The battle instantly reached a fever pitch.Sword after sword collided, each impact producing a sharp metallic ring as showers of sparks erupted across the arena. Yan Chen's massive broadsword crashed down like a raging tempest, every swing carrying enough force to split boulders, while Lin Wuchen met each attack with impeccable precision. Pushing his physical body to its limits, he relied on nothing but his overwhelming physical strength and refined swordsmanship.For a time, the two remained locked in a complete stalemate. Neither could gain a decisive advantage, and with every collision, the arena beneath them grew increasingly scarred, crisscrossed by deep gashes.However, as the battle dragged on, Yan Chen gradually became impatient. Unlike Lin Wuchen, he couldn't afford a prolonged fight. The towering ape phantom behind him had begun to grow faint, its aura weakening with each passing moment. Once the bloodline manifestation dissipated, his strength would instantly plummet, leav

By the time Lin Wuchen arrived at the Central Martial Arena, where the Sect Tournament was to be held, the place was already teeming with disciples pouring in from every direction. The arena itself was immense, spanning several hundred meters. At its center stood ten towering battle platforms carved from dark stone, each covered in countless scars left behind by previous tournaments. Powerful formations shimmered faintly around every platform, ready to contain the devastating shockwaves that would inevitably erupt during the battles. Encircling the arena were rows upon rows of elevated spectator stands, already packed with thousands of disciples. Labour, outer, and inner disciples filled the seats, their voices blending into a deafening roar of excitement as they eagerly awaited the start of the competition. High above the spectator stands, several grand viewing platforms overlooked the entire arena. Reserved for the sect elders, deacons, and peak masters, they offered an unobstruct

Before the dust cloud had fully dispersed, the Horned Devil burst through it with astonishing speed, its blood-red eyes locked onto Lin Wuchen. Both bone sabers descended in unison, carrying enough force to split him in two.Lin Wuchen's figure suddenly blurred as he executed the modified Phantom Gale Steps.Boom!The twin bone sabers slammed into the ground, sending shattered stone flying in every direction as a web of cracks rapidly spread across the earth.Having missed its target, the Horned Devil threw its head back and let out a furious roar. Its blood-red eyes burned with savage killing intent as it fixed its gaze upon Lin Wuchen.Lin Wuchen met its gaze without flinching. Instead, a faint smile appeared on his lips as his fighting spirit steadily surged having finally met an opponent capable of making him go all out.Without the slightest hesitation, he shot forward, the Nine Desolation Dao Sword sweeping out in a graceful yet deadly arc.Clang!The collision rang out like thu

Lin Wuchen, however, remained silent, making no attempt to reveal that he was the very person they were all curious about."You have three hours to rest. The second and final trial will commence thereafter."The elder's voice echoed throughout the arena, pulling everyone from their thoughts. As soon as his words fell, his figure gradually faded from sight.With three hours to recover before the next trial, the disciples scattered throughout the martial arena, looking for a spot to rest and recuperate. Although the Illusory Battlefield had caused them no physical injuries, the prolonged battle had placed an immense strain on their minds and had drained them mentally.Lin Wuchen found a quiet corner of the arena and sat down cross-legged, entering a meditative state to recuperate.…Three hours later...Dong!A deep bell chime reverberated throughout the central martial arena, instantly rousing every disciple from their meditation.The elder once again appeared above the battle platform

Confusion flashed across the clone's face. "...What do you mean?""Take a closer look," Lin Wuchen replied calmly.The clone hesitated for a brief moment before directing its consciousness inward.The instant it did, its pupils shrank.Countless wisps of pitch-black Qi were silently wreaking havoc throughout its body, disrupting the circulation of its Spiritual Qi and steadily corroding everything they came into contact with. At first glance, they bore a striking resemblance to Decay Qi. However, the longer it observed them, the more apparent the difference became.This Qi did not merely decay… It erased."Do you understand now?" Lin Wuchen asked, a faint smile still on his face.The clone slowly raised its head, its expression turning grave. "What... is that black Qi?""There's no need for you to know. After all... you'll be dead soon," Lin Wuchen said calmly. "I'm rather interested in claiming first place. The sooner I defeat you, the higher my ranking."As the words fell, his aura