A Bloody Battle Without Retreat, Burning Out Without Regret
On the sect square, the first match of the finals finally began. The first match was between Yin Gaojun and Jia Pintian.
As the elder gave the order to "begin," the Spiritual Qi in the arena suddenly exploded, as if the world had been cleaved apart by two extremely sharp forces.
Yin Gaojun, clad in cyan armor, drew his longsword. In an instant, the wind and air seemed to freeze, and a burst of energy, like thunder, shot from the blade. He roared and unleashed his first move, "Gale Mountain-Splitting Saber." The Spiritual Qi surged like a collapsing mountain, the gale tore through the air, and the entire arena trembled, the floor tiles shattering inch by inch, as if it were about to plunge into an abyss.
On the other side, Jia Pintian remained calm and composed. Her figure was like a fairy shadow under the moon. Her hands formed a hand seal, and a white jade spirit image appeared behind her. A cold aura suddenly burst forth from her body. The first level of the "Ice Soul Nine Frost Art" was unleashed. The Sword Qi transformed into a sky full of frost light, like countless shattered ice crystals falling. The chill instantly froze the air, forcefully suppressing the violent howling wind of Yin Gaojun's sword momentum!
Boom--!
The collision of the two spiritual energies was like a violent clash between two worlds, and the resulting shockwaves swept around like a raging torrent. The disciples watching the battle were all shaken so badly that their clothes fluttered in the wind, and their eyes were filled with horror.
Seeing the situation was dire, Yin Gaojun roared, gripped his sword with both hands, and channeled his Spiritual Qi into his entire body. The second move, "Gale Mountain-Splitting Saber - Howling Wind Chains," was suddenly unleashed. The sword shadows surged and churned, like a storm pouring down. Each blade of light carried the howling sound of Spiritual Qi tearing apart, as if a thousand troops were roaring.
Jia Pintian's beautiful eyes turned cold. With a turn of her sword technique, she bloomed like a snow lotus, instantly releasing the second level of the "Ice Soul Nine Frost Art"—"Frost Locks Heaven and Earth." Endless icy light emanated from her body, instantly transforming into a frost barrier that blocked the rain of blades. At the same time, she pointed her sword, and the frost-condensed sword pierced through the void, aiming straight for Yin Gaojun's chest!
"Break it!!!"
Yin Gaojun roared, his Spiritual Qi surging wildly from his dantian. The blade light clashed violently with the frost sword, the booming sound shattering the Spiritual Qi barrier above the arena, and the protective array outside the audience seats hummed incessantly!
Amidst the billowing dust, the two were forced backward simultaneously, their footsteps leaving cracks on the stone slabs of the arena.
Jia Pintian coldly shouted, "The Frost Final Severance!"
The sword's momentum suddenly surged like a glacier bursting its banks, a white light sweeping across the entire arena, instantly freezing it solid.
Yin Gaojun's face darkened, his blood surging, but it was too late to stop him. He was forced back to the edge of the arena by the power of frost, and a bloody gash appeared on his chest, from which blood flowed.
The elder announced, "Jia Pintian wins!"
A thunderous roar of cheers erupted from the sidelines. The frost had not yet dissipated, and the arena was already a chilling world of ice and snow. Jia Pintian in the midst of it, like a goddess in the snow, exuding awe-inspiring power.
In the first battle, Jia Pintian stunned the entire audience!
The protective aura above the sect square had not yet completely subsided, but Yin Gaojun's defeated figure was already deeply imprinted in the eyes of all the disciples.
The outer disciples below the stage whispered among themselves, their voices rising and falling, almost drowning out the entire square.
"Senior Brother Yin is one of the top experts among the twenty outer disciples, and his cultivation is firmly established at the Soul Foundation Realm, yet he was defeated in the very first match..."
"Yes, she was forced into a corner by Jia Pintian's 'Frost Final Severance' move and was eliminated immediately! That was terrifying."
"As expected of one of the top ten inner disciples, he exudes a completely different kind of pressure in a casual battle. It seems that it will be extremely difficult for outer disciples to break into the inner sect!"
"Inner disciples are the backbone of the White Cloud Sect, each a monstrous talent honed through life-and-death experiences and trials of their abilities. Outer disciples, without extraordinary opportunities or terrifying strength, have absolutely no chance of turning the tide."
"That's right, if the first round is like this, then the following rounds will probably be even more brutal. I'm afraid at most only two or three outer disciples will be able to advance to the inner sect."
The wind howled above the square, accompanied by murmurs, creating an unprecedentedly oppressive atmosphere. Many disciples looked towards the arena, their eyes filled with both surging anticipation and deep fear and unease.
