Sharpness Revealed · Murderous Undercurrents

At the elder's command, a golden light screen appeared high in the sky, and the names of the twenty disciples flashed one by one. The light screen slowly rotated, and the pairs appeared one by one.

"Match 1 - Zhao Xinyu vs. Ye Chengfeng!"

"Second match – Yang Zheng vs. Bai Ruolin!"

"Match 3 - Han Qing vs. Lin Ce!"

"Fourth match – Mo Xuan vs. Su Bai!"

"Match 5 - Qin Yu vs. Xun Qing!"

When the results of the fifth draw were announced, the entire venue erupted in cheers.

Xun Qing, a renowned Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm from the outer sect, once defeated ten enemies with a single spear in previous competitions, earning him the nickname "Outer Sect Silent Spear," and no one dared to provoke him directly. His opponent at this moment was none other than Qin Yu, who had risen to fame and won a series of victories in just a few months.

"Middle Stage of the Soul Foundation Realm challenging a peak- Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm? That's suicide!"

"Hiss... Qin Yu is powerful, but he's a whole realm below; it's almost impossible for him to win!"

"Hmph, this is probably a trap secretly set by Luo Chuan, Xun Qing will show no mercy."

Below the arena, Xun Qing slowly raised his head, his eyes fixed on Qin Yu like cold iron, spear in hand, killing intent surging. "Qin Yu, I've been waiting for this battle for a long time."

Qin Yu simply smiled faintly, his gaze calm and unwavering. "Is that so? Then let's go."

In the first match, on the arena, spiritual light array patterns lit up, and a golden light curtain covered the area.

Ye Chengfeng, a renowned fast swordsman from the outer sect, also possessed the cultivation of the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm. His sword strikes were as swift as the wind, and his movements were extremely fast. His expression was cold, and with a flick of his longsword, sword light scattered like a sudden rain, dense and impenetrable. The sword aura was overwhelming, as if it wanted to shroud Zhao Xinyu in a dense net.

Instead of retreating, Zhao Xinyu advanced, her eyes flashing with cold light, her Spiritual Sense fully unleashed.

With a flick of her fingertip, a transparent yet sharp beam of soul energy instantly condensed, forming an invisible blade in the air—

Soul Blade Void-Breaking Art, First Level: Soul Blade First Appearance!

With a soft murmur, Zhao Xinyu suddenly waved her hand.

Boom!

An invisible soul blade tore through the air, its crescent-shaped light slashing out and striking Ye Chengfeng's sword curtain.

The moment the sword light clashed with the soul blade, the air shattered like glass, and the sonic boom made the audience dizzy. Ye Chengfeng's sword curtain was actually torn open, and the invisible soul blade passed through the sword formation and slashed at his shoulder!

"Ah--!"

Ye Chengfeng groaned, blood splattering from his shoulder, and staggered back three zhang.

Zhao Xinyu's Spiritual Sense, like starlight, continued to circulate.

The second move, "Concealment-Breaking Thrust," erupted with a deafening roar!

A thin, hair-like point of light, condensed at his fingertips, pierced through the void in the blink of an eye and aimed at Ye Chengfeng's brow.

Ye Chengfeng was horrified and immediately raised his sword to protect his head. However, the tiny soul blade did not attack his physical body, but instead pierced into his sea of consciousness!

"Ah!!!"

Ye Chengfeng's eyes went blank for a moment, his long sword almost slipped from his hand, his soul was forcibly torn apart, and he collapsed to his knees on the arena, clutching his head and screaming in agony.

Zhao Xinyu did not pursue them. She slowly withdrew her hand, the light of her Spiritual Sense gradually dissipated, and her gaze became calm and peaceful.

The arena was silent for a moment, then erupted in a roar of exclamations:

Zhao Xinyu... won!

"Her Soul Arts is terrifying; it actually shattered her sea of consciousness!"

"Is this the power of the Soul Blade Void-Breaking Art? It truly counters all illusions and fast sword cultivators!"

A golden light screen flashed, and above the arena, Zhao Xinyu's name was lit up, confirming her entry into the finals!

She gently sheathed her sword, turned and walked off the stage, her expression cold yet with a faint smile, her gaze fixed on Qin Yu's location in the distance.

In the second match, golden light once again enveloped the arena, and spiritual patterns floated like a celestial river falling.

Bai Ruolin, a powerful figure known as the "Sword Gang Madman" among the outer sect, also possessed the cultivation of the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm. He was tall and imposing, with an arrogant air between his brows. He held a heavy sword in his hand, surrounded by sword energy as solid as a mountain. Even before the sword was drawn, the entire arena resounded with a rumbling boom, as if the heavens and earth were resonating.

