86: Chapter 86, Two extraordinary individuals battle Zhao Gang!

Bai Yu leapt onto the arena and gave Ye Chen a slight smile, his tone gentle.

However, within those narrow eyes, a fox-like light flickered.

“Senior Brother Bai, please.”

Ye Chen cupped his hands, his expression calm.

He could feel that this person was far more dangerous than his previous opponents.

Not only was his cultivation higher, but his aura was also more bizarre and unpredictable; that iron fan likely wasn't an ordinary weapon either.

“Match start!”

As soon as the referee finished speaking, the iron fan in Bai Yu's hand snapped open with a 'shua' sound, revealing a lifelike landscape painted on the fan's surface.

But within Ye Chen's Divine Sense, that landscape seemed to be flowing, emitting a power that hallucinated the mind.

Bai Yu's figure blurred, unexpectedly transforming into three figures that were hard to distinguish as real or fake, drifting toward Ye Chen from different directions.

The iron fan poked, sliced, or fanned, bringing forth streaks of sharp, sinister wind.

Even more, a cloyingly sweet fragrance began to spread—clearly some kind of soul-confusing poison mist!

“Illusions? Poison techniques?”

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed; he didn't dare to be careless.

He immediately circulated the Ice Lotus Imprint to guard his spiritual terrace.

At the same time, he activated the Hunyuan One-Qi Art, causing the Ice Fire True Essence to form a cycle within his body, quickly neutralizing the invading sweet fragrance.

Executing the Phantom Step, his own figure also became elusive and uncertain.

The ice scar sword traced arcs in the air, parrying the incoming fan shadows and sinister winds one by one.

“Ding, ding, ding!”

Sword and fan collided, producing a rapid series of crisp sounds.

Ye Chen felt that the opponent's fan was incredibly heavy.

The force was feminine and bizarre, at times like a mountain pressing down, and at others like a gentle breeze brushing the face, making it impossible to grasp.

More troublesome was that the landscape illusion on the fan surface constantly interfered with his vision and Divine Sense judgment.

It made it difficult for him to lock onto Bai Yu's true body.

“What bizarre movement and fan techniques!”

Ye Chen praised inwardly.

This person had integrated illusions, poison techniques, and fan arts into one; he was indeed difficult to deal with.

If it were before, he might have had to expend considerable effort.

But now...

A cold light flashed in Ye Chen's eyes; he no longer focused solely on defense.

The Hunyuan True Essence within his body quietly circulated, pouring into the ice scar sword.

The sword's blade was no longer simply icy blue or golden-red.

Instead, it emitted a faint, nearly chaotic gray glow, carrying a sense of inclusion and evolution.

He thrust his sword out; it seemed ordinary, yet it precisely targeted one of the three illusions.

The one where the aura was most solid and the energy fluctuations most subtle!

This was an advanced application of the Profound Ice Stab, incorporating his insights into 'Primal Chaos One Energy' and his perception of the essence of energy!

“Eh?”

Bai Yu let out a soft exclamation of surprise, clearly not expecting Ye Chen to see through his illusory body so quickly.

The illusion that was his true body retreated rapidly, the iron fan snapping shut like a short staff to parry Ye Chen's sword tip.

“Clang!”

Sword and fan clashed once more.

This time, Bai Yu's expression changed slightly.

He felt an extremely strange force coming from Ye Chen's sword.

It wasn't simple cold or heat, but a kind of chaotic power that seemed capable of melting and transforming all forces.

It actually neutralized most of the feminine poison energy he had transmitted through the fan!

Furthermore, an incomparably sharp Sword Intent pierced through the fan, striking at his mind.

“This boy's True Essence is strange!”

Bai Yu's heart tightened, knowing he could no longer hold back.

He retreated rapidly while simultaneously snapping the iron fan open again, giving Ye Chen a fierce fan!

“Sinister Wind Bone Erosion!”

A gust of wind, black as ink and emitting a bone-chilling cold and foul stench.

It appeared out of thin air, howling like ghosts and wolves as it swept toward Ye Chen!

