65: Chapter 65: Wufeng vs. Reincarnation, Fierce Battle

"Heavy Sword, No Edge" and "Ice Fire Reincarnation Seal"!

Two attacks, containing diametrically opposite yet both reaching the pinnacle of power...

...collided violently within the narrow space in the center of the arena!

There was no deafening roar, no blinding flash of light.

There was only a heart-palpitating, eerie silence, as if time and space were being distorted and swallowed.

Zhao Feng's black sword energy, seemingly slow but actually heavy as a mountain, contained the true intent of "Wufeng".

When it touched the tiny, chaotic vortex of intertwined ice and fire at the tip of Ye Chen's sword...

...it was like a clay ox entering the sea, silently sucked in, decomposed, and annihilated by that vortex!

The vortex spun, emitting a contradictory Dao charm that seemed to end all things yet also give birth to new life.

It gradually wore down, transformed, and swallowed the majestic power of the "Heavy Sword, No Edge".

Zhao Feng's expression changed abruptly.

He felt his connection with the wufeng sword being forcibly severed and dissolved by that eerie vortex!

It was not just a confrontation of power, but a crushing of Concepts and an erosion at the level of Laws!

He had never encountered such a bizarre and overbearing attack!

This was definitely not a power that the Meridian Opening Realm, or even an ordinary Wheel Sea Realm, could master!

"Break for me!"

Zhao Feng roared, veins bulging on his forehead, as he frantically poured all the True Essence in his Dantian into the sword.

He even went as far as burning a trace of his life essence blood, attempting to break through the shackles of that chaotic vortex!

However, the chaotic vortex formed by the Ice Fire Reincarnation Seal...

...was like a bottomless black hole, or the primordial point at the beginning of heaven and earth.

No matter how much power he urged, he could not fill it.

Instead, his own power was being frantically swallowed like a flood bursting through a dam.

Even more terrifying was the Concept of intertwined annihilation and rebirth emanating from the vortex.

It constantly battered his mind, causing even his Dao Heart to become unstable.

*Crack...*

A slight, crisp sound was exceptionally clear in the silence.

On the deep and restrained black body of the wufeng sword in Zhao Feng's hand, a crack as thin as a hair actually appeared!

Although extremely minute, it was like a thunderclap exploding in Zhao Feng's heart!

This precious sword, which had accompanied him for many years and was regarded as part of his Dao Foundation, was actually damaged?

At the very moment Zhao Feng's mind was shaken, Ye Chen moved.

His face was as pale as paper, and the veins on his forehead were throbbing.

Clearly, activating this embryonic form of the Ice Fire Reincarnation Seal was also a huge burden for him.

But his eyes remained as sharp as a knife. Seizing the moment when Zhao Feng's mind faltered and his power was restrained by the vortex...

...he flicked his wrist, and the chaotic vortex on the ice scar sword suddenly exploded!

Boom—!

This time, it was no longer a silent annihilation.

Instead, a chaotic, violent, yet strangely orderly ice-fire storm erupted!

Ice-blue cold currents and golden-red flames swept through, intertwined, yet it was not a simple explosion.

It was like a miniature, out-of-control creation of a world, containing the terrifying power of freezing, incineration...

...and even a trace of chaotic reenactment, slamming heavily into Zhao Feng!

Pfft—!

Zhao Feng felt as if he had been struck by an ancient behemoth; his protective True Essence shattered instantly, and his ribs made a snapping sound.

His whole body was thrown backward like a broken kite.

While in the air, he spat out several mouthfuls of blood, mixed with fragments of internal organs and ice shards!

The wufeng sword flew out of his hand, tumbling a few times in the air.

With a *clang*, it landed at the edge of the arena.

The crack on the sword's body became even more obvious.

Bang!

Zhao Feng slammed heavily below the arena. He struggled twice, wanting to get up, but it aggravated his injuries.

He spat out another mouthful of blood, his vision went black, and he completely lost consciousness.

Silence.

A deathly stillness once again enveloped the Trial Sword Platform, lasting longer than any time before.

