Speaking of physical toughness, the stone figure is definitely incredible, but when it comes to strength, it’s merely controlled by Shi Hao. How strong could it possibly be?
Therefore, Bao Fen made his move and easily sent the stone figure flying away.
Bao Fen attacked again, but Shi Hao simply manipulated the stone bricks to form a barrier in front of him, blocking all of Bao Fen’s attacks.
Bang bang bang, Bao Fen’s onslaught was like a tempest, but he was utterly unable to shatter the stone bricks, merely causing them to fly about chaotically.
"One hundred moves," Shi Hao suddenly said.
Only then did Bao Fen remember that he had earlier boasted he would defeat Shi Hao within ten moves.
In reality, wasn’t it a matter of a single move for the Supplementing Divine Temple to suppress the Founding King Court?
Setting a limit of ten moves, he had actually allowed himself a significant margin, especially since this was someone personally appointed by Your Majesty. What if there were some unexpected capabilities?
He never imagined that his opponent could be so "unexpected" as to make him unable to win despite prolonged fighting.
What kind of Founding King Court was this? It was too abnormal.
But could he just give up now?
Bao Fen was not willing to concede. He was determined to secure this opportunity, and for that, he hadn’t even lit his Incense Flame, placing his hope in the Ancient World.
——Even if he couldn’t obtain the Holy Branch, there would still be other treasures, surely better than lighting his Incense Flame himself on the outside.
Thus, he didn’t care anymore and once again snorted, launching an attack at Shi Hao.
He silently resolved to defeat Shi Hao.
Shi Hao’s gaze grew icy.
He had only spoken up on the one hundredth move to give his opponent some dignity, but clearly, Bao Fen was not appreciative.
Shi Hao clenched his fist, the power of rules entwining around it, and then he hurled it towards Bao Fen.
Their exchange of a single strike caused a horrifying scene for the onlookers. Shi Hao indeed staggered backwards, but Bao Fen also couldn’t maintain his footing and retreated violently as well.
After retreating more than a dozen steps, both men stood firm at the same time.
Everyone was stunned. From that strike, it was clear that Shi Hao’s strength was by no means inferior to Bao Fen’s.
How was that possible?
This was the Founding King Court. Why could the Founding King Court be this powerful?
"I don’t believe it!" Bao Fen gritted his teeth, attacking again, but this time not with bare hands. Instead, he held a dagger in each hand, both emitting a blood-red glow.
His aura instantly rose tremendously, seemingly about to cross the threshold of lighting the Incense Flame.
However, that threshold proved too difficult to overcome, even with the aid of a Spiritual Artifact, but his combat power was brought infinitely close to the level of lighting the Incense Flame.
With a roar, he charged towards Shi Hao once more.
These two daggers were Spiritual Artifacts— not only could they significantly enhance his combat power, but they were also indestructible.
Shi Hao smiled, retrieved the Ninefold Mountain, and swung it down at Bao Fen.
Boom, the blade’s momentum was profound and weighty as a mountain.
Logically, Bao Fen used daggers and favored a nimble approach, more akin to an assassin waiting for the opportunity to strike swiftly—and if he missed, he would immediately dart away, looking for another chance to attack.
However, Bao Fen, confident of his enhanced combat power and wanting to end the fight quickly, was unwilling to engage in a drawn-out battle to seek opportunities.
He aimed straight for Shi Hao’s central position, intending to clash head-on and swiftly determine the victor.
Two daggers simultaneously struck Ninefold Mountain, erupting with power.
Bao Fen immediately felt a tremendous force bombarding him, making it impossible to resist, and he was sent flying.
Once Ninefold Mountain was activated at high speed, how terrifying was that striking force?
Shi Hao seized the opportunity to pursue, slashing wildly with each stroke.
Having lost the initiative, Bao Fen was immediately suppressed. Moreover, Shi Hao kept manipulating the sand and stone tiles below, turning them into obstacles, making his advance difficult, indescribably uncomfortable.
He felt incredibly stifled. Despite having an absolute advantage in realm and holding a Spiritual Artifact in his hand, he was still forced to retreat continuously by Shi Hao – how could he bear this?
After hundreds of slashes, Bao Fen was blasted until he spat blood, and the fight was forcibly stopped by the Prime Minister.
He spat blood, half of which was shaken out by Ninefold Mountain, and the other half was from sheer frustration.
Shi Hao was indifferent, picking up the Cleansing Heart Stone on the ground: "Who’s next?"
At this moment, the remaining nine all showed serious expressions.
Bao Fen’s defeat was stifling; he had hardly been able to exert his full strength, but he couldn’t claim injustice as Shi Hao had beaten him fair and square, leaving no room for criticism.
This Founding King Court could be somewhat troublesome.
"I will!" A man dressed in grey strode out, looking to be in his thirties. He walked with his hands behind his back, coming before Shi Hao, "My name is Liu Hongda—"
"Skip the introductions," Shi Hao waved his hand, "what will you wager with me?"
Everyone showed their teeth; this kid was really arrogant.
Liu Hongda also showed a displeased expression; he was the son of the Commander of the Imperial Guards, his status was indeed astonishing.
He took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and then said, "I have a two-hundred-year-old Green Energy Grass, which can accelerate the improvement of your cultivation."
"Thanks," Shi Hao immediately changed his expression to one of enthusiasm.
Damn it, I’m not here to bring you treasures!
Liu Hongda complained in his heart, but since Shi Hao accepted that way, it meant he agreed to the fight.
What’s the use of talking up a storm in a fight between Martial Artists?
The key still lies in strength!
Liu Hongda drew a sword, long and slender as a silken thread.
Whoosh, he leapt up fiercely, attacking Shi Hao.
Since his opponent hadn’t lit the Incense Flame, Shi Hao naturally didn’t need his big moves, just wielding Ninefold Mountain to meet Liu Hongda’s advance.
Perfect, he’d use his opponent’s strength to help him step into the third realm of the knife path.
Liu Hongda’s sword was incredibly unique, like a fishing line, able to extend and contract continuously, but the Silk Sword was extremely sharp, a slight graze could damage muscles and bones.
Moreover, the Silk Sword was bizarrely flexible, capable of changing into incredibly unpredictable attack patterns, making it difficult to defend against.
However, as Shi Hao unfolded his domain, no matter how varied the changes, everything was under his control.
Despite Liu Hongda’s full efforts, he couldn’t gain the slightest advantage.
Yet, the Silk Sword was too flexible and couldn’t bear much force, which made Ninefold Mountain’s immense destructive power unexploitable. If this drag-out were to continue, it would certainly be Shi Hao’s Soul Force that would be depleted first.
Knowing this, Liu Hongda didn’t rush at all. Draining mana suited him just fine.
In fact, Shi Hao was no longer using his Soul Power to activate the Runes, but was simply swinging the blade with pure strength, given that he had cultivated the second layer of his "Nine Deaths Heavenly Skill," which gave him an incredibly sturdy physique and a boundless supply of power.
So, Shi Hao didn’t mind using his opponent to practice, in order to reach the third realm of the knife path as quickly as possible.