Wherever the wind passed, a thin layer of black ice froze onto the arena floor, clearly containing terrifying sinister Cold Poison!

This was one of his ultimate moves!

Facing this terrifying tide of sinister wind and poison, Ye Chen neither dodged nor avoided it.

He pushed his Hunyuan True Essence to the limit, forming a thin, hazy gray protective shield on the surface of his body.

At the same time, the gray glow on the ice scar sword intensified as he slashed out at the sweeping black sinister wind!

“Primal Chaos Delusion Breaker!”

The hazy gray sword light wasn't dazzling.

Yet it carried a Concept of returning to simplicity and breaking through falsehood as it sliced into the black sinister wind.

“Chiii, chiii, chiii...”

There was no world-shaking explosion.

The seemingly terrifying black sinister wind, at the moment it contacted the hazy gray sword light,

Actually melted away like snow in the spring sun, rapidly dissolving and collapsing.

The sinister Cold Poison within was easily contained, decomposed, and transformed by that chaotic sword light!

The sword light's momentum didn't decrease as it slashed toward the pale-faced Bai Yu behind it!

“How is this possible?!”

Bai Yu cried out in shock, hurriedly holding the iron fan across his chest as his entire body's True Essence erupted.

“Boom!”

The hazy gray sword light struck the iron fan with a muffled thud.

Bai Yu felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, and he was sent flying back along with his fan.

While still in the air, he spat out a mouthful of blood; the spiritual light on the iron fan dimmed, and several fine cracks appeared.

He slammed heavily onto the edge of the arena, struggling twice to get up, but the movement aggravated his injuries.

He spat out another mouthful of blood, his face ashen, having already lost the ability to fight.

“group d Number Seven, Ye Chen wins!”

The referee announced loudly, his gaze toward Ye Chen now holding a hint of surprise.

Below the stage, there was a moment of silence, followed by a massive uproar!

“He won?! Ye Chen defeated Bai Yu?!”

“That was Bai Yu at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm! The ‘Phantom Fan Scholar’ Bai Yu!”

“What was that last sword strike from Ye Chen? Such a strange sword light!”

“His True Essence seems different from before, even more unfathomable!”

“One of the favorites to qualify from group d was just taken down like that?”

Ye Chen sheathed his sword, cupped his hands toward the barely sitting Bai Yu, and then leapt down from the arena.

He could feel the gazes coming from all directions, filled with shock and wariness.

As well as an even more intense hostility.

Ye Chen knew that his true strength had begun to attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.

The upcoming battles would only become more difficult.

But he felt no fear in his heart; instead, his Battle Intent rose even higher.

The power of the Hunyuan True Essence far exceeded his expectations.

This Hunyuan One-Qi Art truly lived up to being a suspected High Grade Profound Rank miraculous technique!

Returning to the rest area, Ye Chen once again closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, digesting the insights from the battle just now.

The Hunyuan True Essence's ability to contain and neutralize bizarre forces

Gave him more confidence for his future battles.

The matches for group d continued.

Qin Lie and that black-clothed spearman also defeated their respective opponents, strongly advancing to the top eight.

The top eight were decided: Ye Chen, Qin Lie, and the black-clothed spearman named Mo Feng,

Along with five other Disciples at the Third and Fourth Levels of the Wheel Sea Realm.

Next would be the even more brutal elimination rounds until the top three of group d were determined.

Ye Chen knew that the real tough battles were yet to come.

Both Qin Lie and Mo Feng would be formidable enemies.

Especially Qin Lie; the people of Golden Flame Peak would definitely not show him any mercy.

But he was already prepared.

His gaze swept not far away.

To Qin Lie, who was staring at him with a cold gaze; a cold arc curled at the corner of Ye Chen's mouth.

Come then, let me see just how deep the waters of this inner sect really are.

With the top eight of group d decided, the atmosphere suddenly became even more tense.

Those who could make it to this step were all individuals with both strength and luck.

Every subsequent match would be a hard battle.

The pairings for the quarter-finals were quickly drawn.

Ye Chen looked at his new lot number—'D3'—which meant he would fight in the third match.

