Ultimate Magus in Cultivation World

Yue Shanshan tore through the ice wall like it was paper.

Shards scattered everywhere.

She came down with both swords, silver light cutting through the cold air.

Mu Chen crossed his arms to block.

BANG!

The impact pushed him back hard, sliding across the frozen floor.

His boots left long marks in the ice as he stopped himself.

For a moment, both fighters were still.

Mist drifted around Mu Chen.

Wind swirled around Yue Shanshan.

Then they moved again.

Yue Shanshan rushed forward, swords flashing.

Mu Chen stepped in with calm, precise strikes.

Her blades swung left—Mu Chen blocked with his ice-coated arm.

She spun and slashed again—Mu Chen tilted his body just enough to avoid it.

He countered with a cold palm toward her ribs—she twisted away, feet barely touching the ground.

They were fast.

Too fast for many in the crowd to follow.

The sounds of metal, ice, and impact filled the arena.

CLANG.

CRACK.

WHOOSH.

THUD.

Yue Shanshan kicked off the ground, taking to the air again.

Her Silver Hawk spirit cried, wind swirling around her.

She dove toward him, swords spinning.

Mu Chen lifted his hand.

The floor froze even harder, frost thickening in a circle around him.

He swung his arm, releasing a cold wave.

A ring of ice shot outward.

Yue Shanshan cut through it with both blades, but the impact slowed her just enough.

Mu Chen closed the distance.

His palm hit her side.

BAM.

Yue Shanshan stumbled, teeth clenched, but she didn't fall.

She slashed quickly, aiming for his arm.

Mu Chen ducked under it, frost forming along his back from the movement.

They passed each other—

Then both turned instantly and attacked again.

Sword met palm.

Wind met frost.

Each exchange grew heavier.

Each breath grew louder.

A final clash burst in the center of the ring.

BANG!

The force blew frost and dust outward in a wide circle.

Both fighters slid back.

Mu Chen dropped onto one knee, breathing cold mist.

Yue Shanshan stayed on her feet, but her arms trembled too hard to lift her swords again.

She let out a long breath.

"…I lose."

She lowered her blades.

Tian Lei lifted his hand.

"Winner: Mu Chen!"

The crowd erupted.

Mu Chen bowed his head slightly.

Yue Shanshan gave a tired smile as she sheathed her swords.

"You're too calm," she muttered. "It's frustrating."

Mu Chen shook his head. "You're too fast. That's frustrating."

They walked back to their seats as the arena buzzed with excitement.

Han Yi stepped back into the ring, rolling his shoulders.

His ribs still ached from the fight with Lei Feng, but he didn't care.

Across from him, Ling Qingxue walked in silently.

She wore a black mask.

Her steps made no sound.

No aura leaked out.

She was calm—too calm.

The crowd went quiet.

Even Yue Shanshan, still tired from her match, leaned forward.

Mu Chen opened his eyes a little.

Lei Feng whispered, "Careful, Han Yi. She's weird."

Tian Lei raised his hand.

"Next match—Han Yi versus Ling Qingxue. Begin!"

Han Yi's Shadow Panther spirit appeared behind him, a faint shape of dark fur and glowing eyes.

Ling Qingxue didn't summon anything.

She simply stood there.

Han Yi hesitated for half a second… then rushed forward.

His steps were fast, light, trained.

Shadow Panther style—quick strikes, agile footwork.

He aimed a punch toward her shoulder.

But Ling Qingxue wasn't there.

She slipped aside like smoke.

Han Yi attacked again—three quick strikes.

Nothing hit.

Her movements weren't fast like Yue Shanshan's wind steps.

They weren't explosive like Lei Feng's lightning bursts.

They were silent.

Smooth.

Almost invisible.

Han Yi narrowed his eyes and jumped back.

What is she…?

Ling Qingxue finally moved forward.

One step.

Then another.

Still no spirit.

Still no aura.

Yet every step made Han Yi's instincts scream.

He charged again, this time mixing feints into his attacks.

Left jab—fake.

Right palm—real.

Kick—real.

Sweep—fake.

Elbow—real.

Ling Qingxue dodged each one by a hair's width.

Then her hand tapped Han Yi's wrist.

Just a tap.

But a shock ran through him—like his arm went numb for a split second.

Han Yi gritted his teeth.

"What was that…?"

Ling Qingxue didn't answer.

She moved again.

Han Yi tried to block, but she touched his shoulder this time—soft, gentle.

His shoulder froze up.

Not with ice—just… stopped responding.

Mu Chen frowned.

"That's tricky."

Lei Feng shook his head.

"No lightning, no spirit, no nothing—just raw technique. Damn."

Han Yi forced himself forward, pushing through the numb feeling.

He used his spirit boost—his body blurred for a moment.

Shadow Panther speed.

His punch actually reached her.

Ling Qingxue lifted two fingers.

Tap.

Han Yi's punch collapsed before it hit her.

His whole arm felt like it was detached from his strength.

He staggered back, breathing hard.

Ling Qingxue tilted her head slightly, mask reflecting the arena light.

Still silent.

Han Yi wiped sweat from his forehead and rushed one more time—full speed, no hesitation.

Shadow dash.

Straight line.

All power.

Ling Qingxue stepped sideways—

—and tapped his chest with her palm.

Not hard.

Not heavy.

But Han Yi froze, breath locking up for an instant.

She followed with one more light tap on his waist.

And another on his shoulder.

Three points.

Han Yi collapsed to one knee, unable to move properly.

He tried to stand, but his body wasn't listening.

Tian Lei sighed, raising his hand.

"Winner—Ling Qingxue!"

The arena exploded in whispers.

"What was that technique?"

"She barely touched him!"

"Is she even using a technique?"

Han Yi finally regained control and stood up, sweating heavily.

Ling Qingxue bowed her head once—quick, respectful—and walked away quietly.

Han Yi looked at her back and muttered, "I need to get a lot stronger…"

Han Yi finally regained control and stood up, sweating heavily.

Ling Qingxue bowed her head once—quick, respectful—and walked away quietly.

Han Yi looked at her back and muttered, "I need to get a lot stronger…"

With that, the first round for everyone was complete—

except Han Yi, who had already pushed through two brutal fights.

Tian Lei stepped forward, voice steady:

"Short break. Then we continue with the second round."

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

Five fighters.

Each must battle all four of the others.