In this somber atmosphere, the two disciples for the second round slowly took to the stage.
The brutality of the final battle was evident from the very first match.
The arena glowed again, and the protective formation restarted.
"Second match – Gongsun Xiyan vs. Hong Shuzhuang!"
As the elder announced loudly, two figures rose from the crowd and landed at opposite ends of the arena.
Gongsun Xiyan wore a long, azure dress, exuding a cool and aloof air. She held a thin-bladed longsword in her hand, its blade seemingly formed from ice and frost, its shimmering light carrying an air of otherworldly grace. Her Spiritual Sense were outward, her gaze sharp, clearly indicating that she had long been preparing for this great battle.
Opposite him stood Hong Shuzhuang, a towering figure as imposing as a mountain, wielding a massive black and gold axe. Just standing there, he exuded an oppressive, towering presence. He grinned maliciously at Gongsun Xiyan: "Little girl, I advise you to admit defeat now, lest I hurt you with this axe!"
Gongsun Xiyan sneered, "The outcome is still undecided; empty words are useless!"
As soon as the words were spoken, both sides moved simultaneously.
Hong Shuzhuang struck first, his giant axe slashing down fiercely. His Yuan Power transformed into a raging black torrent, crashing into the arena with a deafening roar like a collapsing mountain. The arena trembled, seemingly about to be cleaved in two by the axe. The spectators felt a chill run down their spines, and many instinctively held their breath.
Gongsun Xiyan dared not take the blow head-on. She turned her body and unleashed the Azure Sea Flowing Light Sword Art with the force of flowing water. The sword shadows transformed into layers of waves, surging out one after another, like a long river of azure water sweeping across the land, forcefully deflecting most of Hong Shuzhuang's raging axe impact. The aftershocks of the sword and axe rippled, and spiritual light scattered like thunder, causing the protective array's spiritual light to ripple.
"That was close..." Many outer disciples were secretly shocked.
Hong Shuzhuang roared, "Take my next strike!" His inner energy surged wildly, and the axe shadow transformed into a gigantic shape several meters long, carrying a sonic boom that tore through the air as it cleaved down. At that moment, the arena seemed to be shrouded in a pitch-black sky.
Gongsun Xiyan's eyes narrowed, and she shouted, "Flowing Light Sword Sea —Shatter!"
Suddenly, her swordplay changed, and hundreds of sword lights shot out from her body, transforming into a rain of light that covered the sky. Each sword light carried a blue spiritual mark, converging into a sea of swords that directly met the giant axe's attack.
Boom!!!
The axe clashed with the sea of swords, causing a burst of spiritual light. Sparks and Sword Qi intertwined, creating a destructive storm. The protective array at the edge of the arena flickered wildly. If it weren't for the array protecting the area, the entire plaza would have been swept away by the aftershocks of this attack.
Both figures retreated simultaneously. Gongsun Xiyan body trembled, and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth, but her eyes became even more determined. Hong Shuzhuang also let out a muffled groan, his arm trembling slightly, clearly indicating that this attack had not brought him any advantage.
"I never expected that a little woman like you could withstand two of my axe blows!" Hong Shuzhuang's face darkened, and his aura grew increasingly violent.
Gongsun Xiyan wiped the blood from the corner of her lips, her voice icy. "Victory or defeat hinges on this sword!"
She leaped into the air, her sword light suddenly condensing to its Ultimate, like ocean tides converging into a single point, transforming into a beam of azure light that pierced the sky—pointing directly at Hong Shuzhuang's brow.
Hong Shuzhuang roared, swinging his giant axe in an attempt to block, but he was a fraction too slow. The azure sword light pierced through the axe's shadow, striking his shoulder directly, and blood spurted out!
Boom! Hong Shuzhuang's massive figure flew backward several feet, crashing heavily onto the edge of the arena. After struggling for a few breaths, he finally collapsed.
The square fell silent instantly.
The next moment, the elder announced loudly, "In the second match, Gongsun Xiyan wins!"
Above the arena, Gongsun Xiyan's name lit up, placing her among the final candidates for inner disciple. Her sword fell low, she breathed slightly, but her eyes remained cold and arrogant, reflecting the hardship and indomitable spirit of this battle.
The arena shone brightly once more, and the elder's voice was steady yet resonant:
"Match 3 - Duan Hongzhi vs. Tao Han!"
Two figures leaped into the air almost simultaneously, landing at opposite ends of the arena.