And his opponent was 'D4', a saber-wielder at the Peak of the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm.

With a steady aura and sharp eyes, he was clearly not someone to be easily dealt with.

But at this moment, Ye Chen's thoughts

Were focused more on the first match that was about to begin.

D1, Qin Lie, against D2, Mo Feng.

Qin Lie, from Golden Flame Peak at the Peak of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, cultivated the Red Sun Heaven Burning Art.

His flaming palm techniques were fierce and overbearing.

He had won his previous two matches in a crushing manner and was highly favored.

Mo Feng was of unknown origin, seemingly from a Loose Cultivator background, and was a man of few words.

But he wielded a long spear with supernatural skill, was also at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and his strength was unfathomable.

The clash between these two was undoubtedly an early final for group d.

Ye Chen's eyes were fixed on the arena.

He needed to observe Qin Lie's true strength and fighting style.

On the arena, Qin Lie stood in red robes like a burning flame, hands behind his back, looking arrogant.

Mo Feng wore simple black clothes.

He held a long spear that was entirely black, except for the tip which shone like a cold star, and he remained expressionless.

“Mo Feng? A nobody.”

Qin Lie glanced at Mo Feng, his tone contemptuous.

“Being able to get here counts as your luck. Surrender on your own, lest you be burned to charcoal by my flames later; it wouldn't look good.”

Mo Feng didn't speak; he only slowly raised the long spear in his hand, the tip pointing directly at Qin Lie.

A Spear Intent as heavy as a mountain

Quietly spread out, making the surrounding air seem to become viscous and sharp.

“Hmph, courting death!”

A fierce glint flashed in Qin Lie's eyes as he stopped talking and moved suddenly.

Transforming into a crimson afterimage, he crossed several yards in an instant and struck with a palm!

Before the palm wind even arrived, a scorching wave of air rushed toward him, burning the air until it distorted.

His palm was as red as fire jade, emitting a terrifying high temperature—the Red Sun Palm!

This palm was several times more powerful than when he defeated his previous opponents!

Clearly, facing Mo Feng, Qin Lie had also set aside some of his contempt.

Facing this palm that seemed capable of burning mountains and boiling seas.

Mo Feng's eyes were calm as he advanced instead of retreating, his long spear thrusting out like a black dragon emerging from the sea!

The cold star at the tip of the spear suddenly brightened, as if it could pierce the heavens.

Carrying an indomitable, all-penetrating sharp Spear Intent, it pointed with incomparable precision toward Qin Lie's palm!

"Clang—!!!"

The palm and spear collided, erupting in a massive roar like the clashing of gold and iron!

Crimson flames and pitch-black spear light violently clashed and annihilated each other, and the resulting airwave exploded, sending cracks through the surface of the arena!

The bodies of both men shook simultaneously, and each took half a step back.

They were evenly matched!

"You have some skill!"

Qin Lie's eyes narrowed as he cast away his last shred of contempt.

He gave a low shout, and the crimson light on his palms intensified as he unleashed his palm techniques.

Like two burning meteors, they bombarded Mo Feng incessantly!

Every palm strike contained terrifying explosive power, causing the air to erupt in series of sonic booms.

Mo Feng's spear techniques unfolded like an ink-wash landscape painting—steady, heavy, yet hiding infinite killing intent.

Spear shadows layered upon each other, protecting his body so thoroughly that not even a drop of water could leak through; no matter how violent Qin Lie's palm techniques were, they could not break his defense.

Occasionally, a spear thrust would strike out like a venomous dragon leaving its cave, its angle tricky and its power startling, forcing Qin Lie to fall back on the defensive.

The two fought at high speed, crimson and pitch-black light flashing and colliding frantically on the arena, the sounds of explosions never ceasing.

Qin Lie's flame palm technique was fierce and explosive, characterized by wide and powerful movements.

Mo Feng's spear technique was steady and treacherous, maintaining defense while seeking an opening to attack.

For a time, the fight was locked in a stalemate, exceptionally intense.

The audience below was mesmerized, their cheers and gasps rising one after another.

This was a true duel between Geniuses!

