However...In a different corner of the arena, the chaos of the free-for-all battle reached its absolute peak. Even so, the focus of several elders in the VIP stands and the strongest disciples remained locked on the corner where Wei Zhong was surrounded.The three Silver Wing Faction disciples rushing at Alex smiled savagely. Their distance was now a mere half-meter away from Alex's body. Three weapon blades infused with blood-red Qi sliced through the air, ready to tear apart and end the life of the black-hooded youth right then and there."Die, you destroyer of our faction!" one of them roared.Yet, in the face of a deadly onslaught capable of collapsing any ordinary defense, Alex did not even blink. The lazy disposition he had displayed just moments ago vanished instantly, replaced by a profoundly silent, bone-chilling aura.Wuuuush!"Thousand Thunder Steps!"Just as the tip of the first sword was about to graze the fabric of his black hood, Alex's body shifted in an impossible ma

The booming laughter of the Sect's Supreme Elder still echoed in the air as the tournament referee, his hands still trembling, stepped forward to the edge of the Duel Altar. He scanned the now-cleared arena, then took a deep breath to steady his voice."The... free-for-all battle is over! Not only have ten contestants been eliminated... but since only five disciples remain on the arena... the top five ranks remaining on the arena are officially determined!" the referee proclaimed loudly.On the vast Duel Altar, only five people remained: Alex (Wei Zhong), who stood casually in the center; Ling Yun, who gazed at him with a joyful gleam; Han Xue, who stood frozen, clutching her ice sword; Zhao Kang, who was fortunate enough to survive in a corner of the arena; and of course... Lu Chen.However, instead of preparing for the ranking determination round, the atmosphere atop the altar suddenly turned deathly cold.WuuuusH! Crack! Fraaakc! Craaack!Lu Chen stepped forward. Every stamp of his

A few minutes later...The moment they entered the courtyard of Ling Yun's residence—serene and completely isolated from the chaotic noise of the sect—the atmosphere shifted into an profound tranquility. The fragrant aroma of spiritual plants blended perfectly with the scent of the medicinal soup that had been boiling over a small stove in the main room."Have a seat, Wei Zhong. I will serve it for you," Ling Yun said in a thoroughly softened tone, stripping away all of the ice-cold sternness she had displayed back in the arena.Alex reclined onto a sandalwood chair with his usual lazy posture. His black hood had been fully lowered, letting the gentle breeze play with his black hair. Not long after, Ling Yun returned carrying a bowl of silver-colored medicinal soup that exhaled the extremely pure aroma of high-grade herbs."Thanks," Alex murmured casually. He took the bowl and began to savor it. Ling Yun's medicinal soup was not only warm, but it also contained a flow of pure Qi that

The Supreme Elder’s voice trembled violently, filled with a mix of utter disbelief and immense relief.He could feel the invisible chains that had bound his life essence for a hundred years slowly shattering into pieces."Quiet down and focus. Do not let your emotions disrupt the flow of my energy," Alex interrupted in an ice-cold tone, his gaze remaining sharply fixed on the old man's palm.The purging process was by no means instantaneous, considering the curse originated from the ancient lightning pool within the Void Domain. Minute after minute ticked away, until unnoticed, two hours had passed inside the silent wooden cabin.For two full hours, Alex’s blackish-white flame continued to trace through every corner of the Supreme Elder’s meridians. Herein lay the true marvel. Even though the flame possessed a destructive power capable of melting the very concept of space, Alex was able to control it with an extremely precise micro-management.The flame moved like the finest scalpel,

Two days passed quickly in a deceptive tranquility. During that time, Alex utilized his position as "Wei Zhong" to get closer to Ling Yun, ensuring he did not arouse the woman's suspicion.However, that peace was finally shattered when the long-awaited day arrived.On the morning of the third day, the atmosphere above the Holy Bell branch sect suddenly surged violently. The clouds in the sky parted, replaced by an incredibly dense and sharp wind energy pressure. A magnificent royal carriage drawn by four divine beasts in the form of storm eagles descended from the horizon, landing gracefully on the sect's main square.Instantly, all the disciples and elders of the sect gathered, bowing their heads in deep respect. Standing at the very front row were the top five ranked disciples to be sent, including Alex, who remained loyal to his black hood, and Ling Yun, who stood beside him, her body slightly tense from the massive pressure of the aura.The carriage door finally began to open. A s