Yang Zheng slowly made his entrance, his expression solemn, but without the slightest hesitation. He gripped the spirit sword with both hands, and his Spiritual Qi began to emanate outwards, with faint arcs of electricity and flames appearing around his body.

"Yang Zheng, a newcomer to the outer sect, you dare to stand against me Bai Ruolin, then you will pay the price!" Bai Ruolin roared and suddenly drew his sword.

--boom!

The sword energy collapsed like a mountain, carrying boundless shockwaves, and rushed straight at Yang Zheng. The sword light tore through the air of the arena in an instant, and the disciples watching the battle all changed color, as if this sword could cut people into dust on the spot!

Yang Zheng's eyes sharpened, and he suddenly shouted, "Yuan Splitting Burst!"

Instantly, his Yuan Power surged, and he slammed both palms onto the sword. The Yuan Power exploded, spreading out in a shockwave!

Boom!

The shockwave forcefully blocked Bai Ruolin's sword energy. The two forces collided, causing the arena to tremble and the spiritual patterns on the ground to explode.

Bai Ruolin's expression darkened, and he swept his longsword horizontally, unleashing a violent sword aura once more, the Sword Qi cascading like a waterfall.

Yang Zheng remained calm, flicking his wrist to send the sword light spinning, its Spiritual Qi whistling as it formed wind blades.

"Spinning Yuan Kill!"

Countless Yuan Power blades roared out, transforming into a wheel of blades that pursued and tore through the sword energy. The spectators clearly saw that at the moment the wheel of blades collided with the sword energy, fire and wind intertwined, as if thunder had ripped through the night, dazzling and blinding!

Bai Ruolin roared, "Break!" He unleashed his full spiritual Spiritual Qi, causing his sword aura to surge threefold, forcefully shattering most of the Spinning Yuan Kill.

Yang Zheng's eyes narrowed, and he suddenly stepped forward, gathering his Yuan energy at the sword's edge and unleashing it with a burst of power:

"Mystic Yuan Impact!"

A straight shockwave erupted from the sword's edge, carrying a brilliance intertwined with thunder and fire, and struck Bai Ruolin's chest.

Boom!!!

Bai Ruolin a muffled groan, his chest heaving with blood and qi, and he was thrown back ten feet by the force of the impact, his heavy sword slipping from his hand and crashing to the ground.

On the arena, Yang Zheng knelt slightly on one knee, his breathing heavy, clearly exhausted, but his eyes remained sharp as lightning.

A moment of silence fell over the entire arena, followed by a deafening roar of shouts:

Yang Zheng!

He defeated Bai Ruolin!

"This kid is too fierce! He blocked the sword energy and even managed to counterattack!"

A golden screen flashed, and Yang Zheng's name lit up high, making him the second person to enter the finals!

He slowly stood up, cast a determined look toward the stands, and a smile appeared on his lips.

In the third round of the competition, the elder's voice boomed:

"The third match – Han Qing versus Lin Ce!"

The spirit runes on the arena lit up again, and the radiant light rippled outwards like waves, making the figures of the two people exceptionally clear.

Han Qing, renowned among the outer sect for his agile movements, possessed a cultivation Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm. He was tall and slender, his Qingyi robes fluttering in the wind, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, and a jade-green spirit sword in his hand gleaming with a cold light. With a light touch of his toes, his body swept through the air like a green wind, and the moment he stepped onto the stage, the Spiritual Qi around him transformed into azure wind trails, agile and compelling.

On the other side, Lin Ce was known for his unwavering defense and immense strength. His cultivation was also at the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm, his physique robust, a giant axe strapped to his back, and veins bulging on his arms, making him stand like a mountain in the center of the arena. Lin Ce didn't rush to draw his axe, but instead shouted loudly:

"Han Qing, your agility is renowned in the outer sect, but today, I, Lin Ce, will show you—no matter how fast the wind blows, it cannot cut through a mountain!"

Han Qing raised an eyebrow and replied with a faint smile, "Mountains? If the wind were to turn into sharp blades, even mountains would crumble."

--boom!

The two launched their attacks almost simultaneously!

Lin Ce suddenly drew his giant axe, its light sweeping across the arena, creating a deafening gale, like a blazing sun overhead, its light intense and its power fierce, slashing towards Han Qing. The moment the axe shadow fell, the spiritual patterns on the arena surface exploded, sending shards of stone flying everywhere!

Han Qing's figure blurred into a blur, suddenly flashing to Lin Ce's side, his sword thrusting out with fierce speed:

"Azure Wind Sword - Wind Shadow Consecutive Slashes!"

