Chapter 563 - 190: The Strength of the Top of the Hidden Dragon List (3)

They had thought the talented disciples of their own clans were exceptional enough, but now, compared to Chu Yunhai of the Xuanzhen Sect, they realized just how vast the gap was between them and the sect’s top prodigies. It was an insurmountable chasm.

In the crowd below the arena, Yang Jing stared intently at the stage, inwardly surprised.

Chu Yunhai’s strength was even greater than he had anticipated.

Those two palm strikes had looked simple, but they actually demonstrated the ultimate control over one’s power—a perfect balance of hard and soft, executed and withdrawn with effortless ease.

If he hadn’t broken through to the Qi Eating Realm with *Crossing the River* and fused the Inner Qi of his Three True Skills, he would have been all but guaranteed to lose against Chu Yunhai.

Nearby, Fang He, Yan Chenglong, Lin Ziheng, and the others were also discussing Chu Yunhai’s astonishing performance in low voices, their tones tinged with admiration.

Amid the discussions, Steward Xue walked back onto the arena, cleared his throat, and announced loudly, "First match of the sixth round, Chu Yunhai of Celestial Derivation Peak wins!"

The words had barely left his mouth when he immediately announced the next match. "Second match of the sixth round: Bai Ziyu of Thunder Peak versus Jiang Lin Yuan of the Main Peak!"

At the same time, two figures leaped onto the arena.

As Steward Xue announced the start, Bai Ziyu and Jiang Lin Yuan instantly clashed.

Bai Ziyu was dressed in martial attire, his fingers covered with chilling clawed gauntlets. He cultivated the Top-grade True Skill, *Profound Yin Claw*, complemented by the Mid-grade True Skill, *Wind-Chasing Step*.

He had mastered both arts to the Peak of the Qi Eating Realm. His Body Technique was as nimble as a phantom, his footwork unpredictable. His claw technique was even more sinister and cunning, with every strike aimed at Jiang Lin Yuan’s vitals—each one a killing blow.

Jiang Lin Yuan, on the other hand, wielded a gleaming silver spear. His presence was as steady as a mountain, his spear technique fierce and domineering. The tip of his spear glinted with a biting chill, and every sweep and thrust carried the power to shatter stone.

Their figures intertwined as claw-shadows and the gleam of the spear constantly collided on the arena, producing a series of ear-piercing metallic clashes.

In terms of offense, Bai Ziyu clearly held the advantage. His *Wind-Chasing Step* allowed him to stick to Jiang Lin Yuan like a shadow, his flurry of claw strikes so dense they left no openings, forcing Jiang Lin Yuan back step by step.

But Jiang Lin Yuan was no easy opponent. His spear defense was airtight; with horizontal and vertical blocks, the shaft of his spear protected him flawlessly. Though on the defensive, he held his ground steadily, showing no signs of panic.

The look of casual ease Bai Ziyu wore in his previous fight was long gone, replaced by a grave expression.

He could feel the ferocity of Jiang Lin Yuan’s spear and the depth of his Inner Qi; every clash sent a numbing shock through his wrist. He knew a quick victory was out of the question.

In the blink of an eye, they had already exchanged seventeen moves.

On the eighteenth move, a vicious glint flashed in Bai Ziyu’s eyes. He abruptly pushed his *Wind-Chasing Step* to its limit, his body blurring into an afterimage to evade Jiang Lin Yuan’s thrusting spear.

At the same time, he twisted his wrist, unleashing a killing blow from his *Profound Yin Claw*. The tips of his claws shot toward the opening under Jiang Lin Yuan’s ribs.

Jiang Lin Yuan’s pupils contracted. He hastily tried to bring his spear back to block, but he was a step too late.

With a soft tearing sound, the claws grazed Jiang Lin Yuan’s shoulder, drawing a spray of blood.

Jiang Lin Yuan cried out in pain, and his spear technique faltered. Bai Ziyu seized the opportunity, striking him in the chest with his palm.

As if struck by a massive blow, Jiang Lin Yuan was sent flying backward, crashing hard against the arena’s railings. A sweet, metallic taste filled his throat before he spat out a mouthful of blood. The long spear flew from his grasp and clattered heavily onto the ground.

He struggled to get up, but his strength failed him. With a bitter smile, he could only call out, "I surrender!"

Bai Ziyu stood his ground, breathing heavily, fine beads of sweat dotting his forehead. It was clear he had given his all in that fight.

...

「Below the arena.」

Yang Jing had taken in every detail of the battle and nodded slightly.

Neither Bai Ziyu’s vicious claw technique nor Jiang Lin Yuan’s powerful spearplay could be underestimated.

Bai Ziyu’s eighteenth move in particular—the fatal one—had been vicious and perfectly timed. Even Yang Jing felt his own heart clench as he watched.

However, compared to Chu Yunhai defeating Cui Yuan in just two moves, Bai Ziyu’s eighteen-move victory over Jiang Lin Yuan didn’t seem quite as dazzling.

But Yang Jing knew this was due to several factors.

For one, Jiang Lin Yuan was a cut above Cui Yuan in terms of strength, and his spear technique was well-balanced between offense and defense, making him incredibly resilient.

For another, Jiang Lin Yuan had never let his guard down, fighting with all his might until the very end.

Of course, it was also undeniable that Bai Ziyu was likely a step weaker than Chu Yunhai.

On Fushan Square, the buzz of discussion continued, but it was nowhere near as fervent as when Chu Yunhai had won. The sensation was far less dramatic.

Just then, Steward Xue stepped onto the arena and announced loudly, "Second match of the sixth round, Bai Ziyu of Thunder Peak wins!"

After his voice faded, he paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below. He then announced, "And now for the third match of the sixth round—Lu Shaohua of Qingxu Peak versus Yang Jing of Lingxi Peak!"

Hearing his name, Yang Jing took a deep breath and calmly strode toward the arena.

From behind him, he heard the loud cheers of encouragement from Fang He, Lin Ziheng, and the others.

...

「Meanwhile.」

「On the high platform.」

The Sect Leader of the Xuanzhen Sect, Cao Zhen, fixed his gaze on Yang Jing and Lu Shaohua as they walked onto the arena. He raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest in his eyes.

He slowly set down his teacup and said softly, "These two... one is the number three seed, ranked third on the Hidden Dragon List, and has long been famous within the sect. The other is this year’s biggest dark horse disciple, a surprising upstart. Who do you think will win this match?"

Beside him, Peak Master Fen Yang, Xie Xuan, chuckled. "Sect Leader, I also think that Yang Jing kid is quite good. A very promising disciple, cultivating two martial arts at once. His offense and defense are both astonishing.

"But we have to admit, he’s risen too quickly. His foundation is ultimately a bit lacking. His current strength is surely no match for Lu Shaohua’s.

"In my opinion, barring any surprises, Lu Shaohua should be the one to win this fight."