Eternal Heavenly Emperor

A single strike of the saber wielded such formidable power.

The surrounding disciples of the Ling Family were all breathless, and even Tang Xin and Yu Wenjing were wide-eyed. How could such a saber strike be defended against?

It was terrifying.

Fu Xue, however, had her eyes glittering with clarity, muttering, "If I also had Star Force at the Eighth Tier Peak, I would directly meet strength with strength. As long as I hit the saber's weak point, I could neutralize this strike and counterattack."

"If my Star Force were at the Seventh Tier, this strike would have to be incredibly precise. Any slight error could result in my complete destruction."

"But what if my Star Force is only at the Sixth Tier?"

Fu Xue frowned, facing this genius among geniuses, being two small realms behind seemed impossible to overcome. The word "retreat" simply wasn't in her dictionary.

On the other side, Ling Tianhe and Ling Yueying had already effortlessly dealt with their opponents and were watching from the arena, with a hint of surprise on their faces.

This Ling Tianyun was not to be underestimated.

Chu Hao let out a long howl and threw a punch to meet the saber.

What? Was he intending to use his fist to block a Treasure Artifact?

Everyone exclaimed in shock, bewildered by Chu Hao's recklessness.

Ling Tianyun, however, sneered. He knew clearly that this Treasure Artifact of his had the gold attribute and was embedded with the inner core of the Iron Claw Wolf. Although the Iron Claw Wolf was a low-tier ferocious beast in the Martial Master class, its claws were exceedingly sharp, capable of easily tearing through Hundred Refined Fine Iron.

After embedding the Iron Claw Wolf's inner core, this Treasure Artifact had the same effect.

Indestructible.

At least, breaking through the defense of a Martial Master was child's play.

If you seek your own death, so be it. Finishing the fight with one strike would save him time.

Ling Tianyun snorted, channeling his Star Force into his right hand. The Treasure Artifact instantly activated with a buzz, and a dark gleam flashed across, giving the golden saber a layer of demonic qi, black and chilling to the bone.

The saber descended.

Bang.

The fist met the saber edge, producing a harsh grinding sound like a sharp blade skimming across glass.

Chu Hao stumbled back, retreating seven steps to steady himself, while Ling Tianyun remained firmly in place, but the golden saber in his hand vibrated fiercely.

If one had sharp eyes, they could see that his whole body was trembling slightly.

Shocking Force.

Chu Hao glanced at his raised hand, seeing a white mark on his fist, as if someone had scratched it with a fingernail, nearly breaking the skin. He smiled inwardly, indeed, the Jade Wall Technique could withstand a First Tier Treasure Artifact.

However, it was because the quality of this Treasure Artifact was too poor. What if it were embedded with two or even three ferocious beast inner cores?

Certainly, the Jade Wall Technique wouldn't be able to block it.

Moreover, Chu Hao sighed inwardly. Though the Minor Formless Mysterious Skill he cultivated was of high rank, allowing his Star Force density to surpass a small realm, his opponent was at the Eighth Tier Peak, still beyond his match.

It seemed that relying solely on the Jade Wall Technique wouldn't win him this battle.

He sighed to himself, not knowing how shocked Ling Tianyun was.

Though that saber strike of his wasn't an ultimate move, it had been infused with all his strength and activated the Treasure Artifact's power, yet it couldn't sever Chu Hao's wrist, which was unbelievable.

How could the opponent's defensive power be so high?

Could he be wearing a defensive Treasure Artifact? Indeed, the earlier jade-like glimmer was likely the Treasure Artifact's effect.

Ling Tianyun showed a greedy look. If he could obtain that Treasure Artifact, it would fully compensate for his lack of defense. With both offense and defense covered, even Ling Tianhe and Ling Yueying together wouldn't be a threat.

"Hahaha, this Treasure Artifact is mine." He laughed, raising his saber to point at Chu Hao, though his hand was still trembling from the lingering Shocking Force, greatly diminishing the credibility of his words.

So inexperienced, unable to distinguish between martial techniques and Treasure Artifacts.

Chu Hao clenched his fists and launched a counterattack.

Bang, bang, bang.

The two men clashed intensely, fist winds and saber auras sweeping the area. Each strike was terrifying, leaving deep scratches on the solid stone as if clawed by a monstrous beast, causing the surrounding people to constantly gasp.

Initially, everyone looked down on Chu Hao, filled with innate disdain for a mere slave from the Lower World, not comparable to them, the pride of heaven.

But as the fight intensified, they had to admit, Chu Hao was indeed powerful.

Even, in terms of talent alone, Ling Tianyun couldn't compare.

Because one was at the Eighth Tier Peak, while the other was at the Fifth Tier Peak, a difference of three small realms.

If Chu Hao was also at the Eighth Tier Peak, wouldn't Ling Tianyun be defeated? What about Ling Tianhe? Ling Yueying?

For a moment, silence fell around, as the fight had reached this stage where they were embarrassed to cheer for Ling Tianyun.

