No one doubted the power of this move.
As Ji Mingkong’s delicate shout rang out, the terrifying energy fluctuations became uncontrollable.
It seemed as if the entire stage and protective barrier might shatter in an instant.
A jade-green longsword descended vertically from the sky, like divine punishment, hurtling toward Ling Xiao.
Sensing the terrifying energy in the air, the referees poured even more energy into reinforcing the protective barrier.
They couldn’t afford the slightest negligence, as a single misstep could shatter the barrier, potentially killing many spectators nearby.
Even the Holy Dynasty’s royal family couldn’t bear such a responsibility, unless they truly intended to make enemies of multiple sects among the twelve and countless other factions.
On the stage, Ling Xiao calmly watched the enlarging green light in his pupils.
He paid no heed to the reactions around him, focusing entirely on countering Ji Mingkong’s ferocious strike.
If it came to it, he could enter his Ancient Golden Dragon form, consequences be damned.
He’d have to reveal it eventually, and survival was paramount.
But for now, it wasn’t necessary.
The five swords, imbued with different heavenly phenomena, condensed their power, showing no sign of retreating against the green sword energy.
Both wielded ancient dragon souls, but the Ancient Hell Dragon surpassed the Ancient Nature Dragon in combat strength, the latter excelling more in recovery.
The five swords spun, gathering strength, drawing closer until they formed a continuous ring before Ling Xiao.
The collision of different heavenly phenomena created strange energy fluctuations, astonishing many.
“What’s that boy trying to do? Mastering one heavenly phenomenon is already remarkable. Is he actually attempting to fuse five?” Sikong Zun’s face flickered with uncertainty.
In his mind, Ling Xiao was a dead man for pushing Ji Mingkong to a life-risking strike. This boy was a threat if left alive.
But if Ji Mingkong’s desperate attack failed to kill him, that would be unacceptable.
“Hmph, fusing five heavenly phenomena? He’s courting death!” Moyan Tianzun, beside the Blue Water Divine Palace Master, sneered.
As a Moonflower Sect member, he knew well that a genius had once tried fusing two heavenly phenomena for a stronger attack, only to be consumed by their backlash, becoming a lost soul.
At the Moonflower Sect, Jin Guang Tianzun and Tianyan Tianzun were puzzled, unsure of Ling Xiao’s intent but hesitant to intervene, lest they disrupt him and cause harm.
“Your Highness Moon Maiden, what’s Ling Xiao doing?” Lan Yuer couldn’t hold back, asking the Moon Maiden.
“Just watch. When has he ever done something without confidence? This must be a new technique, likely rehearsed countless times,” the Moon Maiden said calmly.
She knew Ling Xiao best.
When creating this move, Ling Xiao had feared backlash, so he had his martial soul clone rehearse it over a hundred times in the Mountain River World, addressing every issue.
Though not perfect, with minor side effects, the technique posed no major harm.
Five swords!
The five heavenly phenomena began to merge, releasing terrifying energy from the ring.
At times, roaring gales.
At times, thundering lightning.
At times, torrential rain.
At times, dense fog.
One bizarre phenomenon followed another, leaving the spectators in awe.
Yet Ling Xiao’s expression remained serene, as if he weren’t unleashing a fearsome technique but crafting pastries for a loved one.
Boom!
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
After five resounding tremors, Ling Xiao’s hands moved swiftly, and the five swords, once linked end-to-end, truly fused into one.
A five-coloured giant sword!
“What in the world is that? Five swords into one? Is he using an illusion?” Sikong Xuan, watching idly nearby, was startled as the five-coloured lights formed a giant sword, urgently asking those around him.
But their strength and insight were inferior to his. If he couldn’t understand, they certainly couldn’t, answering only with “I don’t know.”
On the other side, the Saint Emperor and Sikong Zun exchanged glances, seeing shock and worry in each other’s eyes.
At this point, though they knew Ji Mingkong’s move, they couldn’t fathom Ling Xiao’s, a dangerous uncertainty.
The referees closest to the stage felt the terrifying power within the giant sword, instinctively strengthening the protective barrier.
“Such immense power. How does this boy do it? His trump cards keep coming, overwhelming!” the head referee said with a wry smile.
As a Yin-Yang Realm expert, he found Ling Xiao increasingly inscrutable, a first in his long cultivation.
He even felt this boy’s talent might surpass Ji Fuling and Yu Xuanyue from years past.
“No way,” the head referee shook his head, reluctant to believe.
Exhaling deeply, Ling Xiao raised his right hand, and the five-coloured giant sword soared, charging toward the green light.
“Shadow Sword Technique, Third Form: Sword of Heavenly Punishment!”
Though far from complete, as he had only cultivated to the fifth layer, the fusion of five heavenly phenomena was enough to terrify countless warriors.
As Ling Xiao’s voice fell, the five-coloured giant sword seemed to understand, emitting five distinct lights, its speed surging.
Though described slowly, Ji Mingkong’s and Ling Xiao’s attacks were nearly simultaneous.
Under the gaze of the entire Holy City, the five-coloured giant sword collided with the green light.
Like a massive meteor strike, the arena shook instantly.
Even homes on the city’s outskirts felt a slight tremor.
And this was just the initial deadlock.
“Boom!”
After a momentary stalemate, the terrifying forces unleashed a massive explosion.
The roar echoed through the Holy City.
Like an earthquake, accompanied by multicoloured lights in the sky, it was as if gods were clashing, filling countless warriors with trembling fear.
