"You're just a foolish moth drawn to the flame." Sam sneered.Even if Caleb pushed the Glow Incantation to its limit, he couldn't withstand the thousand-talon coffer's power. The weapons within the coffer were not only immensely destructive but also carried various special attributes—wind, fire, thunder, lightning, ice, and different toxins.Some of these explicitly targeted protection armor energy, which made it highly effective against the Glow Incantation.Sam knew that Caleb wouldn't be able to break through the assault with just his Glow Incantation. The only way to win was to exhaust Caleb.As Caleb barrelled halfway, a storm of hidden weapons began to pour down. Before long, the onslaught completely engulfed him.The battle ring was illuminated with bursts of light accompanied by continuous explosions, and energy waves surged like tidal waves."Stormcraft!"Amidst the swirling dust and smoke, a blinding bolt of blue lightning erupted. The lightning spread rapidly and fo
Sam never expected to lose, especially when he had the thousand-talon coffer. But fate had other plans. In the end, he lost and accepted his defeat with grace.He had used every trick, but Caleb had countered them all. He might have been severely injured if Caleb hadn't held back on his final move. Caleb gave him an honorable defeat, and Sam knew better than to make a fuss. Otherwise, it would only invite more scorn. Caleb let out a long breath as Sam admitted defeat. His forehead was slick with sweat, and it was clear that his victory hadn't come easily. He had gone all in with the Glow Incantation, Stormcraft, and Divine Talisman. He used every ultimate move in his arsenal. If not for the explosion from the Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman that broke Sam's defenses and let him get in close, he might have lost the match."The Dawson Clan's hidden weapons are as formidable as rumored," Caleb said with genuine admiration."They're powerful, but still a lesser path," Sam respon
The minutes passed as the matches progressed. Before anyone realized it, half the day had already gone by.The battle ring witnessed one intense match after another, with the ring constantly being patched up. Soon, the list of the top 16 contestants was announced.For top-ranked martial artists on the Heavenly Immortals like Glenn, Abigail, and Fenley, the outcome was never in doubt—unless they faced each other. They won decisively and effortlessly.For instance, Glenn's opponent didn't even put up a fight and chose to forfeit right away. After all, swordsmen could deal devastating damage. As the top-ranked martial artist on the Legendary List, Glenn was an ultimate grandmaster. With just one strike, he could easily defeat an ordinary grandmaster. If his opponent hadn't forfeited, there was a high chance they could have been seriously injured.Those who drew Glenn as an opponent were simply unlucky. In the battle ring, sometimes luck played a bigger role than skill.Besides Glen
Jaxton's entrance drew a lot of attention.The Esoteric Sword Guild was highly mysterious in the martial world. Though they had only a handful of members, each was exceptionally talented. Their Sword Mastery Technique was so powerful that even the Sword Union had been envious. Consequently, every time Jaxton stepped into the battle ring, he became the center of attention. Everyone was intrigued by the Esoteric Sword Guild background and the renowned Sword Mastery Technique.Despite advancing to the top 16, he hadn't showcased the technique. Perhaps none of his previous opponents had been able to force him to use it. But the stakes were different now.Jaxton would be going against Fenley from the Celestial Alliance, ranked fifth on the Legendary List. With such a strong opponent, he would need to use his Sword Mastery Technique.At that moment, the two stood on the ring and saluted each other."I'm Fenley Hudson from Celestial Alliance," Fenley introduced himself with a brief s
"It's rare to see a fight like this. No swordplay, no divine powers, just pure fistfighting.""Now, this is what I call action. A real man goes all in, throwing punch after punch.""If they're going at it this hard just in the warm-up, imagine how intense it will get if the fight gets serious."The spectators buzzed with excitement as they watched the fierce battle in the battle ring. They had anticipated a clash of sword techniques and divine powers. Instead, they were witnessing an intense, all-out fistfight.Jaxton had set aside his sword to engage with his fists, while Fenley had put his divine powers aside for a straightforward brawl. It looked like the match was determined to settle things through pure skill in hand-to-hand combat.Fenley and Jaxton continued their fierce exchange of punches in the battle ring.Jaxton's attacks grew more aggressive as his internal energy surged with each strike. Each punch carried the force to split mountains. Soon, his breathing became hea
"Is this the Sword Mastery Technique? It really lives up to its name.""One strike knocked Fenley back and turned the tide. That's amazing.""That sword moved so fast, but I only saw a flash of white light. It was terrifying!"When Jaxton unleashed his Sword Mastery Technique, the spectators were stunned. Even though they had heard about it before, this was their first time seeing it in action. The technique's sheer dominance and fierce momentum had struck them deep in their souls. It was said that "One sword strike could be deadly".With such formidable techniques and divine power, ordinary people wouldn't stand a chance and could be defeated in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, Fenley was strong enough to endure the attack. Otherwise, that single sword strike might have been sufficient to kill him and decide the outcome.Fenley exhaled sharply, and his gaze turned serious. "I have to admit. Your Sword Mastery Technique is indeed a powerful divine ability. However, it's not e
