The Hell Dragon Sword, formed with forty percent of Ling Xiao’s Heavenly Essence, roared toward Bai Qianjiao, infused with the Power of Celestial Phenomena: lightning.
“How can it be so strong!” Bai Qianjiao’s face paled. “Flee!”
As a swordsmanship expert, she knew she couldn’t block this strike, not even with her Clearwater Domain at full strength. It was too fast, too powerful, like a resurrected Primordial Hell Dragon, haunting even in daylight.
Sixty percent sword intent: Lone Peak Assassination! While deploying her Clearwater Domain, Bai Qianjiao retreated desperately, her slippery fish-like movement technique accelerating instantly.
Many in the stands didn’t understand her retreat, but the astute knew: staying meant defeat.
Pfft! She couldn’t fully evade Ling Xiao’s strike. Her shoulder lost a three-inch layer of flesh, bone exposed. Ling Xiao halted, smiling faintly. “Impressive. Most wouldn’t see the danger in that strike and would clash head-on, with tragic results. Perhaps you’re worthy of my sword.”
A sword appeared in his hand: the Rain-Covering Sword. Each sword corresponded to a Celestial Phenomenon, producing unique effects with the same technique. Ling Xiao chose this sword for its amplification of the Shadow Sword Technique’s soul clones, ideal against Bai Qianjiao’s elusive movement, especially within her Clearwater Domain. Enhanced soul clones could encircle her, rendering her agility useless.
Bai Qianjiao frowned, her shoulder wound healing visibly. Indeed, not human! Humans lacked such regenerative talent unless they practised special arts or reached a certain realm. Bai Qianjiao, not yet at the Heaven-Human Realm and without using such arts, could only rely on her innate ability.
“So this is your swordsmanship? Terrifying, but if that’s all, it won’t defeat me,” she said, shaken but not despairing.
Ling Xiao smiled. “Is it? Your skills had better match your confidence, or Jian Wuji, Hong Sanmei, and Mo Wushang will be your example. Come, hold nothing back, or you’ll have no chance to show your true strength.”
Ling Xiao didn’t fear her. The Hell Dragon Sword’s failure to defeat her was surprising, but he had suppressed his cultivation and fought without a sword. Now, with the Rain-Covering Sword, the real battle began.
“Clearwater Sword Art: Mirror of Water!” Her wound nearly healed, Bai Qianjiao attacked again. Though many suspected her non-human nature, it didn’t matter. The Human King’s creed was coexistence among all races. Humans with awakened ancestral bloodlines were not uncommon.
Her new strike was stronger, the mirror-like Clearwater Domain unleashing countless sharp sword qi, shooting out wildly.
“Heavenly Vein Air Sword: Sunrise Sword Ray!” A blazing sun appeared, golden sword rays descending like sunlight, blocking and destroying Bai Qianjiao’s sword qi. Ling Xiao stood, Rain-Covering Sword in his right hand, Heavenly Vein Air Sword in his left, like a god, prompting screams from female disciples in the stands.
Crackle! No matter the technique or strategy, raw power rendered all meaningless. Her Mirror of Water might threaten others, even Qin Bixue, but not Ling Xiao.
Realising this, Bai Qianjiao used her water-flow cover to execute a stunning movement technique, thrusting at Ling Xiao’s throat. Clang! Her sword was effortlessly parried by the Rain-Covering Sword. It quivered, sliding along her blade toward her delicate hand.
Bai Qianjiao’s expression shifted. Ling Xiao was as formidable and unpredictable as she’d feared. Each time she thought she could strike him, she found herself in peril. She retreated again.
“I’m done with this. Your moves are pretty but meaningless to me. This fight ends now!” Ling Xiao’s ghostly voice echoed as she retreated. A sword light flashed, shattering her protective Heavenly Essence, sending her crashing uncontrollably to the ground.
Thud! Pfft! Bai Qianjiao spat blood, landing outside the duelling stage. When Ling Xiao said it was over, it was. She had no chance to turn the tide.
“I’m defeated, thoroughly convinced. Qin Bixue is no match for you, nor is Ji Mingkong. Looks like you, the dark horse, will go all the way!” Bai Qianjiao’s words rang clear for all to hear.
“Too kind,” Ling Xiao said with a faint smile, absorbing her destiny. His own was now nearly equal to Ji Mingkong’s, his ninth cauldron almost fully formed.
Her words sent the stands into chaos. “What? Bai Qianjiao says Ling Xiao surpasses Qin Bixue and Ji Mingkong?”
“Impossible! Qin Bixue’s in the Heaven-Human Realm, and Holy Son Ji Mingkong’s at the early Two-Aspect Heaven stage. That cultivation gap is insurmountable,” someone argued.
“Is Ling Xiao in the Heaven-Human Realm too?” another asked.
“No way. His attacks are at the peak Heavenly Vein level. If he were Heaven-Human, would he need to struggle so?” a voice countered.
“Hard to say. He’s defeated four Princes. Only Ji Mingkong and Liu Taiyin remain. His strength is undeniable,” another said.
“Tch, Liu Taiyin’s no match either. Five of the Six Princes beaten by him? This guy’s dark horse is practically purple. Can he take down the Holy Son too?” someone marvelled.
To the audience, Ling Xiao had already wrought a true miracle today.