"Hmph, your strength is indeed commendable, deserving my full effort." Ling Tianyun sheathed his saber, his expression serious, exuding a sharp blade's cold aura.

Chu Hao knew his opponent had an ultimate move yet to be unleashed, as did he, not having used his Sky Wind Eight Styles.

An ultimate move is not easily used.

Because ultimate moves all have a common issue: while powerful, using one inevitably weakens defense. If an ultimate move is seen through, it not only fails to harm the enemy but also exposes one's weaknesses, which could be disastrous.

"One last chance, kneel and admit defeat, or... I can't guarantee I can stop when I want." Ling Tianyun said arrogantly, confident that once he used the Tiger-Slaying Saber, Chu Hao would be unable to resist.

— What high-level martial technique could a person from the Lower World possess? How could it match his human-level High-Grade blade technique?

The key was his incredible comprehension of blade techniques, having mastered nine of the ten forms of the Tiger-Slaying Saber. He was just one form away from full mastery, enough to unleash eighty percent of its power.

Chu Hao shifted from fist to palm. Since the opponent was using an ultimate move, he couldn't be careless and had to use his own ultimate move, especially with his Star Force being significantly lower.

Sky Wind Eight Styles.

"How many forms of my Tiger-Slaying Saber can you withstand?" Ling Tianyun took a deep breath, assuming a strange stance with his long saber, eyes sharp as a blade, exuding a terrifying pressure.

Chu Hao laughed heartily, saying, "You should ask, how many palms you can take from me."

"Arrogant." Ling Tianyun roared, his anger flaring. Was this boy not afraid of death? He shouted and slashed, a tenth-level hurricane seemed to brew, the saber wind hitting the faces of even those outside the arena, causing sharp pain.

Some touched their faces and were shocked to find their hands covered in blood.

This saber strike was earth-shattering.

Ling Tianhe and Ling Yueying widened their eyes. The power of this strike was terrifying, even they couldn't help but ask themselves how they would block it.

Chu Hao met it with his palm.

The first form of Sky Wind Eight Styles, Gathering Wind.

Bang.

Blade and palm collided, releasing a blinding light that left spectators unable to open their eyes. But experts like Ling Tianhe and Ling Yueying weren't affected and were shocked.

Chu Hao had blocked the saber strike.

Even a strike that would make them frown was blocked.

This only meant one thing.

Chu Hao was their equal.

It was unbelievable, especially considering this boy came from the Lower World. Moreover, he was just a Martial Disciple a year ago when he was taken into the Yunliu Sect.

How could there be such a prodigy?

Boom.

Violent force surged as the two separated, standing five meters apart.

Chu Hao looked at his raised hand, seeing a fresh wound with blood seeping out. Although the gash was a foot long, it was under an inch deep, merely a flesh wound.

The power of an ultimate move was evident, even the Jade Wall Technique couldn't fully defend.

Similarly, Ling Tianyun wasn't faring well either. The Sky Wind Eight Styles was an Earth Level martial technique, and combined with Shocking Force, its destructive power was terrifying. His upper clothes were shredded, exposing his scarred body, though these scars had long healed.

No wonder he was this strong, constantly teetering on the edge of life and death, his combat power had soared rapidly.

Ling Tianyun gazed at Chu Hao, now genuinely considering him a worthy opponent.

Even the Tiger-Slaying Saber failed to cut him and even left him injured. This was the most formidable opponent he had faced since his debut.

He readied his saber again. If he could defeat this opponent, he might grasp the final form of the Tiger-Slaying Saber and even glimpse the hope of breaking through to Martial Sect.

"Take my second form." He shouted.

Chu Hao's expression turned stern, spinning his hands as he executed the second form of the Sky Wind Eight Styles.

Breaking Wave.

Bang.

Another fierce clash as Chu Hao's arm gained another wound, while blood seeped from Ling Tianyun's chest, his face turning ashen.

"The third form." Ling Tianyun, risking internal injuries, unleashed the third slash.

Chu Hao couldn't help but feel grateful. If it weren't for Su Wanyue gifting him the Jade Wall Technique, not only boosting his defense but also reinforcing his meridians, he wouldn't stand a chance against Chu Tianyun.

Previously, he could only use the Sky Wind Eight Styles twice consecutively.

But now, there were no such limits.

Cloud Dispersal.

Chu Hao used the third form of the Sky Wind Eight Styles, meeting Ling Tianyun's attack.

Bang.

The collision roared like thunder, causing many to instinctively cover their ears.

A fresh wound appeared on Chu Hao's chest, shallow yet indicating how perilous the strike was. If not for his mastery of the Jade Wall Technique's First Layer or if Ling Tianyun's Treasure Artifact had higher quality, the outcome could have been completely different.

Ling Tianyun's chest also bore a palm mark, near his heart, its edges bright red, but the mark itself was eerily white like it had been imprinted on a corpse.

"The final slash." Ling Tianyun said gravely. His internal injuries were severe, enough for only one more strike.

If this strike couldn't defeat Chu Hao, he would lose.