The wind blades formed a net, which carried immense force as they hammered relentlessly against the three flying swords. Each impact resounded with explosive sounds.Though the sharp swords sliced through the blades, their momentum began to slow, and their speed dropped. But the wind blades seemed endless as they flooded the sky in waves. Some continued to hammer at the three swords, while others charged straight at Jaxton."Hmm?" Jaxton's expression changed slightly. He couldn't afford to take it head-on, so he waved his fingers three times and shouted, "Return!"The three flying swords turned in midair and raced back to his side. They spun rapidly and unleashed a fierce wave of sword aura that kept the incoming wind blades at bay.The clash between wind blades and sword aura created shockwaves and explosions, like a constant barrage of fireworks.Jaxton gritted his teeth and pointed his sword forward to fend off the relentless wind blades. Ten seconds later, the onslaught fin
"Fenley, congratulations for making it to the top eight. You're just one step away from winning the tournament," Aurora said with a bright smile as Fenley returned to his seat."While the Sword Mastery Technique is impressive, Fenley's Four Elements of God's Technique is far superior. Jaxton might have lost, but he still deserves respect." Alicia's face beamed with pride.Initially, Alicia was worried when she saw Jaxton's remarkable Sword Mastery Technique. But her worries vanished once Fenley unleashed his Four Elements of God's Technique. She knew the result of the match had already been decided."Defeating Jaxton was easy, but winning the tournament is still a long way to go." Fenley smiled and shook his head.He was confident but not blind to the challenges ahead. Jaxton wasn't one of the top names on the Legendary List. Though skilled, he wasn't in the same league as the top contestants."Let's take it one step at a time," Aurora said with a smile. "If Glenn and Abigail end
Dustin raised his hand as the black feathers rained down on him. A white energy shield flared into existence to form a wall before him.The feathers slammed into the shield and sent ripples across its surface but failed to break through. However, the black flames on the feathers spread across the shield and burned through its energy at a visible pace. In the blink of an eye, the once impenetrable barrier cracked open and left a gaping hole.Dustin couldn't hide his surprise. His mystical pure energy was far stronger than the average grandmaster's internal energy in offense and defense. It was meant to be impenetrable. He hadn't anticipated it couldn't hold up against Abigail's phoenix flame.Seeing the raw strength of her bloodline, he knew he couldn't afford to take any chances. As the black flames spread, he swiftly waved his hand to summon a furious gust of wind that sent the feathers and flames flying."Glaring Wings!" Abigail wasn't done yet. She quickly formed hand seals and
Abigail moved with lightning speed, and her figure weaved in and out like a shadow. Her swift movements left a blur of afterimages that was hard for anyone watching to keep up.On the contrary, Dustin stood still without making any movement."Fallen Fist!"After closing in, she unleashed a flurry of strikes—dozens of black palm shadows slamming toward his body, and each one was like a bullet aimed at its target.Abigail practiced a unique martial art, and it was imbued with voodoo-like properties that could kill anyone who made contact with her. But Dustin's body was immune to all poisons, so it was a perfect counter to her deadly attack.As the shadow palms closed in, he remained unshaken and thrust his palm forward.A fierce gust of wind surged and ripped through the air with unrelenting force. It collided with the black palm shadows.Abigail's black palm shadows exploded on impact and disintegrated into thick clouds of dark mist that quickly spread. Within moments, the mist e
The whole arena suddenly fell dead silent. Everyone stared blankly, and not a soul dared to breathe. Alloy shot to his feet in the main spectator seats, and his face was tense with worry. Yet, he didn't dare make a sound. He feared it might startle Glenn into making a mistake that could cost Fenley's life.After all, Fenley represented the future of the Celestial Alliance. Alloy had invested all his effort into Fenley, and he provided him with endless resources. If Fenley were to die in the match, it would deal a devastating blow to the entire guild.While Alloy was gripped with worry, Cyrus and Penelope cheered silently. They secretly hoped Glenn's sword would strike Fenley. If that happened, the Celestial Alliance would take at least a decade to regain its former glory.Fenley's body stiffened as he stared at the Fang Master hovering inches from him. A shiver ran through his spine as goosebumps prickled his skin. Sweat trickled down his face, and each drop hit the ground with a