Several sword lights streaked by, as fast as shooting stars, each one precisely targeting the weak point in Lin Ce's Spiritual Qi shield.

Ding ding ding!

Sparks flew as Han Qing's swordplay, like a torrential downpour, relentlessly slashed at the protective barrier, instantly forcing Lin Ce to retreat repeatedly.

Lin Ce roared and swung his axe, concentrating the power of his protective shield into a single point, forcefully blocking the Wind Shadow Consecutive Slashes. The axe blade and the sword light collided fiercely, sparks flying like a waterfall, making the ears of the spectators ring.

"Hmph! How could your meager sword light break through my defense?" Lin Ce coldly shouted, his entire body erupting with Spiritual Qi as he suddenly raised his axe high.

"Mountain-Splitting Axe!"

Boom!!!

The giant axe seemed to carry immense power as it cleaved down from above, its shadow like an inverted celestial river, bringing with it a violent spiritual pressure that swept across the heavens and earth! The entire arena seemed to be torn apart in an instant, and wherever the axe passed, Spiritual Qi surged back like a tsunami!

Han Qing's face darkened, and he gritted his teeth. His sword trembled, and Spiritual Qi surged, transforming into countless sword shadows that swirled around his body.

"The Wind Howls Through the Nine Heavens!"

A howling wind suddenly arose, and sword shadows, like a storm, enveloped Han Qing's entire body. The next moment, he and his sword became one, transforming into a streak of azure hurricane light, directly meeting Lin Ce's earth-shattering Mountain-Splitting Axe!

Boom!!!

The axe's shadow and the sword's light collide head-on!

The entire arena flashed with spiritual patterns instantly, and a storm of spiritual energy spread out. The spectators were forced to retreat, and some of the lower-level outer disciples even turned pale from the pressure of the spiritual energy!

The wind howled, and the axe flashed and shattered.

Han Qing's sword strike was as swift as a whirlwind, ultimately breaking through Lin Ce's protective spiritual Spiritual Qi and striking his shoulder directly.

Lin Ce grunted, the giant axe slipped from his hand, and he staggered back several steps, his breathing erratic, before kneeling on one knee on the arena.

The elder waved his hand and announced in a deep voice:

"Han Qing the third match!"

The arena's light screen lit up, displaying Han Qing's name, making him the third person to enter the finals!

A burst of enthusiastic shouts erupted in the spectator plaza, the sound reverberating throughout the entire sect.

"Fourth match – Mo Xuan versus Su Bai!"

A sudden burst of spiritual light rose above the arena, the barrier blazed on, and two figures slowly stepped in.

Mo Xuan, a renowned swordsman from the outer sect of the White Cloud Sect, possessed a cultivation level at the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm. He was slender with a cold and stern face, a long, thin sword sheath held horizontally at his waist, and his eyes were as sharp and cold as a hawk's. As soon as he entered the arena, the spiritual Spiritual Qi around him transformed into streaks of cold light, as if the air itself was being torn apart. He was like a sharp sword about to be drawn, its edge fully revealed.

Su Bai, a renowned outer sect disciple known for his fist techniques, possessed a physique as imposing as an iron tower. His fists were enveloped in dense Spiritual Qi, emanating a faint crackling sound. He carried no weapons, standing bare-handed on the arena like a moving mountain, his gaze fierce, his voice like thunder. "Mo Xuan, can your rapier withstand my Su Bai's Mountain-Shattering Fist? Let's settle this today!"

Mo Xuan's expression was calm, his tone icy. "Once the sword is drawn, victory or defeat is decided."

Boom!

Before he finished speaking, Su Bai had already taken a step forward with a bang, and the spiritual patterns on the ground cracked violently from the force of his foot. His right fist, carrying the force of thunder, slammed straight towards Mo Xuan's chest. The wind from his fist howled, like a giant hammer hitting down, and the spiritual pressure swept across the area. The disciples watching the battle couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

Mo Xuan's eyes narrowed, and his long sword was suddenly drawn, its azure light surging.

"Swift Sword - Triple Slash!"

Swish! Swish! Swish!

The three sword lights almost merged into a single line in mid-air, slashing precisely at Su Bai's fist. The sword and fist collided, causing a burst of light and sparks to fly!

"So fast!" Many spectators couldn't help but exclaim.

Su Bai grunted, but his steps didn't falter. Instead, his fist intent intensified, and he unleashed another punch with his left fist:

"Mountain-Shattering Fist!"

The fist light was like a mountain collapsing, pressing down with a destructive force!