Duan Hongzhi, dressed in a dark, tight-fitting outfit, had eyes as sharp as a hawk's. A black longsword hung at his waist, its scabbard shimmering with spiritual patterns, clearly an extraordinary treasure. His aura was sharp and fierce; standing there, he was like a blade yet to be drawn from its sheath.
Opposite him stood Tao Han, tall and imposing, his aura as heavy as a mountain, gripping a heavy spirit iron staff in both hands. The staff was covered in mystical patterns, shimmering with an earthy yellow light, and exuding a sense of the weight of the earth. He coldly said, "Duan Hongzhi, I know you're skilled with a sword, so what? Your sword may be fast, but against the power of my Earth Staff, it's nothing but paper!"
Duan Hongzhi sneered, his eyes turning icy. "Words are useless; the blade will give you the answer."
At the elder's command of "Begin," the two moved almost simultaneously!
Tao Han took the initiative, channeling his spiritual power into the staff, instantly creating a mountain-like staff shadow. Countless staff shadows intertwined, heavy as a thousand pounds pressing down, carrying the power to shatter the earth, rushing straight towards Duan Hongzhi.
The arena roared, as if mountains were pressing down!
Duan Hongzhi's eyes narrowed, and he drew his longsword, a black light suddenly rising! He unleashed the "Splitting Shadow Saber Art," the blade light like a raging storm. With a single slash, it instantly transformed into dozens of overlapping blade shadows, weaving together a pitch-black storm to meet the heavy force of the staff.
Boom!!!
The staff and the blade collided head-on, sparks flying and spiritual light exploding, as if countless thunderbolts were detonating simultaneously. The spiritual array on the arena flickered wildly, and the disciples watching held their breath, their hearts filled with horror.
"What a powerful offensive!" Many disciples couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
The two instantly engaged in a fierce exchange of blows. Tao Han's staff strikes were as steady as a mountain, each blow heavy and powerful, as if capable of shattering any obstacle; while Duan Hongzhi's blade flashed as fast as thunder, its shadows crisscrossing in an instant, forcing Tao Han's heavy staff to retreat step by step.
"Hah--!" Tao Han roared, stomping his foot, and the force of his staff suddenly surged, as if the earth were collapsing. The staff shadow, several feet long, crashed down, causing the spiritual light on the arena to rumble!
Duan Hongzhi's eyes turned cold and fierce as he suddenly roared, "Shadow Rift - Break!"
In an instant, his sword aura suddenly erupted, the black light transforming into a sky-covering rift, as if tearing through the heavens, heading straight for Tao Han's heart!
A look of horror flashed in Tao Han's eyes. He hurriedly blocked with his heavy stick, but it was too late to completely defend against it.
Puff--!
The blade flashed, shattering the shadow of the staff, and struck Tao Han's shoulder, splattering blood! Tao Han's body shuddered violently, and he staggered back several steps before the heavy staff crashed to the ground.
Duan Hongzhi turned his blade and coldly shouted, "You've lost!"
The entire room fell silent, then erupted in gasps of surprise.
"Duan Hongzhi the third match!" The elder's announcement echoed across the square.
Above the arena, Duan Hongzhi's name lit up, making him a candidate for inner disciple.
He slowly sheathed his sword, stood in the center of the arena, his eyes cold and sharp, as if to declare—his sword was not to be underestimated!
Fourth match: Ji Biling vs. Gao Zhengxiang
As the drums thundered, two figures slowly emerged from the center of the arena.
Ji Biling, dressed in flowing green robes, wielded a slender sword as swiftly as a Qingfeng. Her gaze was calm, yet her aura was as calm as ripples on water. Seemingly without any sharpness, she actually concealed a hidden edge.
Gao Zhengxiang was one of the strongest members of the outer sect of the White Cloud Sect. His cultivation had reached the Initial Entry into the Soul Foundation Realm. His body was filled with surging Spiritual Qi, and his iron fist was wrapped with violent force. When he appeared, his spiritual platform trembled, as if there was a thunderous roar.
"Senior Brother Gao's strength is astonishing; Ji Biling is likely to suffer a crushing defeat," some disciples in the stands discussed.
"Not necessarily. I've heard that Ji Biling's sword intent is exquisite, and her attacks are silent and invisible," another person retorted in a low voice.
The elder gave the order.
In an instant, Gao Zhengxiang struck first, his figure like a tiger pouncing on its prey, his fist bringing with it a rolling storm of Spiritual Qi, slamming fiercely towards Ji Biling. The air on the arena collapsed instantly, the surrounding stone bricks cracked, and the spectators exclaimed in unison.
