At the moment Ye Chen spat blood, the disciples below the stage finally reacted, their eyes filled with awe as they looked at Xiao Huang. Ye Chen’s Sea-Overturning Palm was undoubtedly mighty, but he still lost to Xiao Huang. Moreover, Ye Chen’s previous ranking was above Xiao Huang’s.
"Xiao Huang wins, one point!"
The steward on the side finally reacted, striding to the center of the stage and announcing loudly.
In the direction of the Elder Council, Li Daoyuan’s face darkened. Ye Chen’s strength had improved significantly, but naturally, others wouldn’t stand still. With the emergence of the five new stars this year, it was almost impossible for Ye Chen to maintain his previous ranking.
Ye Chen silently returned to his seat, beginning to heal his injuries. Xiao Huang wasn’t feeling well either. Ye Chen’s strength was only slightly weaker than his, and even though he won, it was a hard-earned victory.
During the 245th match, the atmosphere reached its peak again as Chu Ming and the ninth-ranked Feng Wuxiang stood on opposite sides of the stage, gazing at each other.
This was another clash between the five new stars and the top ten Inner Sect Disciples after Qi Long and He Wumu’s match, naturally attracting great attention.
"I am not your opponent."
Feng Wuxiang shook his head and uttered a surprising statement.
Chu Ming said indifferently, his white robe billowing, a fierce wind swelling. His gaze at Feng Wuxiang contained countless stars flashing through.
"I have only one move. If you can break it, I will admit defeat."
Feng Wuxiang said slowly. At that moment, his aura changed. In Chu Ming’s perception, Feng Wuxiang was no longer human but a cloud, a mist, vague and indistinct, real and unreal.
"Cloud and Water Killing Realm!"
Amid Feng Wuxiang’s murmuring, clouds and rain appeared out of thin air. A grayish-white mist descended from the sky, resembling an illusion realm. The disciples below watched, confused, except for Mo Ling, Ning Fei, and a few others who could see through it.
Feng Wuxiang gently pushed with both hands, sending the mist towards Chu Ming at incredible speed. Chu Ming’s gaze sharpened, and he instantly drew his sword when the mist approached within three meters.
The Conjugate Sword traced a dazzling arc, releasing an extremely bright sword light akin to the rising sun, melting gold and refining iron. The surrounding air evaporated instantly.
However, to Chu Ming’s surprise, the sword light did not dispel the mist but passed through it. The white mist continued to drift towards him.
In the blink of an eye, the mist completely enveloped Chu Ming.
Below the stage, watching Chu Ming shrouded in the mist, Gu Muling said lightly, "Chu Ming is going to lose!"
By his side was Yuan Buhuan, a fellow Inner Sect Disciple. He asked in confusion.
"Feng Wuxiang comprehended both the Cloud Realm and the Killing Realm. Combining these realms, he created the Cloud and Water Killing Realm. Its attacks are indiscriminate, and even a True Dao Invincible Martial Artist would be ground to death within it. Chu Ming’s strength is not weak, but enveloped in the Cloud and Water Killing Realm, he is bound to lose."
Gu Muling was small in stature, but his aura was overwhelming. Standing next to the tall Yuan Buhuan made him look insignificant.
After hearing Gu Muling’s words, Yuan Buhuan nodded, understanding partially. Though he had different thoughts, voicing them might spoil their mood.
Within the mist, swirling around Chu Ming were countless flowing clouds, brimming with endless killing intent. Chu Ming could only continuously wield his sword to defend, the sound of impact ringing incessantly, forcing him to retreat.
A stream of flowing cloud pierced through Chu Ming’s sword edge, blowing on his white robe, scattering a strand. Beneath his skin, mysterious power rules were forming, deflecting the flowing cloud.
"It seems only strong power can break it."
Chu Ming murmured, raising the Conjugate Sword. Instantly, his essence, energy, and spirit reached their peak, numerous Sword Dao Auroras flashing in his mind. A white glowing flowing cloud appeared within his sword; the dense surrounding space felt like flowing water.
"Flowing Clouds Like Water!"
Chu Ming slashed his sword, silencing the world. Followed by the sound of air breaking, it seemed like heaven and earth were splitting. The white mist, centered on the sword light, was sliced horizontally, slowly dispersing amid the stunned gazes.
Feng Wuxiang exhaled deeply, saying, "I lost!"
After speaking, he slowly returned to his seat, his gaze calm as water.
"Chu Ming wins, one point!"
The Inner Sect Steward announced.
Below the stage, Gu Muling’s face darkened at Chu Ming’s victory. He had just declared Chu Ming’s inevitable defeat, but the swift turnaround caught him off guard.
The matches proceeded rapidly. In the 279th match, Ying Qiangge faced He Wumu. The audience expected a balanced fight, but to their surprise, He Wumu was quickly defeated by Ying Qiangge within just ten moves.
As the matches progressed into the late stage, encounters between the top ten Inner Sect Disciples and the five new stars became more frequent, intensifying the competition.
In the 280th match, Liu Wuyan faced Liu Yidao. Both were among the five new stars, and Liu Yidao had previously defeated He Wumu, boosting his reputation.
Meanwhile, Liu Wuyan’s strength was formidable, with disciples outside the top ten unable to last more than three moves against him.
"This match will decide Liu Yidao and Liu Wuyan’s rankings among the five new stars!"
A disciple exclaimed, his eyes burning as he watched the stage.
"I’m rooting for Liu Yidao. After all, he defeated He Wumu previously."
Said another disciple beside him.
He Wumu had now become Liu Yidao’s stepping stone. Mentioning Liu Yidao inevitably led to a comparison with He Wumu.
Such is the nature of the contest and the path of the elite. The slightest misstep could make one a stepping stone for others.
"Liu Yidao is strong, but who can be sure Liu Wuyan has shown his full power before?"
The disciple rebutted.
On the stage, Liu Wuyan and Liu Yidao stood on opposite ends, their eyes fixed on each other. Simultaneously, two auras quickly rose from them, one sharp as sword aura, the other like a dormant beast gradually awakening, holding immense power.