this Zhuang Shengren putting on far too much of an act? His opponent was still standing perfectly well, yet there he was on the platform, laughing and showing off!
Seeing that his sneak attack with the Illusionary Shadow Clasp had succeeded, Xu Qingtong dared not delay. The Zhurong Seal flew out, transforming into a cloud of fire as it hurtled toward Zhuang Shengren.
With a bang, the Zhurong Seal struck Zhuang Shengren squarely. Like a kite with its string cut, he plummeted straight off the platform, seven or eight ribs broken and every piece of clothing on his body ablaze. He lay unconscious on the ground.
Several Sword Peak disciples rushed over in unison when they saw Zhuang Shengren fall from the platform. They kicked him furiously to stamp out the flames, then supported Zhuang Shengren, who had been roasted as black as charcoal, and hurried away. Poor Zhuang Shengren could no longer keep up his act at all.
Xu Qingtong retrieved the Illusionary Shadow Clasp, took out a Rejuvenation Talisman, and pressed it over his wound to stop the bleeding. Then he turned, saluted the presiding official with clasped hands, and walked