Ji Biling remained unmoved, her steps light, her sword tip transforming into a wisp of silk, its light like a shooting star in the night sky, instantly dissipating the force of the wind. That sword strike was extremely agile, yet it pierced the weak point of Gao Zhengxiang's fist in an instant, unleashing a piercing roar.
The clash of fists and swords was intense, and the aftershocks swept through the audience, prompting many disciples to activate their protective Spiritual Qi to defend themselves.
"Such a fast sword!" Gao Zhengxiang's heart trembled, and his Spiritual Qi surged again. He unleashed a series of heavy punches, like thunderbolts, pressing down layer upon layer.
However, Ji Biling's steps were unsteady, and the sword light appeared and disappeared, like an illusion. Ten breaths later, with a crisp "clang", Gao Zhengxiang's protective spiritual Spiritual Qi was pierced, and the tip of the sword touched his shoulder, and blood splattered.
After a moment of silence, the entire stadium erupted in thunderous cheers.
Result: Ji Biling wins!
Match 5: Ling Feng vs. Ren Qianhun
The arena suddenly trembled as Ling Feng drew his sword, his sword intent blazing like fire, his eyes resolute.
Ren Qianhun slowly stepped onto the arena. He was one of the best among the inner disciples. As soon as he released his aura of the Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm, it was as if a thick curtain of sky pressed down on the arena, making countless outer disciples tremble with fear.
"The gap between inner disciples... is simply insurmountable." Someone in the audience couldn't help but sigh.
The war drums thundered.
Ling Feng roared, his sword aura surged, and the blazing sword light tore through the void, like a fire dragon coiling and soaring into the sky, directly slashing towards Ren Qianhun.
Ren Qianhun simply smiled faintly, and with a wave of his hand, Spiritual Qi pressed down like a mountain. Suddenly, a huge spiritual seal appeared in the void, as if the sky had fallen, instantly crushing the fire dragon and completely shattering Ling Feng's attack.
Boom--!
Ling Feng coughed up blood, his body flying several feet before crashing heavily to the edge of the arena. Even though he fought with all his might and charged forward again with his sword, Ren Qianhun Spiritual Qi with a single palm strike, and he was completely defeated within three moves.
The arena was deathly silent, save for the disciples' heart-pounding fear and sighs.
Result: Ren Qianhun wins!
Match 6: Mo Xuan vs. Jian Jiaping
Mo Xuan was a burly man, wielding two swords, his aura like a raging sea, domineering and unmatched. Jian Jiaping, on the other hand, had sword-like eyebrows that reached his temples, and when he drew his long sword, his sword intent was as cold and clear as snow.
"This will be very intense." Many disciples held their breath.
Sure enough, before the drumbeats had even subsided, Mo Xuan charged out like a thunderbolt, his twin blades slashing down, their blades flashing and tearing through the air. The spiritual light array on the arena trembled, and countless disciples in the audience could barely keep their eyes open.
Jian Jiaping charged forward, his sword flashing like water, seemingly slow but actually fast. Each strike landed on the weakest point of Mo Xuan's blade, sparks flying everywhere.
The clash of swords and blades was deafening, and the Spiritual Qi above the arena surged like a roaring tsunami. The two remained locked in a stalemate for several dozen breaths, with the light of their swords and blades almost covering the entire arena.
Finally, Jian Jiaping stepped out of the Seven-Step Sword Formation, and the sword light fell like a galaxy. With one sword, he cleaved through the void and severed Mo Xuan's protective spiritual Spiritual Qi. Mo Xuan's face turned pale, and his two swords fell from his hands. He was forced to kneel down by the force of the sword.
The crowd erupted in uproar. The elder announced the result: Jian Jiaping had won!
Match 7: Han Qing vs. Gai Wenguang
This was an Ultimate clash of power and sword intent.
Han Qing wielded the Blazing Fire Saber Art, its blade slicing through the void, flames raging and rolling, turning the entire arena into a sea of fire.
Gai Wenguang merely snorted coldly, held his longsword horizontally, and his sword intent was as vast and boundless as mountains and rivers. As soon as the Sword Qi was released, it directly suppressed the raging flames.
Boom boom boom--!
Flames and Sword Qi clashed continuously, the arena nearly collapsed, the array light screen outside the audience seats trembled violently, and the disciples held their breath and focused.
However, ten breaths later, Gai Wenguang momentum was at its zenith, directly suppressing and shattering the sea of fire with a single strike. Han Qing staggered backward and finally collapsed on the arena, his fighting spirit completely gone.
Result: Gai Wenguang wins!
Thus, the four great battles came to a shocking end. The outer disciples wore solemn expressions, their understanding becoming increasingly clear—
The difference between the inner and outer gates is like an insurmountable chasm!
