The Golden Iron Fist approached, and a massive Energy Pillar stirred up a whirlwind. Step Black danced lightly, while the Red Robe fluttered ominously, and the eerie Sixth Sword pierced through with a sharp shriek.
A blurred shadow emerged behind him, its crimson eyes fierce and bloodthirsty. A barely noticeable Red Glow emanated from the shadow's palm, merging into the dense sword body of Ethereal Light. The piercing Wailing of the Damned echoed, filled with various negative emotions: resentment, anger, hatred, sorrow, and suffering.
This sword struck directly at the massive Energy Pillar that was rampaging forward.
The three-and-a-half-foot slender sword body faced off against the towering light column of seven to eight zhang. To everyone watching, it seemed somewhat asymmetrical; however, no one focused on this sword.
The tip of Ethereal Light converged with the Thunderous howling giant light pillar in a sudden clash, producing no sound whatsoever. At the point of contact between the sword tip and the light pillar, a ring of energy waves abruptly appeared, spreading outward in a circular pattern across the entire Competition Platform.
As the circular energy waves expanded, the Golden Iron Fist that was about to strike Step seemed to sink into a quagmire. Even though Kalandor gritted his teeth and desperately urged his energy, the Golden Iron Fist still struggled to advance even an inch, as if an invisible solid barrier stood in its way.
Chilling ghostly wails echoed like a demonic melody in Kalandor's mind, causing chaotic thoughts to surge within him. The overwhelming emotions gnawed at his mind, making him feel an intense madness.
Step's gaze was electric; the power of the Sixth Sword had yet to fully erupt. During his previous battle with Reilo, the iron sword had shattered under immense energy pressure. The mighty energy condensed within lost its vessel and exploded violently. Although its power was greater, it could only be considered an incomplete Sixth Sword.
With his arm extended forward and energy surging, the sword body of Ethereal Light suddenly flowed like water. Waves of immense energy rippled out from around the sword body, radiating onto the giant Energy Pillar.
The ripples spread like raindrops hitting a lake's surface. The giant light pillar trembled violently as if boiling water surged within it; its unstable state suggested it was on the verge of exploding.
The sudden scene left spectators outside astonished and confused as to why the suppressed Energy Pillar suddenly exhibited such changes, akin to a volcanic eruption.
Just as everyone was bewildered, the blurred shadow behind Step suddenly contracted sharply and transformed into a dark stream of light that merged into the sword body. In an instant, Ethereal Light burst forth; the sword in Step's hand hummed continuously as powerful and fierce Jet Black Sword Lights emerged from the sword body. In a flash, like fish entering water, these Jet Black Sword Lights surged into the giant light pillar.
As each Jet Black Sword Light penetrated in, the previously turbulent giant light pillar fell silent in an instant. Its once brilliant glow gradually dimmed as faint shadows began to seep out from within.
As if materializing, cracks of varying lengths appeared on the surface of the light pillar with a cracking sound. Dark shadows floated from these cracks as chaotic energy streams surged forth.
Kalandor felt a splitting headache; the chaotic negative emotions flooding his mind made his eyes turn red and uncontrollable.
At that moment, the severely cracked giant light pillar suddenly erupted with Ethereal Light. A series of cracking sounds rang out as Step's sword pierced into the pillar like a hot knife through butter. With a loud bang, the giant light pillar exploded like a blown-up balloon, scattering energy like a violent storm; Kalandor was thrown back by the fierce shockwave.
As the raging energy waves crashed toward him, Step withdrew his sword and turned around, enveloped by Sword Aura as waves of Ethereal Light surrounded him. Despite the rampant energy swirling around him, he stood firm like a rock amidst turbulent seas.
The competition, filled with twists and turns, has reached this point, and everyone can see that the outcome is already determined.
Kalandor's Setting Sun Radiance Fist has been broken by Bu, and without his strongest trump card, he has no chance of winning. This seems to align with what everyone had anticipated; even before the match began, the outcome was clear.
On the Competition Platform, the turbulent flow of energy gradually calms down. Kalandor has blood at the corner of his mouth and wears a bitter smile.
Looking at the figure standing firm across from him, Kalandor feels a surge of emotions.
He is a direct descendant of the Arthur Royal Family, with a status that is beyond compare. Even members of the Crook Duchy royal family must show him some respect.
His noble status grants him many privileges that common people cannot enjoy. For instance, while commoners struggle to master a low-level skill, he can easily possess top-tier techniques like Setting Sun Radiance Fist.
While many risk their lives for a chance to earn enough to buy powerful Amplification Equipment, a simple word from him would prompt someone to eagerly present him with valuable Amplification Gear.
Such advantages have given him combat power far superior to others at his level.
However, in Sparta City's Seed Selection Tournament, he still faces a crushing defeat, with even third place becoming uncertain.