Mo Xuan's expression remained indifferent. He suddenly swept his sword horizontally, and the sword light surged out like a torrential rain, directly tearing apart the fist's momentum.

Immediately afterward, he took a step forward, transforming into a sword shadow as he lunged straight at Su Bai:

"Swift Sword - Shadow Strike!"

Pfft!

The sword light was as fast as lightning, piercing straight through Su Bai's shoulder! Blood splattered, the spiritual pattern barrier on the arena trembled, and the overflowing Spiritual Qi energy caused the surrounding disciples to turn pale and stagger backward!

Su Bai's face contorted in anger, his roar shaking the heavens. But just as he raised his fist to retaliate, Mo Xuan's sword was already pressed against his throat, its blade gleaming coldly.

The air froze instantly.

The light screen above the arena suddenly lit up, and the elder announced in a deep voice:

"Mo Xuan wins the fourth match!"

The square erupted in cheers! The disciples discussed endlessly, marveling at Mo Xuan's sharpness and sighing at Su Bai's ferocity.

The elder's voice, booming like a bell, resounded throughout the square:

"Fifth match – Qin Yu vs. Xun Qing!"

As the name was announced, the entire White Cloud Sect plaza erupted in cheers, with all eyes focused on the arena.

Xun Qing strode onto the arena. His cultivation had reached the Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm. He was clad in heavy armor made of black iron, with a giant spear slung across his back. His gaze was cold and arrogant, and he swept his eyes across the entire arena with a haughty air of superiority.

Qin Yu, dressed in Qingyi, held Black Bone War Spear horizontally in his hand, his expression calm and his steps steady, as always, displaying his composure and calmness.

Xun Qing sized Qin Yu up and down, a mocking sneer playing on his lips, "Hmph, so this is the so-called genius from the Cloud-Leveling Hall? Merely Middle Stage of the Soul Foundation Realm, yet you dare to stand on the same arena as me, Xun Qing? You're utterly overestimating yourself!"

He pointed at Qin Yu, his eyes filled with contempt and disdain. "I advise you to kneel down and admit defeat now. Otherwise, when I make my move, you won't even leave a whole corpse! You've gotten this far not because of strength, but because of luck!"

Around the square, the disciples erupted in murmurs, some whispering amongst themselves:

"That Xun Qing is a promising talent valued by the inner sect elders; his strength is unfathomable..."

"Although Qin Yu is strong, he is likely to be in grave danger when facing Xun Qing, who has reached the Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm!"

Qin Yu's expression remained unchanged, his eyes still calm. He slowly raised the Black Bone War Spear in his hand, his voice deep and clear, revealing an unwavering determination:

"Enough with the nonsense, let's get to the competition. We'll only judge by our strength. If you're truly capable, then give it a try."

Xun Qing narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them, and a sinister laugh echoed, "Very well! Since you seek death, then I will grant your wish! Today, I will make the entire sect remember—the fate of those who dare to contend with me Xun Qing!"

The aura barrier around the arena intensified dramatically, and the energies collided in an instant. The air seemed to freeze, and the entire arena held its breath, awaiting the eruption of the two's clash.

On the arena, Xun Qing coldly raised his hand and clenched it. Boom! A black and gold spear more than ten feet long appeared in his hand. The spear was as thick as an infant's arm, and ancient blood patterns were coiled on its surface. It seemed as if one could hear countless souls roaring, carrying a suppressed and chilling aura.

Xun Qing let out a long roar, and spiritual energy exploded beneath his feet, instantly cracking dozens of fissures in the ground. He gripped his spear with both hands and swept it across like Gods and Devils holding up the sky!

First move: "Earth-Splitting Desolate Spear"!

The black-gold spear instantly transformed into a violent stream of light, accompanied by a deafening whistle. The void that the spearhead swept through twisted and cracked, as if it had been forcibly torn apart, and the air rippled in all directions in visible waves.

This attack was devoid of any fancy moves; it was purely the Ultimate superposition of power and elemental energy. The arena floor exploded with a deafening roar, and the massive energy shockwave made the barrier vibrate. The disciples below held their breath, their faces filled with horror.

"What terrifying power!"

"Is this Xun Qing's true strength? With a single spear thrust, he even shattered the air!"

The spearhead locked onto Qin Yu, as if it could tear him apart completely in the next instant; the oppressive feeling was so strong that even breathing seemed to freeze.

Xun Qing's cold shout followed, like rolling thunder:

"Qin Yu! Take this spear from me, and if you're still standing, I'll acknowledge you as one of the best!"

