The thirteenth round of matches continued.
After Long Chen’s forfeit and a few lacklustre bouts, an eagerly anticipated duel began.
“Qin Bixue versus Bai Qianjiao!”
Qin Bixue had only lost to Ji Mingkong, remaining undefeated against others.
He even defeated last tournament’s second-place finisher, Mo Wushang.
Bai Qianjiao, also undefeated, wasn’t weak despite her low profile. After beating strong opponents, her reputation soared.
Many hoped she could defeat Ji Mingkong, even challenge for first place.
This match was pivotal.
If Bai Qianjiao won, there was still hope.
If she lost, only Ling Xiao remained to challenge Ji Mingkong.
“Slaughter in All Directions!”
“Blood War Eight Sides!”
“Ambush from Ten Sides!”
“Blood Thunder Frenzy!”
From the start, Qin Bixue launched ferocious attacks at Bai Qianjiao.
This was his usual style, relentless against any opponent.
Terrifying blood-red light danced across the sky.
Crimson thunderbolts struck the arena, cracking the newly repaired platform from the twelfth round.
Against anyone but Ji Mingkong, such fierce, powerful attacks would have led to a swift defeat.
But Bai Qianjiao was exceptional.
Her Jade Water Domain was unique, and her ability to discern opponents’ weaknesses allowed her to dodge Qin Bixue’s killing blows at critical moments, greatly reducing his attack’s impact.
Her calm expression further irritated Qin Bixue.
Irritation aside, defeating Bai Qianjiao was no easy task.
From below, the arena was dominated by blood-red blade shadows, with only a small patch of jade-green water at the centre, steadfastly protecting Bai Qianjiao.
It was clear Bai Qianjiao was at a disadvantage.
But if Qin Bixue couldn’t defeat her quickly, the tide would turn, and he would lose.
Qin Bixue knew this and didn’t hold back, entering his Blood Blade Transformation state.
With his strongest attacks, he aimed to break Bai Qianjiao’s Jade Water Domain.
Boom!
Under Qin Bixue’s relentless assault, Bai Qianjiao only bled slightly from her mouth.
“Good! Very good. Besides the Holy Son, you’re my strongest opponent. But today, I must defeat you!”
Buzz!
In that instant, Qin Bixue’s aura surged again.
“What! He was still hiding strength?”
Mo Wushang, previously defeated by Qin Bixue, looked grim.
He thought he’d forced out Qin Bixue’s full power, but this proved otherwise, wounding his pride.
“Hahaha, Mo Wushang, don’t take it to heart. I only broke through by chance after our fight. First Heaven stage! What a sensation! Bai Qianjiao, you’re strong but unlucky. Fall!”
Bai Qianjiao’s lips curled into a wry smile.
She wasn’t emotionless; she just hadn’t faced a true challenge until now.
Boom!
Qin Bixue’s blade sent Bai Qianjiao flying off the arena.
Defeated!
“Qin Bixue grows stronger with each fight. Even Bai Qianjiao isn’t his match. Could he be second only to the Holy Son?”
“Who knows? Let’s keep watching. Ling Xiao might have hidden strength too.”
“That’s our only hope.”
…
“Hong Li versus Liu Taiyin!”
Many supported Hong Li, believing her strength was overstated.
Consecutive losses to Bai Qianjiao and Fire Demon Lord cast doubts on her ability.
But Hong Li’s performance surprised everyone.
Against Liu Taiyin, she shed her earlier impatience and recklessness, adopting a hint of Bai Qianjiao’s calm.
Though still immature, this approach led to her victory after twenty moves.
“I feel like Hong Li suddenly matured.”
“Right, but it’s a bit late. Too many losses make first place unlikely.”
“Not necessarily. The Heavenly Pride Battle’s points are based on luck accumulation. If she defeats more strong opponents, her multiplied luck could boost her score significantly.”
Off the arena, Hong Li approached the injured Bai Qianjiao, “Senior Sister, I finally understand your words.”
“Good. You’re Hong Li, a carp leaping the dragon gate. You’ll make them all take notice! The Jade Water Divine Palace’s luck depends on you.”
Bai Qianjiao knew how terrifying Hong Li could become once enlightened.
After Hong Li’s match with Liu Taiyin, a few more bouts passed.
Mo Wushang easily defeated his opponent, avoiding a losing streak.
No one underestimated him, as his losses were to Ji Mingkong and Qin Bixue, currently the hottest figures.
Ling Xiao faced Lan Yuer, who forfeited.
Unlike Long Chen, she wasn’t battle-hungry. Knowing Ling Xiao’s strength, she saw no point in wasting energy.
She still aimed for the top six, so preserving strength was key.
…
After the thirteenth round, the fourteenth began swiftly.
The first match sparked cheers, as Ling Xiao faced a formidable foe.
His opponent was Mo Wushang!
Mo Wushang had only lost to Qin Bixue and Ji Mingkong. Whether Ling Xiao could defeat him would determine if this dark horse could continue his miracle.
No one underestimated Ling Xiao.
Nor did anyone underestimate Mo Wushang.
His demonic eye was fearsome, easily spotting flaws and boasting other unique abilities.
More crucially, many heard that Ling Xiao might have killed Mo Wushang’s relative, Ya Qianxue, in the preliminaries.
This fuelled Mo Wushang’s hatred for Ling Xiao.
Facing Ling Xiao, Mo Wushang might unleash even greater strength.
But Ling Xiao wasn’t to be trifled with. Those who underestimated him, including former prodigies Hong Sanmei and Jian Wuji, had all fallen.
On the arena, Ling Xiao and Mo Wushang stood a hundred metres apart, their expressions starkly different.
Ling Xiao remained calm and composed.
Mo Wushang gritted his teeth, seething.
Truthfully, among all opponents, Ling Xiao feared Mo Wushang the least.
In terms of soul power, Mo Wushang wasn’t fit to hold his shoes.
This was why he stayed so calm.
If Ji Mingkong stood opposite, he might show a hint of seriousness, but not now.
