“Damn it, if I had been ready from the start, how could I end up like this?!” Sukiang kept dodging the threads of light, but not completely successfully. His agile body began to slow down, as if his speed and sharp instincts were dulled by the constant pressure of the sharp beams. Even though he moved left and spun right, several threads of light still managed to slip through the gaps in his movements. Over time, his movements grew stiffer, and his breathing turned ragged—like someone trapped in a snare with no escape. Splash — Splash — “Aaahhh!!!” Sukiang screamed. His cries echoed loudly across the arena. Numerous slash wounds began to appear on his body. Although not fatal, the red lines on his skin bled fresh blood—enough to make anyone grit their teeth. The most noticeable gash was on his cheek, like a humiliating mark that cut deeper than a mere physical wound. Blood dripped slowly onto the ground, not from a single large injury, but from dozens of small cuts that kept form

“Brother Wang, thank you for the warning. I’ll definitely be careful!” Long Hotian responded with a respectful nod and a firm voice. He understood that the warning wasn’t small talk—it was a signal that this battle could be far more dangerous than he had previously anticipated. Long Hotian immediately soared into the martial arena. His movements were calm yet full of confidence. There was no hint of hesitation, no wasted motion. He stood tall at the center of the arena like a heavenly pillar, unaffected by the pressure of the thousands of gazes surrounding him. Just like Bai Ruochen earlier, he wasted no time with formalities or grace. From the very start, he had decided to unleash his strongest skill. The inherited power of the Eternal Dragon Shadow Pavilion was released without hesitation. Two shadowy dragon heads appeared on his left and right. Both towered high, circling around his body like guardians from another dimension. The dragon heads were pitch black, with silver-gray a

Xiao Yie stabbed Long Hotian’s body repeatedly using Long Hotian’s own horn. Each thrust was not merely an attack, but a vile humiliation. The horn, which was supposed to be a symbol of inherited strength, had now become a weapon of torture. Each stab tore flesh, shattered muscle layers, and broke down the body’s structure in a brutal rhythm. He was cruel—utterly merciless—as if he delighted in the suffering he inflicted. The once-proud and sturdy body of Long Hotian had now turned into a horrifying sight. Blood gushed from countless points, spraying through the air and soaking the arena floor that had already absorbed too much suffering today. His skin was shredded, his flesh looked as if it had been pounded by iron hammers. Parts of his body were no longer recognizable. One arm was broken, his back had a gaping hole, and his left chest was nearly torn open from the last thrust delivered with full force. “Son, surrender now!” The deep and trembling voice rang out from afar. The

Time passed—slowly but surely. Long Hotian’s once labored breathing began to stabilize. His chest, which had risen and fallen irregularly, now followed a gentle rhythm. His previously pale, almost gray face gradually regained a flush of life. The tone of his skin shifted from the color of death back to that of the living. Although his eyes had yet to open, his body no longer showed signs of severe shock. And most importantly—from his body… a faint ripple of energy could now be felt, a sign that the meridian flow within him was slowly responding again. After nearly twenty pills had been administered, Xiao Tian sat cross-legged before Long Hotian. He raised both hands and began forming an extremely complex formation. Symbols of energy appeared in the air, crisscrossing to form a divine array. The pattern emerged right above the Eternal Dragon Shadow Pavilion, hanging majestically with a mysterious pressure that made several elders shudder. Some even stopped the flow of their Qi, unwil

Their minds spun, each attempting to revise their strategies—recalculating the hidden power behind the name Xiao Jian. Yet what unsettled them most was not the strength of the clone itself, but the fact that someone outside their circle had managed to create such a powerful clone without leaving the slightest gap for countermeasures. And if that was merely the clone, then who could guarantee what the true body was capable of? While the three old men were deep in their plotting, the martial arena of the Xiao Clan continued its tournament. The voice of the announcer echoed once more, drawing the spectators’ attention back to the tension-laced surface of reality. “For the next match! Xiao Lian versus Bai Ruochen.” As those two names were called, everyone immediately turned toward the martial arena with seriousness. Most even held their breath. The atmosphere shifted drastically. The faint hum from the protective formation above the arena reverberated toward the tribunes, amplifyi