Eternal Heavenly Emperor

Chu Hao and Qin Yulian both began to slowly exhale, letting their bodies gradually become heavier.

The process was agonizingly slow.

Who would dare rush it? It was a matter of life and death.

After about five minutes, the two finally exhaled completely, feeling cold sweat on their palms.

They then slowly crouched down, moving with extreme gentleness and slowness. Once fully crouched down, they picked up the "Crescent Slash" manual and the measuring scale—Chu Hao took the measuring scale, while Qin Yulian took the book.

One, two, three!

They signaled with their eyes, blinked, and then simultaneously exerted force as they counted to three in their minds. Swoosh! The two leaped up at the same time.

This was equally crucial, as any difference in their leaping strength would result in them being shredded to pieces.

Wu Shitong nervously watched the balance scale in the middle. Fortunately, the scale remained completely still from start to finish.

Chu Hao and Qin Yulian landed in the safe zone almost simultaneously. They glanced at each other and breathed long sighs of relief.

It was extremely perilous!

But just then, the exit of the palace sealed shut immediately.

Qin Yulian frowned slightly and said, "It seems this martial technique can only be studied here. Otherwise, the door won't open!"

Chu Hao nodded. Although only their way forward was blocked, these Heaven Talented individuals wouldn't shrink back. They naturally wanted to explore the remaining three layers of this space. He waved to Wu Shitong and said, "Brother Wu, come over and study this 'Crescent Slash' together."

Wu Shitong walked over. The three of them crowded around and opened the "Crescent Slash" manual.

"Everyone, memorize it well. We have to put the book back!"

Fortunately, geniuses like them had powerful memories. Moreover, this "Crescent Slash" martial technique didn't contain many words, only a mere nine pages, mostly consisting of illustrations with minimal textual explanations.

In fact, it was a method for channeling Star Force, compressing it within one's meridians to make it extremely condensed and tangible, forming a Moon Blade that possessed terrifying destructive power and could even be used for long-range attacks.

Long-range attacks! Earth Level High-Grade!

The eyes of Chu Hao and the other two lit up. They could form shields with Star Force around their bodies but couldn't truly release the Star Force. This was a privilege of the Martial Sect. However, even Martial Sect members needed to develop Starlight first, and the release distance was limited.

—With each minor advancement, the length of the Starlight could increase by one foot.

After achieving minor accomplishment with the Crescent Slash, the Moon Blade could reach about ten meters, and achieving great achievement could extend it to a hundred-meter limit. The higher one's realm and the more concentrated the Star Force, the more powerful the Moon Blade would be.

The three quietly studied and memorized diligently. If one looked closely, their fingers were even gently trembling, indicating they were involuntarily practicing channeling their Star Force.

Ten minutes, half an hour, an hour passed.

The three of them simultaneously looked away, exhaling deeply.

They had memorized everything.

"Shall we put it back then?" Qin Yulian smiled.

"Hold on!" At that moment, a tall figure walked in, emanating an overwhelming pressure. This was a pressure of realm that surpassed the level of a martial master.

Huo Quan, a Single-Meridian Martial Sect member!

Chu Hao and the others looked at him. Wu Shitong was the first to speak, "Do you have any objections?"

Huo Quan's eyes widened. This brat was so audacious to speak to him in such a tone. Didn't he realize Huo Quan was ranked 98 on the Fledgling Dragon List? His status was exceedingly high.

"Hand over that martial technique, and you two—" he glanced at Chu Hao and Wu Shitong, "you two can scram!"

He harbored ambitions towards Qin Yulian. What better way to impress this stunning beauty than by showcasing his strength?

Chu Hao's battle spirit surged. Having reached the Great Perfection of Ten Meridians, he was eager to find a real opponent. But just as he was about to step forward, Wu Shitong stopped him.

"This battle is mine!" Wu Shitong's eyes were sharp as knives as he stared at Huo Quan, "I said I would guard this door. No one can get in!"

Guarding the door was a previous arrangement to ensure Chu Hao and Qin Yulian could retrieve the "Crescent Slash" without interruption. The situation had changed, but Wu Shitong's words clearly made a stance.

Having acquired an Earth Level High-Grade Martial Technique without any effort was unbearable for someone so proud.

Naturally, he wanted to do something.

Huo Quan sneered, "Do you have a death wish?" He didn't mind killing a few people to clear out some geniuses.

"Come fight!" Wu Shitong took a large stride forward, his right hand gripping the hilt of his blade, exuding an aura of fearless determination.

Absolute Blade!

Not only did it leave no retreat for the opponent, but it also left no retreat for oneself, putting one in a do-or-die situation.