The spearhead hurtled through the air, so fast it almost tore through space, heading straight for Qin Yu's chest!

Xun Qing's black-gold giant spear, like a Gods and Devils weapon tearing apart heaven and earth, crashed down with an overwhelming pressure that could crush everything. When the spearhead was only a few feet away from Qin Yu, a muffled explosion came from the void, as if it was about to collapse prematurely.

Qin Yu's eyes narrowed, and he stomped his feet hard on the ground. Spiritual Qi surged like a tide, and the Black Bone War Spear in his hand vibrated violently, its body bursting with intense spiritual light.

"Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art - Heaven-Guiding Strike!"

Qin Yu into the air, his spiritual power surging wildly into his spear. In an instant, the spear transformed into a bluish-white spiritual dragon, its roar shaking the heavens. The spearhead cleaved down, leaving behind a huge arc-shaped blade of Spiritual Qi!

Boom!!!

The Spiritual Qi blade and the black-gold giant spear collided fiercely in mid-air, instantly unleashing a shockwave that blotted out the sky. The entire arena barrier trembled and buzzed, as if it would be torn apart at any moment.

A fierce wind whipped up dust and sand, creating whirlpools that swept in all directions. The impact of Spiritual Qi was like a thunderstorm, forcing the outer disciples watching to stagger backward, their faces turning pale.

Xun Qing roared, "Shatter!" His muscles bulged, and Spiritual Qi was frantically poured into the giant spear. The spear hummed like thunder, and the spearhead shot out a monstrous black-gold light.

Qin Yu's eyes were cold and sharp, and the Black Bone War Spear trembled in his hand, as if responding to its master's will. A screen of light gathered around him, and his whole figure resembled a war god wielding a spear.

Rumble!!!

At the point where the two spears collided, space exploded, and shattered spiritual light scattered like countless meteorites, turning into a rain of fire. The protective barriers around the arena trembled violently; if it weren't for the secret support of several elders, they would probably have been shattered long ago.

In this earth-shattering collision, Qin Yu's figure stood straight as a spear, forcefully blocking Xun Qing's world-destroying spear!

As the dust settled, Qin Yu was still standing steadily, his Black Bone War Spear held high, its spiritual light still lingering. Xun Qing's arms trembled slightly, and he actually took a half step back!

A thunderous gasp erupted from the audience.

"What! Xun Qing's spear strike failed to suppress Qin Yu!"

"Incredible! How could he have caught that spear head-on?"

"No wonder he's been on a winning streak; his strength is far more terrifying than we imagined!"

Xun Qing's face turned ashen, and for the first time, a look of seriousness appeared in his eyes.

Qin Yu, spear in hand, exuding a powerful aura, slowly curled a cold smile at the corner of his lips.

"Xun Qing, is this the spear that you meant made me unable to stand firm?"

Qin Yu raised his Black Bone War Spear high and slashed down fiercely, "Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art - Qi Cyclone Spear Dance!" The spiritual light transformed into a towering sword blade, as if pouring down from the sky, with the force of splitting the heavens and earth, and slashed straight at Xun Qing.

This strike caused even the elders watching to freeze in shock. Qin Yu's spear light almost split the entire arena in two, its momentum unstoppable!

However--

Xun Qing merely snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with dazzling black-gold light. The spirit array beneath his feet suddenly lit up, his aura surged instantly, and the giant spear held horizontally before him, trembling violently!

"Seven Luminaries Ancient Spear Art - Luminary Wall!"

Boom!!!

The massive black and gold spear suddenly expanded, and seven star patterns appeared on its surface. These star patterns coalesced into an incredibly thick Spiritual Qi barrier. The spear barrier emitted a cold light like obsidian, so stable that it seemed like a barrier between heaven and earth!

Qin Yu's Heaven-Guiding Strike slashed down fiercely, the spiritual light roared, and the moment the sword blade collided with the spear wall, a deafening roar erupted, and a mushroom cloud-like shockwave suddenly rose above the arena.

Countless outer disciples instinctively shielded their eyes, the storm of Spiritual Qi energy nearly knocking them off their feet.

But amidst the terrifying aftershocks of the collision, Xun Qing remained as steady as a rock. He didn't move an inch, and the radiant Luminary Wall erected by his black and gold spear completely swallowed up Qin Yu's attack!

Boom--Boom--Boom!!!

After three consecutive explosions, Qin Yu's spiritual light was completely crushed, and the blue-white spiritual light in the world was annihilated and completely dissipated.

"Wh... what! It completely blocked it!"