The disciples discussed among themselves:
"That's terrifying! Ren Qianhun and Gai Wenguang's strength is absolutely overwhelming!"
"It's already a miracle that Ji Biling and Jian Jiaping were able to win."
"Will Yang Zheng, Zhao Xinyu, Qin Yu... be able to overcome this insurmountable barrier?"
The thunderous drumbeats echoed throughout the White Cloud Sect Square.
The elder announced, "Eighth match— Yang Zheng versus Ma Ruide!"
Two figures slowly stepped into the center of the arena.
Yang Zheng, dressed in a green robe fluttering in the wind, held a long sword in his hand, his aura steady and restrained. Although he was only at the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm, his sword intent was sharp, and his eyes were filled with determination and stubbornness. Clearly, he had already regarded today's battle as his only chance to break through to the inner sect.
Opposite him, Ma Ruide, clad in black armor, walked with steady steps, each step causing the arena to tremble slightly. His aura was as heavy as a mountain, and the pressure of the Initial Entry into the Soul Foundation Realm swept out, causing the surrounding disciples to hold their breath, feeling a suffocating pressure in their hearts.
Ma Ruide sneered, his eyes filled with contempt. "Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm... how many of you are here to die?"
With a wave of his hand, his soul power condensed into a layer of black flames, enveloping his entire body, as if a demon god had descended.
Yang Zheng took a deep breath, his eyes unwavering, and raised his sword, its sharp edge pointing directly at his opponent. "Although there is a difference in skill level, the true outcome will be decided by the sword."
The audience erupted in commotion, with outer disciples whispering amongst themselves:
"Has Yang Zheng gone mad? How could he possibly withstand the pressure of the Soul Foundation Realm?"
"It's already quite remarkable that he dared to accept the challenge."
"If... I can withstand ten moves, that would be enough to make a name for myself among the outer sect members."
Ma Ruide sneered, "Ten moves? No, I only need three!"
His soul power surged wildly, and black flames transformed into a monstrous wave that pressed down on Yang Zheng, his aura like a thick, heavy curtain of the sky.
Yang Zheng's gaze sharpened, and all the spiritual power in his dantian surged into the longsword. A burst of azure light erupted, and the sword's momentum soared into the sky like a startled swan breaking through the dawn, colliding head-on with Ma Ruide's oppressive aura.
The two energies clashed, creating a deafening roar above the arena. Despite the obvious difference in their cultivation levels, Yang Zheng's indomitable fighting spirit made the countless disciples watching hold their breath.
The real showdown begins now!
On the arena, a sudden gust of wind arose, and the Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth was forcibly torn apart by the auras of the two, as if a storm was sweeping across.
Ma Ruide roared and pushed forward with both palms. His Soul Foundation Realm black flame soul power instantly condensed into a huge black flame warhammer, more than ten feet long. The raging flames resembled a heavenly inferno. The warhammer crashed down with a destructive aura that shattered the earth, as if it could smash the entire arena apart with a single blow.
Boom--!
A deep rumble of thunder suddenly erupted in the air, making the eardrums of countless disciples in the audience ring.
At that moment, Yang Zheng shifted his feet, and Spiritual Qi from his dantian surged wildly into his longsword. He roared:
"Yuan Annihilation Wave. Azure Edge Severs Mountains--!"
A sword light suddenly appeared, like a long emerald dragon tearing through the void, slashing straight up at Ma Ruide's black flame warhammer!
The sword strike was incredibly fierce, carrying Yang Zheng's fury and determination as he poured all his spiritual energy into it. Wherever the sword's edge went, it seemed to cut through the air, leaving a visible sword mark!
The two forces collided fiercely in the center of the arena!
Boom--!
The black flames clashed with the azure blade, exploding instantly like dozens of thunderbolts exploding simultaneously. The intense light and flames swept across the entire arena, forcing the spectators to raise their arms to block the shockwave. Even the light barrier defensive array at the edge of the arena rippled with shock!
Amidst the blinding flames, Yang Zheng's figure stood firm against Ma Ruide's attack, his arms trembling slightly from the excessive force, and a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.
Ma Ruide snorted coldly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Hmm? He's not dead?"
Yang Zheng's face was pale, but he still held his head high, his long sword raised high, his voice hoarse but firm:
"You think you can defeat me? Not so easy!"
The disciples below the stage were all shocked, and a murmur of discussion arose:
"My God! He actually withstood an attack from the Soul Foundation Realm!"
"Incredible! This is a true battle to the death!"