Ye Chen was also secretly alarmed as he watched.

Qin Lie's strength was even greater than he had anticipated; his True Essence was thick and fiery, and his palm techniques were of peerless power.

That Mo Feng was also no small matter; his spear technique Realm was extremely high, and his True Essence was condensed.

He was actually able to contend with Qin Lie head-on without falling into a disadvantage.

"It seems the number one of group d will be decided between these two."

Ye Chen thought to himself.

No matter who won, they would be a powerful opponent in his own struggle for the top three.

On the arena, the fierce battle was at its Peak.

Unable to overcome his opponent after a long attack, Qin Lie felt he was losing face, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

He suddenly pulled back and pressed his palms together in front of his chest.

The crimson True Essence around him began to burn furiously like fire, and his aura surged rapidly!

"To force me to use this move, you have reason to be proud!"

Qin Lie growled.

"Red Sun Burning the Heavens—Raging Flames Overwhelming the Sky!"

He violently pushed both palms forward!

A torrent of fire as thick as a bucket, crimson as lava and carrying a destructive high temperature,

swept toward Mo Feng like a volcanic eruption!

Wherever the flames passed, the arena floor instantly charred and melted.

The air crackled as it was scorched; the temperature was so high

that even the protective light barrier at the edge of the arena fluctuated violently!

This was Qin Lie's ultimate move!

Its power was infinitely close to the full-strength strike of the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm!

Facing this terrifying torrent of flame, Mo Feng's expression also became incredibly solemn.

He slammed his long spear into the ground, gripped the shaft with both hands, and poured his True Essence into it without reservation!

The pitch-black spear shaft suddenly glowed with a deep, dark light, and the cold star at the tip became as brilliant as a real star!

"Army Breaker—Piercing the Sun!"

He gave a thunderous shout, pulled the spear out violently, and thrust it forward!

The man moved with the spear, becoming one with it.

He transformed into a black spear light condensed to the extreme, like the light of dawn piercing through darkness.

Carrying a resolute will to penetrate everything, he boldly thrust into that crimson torrent of flame!

"Rumble—!!!"

An unprecedented roar erupted.

It was as if the heavens were collapsing and the earth was rending! The crimson flames and the pitch-black spear light frantically clashed and annihilated each other.

They exploded into a blinding flash of light and a terrifying airwave!

The entire arena was submerged in light and airwaves; the protective light barrier flickered wildly, nearly shattering!

The audience below held their breath, staring intently at the center of the arena.

The light and airwaves slowly dissipated. In the center of the arena, a charred pit several tens of feet wide appeared.

Qin Lie and Mo Feng stood on opposite sides of the pit.

Both were panting heavily, their clothes torn, and their auras fluctuating unsteadily.

Qin Lie's face was slightly pale, and a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth; he had clearly suffered some internal injuries.

Mo Feng's situation was even worse; the skin between the thumb and forefinger on both hands holding the spear had split, and blood was flowing freely.

His face was as pale as paper, and the front of his robes was charred black, evidently having been badly burned by the flames.

But his eyes remained as sharp as a spear, staring fixedly at Qin Lie.

A draw, or mutual defeat.

"Cough, cough..."

Qin Lie coughed up a mouthful of stagnant blood containing sparks, his eyes staring gloomily at Mo Feng.

"Good, very good! Mo Feng, I'll remember you! Consider yourself lucky this round!"

Mo Feng did not speak; he only slowly retracted his spear and nodded to the referee.

Then, clutching his chest, he walked off the arena somewhat staggeringly.

He had not admitted defeat, but he was clearly unable to fight the next match.

Although Qin Lie was also seriously injured, he seemed to have retained some combat strength.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed his injuries, and looked toward the referee.

The referee stepped forward, checked Mo Feng's condition, and after confirming he could not continue the competition, announced loudly.

"group d, Match One: Qin Lie wins!"

A complex clamor rose from below the stage.

Although Qin Lie had won, it was an extremely difficult victory, and he had even suffered significant injuries.

Mo Feng had lost with honor; the strength he displayed had won the respect of countless people.