"This Xun Qing is indeed terrifying. The Seven Luminaries Ancient Spear Art is a secret technique passed down in his Lineage, and even inner disciples of the sect might not be able to break it easily!"

"Qin Yu is strong, but he's bitten off more than he can chew!"

After Qin Yu finished his attack, the Black Bone War Spear trembled in his palm. He frowned slightly, but his eyes showed no sign of panic.

Xun Qing sneered, his spear tip shifting, star patterns swirling around it, a killing intent suddenly gathering. "Qin Yu, your strength is not bad, enough to make me True One. But this ends here!"

Having said that, seven star patterns on Xun Qing's giant spear suddenly lit up, like seven stars flashing in the sky above the arena, converging into an unparalleled killing intent, ready to counterattack!

Xun Qing sneered, his voice like the clanging of cold iron above the arena, carrying an undeniable, fatal pronouncement. "I did underestimate you just now, so now you can just wait to die."

Before he finished speaking, the atmosphere around the arena suddenly became heavy. Xun Qing swung his giant spear, and the seven star patterns on the spearhead simultaneously burst forth with dazzling black-gold light, like seven fallen night stars, exploding around him. The air was torn apart, the temperature plummeted and then soared, then transformed into sharp blades of wind pressure, carrying a low, clanging sound like steel, rushing straight towards Qin Yu.

He moved—not out of fear, but with a resolute determination that landed with every punch. Xun Qing's offensive seemed to crush everything with speed and weight: first, the Seven Luminaries Consecutive Halberds, the spear light like seven black and gold rainbows intertwined, slashing down and bringing out a series of instantly oppressive echoes; then, the cracks in the Luminary Wall transformed into an obsidian barrier that pushed back the airflow, the gale tore at the spectators' cloaks, and the dust around the arena surged like a tide.

Qin Yu stood firmly in the center, the Black Bone War Spear in his hand, a familiar, cold touch emanating from his palm. He did not retreat; a gray-white aura surged around his body—not Gray Ring, but the composure and determination cultivated within him. He took a step forward, the spear tip twitching, responding first with Qi Shield Spear Wall. The spear tip swept horizontally, Spiritual Qi swirling, instantly forming a thick shield of spear energy in front of him. The shield collided with the black-gold wind pressure, producing a resounding explosion like metal striking stone, making the eardrums of the disciples watching nearby ring.

However, Xun Qing's offensive did not halt when one point was blocked. Using his giant spear as a pivot, he advanced like a collapsing mountain, his spear thrusts growing ever more ferocious. The black-gold Luminary Wall swirled in the air, transforming into countless shattered spear shadows that crushed Qin Yu in all directions, aiming to overwhelm him with sheer numbers and completely subdue Qin Yu. Each spear shadow that struck left behind a ring of grayish-white dust, as if trying to swallow the very colors of the world.

Qin Yu's breathing quickened, and his Spiritual Qi was forced to circulate more rapidly. He didn't choose to engage in a direct, exhausting struggle, but instead used the Spirit Spear Fleeting Shadow technique: his legs instantly unleashed a nimble, swirling motion, as if splitting into several afterimages in place. Each phantom advance was a deception of position; each spear shadow brought forth by the advance concealed sharpness. Qin Yu used the afterimages as bait, repeatedly drawing Xun Qing's gaze away, attempting to find a fatal blow with his Spiritual Light Thrust.

The fight between the two was no longer a simple contest of strength, but a test of rhythm and judgment. Every strike Xun Qing shattered even the stone chips on the platform. Every movement Qin Yu made was like a fleeting cloud, his spear flashing sharply, entwining, and thrusting out with precise and ruthless power. The spectators could hardly tell who was attacking and who was defending; only the shimmering light and sound spoke of the brutal beauty of the battle.

Suddenly, Xun Qing unleashed a devastating horizontal slash that echoed throughout the arena, attempting to tear Qin Yu's spear energy to shreds. Cracks began to appear in Qin Yu's energy shield, and his torso was forced back several steps, beads of sweat forming on his forehead—he was nearly pushed to the brink of defensive collapse. In that decisive moment, Qin Yu gritted his teeth, pushed his breathing to its Limit, and suddenly changed the rhythm of the Spirit Spear Heavenly Guidance technique: the spearhead suddenly spun upwards, unleashing an arc-shaped spiritual blade that emitted a bluish-white beam of light, slashing towards Xun Qing's flank like an arc-shaped blade.