In the center of the arena, the aftershocks of Sword Qi and the remnants of black flames intertwined and drifted apart, the air filled with scorching heat and a murderous atmosphere, the battle had entered a white-hot stage!
In the center of the arena, Ma Ruide's eyes turned completely cold. His Soul Foundation power surged and boiled. He raised his hands, and a phantom of a giant beast appeared behind him—it was pitch black, had two horns on its head, and its ferocious fangs gleamed with a cold light.
"Yang Zheng, you may have some backbone, but in front of me, you are nothing but an ant!"
He roared, his arms suddenly trembling, his soul power transforming into a raging torrent of black flames, condensing into a two-zhang-long black flame soul spear. The spearhead seemed capable of swallowing mountains and rivers as it roared. The black flame soul spear ripped through the sky, accompanied by a deafening roar, and pierced straight down towards Yang Zheng's heart!
Boom--!
As the spear pressed down, the defensive light barrier of the entire arena trembled violently, and even the disciples below the stage could feel the suffocating pressure.
At this moment, Yang Zheng was covered in blood, staggering, but his eyes gleamed with madness and defiance.
"Thunder Flame Battle Art - Thunder Flame Initial Ignition!"
In an instant, the spiritual energy within his body surged wildly, and the forces of thunder and fire in his dantian collided violently, miraculously merging into a destructive force in a flash. The sword ignited with a roar, lightning and flames intertwined, and the blade seemed to transform into a blazing sun of thunder and flame!
Boom--!
On the arena, thunder roared and flames surged. Yang Zheng took a step forward with his long sword in hand, and intense fire and lightning flashed beneath his feet. He suddenly accelerated, and his figure turned into a streak of lightning and fire, instantly flashing in front of the Black Flame Soul Spear!
He roared:
"Thunder Flame Slash - Break!"
The sword slashed horizontally, unleashing thunder and raging flames, its power seemingly capable of igniting the entire world. Endless lightning and fire sword light crashed fiercely against the Black Flame Soul Spear!
Boom----!!!
The lightning and black flames collided head-on, instantly unleashing a devastating shockwave! The arena's defensive light barrier was violently distorted, and the surging energy swept across like a storm, stirring up clouds of dust.
Amidst the horrified gazes of countless disciples, Yang Zheng's figure was completely engulfed by the lightning flames. His longsword, carrying an indomitable will, forcefully shattered the Black Flame Soul Spear into pieces. Flames and lightning surged upwards, heading straight for Ma Ruide's chest!
Ma Ruide's pupils contracted, and a look of shock finally appeared on his face. "What--?!"
Amidst the thunderous roar, Yang Zheng was covered in blood, but his eyes burned like raging flames.
"No matter how big the gap is, I, Yang Zheng —will never be defeated!!!"
With this sword strike, lightning and flames transformed into a dazzling streak in the sky, slashing fiercely towards Ma Ruide!
The aftershocks of the thunder and flames gradually dissipated, and the light screen in the center of the arena finally stabilized. As the dust settled, Yang Zheng was seen kneeling on the arena, covered in blood, his hands gripping the sword hilt tightly, his chest heaving violently, and his breathing disordered.
On the other side, Ma Ruide's shirt had been torn open, and a bloody gash ran from his shoulder to his waist, with blood seeping out continuously.
The entire venue fell into a deathly silence!
Tens of thousands of disciples held their breath, staring in disbelief at the scene before them—an outer disciple, at the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm, had actually injured an inner disciple Initial Entry into the Soul Foundation Realm, in a direct confrontation!
Ma Ruide looked down at the wounds on his body, his face contorted and his eyes bloodshot.
"... very good."
His voice was low and filled with barely suppressed anger.
"Yang Zheng, you are the first outer disciple who has been able to injure me."
He raised his head, the killing intent burning in his eyes almost tangible, and his aura surged instantly. A monstrous Soul Foundation power burst forth, causing the entire arena to crack and creak.
"Pity..."
"This glory—will also be your last ray of light before you die!"
With this cold, angry shout, he slammed his hands together, his soul power surging forth. The soul shadow behind him suddenly expanded several times, transforming into a gigantic beast phantom engulfed in black flames, roaring with fangs and its eyes burning with blood-red light.
"Soul Flame Devours Heaven - Soul-Burning Slaughter and Annihilation!"
In an instant, towering black flames condensed into a burning cage of soul flames, directly sealing off the arena space!
The entire world seemed to be engulfed by raging flames; the air distorted, space collapsed, and demonic howls echoed from within the black flames.
"Yang Zheng, this move... even a genius of the same realm would be killed without a burial place!"