It was as if everyone's throats were being squeezed. They stared with wide eyes, looking in disbelief at the figure standing on the arena with his sword, swaying...

...yet appearing like a God of War, and then at the unconscious, wretched Zhao Feng below the stage.

Zhao Feng was defeated?

The mysterious and powerful Young City Lord of the City Lord's Mansion, a Wheel Sea Realm Third Level Genius Sword Cultivator, had actually lost?

And he lost so thoroughly, so bizarrely.

A Meridian Opening Realm had frontally defeated a Wheel Sea Realm Third Level?

This was no longer a miracle; it was simply a myth!

In the history of Qingyun City, there had never been such a feat!

"Ye... Ye Chen, wins!"

The referee's voice, carrying an obvious tremble, broke the deathly silence.

Whoosh—!

After the brief silence came a mountain-shaking, tsunami-like uproar!

The entire Trial Sword Platform square completely boiled over!

Exclamations, praise, and discussions of disbelief swept out like a tidal wave!

"He won! Ye Chen won!"

"My god! Meridian Opening slays a Third Level? Am I dreaming?"

"What was that last move? It was too terrifying! I felt my Soul trembling!"

"Ye Chen! Ye Chen! Ye Chen!"

Countless people excitedly shouted Ye Chen's name.

Especially the young people and Loose Cultivators, who looked at him as if they had seen an idol, their blood boiling with excitement.

As a Meridian Opening Realm, Ye Chen had fought his way through, defeating Wheel Sea Realm experts one after another.

In the end, he even defeated the strongest, Zhao Feng.

Such a Heaven-Defying achievement was enough to be recorded in the annals of Qingyun City and inspire countless future generations!

The Lin family area had long since fallen into a frenzy of celebration.

Lin Dong, Scarface, and others were so excited their faces were flushed red, and they waved their arms wildly.

Liu Yiyi covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears.

Although Lin Qingxue still wore her veil, her cool eyes...

...were now incredibly bright, staring unblinkingly at the upright yet slightly lonely figure on the arena.

Her heart was filled with unspeakable pride, as well as a deeply hidden heartache.

She knew that the price Ye Chen paid for that move was by no means light.

The Wang and Ye family areas, on the other hand, were deathly silent.

The Wang family members looked ashen; their last bit of hope had been shattered.

The Ye family members were even more silent as cicadas in winter; the gaze they turned toward Ye Chen was filled only with deep fear and powerlessness.

This boy was no longer a fish in a pond; to be his enemy again would be no different from seeking death.

On the northern spectator stand, the two Tianyun Sword Sect envoys had also long since stood up.

They stared at Ye Chen with burning eyes.

Their eyes were filled with shock, inquiry, and an undisguisable appreciation.

"Cultivating both Ice and Fire, he can actually explode with such power? That last seal has already faintly touched upon a trace of the Law's embryonic form! This boy's comprehension of Concepts is simply that of a Prodigy!"

"His Foundation is terrifyingly solid, and his combat power far exceeds his Realm. What's even rarer is his resilient Heart-Nature; he is decisive in killing, yet not a person who kills indiscriminately. A good seedling! This boy, our Tianyun Sword Sect must have him!"

The two looked at each other and saw the determination in each other's eyes.

Ye Chen's performance had already far exceeded their expectations for this selection.

Even within the inner sect of the Tianyun Sword Sect, he would absolutely be a top-tier Genius!

On the arena, Ye Chen leaned on his sword, panting heavily. His whole body was soaked in sweat, and his face was terrifyingly pale.

Forcibly activating the embryonic Ice Fire Reincarnation Seal had a devastating toll on him.

Not only was all his True Essence drained, but the Ice Lotus Imprint had also dimmed considerably, and his Meridians were transmitting a tearing pain.

If not for his Physical Body having been tempered by the Ice Fire Origin and far exceeding those of the same rank, he would likely have collapsed by now.

But Ye Chen forced himself to stay upright; he did not fall.

He knew that now was not the time to relax.

He slowly stood straight, his gaze sweeping over the unconscious Zhao Feng below the stage, then toward the two envoys with profound Auras on the northern stand.

