Some of those at the upper ancient realm late stage also chose to hold back their strength. They only needed to ensure they could enter the next round.
Those who were weaker, by contrast, gave it everything they had, both to show what they could do and to ensure they advanced to the next round.
They had no room to hold back.
"That brat really does love stealing the limelight." An expert at the upper ancient realm peak could not help stopping when he saw Huang Xiao continue forward.
With his strength, he could actually have continued, but he chose to give up.
He still wanted to compete for that final spot, so keeping his true strength hidden was the wiser choice.
The final contest would draw the most attention. It would not be too late to unleash his true strength then.
"Bastard! That damned Yang Chengmu-is he trying to get me killed?" Zhou Sihai cursed inwardly.
He was now standing roughly fifty feet from Zhuang Chen as well.
But he was different from Huang Xiao. Although Huang Xiao faced considerable pressure at this distance, he could still withstand it.
Zhou Sihai's body trembled slightly. He was barely managing.
He could hold on at this distance for a while, but not for long.
After holding on briefly, Zhou Sihai retreated ten feet. Once there, he found that much of the pressure on him immediately dissipated.
Here, he could withstand it without difficulty.
At that moment, he could not help looking at Huang Xiao again.
Earlier, when Yang Chengmu asked him to help deal with Huang Xiao, he had readily agreed.
That was because he was still very confident in his own strength. If he unleashed his full power, he should be able to reach the primordial ancient realm early stage.