Having said that, the black flame behemoth suddenly opened its blood-red maw, and a black flame beam that blotted out the sky poured down, instantly engulfing Yang Zheng completely!
Boom--------!!!
The defensive light barrier trembled violently, and a sea of fire swept in all directions. The disciples watching the battle were so frightened that they retreated repeatedly, their faces filled with horror.
Amidst the scorching black flames, Yang Zheng's figure seemed to be instantly swallowed up, his fate unknown!
On the arena, black flames raged, their blazing light turning the sky and earth crimson, completely engulfing Yang Zheng's figure!
"Yang Zheng--!"
Zhao Xinyu almost cried out, then suddenly stood up, her hands clenched so tightly that her fingertips dug into her palms, blood seeping out. Her eyes were instantly filled with a mixture of tears and murderous intent, her breathing became rapid, and her aura surged out of control.
The power of her soul blade surged forth from her body, her clothes billowing, and she seemed to have an urge to rush directly onto the arena.
She had only one thought in her mind:
If anything happens to Yang Zheng, she will stop at nothing to personally kill Ma Ruide!
In that instant, Zhao Xinyu's killing intent was as cold as frost, and the phantom of the Soul Blade had already appeared behind her, like a sharp blade ready to be drawn at any moment.
However, at that moment, a deep yet firm voice rang in her ear.
"Xinyu-- "
Qin Yu turned his head, his eyes as steady as an abyss, his tone carrying an unshakable power.
"Don't rush."
"I believe in Senior Brother Yang; he will not fall easily."
"At this moment, what he's competing on isn't just his cultivation level, but his willpower."
Qin Yu's gaze was fixed on the depths of the black flames, his divine sense locking onto the fluctuations within. His voice was so calm and steady that it seemed to penetrate the panic in Zhao Xinyu's chest.
"Xinyu, you must believe him."
Zhao Xinyu's body trembled slightly, tears welling up in her eyes. Looking at Qin Yu's resolute expression, the anxiety and turmoil surging in her heart were gradually suppressed by an invisible force.
She bit her red lips tightly, her hands still trembling, but she ultimately did not take that step.
She murmured softly, tears reflecting the flames, "Senior Brother Yang... you must hold on."
On the arena, black flames surged and churned, like a sea of fire from the depths of hell, engulfing the heavens and earth. The disciples watching held their breath, able to see only fragmented figures within the black flames.
Suddenly--
"Boom!!!"
A deafening thunderclap erupted from the depths of the black flames! Lightning, like a cascading galaxy, pierced through the black flames, forcibly tearing a massive gash in them!
In that blazing light, Yang Zheng's figure finally reappeared. His clothes were burned to tatters, and his skin was charred in many places, but he still stood there, his eyes bloodshot, and his Spiritual Qi raged wildly around him, like a storm of thunder and fire.
He glared fiercely at Ma Ruide, his voice hoarse with boundless obsession and rage:
"I, Yang Zheng —will never fall!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the Spiritual Qi around him surged, and lightning and fire swirled around his body like two roaring dragons, intertwining and biting each other, but ultimately merging completely under his will!
"Thunderbolt and Blazing Flame - Thunder Flame Frenzied Strike!!!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Yang Zheng unleashed a wild dance of his longsword, the sword shadows transforming into a dozen continuous lightning and fire strikes, each strike carrying the explosive force of thunder and the roar of flames! The sword light intertwined in mid-air to form a massive storm of lightning and flames, the thunder deafening, the flames scorching the void, as if the entire arena was being torn apart!
Each sword strike was like a meteorite falling, causing the arena to tremble violently!
"Boom--"
Ma Ruide was forced to retreat repeatedly by this fierce onslaught. His protective Spiritual Qi was shattered by each sword strike, and lightning and fire exploded on his body, instantly blasting his armor apart!
"Ah--!"
As the final sword strike landed, lightning and flames exploded like falling stars, accompanied by a deafening roar, and Ma Ruide was violently sent flying!
Blood gushed out as he arced through the air before crashing heavily onto the arena, his body convulsing violently and blood gushing uncontrollably from his mouth.
The entire hall was deathly silent!
All the disciples held their breath, their gazes fixed on the boy standing amidst the black flames.
At this moment, Yang Zheng was swaying, covered in blood, and seemed about to collapse at any moment, but his eyes still burned with fierce fire, and he did not take a single step back!
The lightning and flames slowly dissipated from his body, like embers from a battlefield, proving the terrifying power of that sword strike.
Blood mist billowed on the arena. After being cleaved away, Ma Ruide crashed heavily to the ground, half of his body charred black, blood streaming from the corner of his mouth. Yet, his eyes still burned with a frenzied rage. He roared ferociously, struggling to prop himself up, his aura surging wildly once more!
