The Ice Crystal Sword in Guo Jiang's hands ended Freya Sunfire's life. Its translucent blade glimmered with frost-like patterns, drinking in the last essence of the sorceress's life force.At least he did good, making Freya free from her suffering in this cruel world. The autumn wind carried her final breath away like scattered petals.Guo Jiang took pity. Freya only howled even though he had released the illusory energy from her sight.Her screams echoed through the ancient trees, disturbing roosting birds that took flight in panic against the blood-red sunset sky.Freya howled the whole time, enduring the pain when the illusion of pain magic woven by Guo Jiang had turned into reality. The magical energies had twisted her meridians beyond repair, leaving her body a vessel of pure agony.In the Osmanthus Forest, the fallen leaves bore witness. Golden-orange petals swirled around them in a mournful dance, carrying the scent of death and fading magic.Guo Jiang looted all the treasures

Ever since his name first became known, no one had ever seen Aiden Bloodstone's face. He wore a mask all the time.Rumors spoke of a curse, of a face so beautiful it could entrance demons or so horrifying it could turn allies to stone—none knew the truth.No one had even seen him while eating, as people curiously wondered how Aiden could eat without removing his mask.Some whispered that he sustained himself on qi alone, having transcended the need for mortal nourishment through forbidden cultivation techniques.Aiden was ranked second on the Almaria Continent's list of talented young stars. His reputation preceded him like a shadow at sunset, stretching far beyond his actual presence.Lastly Guo Jiang gazed at the phenomenal figure in the East, the Cedar Forest there. The ancient trees had parted to make way for this legendary figure.Avril Windrider, the first-ranked youngster on the world's young star list. He looked haughty.His jade-white sword, Windcleaver, hung at his side, the

Avril Windrider was astonished when he saw The Phoenix forming a blazing Phoenix-shaped heat energy. The ancient magic swirled around Guo Jiang like celestial fire, illuminating the arena with its otherworldly glow.Its color was yellowish red, reminiscent of the sacred flames that once burned in the temples of the Immortal Sages."He can cast that ancient magic spell? A spell that only The Great Sorcerer Alatar is said to possess?" Avril's mind was filled with jealousy.His fingers clenched around the hilt of his Wind Blade, the legendary weapon that had tasted the blood of a thousand warriors yet seemed insignificant before such primal power.While inside the snowy arena, Guo Jiang stared at the yellowish-red light that appeared in the sky. The cold air around him crystallized then instantly vaporized as his qi surged through his meridians like molten gold.The yellowish-red light soared over the Phoenix that appeared to give off waves of heat. The temperature rose so dramatically t

The sun had risen twice on the Eastern horizon and the battle was not yet over. Days passed like moments as the epic struggle continued without resolution.Guo Jiang himself was still very tired, and had to remain on standby, ready to wait for his name to be called at any time to enter the arena.His meridians ached from channeling so much power during his own battle, the pathways of qi still raw and sensitive.The Wind Kingdom's Avril Windrider won the war after the third sunrise of the Eastern sky. The final strike came with the dawn, as if the sun itself lent its power to the exhausted warrior."Avril Windrider wins the battle against Paisas Dragon!" The announcement echoed across the mountain, carrying both relief and anticipation.Guo Jiang was getting ready to enter the next arena, when the supernatural voice was heard giving notice. He adjusted the Ice Crystal Sword at his waist, ensuring it would draw smoothly when needed."This is an extremely grueling rally-rally battle. The

Guo Jiang instantly became enthusiastic. He asked excitedly. His eyes gleamed with the hunger for power that drives all great cultivators toward their destiny."You mean, with the one-star Spirit of Heaven Spiritual Master level that I recently reached, to break through to two-star, let alone three-star, it might still take years. If not maybe ten or even twenty years. Aerendir's explanation, made Guo Jiang excited."His voice trembled slightly, not with fear but with anticipation. The rain intensified, as if responding to his rising emotions."I'm willing! Please explain. How should I go about the riding process." His hands formed the ancient seal of commitment, a gesture known throughout the cultivation world as an unbreakable vow.Now it was Westernia Dragon's turn to laugh. Her echoing voice filled Guo Jiang's mind. The sound was like ancient bells ringing in forgotten temples, resonant with power and mystery."Please. Can you not laugh loudly in my mind? My head hurts!" said Guo