The arc of light collided with the black-gold Luminary Wall in mid-air, and a fierce burst of light and flame exploded in an instant, causing a chorus of shouts from the audience, with even some outer disciples shouting out loud. The air currents on the arena churned and rolled repeatedly as if being torn apart, and smoke and spiritual powder were blasted away, dimming the daylight for a moment. Qin Yu took advantage of that arc-shaped slash to gain a brief opening, like a hundred miles of glimmer of light: Xun Qing was forced to dodge to the side, and a thin crack appeared in the Luminary Wall.

It's this gap.

Qin Yu's pupils suddenly narrowed, and the remaining Spirit Spear Fleeting Shadow instantly concentrated into a single point. He concentrated all his remaining Spiritual Qi into the spear tip, and the spear's momentum immediately became like a blade cutting off a cliff—extremely short, extremely fierce, and extremely accurate. The spear tip carried a cold light like that of a plunge into an abyss, and the sound of it cutting through the air was like a sharp sword cleaving through the night, piercing straight into that thin crevice.

Xun Qing sensed the danger, withdrew his spear, and thrust it back, unleashing the final defensive force of the Black Gold Luminary Wall. However, the moment the two forces clashed, the resulting impact was like a torrential downpour striking a cliff face, blinding light waves tearing through the surrounding air, and a heart-wrenching explosion resounded—gold and cyan intertwined in the air, forming a trail.

As the impact subsided, the entire arena fell silent for a moment, with stone chips drifting slowly down with the air currents. Xun Qing remained standing, his black and gold spear firmly in his hand, but a bluish-white crack appeared on his chest, his robe torn open, and blood seeping from his sleeve. His gaze shifted from arrogance to solemnity, revealing for the first time a genuine sense of vigilance and astonishment.

Qin Yu steadied himself, the Black Bone War Spear still shimmering with a bluish-white spiritual light. He was panting heavily, sweat rolling down his forehead, but his gaze remained unusually calm. That attack had not killed Xun Qing in one blow—it had only pushed the two to the brink of a deeper standoff.

Xun Qing sneered as he retracted his giant spear, his voice growing even deeper. "Not bad. Not bad—since you can hurt me, don't even think about leaving the arena alive."

Qin Yu's eyes gleamed with a chilling light, but he remained silent, his grip on the spear tightening suddenly. Behind them, tens of thousands of eyes were fixed on the fierce battle.

On the arena, the wind and rain have ceased; the next move will determine life or death.

A fierce rage suddenly ignited in Xun Qing's eyes. He gripped the black-gold giant spear tightly with both hands, and the Spiritual Qi around him boiled completely in that instant. The shockwave, like the roar of a thousand horses, exploded in the air above the arena. The seven star patterns on the giant spear suddenly lit up, turning into seven jet-black stars that slowly rotated in mid-air, as if to crush all life.

"Qin Yu! Let Xun Qing use this strike to send you off the stage!" He roared, stomping his foot. The stage cracked violently, and the giant spear swept out with the force of thunder. Black and gold flames transformed into a raging torrent, tearing through the air and bringing with it a deafening roar. The spear shadow instantly swelled, like a black and gold dragon that devoured the sky and earth, descending from the sky and rushing straight at Qin Yu.

The disciples watching around the arena felt a tightness in their chests, their souls locked by this terrifying pressure, and they could hardly bear to look directly at the opponent.

Qin Yu's eyes narrowed, and the Black Bone War Spear suddenly spun, releasing a surge of Spiritual Qi. He roared, "Qi Shield Spear Wall!"

Instantly, a thick Spiritual Qi shield exploded in front of him. Centered on the Black Bone War Spear, the spear spun like a storm, and the shield layered upon layer, like a gray-white Spiritual Qi Great Wall, desperately resisting the power of the black-gold giant spear in front of him.

Boom!!!

The Ultimate strike of the black-gold giant spear collided head-on with the Qi Shield Spear Wall, unleashing a deafening roar powerful enough to shatter the heavens. The arena collapsed completely in an instant, the surrounding array patterns flashing wildly, barely managing to stay afloat. The shockwave transformed into a streak of spiritual light, directly blasting away the disciples in the front row of the audience, leaving everyone horrified.

Qin Yu's chest jolted, his blood surged, and he was forced back dozens of feet, his feet leaving two deep cracks on the arena. The Black Bone War Spear hummed, and his Spiritual Qi shield shattered inch by inch. He finally could not hold on any longer and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood!

"The power of the Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm..." Qin Yu wiped the blood from the corner of his lips, his eyes remaining resolute, his voice low and cold, "Indeed... formidable."

Xun Qing sneered, his giant spear held horizontally before his chest, looking down arrogantly. "Ha! This is the difference between the Middle Stage of the Soul Foundation Realm cultivator and Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm! Qin Yu, what makes you think you can compete with me?!"