Ye Chen also sighed inwardly.

This Mo Feng was definitely a powerful opponent.

If they had met when Mo Feng was at his Peak, he might not have fared well.

However, Qin Lie's injury might be an opportunity for him.

After being declared the winner, Qin Lie was immediately supported by his companions as he walked off the arena to an area nearby for emergency healing.

Clearly, he also knew that the upcoming battles would not be easy.

...

The first fierce battle ended, and the second match soon began.

It was a duel between two Disciples of the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm; though it was also intense,

it paled in comparison to the match between Qin Lie and Mo Feng.

In the end, a Disciple who Cultivated an earth-attribute technique

won a hard-fought victory through superior defense and endurance.

It was Ye Chen's turn.

"Third match: group d Number Three, Ye Chen, versus group d Number Four, Zhao Gang! To Arena Number Three!"

Ye Chen stood up and walked toward the arena.

His opponent, that saber-wielder at the Peak of the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, Zhao Gang, also leaped onto the arena carrying a thick-backed mountain-cleaving saber.

Zhao Gang had a burly build and calm eyes; he was clearly a character with rich practical combat experience.

Seeing Ye Chen, there was no contempt in his eyes; instead, they were filled with solemnity.

Ye Chen's previous performance in defeating Bai Yu had already made him cautious.

"Junior Brother Ye, please guide me," Zhao Gang said, cupping his fists.

"Senior Brother Zhao, please," Ye Chen returned the gesture.

"Match begin!"

Zhao Gang took the initiative.

He knew Ye Chen's movement technique was eerie and his swordplay was tricky, so he couldn't give his opponent a chance to utilize them.

He gave a low roar and gripped his saber with both hands.

A simple move—Splitting Mount Hua—carrying a thick earthy-yellow saber aura, came crashing down!

The saber's momentum was heavy, sealing off the space above Ye Chen and forcing him to either meet it head-on or dodge to the sides.

Ye Chen neither met it head-on nor dodged to the sides.

He executed his "Phantom Step," his body moving like a ghost, advancing instead of retreating.

He actually passed right under Zhao Gang's heavy saber strike.

He slipped through that seemingly most dangerous gap, which was actually slightly sluggish due to the over-concentration of power!

At the same time, the ice scar sword struck out like a venomous snake's tongue, piercing toward Zhao Gang's vulnerable armpit, which had been slightly exposed by the full-force downward swing!

"So fast!"

Zhao Gang's heart skipped a beat; he hadn't expected Ye Chen's movement technique to be so eerie that he would dare to dive under the saber.

He hurriedly changed his move, dropping the saber's momentum and changing the vertical chop into a horizontal sweep while simultaneously dodging to the side.

"Ding!"

The ice scar sword tapped the side of the saber blade, and Ye Chen used the force to change his position again.

He had already slid to Zhao Gang's right side, and with a flash of sword light, it split into three cold stars, piercing toward Zhao Gang's right shoulder, right ribs, and right leg!

This was the diversified application of the "Profound Ice Stab."

Zhao Gang swung his saber to parry, but Ye Chen's sword was too fast and too tricky.

He only managed to knock away the two strikes aimed at his shoulder and ribs.

The third strike, however, left a shallow bloodstain on his right thigh.

The cold qi invaded, causing his right leg to go slightly numb.

"Not good!"

Zhao Gang knew he couldn't stay on the defensive; he had to seize the initiative.

He roared in anger, and his earthy-yellow True Essence erupted, forming a thick layer of Protective Aura.

At the same time, his saber technique unfolded; no longer seeking finesse, he used wide, powerful strokes.

Like a madman's dance, the saber aura crisscrossed, covering an area of several tens of feet around him, intending to force Ye Chen back!

"Mad Demon Saber Technique!"

Someone in the audience gasped. This was a fighting style that used offense as defense, a win-at-all-costs approach meant to force the opponent into a direct clash.

Facing this violent storm of saber aura, Ye Chen's eyes remained calm.

He did not retreat, but instead circulated his Hunyuan True Essence, forming a thin layer of gray protective shielding on his body's surface.