Finally, he met the countless gazes from the entire audience—some fanatical, some in awe, and some complex.

Ye Chen took a deep breath, suppressing the metallic taste in his throat, and slowly spoke.

Though his voice was hoarse, it clearly spread throughout the entire square.

"Who else?"

Three simple words, yet they carried an incomparable dominance and confidence, echoing across the boiling square.

The winners of the other two matches in the top four were currently standing below the stage.

Looking at the figure standing as straight as a spear on the arena, their faces involuntarily showed bitterness and helplessness.

Even Zhao Feng had lost, and lost so miserably. If they went up, what could they do?

Would they just be seeking humiliation?

One of them was a Loose Cultivator from another major city in Qingyun Prefecture, "Liuyun City".

At the Wheel Sea Realm Third Level Early Stage, he gave a bitter smile, cupped his hands, and said:

"Young Master Ye's strength is astonishing. I am ashamed to say I am not your equal. I admit defeat and withdraw."

The other person was the only remaining Wheel-Sea Realm Second Level Peak disciple of the Ye family.

He looked at Ye Chen's cold gaze on the stage.

Recalling the fates of Grand Elder Ye Rushan, Ye Hu, and the others, his heart was even more chilled, and he also hurriedly said:

"I... I also withdraw."

Thus, in the top four battles, Ye Chen won two consecutive matches, and the other two retreated without a fight.

Ye Chen advanced directly to the finals!

And his opponent in the finals would be the winner of the other top four battle.

A young saber user also from Liuyun City, at the Wheel Sea Realm Third Level Middle Stage, named "Duan Tianya".

This person's saber technique was wild and fierce, and his strength was not weak.

But having seen the battle between Ye Chen and Zhao Feng, his expression was now incredibly grave, with none of his previous arrogance remaining.

[part:deepseek-chat]

"The finals will begin in half an hour!"

The referee announced loudly. At the same time, people from the City Lord's Mansion immediately stepped onto the stage to carry the unconscious Zhao Feng down for treatment.

Ye Chen stepped off the dueling platform and returned to the Lin family's area.

Lin Qingxue immediately stepped forward to support him, stuffing a prepared Medicinal Pill into his mouth.

The pill dissolved upon entering, transforming into a warm current that nourished his parched Meridians.

Scarface and the others also gathered around, their faces full of concern.

"Brother Ye, how are you?" Lin Dong asked urgently.

"It's fine. The consumption was a bit high. I'll be fine after some rest and adjustment."

Ye Chen sat down cross-legged and began to circulate his Cultivation Technique with full force, absorbing the power of the Medicinal Pill to restore his True Essence.

The Ice Lotus Imprint also slowly rotated, absorbing the sparse water and fire Spiritual Qi from the heavens and earth to repair itself.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

When Ye Chen opened his eyes again,

though his face was still somewhat pale, his gaze had regained its clarity, and his Aura had stabilized considerably.

Although he hadn't fully recovered, it should be enough to handle the finals.

"Finals! Ye Chen versus Duan Tianya! Please, both contestants, come to the stage!"

Ye Chen stood up and looked at the young man opposite him, who had long been waiting below the stage, carrying a long saber on his back, his expression grave.

Duan Tianya was also looking at him, his eyes a mix of Battle Intent and wariness.

The final decisive battle was about to begin.

And Ye Chen's goal had never changed—first place!

The Tianyun Sword Sect's spot, he was determined to obtain!

Half an hour of rest might not be enough for an ordinary person to recover from the consumption of successive bloody battles.

But Ye Chen, bearing the Ice Lotus Imprint and having absorbed the fire spirit marrow, possessed a recovery rate for his Physical Body and True Essence far surpassing his peers.

At this moment, although he hadn't reached his Peak, his Aura was steady, his gaze sharp and clear. He already had the strength to fight again.

He slowly rose to his feet, the ice scar sword in his hand. The sword's body had a restrained brilliance, yet faint traces of ice and fire seemed to flow within it.

On the opposite side, Duan Tianya had already leaped onto the platform, the long saber on his back now unsheathed.