On the arena, the aftershocks of Spiritual Qi still surged, and the disciples watching held their breath. Although Qin Yu was knocked back and coughed up blood, his steps remained as steady as a rock, with the Black Bone War Spear in his hand and his eyes as cold and sharp as knives.

On the arena, the dust had not yet settled. Xun Qing saw Qin Yu kneeling on one knee, breathing rapidly, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, and a bloodthirsty coldness immediately appeared in his eyes.

"Qin Yu, you're nothing but a coward after all! Die on this stage today!"

He roared, and the giant spear swept across the sky, its black and gold flames burning to their Ultimate, like a colossal beast devouring the heavens. The spearhead carried destructive force, aiming straight for Qin Yu's heart!

The disciples watching the battle gasped in astonishment, while Zhao Xinyu and Yang Zheng's expressions changed drastically, their fists clenched tightly.

In that split second between life and death!

A resolute glint flashed in Qin Yu's eyes. He gritted his teeth and forcefully circulated the last of his spiritual power. His dantian roared as if it had been ignited. His spiritual energy instantly boiled, accompanied by a whooshing sound, and the Spiritual Qi around him suddenly transformed into the trajectory of wind element!

"Mystic Origin Wind-Wielding Art - First Form: Wind Blade Slash!"

Boom!!

Qin Yu shouted, and spiritual light condensed in his palm, instantly forming a sharp and invisible wind blade, like a blade that splits the sky, with an Ultimate speed that was almost impossible for the naked eye to catch.

A piercing shriek as if the air was being torn apart exploded above the arena, and a blade of wind swept straight towards Xun Qing's neck!

Xun Qing was terrified. He abruptly retracted his giant spear in an attempt to block, but the wind blades were invisible and intangible, their trajectory piercing through the void already locking onto his aura. With a "whoosh," the wind blades pierced through his protective spiritual light, instantly cutting through Xun Qing's armor, and blood splattered everywhere!

"What?!"

Xun Qing roared in horror, his body stiffened abruptly, his Spiritual Qi became chaotic, and the killing intent of the giant spear collapsed.

Qin Yu did not stop. Taking advantage of the gap created by the wind blades, he suddenly leaped up and slashed down with the Black Bone War Spear!

Boom--!

A deafening roar echoed as the Black Bone War Spear pierced Xun Qing's chest, sending him flying ten feet away. He crashed into the protective array at the edge of the arena, his Spiritual Qi instantly dissipating, and he coughed up blood, completely losing his fighting ability!

The roar of the arena gradually subsided, and the smoke and dust dissipated.

The entire room fell silent.

The next moment, a deafening roar erupted:

Qin Yu!

Countless disciples stared in utter shock at the young man in the arena, whose aura was still unsteady but who remained standing tall. At that moment, Qin Yu's figure seemed unattainable in their eyes.

Zhao Xinyu and Yang Zheng, sitting in the audience, were also moved to tears, with only one thought in their hearts:

"Senior Brother Qin... you did it!"

As the aftershocks of the arena subsided and the light of the protective array in the sky gradually faded, Qin Yu still stood in the center of the stage, spear in hand, his chest heaving violently, yet his eyes were as cold as stars.

The elder's eyes flashed, and he announced loudly, "Qin Yu this battle! He advances to the finals!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire arena erupted in a thunderous cheer from thousands of outer disciples. Countless eyes were fixed on Qin Yu, their gazes filled with awe and fervor. At that moment, his name was etched into everyone's hearts.

From among the inner disciples, a cold gaze was fixed on the young man on the arena.

Luo Chuan's knuckles turned white from gripping the cup too tightly, and he even cracked the edge of the table, oblivious to the spilled tea. His eyes burned with endless ruthlessness as he growled coldly:

"Damn it! Damn it all! Xun Qing... couldn't even defeat a mere Qin Yu, and was even defeated by a counterattack!"

His aura fluctuated, and the oppressive aura of the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm was faintly emanating from him. Several inner disciples around him quietly retreated, not daring to approach.

Luo Chuan suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with malice, and he sneered as he whispered:

"Qin Yu, you're incredibly lucky... but don't think that winning one match will give you a foothold in my White Cloud Sect. The more dazzling you become, the more I'll crush you with my own hands! The finals... will be your true death trap!"

Behind that sinister smile, a murderous intent silently spread, enveloping the entire square and causing even the few perceptive elders present to feel a chill in their hearts.

Qin Yu, completely unaware, remained standing on the arena, calmly concealing his aura, his gaze resolute, as if he had already sensed that the road ahead would not be peaceful.