The terrifying shockwave spread instantly, only stopped by the arena’s array barrier.
At the collision’s centre, Jiyuan was forced back, stumbling over a dozen steps before stabilising.
“What a clash of titans! Prince Jiyuan actually lost ground in that exchange.”
“It’s too early to judge. Both are still holding back.”
The spectators below buzzed with excitement.
…
On the arena, Jiyuan stared at Lin Yun, “Impressive, kid. You’ve mastered the fusion of seven Mysteries.”
“Your strength isn’t weak either, Prince Jiyuan,” Lin Yun replied.
Lin Yun knew Jiyuan might be the strongest Tribulation Realm opponent he’d ever faced.
Even with his realm suppressed to Lin Yun’s level, Jiyuan’s weapon, secret techniques, and resources—amassed over centuries—were beyond what Lin Yun could match.
He was nothing like ordinary rogue cultivators or sect-based Tribulation Realm fighters!
But Lin Yun relished such challenging opponents and thrilling battles. This was what made it fun!
“My tricks are far from exhausted!” Jiyuan declared.
“Lin Yun, now you’ll witness my true power!”
*Nine Elements Power!*
As he spoke, Jiyuan swung his sword again, golden light swirling around him, his strength surging dramatically.
“Nine Elements Power? The *Nine Elements Body Refining Art*!” Lin Yun exclaimed.
He’d seen this Heavenly Dao-grade body-refining manual in the imperial treasury’s third floor.
As expected of a prince—everything he cultivated was top-tier!
Though Jiyuan’s refining art was impressive, he hadn’t mastered it to a terrifying degree. Lin Yun gauged his body at mid-stage Diamond Body.
A superior refining art offered a higher ceiling but wasn’t easy to master.
Even so, Jiyuan’s mid-stage Diamond Body surpassed most Tribulation Realm cultivators.
“Lin Yun, now comes the main course!”
“*Shadow Sword Art*, Sixth Form!”
His sword sliced through the void with terrifying force, charging at Lin Yun.
“Sixth form, huh.”
Lin Yun’s eyes narrowed, Jiyuan’s attack reflected in his pupils, growing larger at a visible speed.
Lin Yun could only manage the fifth form.
The leap from fifth to sixth form brought a significant power boost.
A powerful aura erupted from Lin Yun, dazzling golden light coating his body as *Withered Silence* activated, his Pure Yang Body’s power surging forth!
His demon bone also activated, channelling immense strength into a sword strike that met Jiyuan’s head-on!
Boom!
Instantly, terrifying energy poured from both weapons, like two meteors colliding!
The entire arena trembled!
The spectators below stared, awestruck by the ferocious clash.
…
Inside the Palace of Divine Connection, Emperor Huoyun’s eyes widened, “Lin Yun’s body has reached Pure Yang Body?”
If he recalled correctly, Lin Yun had previously trained a Saint Spirit-grade refining art, which, even at its peak, could barely reach Pure Yang Body.
His surprise flickered briefly before he regained composure.
“This kid’s body-refining talent is remarkable. Jiyuan’s been training centuries longer, using rare resources, yet still falls short of Lin Yun,” Emperor Huoyun remarked.
The red-furred cat added, “Indeed, body-refining and divine sense are the hardest to cultivate, especially body-refining. Reaching such a high level is incredibly tough. Lin Yun’s impressive.”
…
On the arena, the fierce clash forced both fighters back.
Jiyuan stabilised, looking at Lin Yun with slight shock, “Worthy of Father’s high regard. Your strength and body-refining art are formidable!”
“You’re strong too, Prince Jiyuan,” Lin Yun said.
“But I absolutely won’t lose. Again!”
Jiyuan stomped, charging like a dragon, his attacks raining down on Lin Yun.
Bang, bang, bang!
Their strikes collided relentlessly, unleashing torrents of terrifying power!
The crowd below grew larger.
On the arena, Jiyuan said mid-fight, “Lin Yun, I reckon you’ve reached your limit. There’s no point dragging this out. Let’s end it!”
With that, he used a collision to retreat, creating distance.
*Taiyuan Void Charge Art!*
A terrifying energy condensed on Jiyuan’s sword, radiating blood-red light.
The aura alone made the spectators below shudder.
“That’s *Taiyuan Void Charge Art*!” a royal exclaimed.
Jiyuan grinned, “Lin Yun, you’ve lost!”
As his final word fell, his sword shot forward like lightning.
Rip!
The terrifying force tore through the void, vanishing instantly.
Lin Yun hesitated briefly, recalling Hall Master He’s pre-match advice to lose to Jiyuan, even if he could win.
Should he follow through?
If Jiyuan was prideful, winning with so many royals watching could save his face, while defeating him might humiliate him.
In that split-second of hesitation, Jiyuan’s attack reached Lin Yun, his confident smirk in view.
In a fight of this level, even a moment’s distraction could cost Lin Yun the chance to attack or defend.
Too late to muster more techniques, Lin Yun hastily raised his sword to block!
Boom!
Jiyuan’s strike slammed into Lin Yun’s sword.
A torrent of energy erupted like a volcano, shaking the entire arena!
Amid the light, Lin Yun was flung back a hundred meters, crashing onto the arena.
Cough, cough!
Sprawled on the ground, Lin Yun coughed, covered in dust, looking battered.
“So Lin Yun lost after all. Hyped up as a genius, but he’s just average.”
“His Majesty’s prodigy disciple still can’t match Prince Jiyuan. Even at the same realm, he’s no opponent.”
The spectators sighed.
“Jiyuan! Jiyuan! Jiyuan!”
Many young royals chanted Jiyuan’s name, cheering his victory.
On the arena, Jiyuan looked at Lin Yun, smirking, “They say you’re so great, deeply favoured by Father, but you’re just this—a weakling. I didn’t even use my full strength.”