It was a long saber with a simple, ancient design, a thick back, and a dark red blade.

As if it had drunk the blood of countless foes, it emitted a faint Aura of Evil Qi and scorching heat.

Duan Tianya himself was burly and had a rugged face.

His tiger-like eyes were fixed tightly on Ye Chen, grave yet carrying a trace of the fervor unique to a Saber Cultivator.

"Ye Chen, you are strong. Stronger than the rumors say."

Duan Tianya's voice was deep and resonant, like the friction of a blade.

"It is an honor for me, Duan Tianya, to battle an opponent like you. But I will not easily concede the Tianyun Sword Sect's spot. I will face you fairly with all I have learned in my 'Blazing Wild Saber' technique!"

Ye Chen nodded. From this person, he sensed a pure, Martial Artist's Battle Intent.

Not the resentment and schemes of people like Wang Mang or Ye Hu.

"Please."

"Finals, Ye Chen versus Duan Tianya, begin!"

With the referee's command, he swiftly retreated.

"Forgive my offense!"

Duan Tianya roared and took the initiative to attack!

He stomped his foot, causing the platform floor to rumble loudly.

His entire body was like a frenzied fiery tiger as he charged, dragging his saber, and unleashed a sweeping horizontal slash!

Where the saber's edge passed, the air was distorted by scorching heat waves.

A crimson Saber Aura, like a bolt of silk, carrying a violent momentum capable of burning mountains and boiling seas, slashed towards Ye Chen's waist!

This was the opening move of the

"Blazing Wild Saber"—Fiery Tiger Unleashed!

Even before the saber arrived, that scorching, overbearing Saber Intent was already rushing towards him, as if intent on drying him out and incinerating him.

Duan Tianya's cultivation at the Wheel Sea Realm Third Level Middle Stage was unleashed without reservation. His saber technique was broad and powerful, using force to break through skill.

Clearly, he wanted to suppress Ye Chen in one go, relying on his cultivation advantage and the ferocity of his saber technique.

Facing this overwhelmingly fierce slash, Ye Chen's eyes remained calm.

He did not choose to meet it head-on. Instead, his feet executed the Mist Transformation Steps, and his figure drifted backward like a ghost.

At the same time, he angled the ice scar sword, its tip drawing a mysterious arc, striking the weak point on the side of the crimson Saber Aura.

He was actually using skillful force in an attempt to deflect this powerful, heavy slash.

*Clang!*

A clear, crisp sound of collision rang out.

Ye Chen felt a scorching, immense force transmitted through the sword, slightly numbing his arm.

But he used the opponent's force against him, his body spinning, having already diverted most of the power.

Duan Tianya's saber momentum was also pulled askew, slashing into empty air.

It carved a charred, deep trench into the platform floor.

"Excellent footwork! Take another one of my strikes!"

Duan Tianya, far from being dismayed, grew even more delighted, his Battle Intent intensifying. He swung his long saber, and his saber momentum rose again!

"Blazing Wild Saber—Prairie Fire Hundred Slashes!"

His body spun rapidly, the long saber transforming into a sky full of fiery-red saber shadows.

Like a wildfire igniting across a prairie, overwhelming and all-encompassing, they swept towards Ye Chen from all directions!

Each saber shadow was incredibly solid, containing terrifying scorching Saber Aura, sealing off all of Ye Chen's possible evasion routes.

Intending to completely engulf him within this sea of fiery blades!

The audience below watched with bated breath, their hearts pounding.

Duan Tianya's saber technique followed the path of fierce, overbearing power.

Paired with his substantial Wheel Sea Realm Third Level True Essence, its power was truly terrifying.

If caught within it, one would likely be shredded to ashes in an instant.

Ye Chen, at the center of the saber sea, still showed no change in expression.

He no longer solely evaded. The Ice Fire True Essence within his body surged, and the ice scar sword suddenly shone with brilliant ice-blue and gold-red light!

His wrist flickered, and the ice scar sword transformed into strands of condensed, interwoven ice-and-fire sword threads.

It was not a direct clash, but akin to a skilled butcher dissecting an ox.