Huo Quan showed a hint of caution. Though Wu Shitong wasn't on the Fledgling Dragon List, it didn't mean his strength was weak. It was simply because he was young and had not been listed three years ago.

Some people became late bloomers, appearing unremarkable before suddenly shining with invincible brilliance.

Still, Huo Quan was confident in his victory. He had broken through to a Martial Sect from a Nine Meridians martial master, giving him overwhelming superiority in power.

Moreover, a Martial Sect could manifest Starlight, which had an absolute lethality against martial masters.

With advantages in strength and destructive power, how could he lose?

Wasn't he a genius too?

Huo Quan raised his right hand, pointing his index finger forward. A yellowish blade of light, roughly a foot long, formed at the tip.

Starlight! Judging from its length, he had reached the peak of the First Tier Martial Sect. From the martial master stage, every minor advancement was exceedingly difficult. It wouldn't be surprising if he had been stuck at the First Tier Martial Sect peak for several months.

"Can you withstand ten moves from me?" Huo Quan said casually. He was only cautious of Wu Shitong's talent, not his strength, which was far inferior.

Wu Shitong didn't answer, instead charging towards Huo Quan. When he was three meters away, he abruptly drew his blade.

Clang!

A crisp sound followed by a flash of golden light, as brilliant as the dawn, blindingly radiant. Amidst this golden flash, Wu Shitong struck, his Earth Element Blade slicing towards Huo Quan with a profoundly mysterious arc.

"Impressive!" Qin Yulian exclaimed.

Chu Hao nodded as well. This strike's power was the limit of a Nine Meridians martial master. Even if he were reduced to a Nine Meridians, he wouldn't dare claim he could easily neutralize this move.

Clearly, Wu Shitong's battle spirit was sky-high, making his first move an ultimate one.

"Hmph, it's nothing much!" Huo Quan felt disgruntled seeing Qin Yulian's astonished expression, feeling upstaged by Wu Shitong. He snorted, moved his body, and forcefully countered Wu Shitong's attack, pointing his index finger straight at Wu Shitong's chest.

Chu Hao sighed. Wu Shitong's blade strike indeed reached the pinnacle of a Nine Meridians martial master, but alas, Huo Quan was a Single-Meridian Martial Sect, having transitioned from a Nine Meridians martial master. His power was vastly superior.

Starlight shone, forcing Wu Shitong to retract his blade, as Huo Quan's attack was faster, fiercer, and more precise, leaving no room for Wu Shitong to trade injuries—even if he considered mutually assured destruction, he would be severely injured or dead, while Huo Quan would only be lightly wounded.

Such a course would be exceedingly unwise.

Wu Shitong's strength, however, was formidable. His left hand pushed out intensely, while his right hand swung the Earth Element Blade again towards Huo Quan.

"Hmm?" Huo Quan grunted softly. The depth of Wu Shitong's blade technique exceeded his expectations.

Such mastery!

Did Zhao Ming, ranked 67 on the Fledgling Dragon List with the Gloomy Wind Blade, have such blade skills?

Huo Quan recalled being defeated by Zhao Ming in the quest for Fledgling Dragon List ranking over two years ago, both being at the Nine Meridians Peak at the time, yet he didn't last ten moves under Zhao Ming.

Zhao Ming's blade skills had reached a divine level, including a hint of personal Intent Realm.

Now, Huo Quan sensed such an aura in Wu Shitong.

This youngster might become a great blade master in the future!

Huo Quan's killing intent surged. Though he was a genius, evident from making the Fledgling Dragon List, he ranked only 98. Many others surpassed him in strength and talent.

Be pushed off by someone even younger?

Die!

Huo Quan's battle power increased by a notch, fully exerting his efforts. He couldn't allow such a gifted youngster to grow.

Though they were only about a year apart, this gap in such formative years was significant. In another year, Wu Shitong would likely become a Martial Sect, dramatically enhancing his battle power.

With full effort, Huo Quan overwhelmed Wu Shitong. Yet Wu Shitong's exceptional prowess became clearer as the Earth Element Blade wove an impenetrable defense, showing his terrifying defensive skills.

Five moves, ten moves, thirty moves... far exceeding Huo Quan's earlier claim of ten moves.

Huo Quan remained serious, having already used full strength without resorting to ultimate moves. Still, despite his upper hand, he couldn't convert it to victory.

Wu Shitong's resilience far exceeded expectations, intensifying Huo Quan's resolve.

He must kill Wu Shitong today!

Wu Shitong took a deep breath, leaped back ten meters, his eyes fixed on Huo Quan, exuding an indescribable ferocity like an ancient beast.

The real ultimate move was coming.