“Indeed, Po Qianjun’s strength is said to be slightly inferior to Feng Yaorao, and he is also among the twenty prodigies, yet he was defeated so easily by him. This Ling Xiao is truly remarkable.”
“You seem to overlook one thing. Ling Xiao hasn’t drawn his sword yet, and according to the information, he is supposed to be skilled in swordsmanship!”
“Hiss~~”
Hearing this, the crowd at the scene gasped in shock.
To be so formidable without using a sword, how terrifying would he be once he wields it?
“Anyway, I think this year’s twenty prodigies, even the six young masters of the holy dynasty, are hard to predict. So far, most of the young giants are hiding their strength. Without them unleashing their full power, it’s really difficult to gauge their true standing.”
“That’s what makes it interesting, thrilling even. I love a dark horse. What’s the point of a predictable competition?”
“Hahaha, well said, well said. I’m really looking forward to seeing if anyone can ultimately defeat the holy son Ji Mingkong.”
Perhaps it was because Po Qianjun’s earlier aura was too striking.
Or perhaps Ling Xiao’s dominance drew too much attention.
In any case, the battle between Ling Xiao and Po Qianjun truly captured the interest of many.
After all, there were now only five groups, with only five arenas left. With the aid of the formation, focusing on a specific arena’s battle was relatively easy.
Po Qianjun’s martial soul variant was already astonishing enough.
Yet Ling Xiao’s martial soul variant was even more formidable.
What shocked the crowd most was that in the end, Po Qianjun lost the courage to fight against Ling Xiao, which was even more noteworthy.
The battle might not have been spectacular, but it was full of twists and turns, gripping the audience.
Moreover, Ling Xiao fit the image of an underdog rising in the eyes of many, so after his victory over Po Qianjun, the discussions about him were numerous.
As a result, Ling Xiao gained a large number of fans.
The referees of the tenth and first groups were stunned for a while.
Then the tenth group referee sighed, “This lad truly brings constant surprises. Just when you think you understand him, he amazes you again. I can’t see through this kid.”
The first group referee nodded, “Indeed, a formidable youth. No wonder even the holy son is somewhat wary of him.”
Both were experts at the Cave Heaven Realm, having seen countless young geniuses.
But compared to Ling Xiao, those others seemed ordinary.
This Ling Xiao not only executed every move with exquisite precision but also had one trump card after another, as if they were inexhaustible.
Hong Li, a disciple of the Clear Water Divine Palace, showed a flicker of surprise in her eyes. Ling Xiao’s performance sparked some interest in her.
However, based on his current performance, Ling Xiao wasn’t yet significant enough for her to take seriously. Whether this interest would last depended on his future performances.
Whether he was worthy of being a stepping stone before she challenged the six young masters of the holy dynasty remained uncertain.
After a moment of surprise, the holy son Ji Mingkong regained his composure. The strength Ling Xiao displayed was still far from posing any threat to her.
If it weren’t for a past verbal clash with Ling Xiao at the Moonlight Sect, she wouldn’t have paid him any attention.
“That useless Po Qianjun, losing to such a nobody, what a disgrace,” Qin Bixue of the Blood Blade Sect completely dismissed Ling Xiao.
In his view, it wasn’t that Ling Xiao was too strong, but that Po Qianjun was too weak.
Mo Wushang reactivated his demonic eye to observe Ling Xiao. A profound light gleamed in his demonic eye. After a moment, he said coldly, “His strength is decent, making it into the twenty prodigies shouldn’t be an issue, but aiming for the top ten is a pipe dream, and challenging the seats of the six young masters is even more delusional.”
Standing nearby, Feng Yaorao smiled charmingly, “Mo Wushang, you place too much faith in your demonic eye. Underestimating that Ling Xiao will cost you dearly.”
She had personally witnessed Ling Xiao in action, and that scene remained vividly etched in her mind, impossible to shake off.
If possible, she truly did not want to face Ling Xiao in combat.
Mo Wushang’s demonic eye, though formidable, was ultimately just an inherited ability, not an invincible one. How could it possibly see through a person completely?
On the arena, Ling Xiao looked calmly at Po Qianjun and said, “You’re very smart!”
Then he turned and walked off the stage.
If Po Qianjun had dared to make a move just now, he wouldn’t have needed to continue in the competition, as he would have had no chance left.
Po Qianjun felt desolate inside.
Only by standing on the arena could one truly feel Ling Xiao’s terror. Spectators could never understand.
Ling Xiao’s strength wasn’t just in one aspect; it was an all-encompassing dominance, a near-perfect existence.
Martial techniques!
Inner power!
Judgment!
Martial soul!
Sword intent!
Everything far surpassed him.
Moreover, he could sense that Ling Xiao’s strength was far from fully revealed, that there was still something he hadn’t unleashed.
He too stepped off the stage, sitting down under the furious gaze of the temporary head of the Heavenly Dragon Academy, beginning to reflect on the battle.
“You useless thing, do you still have the right to sit here?”
The temporary head of the Heavenly Dragon Academy was livid.
“Why don’t I have the right? Because I lost to Ling Xiao? That’s laughable. Are your eyes just for show? His strength is no less than that of the holy son. What’s wrong with losing to him?”
Po Qianjun felt no discouragement, for he truly understood Ling Xiao’s strength.
“A failure is a failure, still making excuses!”
The temporary head roared.
But Po Qianjun ignored him. A mere temporary head at the Heaven and Man Realm wouldn’t dare do anything to him. His master was far more powerful than this guy.
“I didn’t expect the demonic eye to misjudge. We really overestimated Mo Wushang.”
In the same group, Liang Xiao said to Feng Renjie.
“Indeed, the demonic eye doesn’t seem that formidable, but this Ling Xiao actually defeated Po Qianjun. I’m afraid neither of us is his match.”
Feng Renjie frowned.
“Then let’s use the Soul Fusion Technique!”
Liang Xiao suddenly said.
“The Soul Fusion Technique!”
Feng Renjie said in surprise, “The Soul Fusion Technique combines the martial souls of two warriors into one. It’s a secret method. After performing it, one warrior temporarily loses their martial soul and all strength, becoming an ordinary person, while the other becomes immensely powerful.”
“Exactly. The holy son said to cause some trouble for that Ling Xiao, so it’s up to you.”
Liang Xiao nodded.
“You do it. In terms of techniques and combat experience, you’re far more skilled than I am. I’ll just forfeit.”
Feng Renjie shook his head.
“Fine. With our combined strength, even the top ten warriors would have to be wary of us, let alone Ling Xiao. I’ll definitely defeat him!”
Liang Xiao nodded.
Then, the two moved to a secluded spot and began the Soul Fusion Technique.
…
The competition continued. After some time, Liang Xiao and Feng Renjie stepped forward.
Feng Renjie announced his forfeiture on the spot, leaving the audience utterly puzzled.