Accurately striking the joints of the myriad saber shadows and the weak points in the flow of power!

*Ssssh! Ssssh! Ssssh! Ssssh!*

A dense sound of collisions, like raindrops on plantain leaves, erupted!

The crimson saber shadows and the ice-fire sword threads continuously collided and annihilated each other.

Ye Chen's figure weaved through the sea of blades, seemingly in extreme peril.

Yet, each time, at the last possible moment, with exquisite swordplay and footwork, he turned danger into safety.

And subtly cut apart and obstructed Duan Tianya's seemingly wild and chaotic saber momentum.

"What?!"

The more Duan Tianya fought, the more alarmed he became.

He felt as if his saber had sunk into a sticky, icy-hot swamp.

Restricted everywhere, his power unable to be fully unleashed.

His opponent's strength was clearly inferior to his own.

But that Ice Fire True Essence was bizarrely strange—sometimes bone-chillingly cold, hindering his blood and Qi; other times scorchingly hot, disrupting his True Essence.

There was also an odd Concept that continuously assailed his Saber Heart.

Moreover, his opponent's swordplay, seemingly simple, contained an indescribable profundity.

It always managed to find the most uncomfortable point in his saber technique.

"I can't continue like this!"

Duan Tianya steeled his heart, knowing a prolonged battle was unfavorable.

He abruptly retracted his saber and retreated, creating distance.

Gripping the saber with both hands, he raised it high above his head, pouring all his True Essence into the blade like a volcanic eruption!

The long saber's crimson light swelled dramatically, as if it were truly burning.

A terrifying high temperature spread, even causing the spectators at the platform's edge to feel their skin burning.

"Blazing Wild Saber Ultimate Profound Truth—Heavenly Fire Descends Upon the World!"

He roared hoarsely and slashed down!

No longer scattered saber shadows, but a Saber Aura condensed to the extreme—thick as a bucket, crimson like molten lava.

Carrying the might to incinerate all directions and destroy everything, it descended from the heavens, fiercely chopping down towards Ye Chen!

This slash drained most of his True Essence. It was the concentrated essence of his lifelong Saber Dao.

Its power was comparable to a full-force strike from a Lun Hai Jing Fourth Level!

Facing this heaven-and-earth-destroying slash, a look of gravity finally appeared in Ye Chen's eyes.

He knew he could no longer hold back and test the waters.

Taking a deep breath, the Ice Fire Qi vortex within his body spun wildly at an unprecedented speed.

The Ice Lotus Imprint shone brightly, and the Profound Ice Palace fragment deep within his Soul also trembled slightly.

Transmitting the ancient charm of the Ice Law.

At the same time, he mobilized the last remaining trace of fire spirit marrow essence within his body.

Immediately after, Ye Chen slowly leveled the ice scar sword.

On the sword's body, ice-blue and gold-red light interwove, coiled, and rotated.

Finally, at the sword's tip, they condensed into an Ice Fire Taiji Seal only the size of a fist, yet incredibly solid and slowly rotating!

Within the Taiji Seal, the Yin and Yang fish were distinct, ice and fire merged, extinction and creation coexisted.

It emitted a vast Dao charm that stirred one's very Soul!

This was not the destructive eruption of the Ice Fire Reincarnation Seal.

But rather the Ice Fire Taiji Seal, which leaned more towards the evolution of Laws and the balance of Yin and Yang!

"Ice Fire Taiji Seal!"

Ye Chen thrust his sword forward. The Ice Fire Taiji Seal at the sword's tip was like a miniature Chaos world.

Carrying the majestic Dao charm of evolving all things, it met the "Heavenly Fire" Saber Aura intent on incinerating everything!

*Hummmmm—!*

There was no earth-shattering explosion. The moment the Ice Fire Taiji Seal made contact with the crimson Saber Aura,

space and time seemed to freeze for an instant.

Immediately after, everyone witnessed a scene they would never forget for the rest of their lives.

That crimson Saber Aura, with its overwhelming might, upon touching the Ice Fire Taiji Seal,

actually began to rapidly dissolve and disintegrate, like snow melting under the spring sun!