"You junior from the outer sect! You... you actually injured me?! I'll annihilate you!"
In an instant, the power of his Soul Foundation was fully released, as if a raging beast had awakened. With a wave of his hand, the void of the arena suddenly shattered, and a jet-black sword light condensed, so sharp that it made the disciples in the audience's scalp tingle!
"Soul-Rending Black Abyss Slash - Die!!!"
The black light swept across, as if a chasm had collapsed, rushing straight towards Yang Zheng!
At that moment, the disciples watching the match were shaken to their core! Zhao Xinyu suddenly stood up, tears welling up in her eyes, her heart trembling as if it were about to burst, and she almost rushed into the arena. "Yang Zheng Zheng--!"
However, at that very moment—
Yang Zheng's aura suddenly surged to its Ultimate!
The lightning and fire Spiritual Qi within his body went completely berserk, erupting into a blazing light shield around him!
"Flame Thunder Body Protection --!!!"
With a deafening roar, a protective shield woven from lightning and flames materialized, flashing with lightning and dancing with flames, like a divine battle armor enveloping his body!
"Boom!!!"
The Black Abyss sword light struck the protective light shield!
In an instant, the arena shattered as lightning and black flames collided violently! The sword light had barely touched the protective shield when it was devoured by the lightning and fire. The black energy trembled violently on the protective shield, and then with a "crack," it collapsed inch by inch like shattered glass!
Immediately afterwards, a torrent of lightning and fire rebounded from the light shield and surged out!
"Boom--!"
Ma Ruide's pupils contracted sharply! Before he could react, the recoil of lightning and fire completely engulfed him!
"Ah--!!!"
A violent scream echoed through the arena as Ma Ruide's body was blasted away by the recoil of the lightning flames. Blood splattered in mid-air, and the sound of bones breaking was clearly audible.
Finally, he crashed heavily off the stage like a rag doll, immediately losing consciousness and becoming completely incapable of fighting again!
The entire room fell silent!
One breath, two breaths... and then, the entire square suddenly erupted in shouts and screams like a landslide and a tsunami!
Yang Zheng has won!
"My God! Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm... actually defeated a cultivator at the Initial Entry into the Soul Foundation Realm!"
"Is this still the Yang Zheng we know?!"
In the center of the arena, Yang Zheng was covered in charred soot and his breath was shaky, but he still stood there with gritted teeth, his sword blade stuck in the ground, blood flowing down his arm, yet he appeared incredibly determined.
Zhao Xinyu were brimming with tears, her hands tightly clutching her chest, her gaze fixed on that battered yet still upright figure.
"Yang Zheng..." she murmured softly, tears streaming down her cheeks, her heart overflowing with emotions she could not contain.
Qin Yu nodded secretly, thinking to himself, "This kid... he finally fought his way out."
The thunderous cheers still echoed across the square, the entire White Cloud Sect square resounding as if the sky had been shattered. Countless outer disciples and elders were stunned into silence, unable to believe what they were witnessing.
In the center of the arena, Yang Zheng was charred black, his robes torn, and blood gushing from the corner of his lips. He gritted his teeth, bracing himself with his spear, and swayed precariously.
At that very moment--
"Yang Zheng!"
A clear yet trembling call echoed throughout the arena. Zhao Xinyu could no longer suppress her emotions; tears welled up in her eyes, and she suddenly leaped into the air, transforming into a streak of light as she rushed onto the stage.
Countless disciples looked up in astonishment, only to see her land beside Yang Zheng like a white crane spreading its wings, her hands urgently supporting his swaying body, her eyes glistening with tears. "You fool... why did you risk everything like this?!"
Blood still stained the corner of Yang Zheng's mouth, but he forced a smile, his voice hoarse. "Xinyu... I said... I would never fall."
At that moment, Zhao Xinyu could no longer hold back, and tears slid down her cheeks onto his shoulder. The entire hall was silent for a few breaths, the disciples deeply moved by this scene, and many even sighed softly.
Just then, the elder referee's voice, loud as a bell, drowned out all the noise:
"Yang Zheng wins this battle!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the entire plaza erupted in a deafening roar, like a landslide or a tsunami, as countless disciples shouted in unison, "Yang Zheng! Yang Zheng!"
Zhao Xinyu helped Yang Zheng down the stage step by step. He looked disheveled, but taller than ever. Her hand held tightly to his arm the whole time, as if afraid he would fall again.
Qin Yu, watching the battle, looked on with satisfaction, thinking to himself, "Yang Zheng... well done, brother."