The disparity is so great that it leaves Kalandor feeling reflective.
He is an exceptional person—whether in appearance, status, or strength—standing out like a crane among chickens.
But at this moment, he realizes that there are many who are even more outstanding than he is. Reynold and Brent may not compare to him in status, yet they have completely surpassed him in strength.
Recalling his bold words before leaving home—that he would not reveal his identity as a direct descendant of the Arthur Royal Family unless he secured first place—he now thinks about how even third place seems uncertain for him.
The myriad thoughts in his mind finally coalesce into a light sigh as Kalandor quietly says, "I concede."
Bu sheaths his sword and notices a hint of disappointment in Kalandor's eyes. However, at this moment, he doesn't know what to say.
Bu still holds some fondness for Kalandor; he is gentle and refined, always speaking appropriately and treating others with a smile. It is hard to harbor ill feelings toward someone like him, even when they are opponents.
“Brent wins, earning one point, with a total score of 8 points. Kalandor loses, losing one point, with a total score.” The announcement of the match results echoed from Sean Sterling, his voice resonating throughout the entire Gladiatorial Arena.
Eight victories, a total score of eight points, undefeated since the start of the competition.
The figure of Bu Wei stood tall, shining brightly in the eyes of everyone, truly deserving of the first place.
The audience erupted in thunderous applause, cheers rising like a tide, as everyone stood up to focus their attention on this rising star.
Perhaps at this moment, due to his age, Bu Wei was not yet powerful, but in the near future, who could predict how formidable this young man would become and how shocking it would be.
Warren Earl’s hands trembled with excitement, his face unable to hide his overwhelming joy. Wendy had tears in her eyes, equally thrilled by Bu Wei’s achievement. Looking at the figure in the Red Robe in the arena, Locke smiled; his master indeed lived up to his words.
After Bu Wei and Kalandor left the stage, Sean Sterling took his place on the Competition Platform. He pressed his hands down slightly, his strange white pupils scanning the crowd. An invisible pressure emanated from him, causing the roaring audience in the Gladiatorial Arena to fall silent.
As the arena gradually quieted down, Sean Sterling spoke again. His authoritative voice resonated: “The Seed Selection Tournament has reached this point; thirty-six matches have been perfectly concluded. Based on the scoring rankings, Brent takes first place with a perfect score of 8 points, while Reynold ranks second with 6 points.
Since third place is currently vacant, the ranking match will take place in ten minutes. The competitors for third place will be Kalandor and Kozmo.
Once the ranking match concludes, the top three of the Seed Selection Tournament will be finalized. These three contestants will head to the capital of Crook Duchy, participating in the strongest Peak Showdown.”
After finishing his speech, Sean Sterling fell silent. Such a plain statement left many feeling somewhat bewildered.
Fortunately, some quick-witted individuals coughed loudly a few times and then began to applaud excitedly. Their enthusiastic expressions seemed as if they had heard some profound wisdom or divine decree.
Bu Wei curled his lips; he found Sean Sterling’s way of speaking rather unappealing. Unfortunately, others were more powerful; when they spoke out loud, it naturally carried weight, and many were eager to flatter and curry favor.
“Congratulations on being number one.” A slightly enchanting voice reached his ears.
With a slight smile, Bu Wei turned to see Kashati, her alluring face before him and her amber eyes filled with mirth.
“The praise from such a beauty makes me shine even brighter,” Bu Wei replied with a smirk, his tone laced with teasing.
Kashati's face turned red upon hearing this, and she playfully pouted her red lips, saying, "I didn't expect that the top person not only has great strength but also has quite a way with words."
"No, no, every word I say is from the heart. How could I dare to tease a beauty? If your Fan Club finds out, I won't be able to handle the consequences," Bu shook his head earnestly.
"Fan Club? Is that something to eat?" Kashati's eyes widened in curiosity. This was the second time she had heard such a novel term from Bu, making her even more interested in him.
As the saying goes, when a woman becomes curious about a man, it marks the beginning of her infatuation.
Kashati did not notice the vague emotions stirring within her, nor did Bu have any other assumptions.
At this moment, he wore a strange expression but did not consider that others might not know what a Fan Club was. He could only shake his head and explain, "A Fan Club isn't something to eat. Uh... it represents those who support you."
"Ah? Supporters of mine?" Kashati looked even more confused, unable to understand why there would be such a thing.
"Uh, it's just like the term Powerful from before; it's merely a symbolic adjective," Bu explained with a headache, cursing himself inwardly for always looking for trouble when faced with Kashati's bright and curious gaze.
"Oh... okay. Powerful... Fan Club... heh heh, interesting." The somewhat carefree Kashati did not press further and giggled, her voice like silver bells.
Comment 0 Comment Count