"Glenn had only seven swords in the past. I didn't expect that in just one year, two more divine swords would recognize him as their master. This punk is much better than I was back then," Cyrus remarked. He stroked his chin with a look of surprise and approval. He had always believed in Glenn's potential, but Glenn's performance had still exceeded his expectations.After all, the more swords Glenn wielded, the stronger he became. He had already topped the Legendary List with just seven swords. Now, with nine, his strength had grown even more overwhelming."He truly is the Chosen One." Even Kaden couldn't help but sigh.The nine divine swords recognized their master and responded with ease. Glenn's talent and cultivation were leagues ahead of his peers.Every generation brought forth new talent, and the old had no choice but to step aside for the new generation. Compared to their time, today's youth were on another level—monsters in their own right."Now, this is going to be int
Compared to the second green sword, Glenn's third sword was even more powerful. As it descended, accompanied by the fury of a fire dragon, it carried the destructive force of a world-shattering storm.Fenley, whose energy flow was disrupted earlier, watched the fiery red long sword streak toward like a falling meteor. His heart raced and was gripped by a sudden sense of impending doom.With a roar, he risked the backlash effect and unleashed a powerful surge of internal energy. The ethereal divine spirit behind him instantly transformed into a figure with three heads and six arms. This was the complete form of the Four Elements of God's Technique.At that instant, he threw everything he had into the fight. He controlled the spirit to slam its giant arms into the flaming sword. With a loud explosion, the sword tore through the spirit's palms and continued its unyielding path toward Fenley. But its speed had slowed slightly.Without hesitation, he controlled the spirit to strike ag
When the spectators heard the match was about to begin, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Half of them cheered for Fenley while the other half chanted Glenn's name. Both were the Chosen Ones, and their popularity was undeniable. Everyone had been waiting for their face-off in the battle ring.Though Fenley ranked slightly below Glenn on the Legendary List, his fame and influence as the successor to the Celestial Alliance's guildmaster outshined Glenn's. Ultimately, the question of who was stronger could only be answered in the ring."I've been waiting for this day, Glenn." Fenley stared at him intently. His voice was powerful and commanding. He continued, "Others say I'm not your equal, but I refuse to believe it. Today, we'll find out whether your sword is faster or if my Four Elements of God's Technique is superior.""The moment you said that, you've already lost. Your doubt shows you lack the confidence to defeat me," Glenn replied calmly. If this were a fight-to-the-deat
After the quarterfinals, it was time for a break. With noon approaching, contestants and spectators needed food and water to recharge. An hour later, the venue was buzzing with excitement again as Oron stepped onto the battle ring. He was accompanied by a Sacred Wrym Summit disciple, who carried a black box filled with numbered balls."It's almost time. I'd like to invite the top four contestants to the ring to draw lots," Oron announced as he surveyed the crowd.Amidst a wave of enthusiastic applause, four figures ascended the battle ring one after another. First in line was Glenn, with Fenley right behind him, followed by Abigail and Dustin."Sir, we're in the semifinals. Good luck!" Abigail winked playfully at Dustin as she stepped into the ring."You too," he replied with a smile.Given Abigail's strength, her odds against Glenn were slim. However, if she faced Fenley, she would have a solid chance at victory.After all, Fenley had only just broken through to the ultimate g
"Who the heck is this kid?" Oron glanced at his trembling hands and felt a chill run down his spine. He failed to gain the upper hand in the earlier clash with Dustin and suffered an unexpected setback. He was already an ultimate grandmaster, with a cultivation and mastery of the Glow Incantation that surpassed Caleb's. By all accounts, subduing a younger opponent should have been a piece of cake.But that exchange just now had brought him to a stark realization—Dustin had been holding back this whole time and hadn't used his full strength. Otherwise, Caleb wouldn't have lasted this long.The realization unsettled Oron. There were always extraordinary talents out there, but the potential Dustin had displayed was genuinely terrifying. To put it plainly, he was a beast on the same level as Glenn."What happened? Why did the judge step in?""Can't you see? Caleb has already lost. If the judge hadn't stepped in, that sword would have killed him or left him severely injured.""Exactl
As the Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman took shape, a massive trigram formation suddenly appeared at the center of the battle ring. It spanned across the ring, whirling and transforming with relentless speed.At that moment, Dustin was standing inside the enchantment circle. He suddenly felt overwhelmed by tremendous pressure. Unlike the crushing force from the Summit Shift talisman that affected his body, this pressure came from his mind. He felt as if he were confined in a cage and unable to escape, regardless of how hard he struggled.Unlike the explosion Caleb had used against Sam, the Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman now showcased its true power."You shouldn't have given me time to prepare. Your arrogance is your downfall." Caleb let out a sigh of relief upon seeing the enchantment circle in place.The Eight Trigrams of Divine Talisman was powerful but required several seconds to cast—a timeframe that could be deadly against a skilled opponent.During his fight with Sam