Chapter 1002: Easy Victory.

Regardless of Meng Zhang's demonstrated strength in the past or his track record, he was a powerhouse among Primordial Spirit True Monarchs.

Looking at his opponent, Ouyang Huajin, apart from a prestigious background and a notable mentor, what else did he have?

Ouyang Huajin had only recently achieved the Primordial Spirit realm and lacked much experience in life-and-death battles.

He could rely on his sect's influence to suppress Meng Zhang, but he couldn't realistically defeat Meng Zhang in a direct confrontation.

Even if he possessed some hidden cards or had received treasures from his mentor, these wouldn't bridge the significant gap in combat capability.

If Meng Zhang weren't a member of the Five Punishments Guard and Han Yao wasn't behind him, Ouyang Huajin might have used some unconventional tactics with his sect's support.

However, with Han Yao's presence, all those underhanded tricks he had in his sleeve became useless.

Hence, almost all betting odds were in favor of Meng Zhang's victory.

Those who placed bets were mainly speculating on how long Ouyang Huajin could hold out before losing.

They weren't fools either; before placing their bets, they would also gather relevant information.

Even though it was just for entertainment, a little gambling for enjoyment, the odds provided insight into the balance of power.

Perhaps, due to the face of Swordlord Ouyang Jian, Meng Zhang wouldn't let the situation get too ugly. He might intentionally go easy or engage in a few exchanges with Ouyang Huajin, even deliberately keeping the match balanced. Such matters were hard to predict.

After all, even if Meng Zhang was a member of the Five Punishments Guard, he wouldn't want to become a mortal enemy of Ouyang Jian.

Even his immediate superior, Han Yao, wouldn't completely disregard Ouyang Jian's face.

However, the public confrontation between Ouyang Jian and Han Yao after Ouyang Jian's arrival just now did cause a change in the odds.

Their actions weren't much different from openly falling out.

If Meng Zhang were determined not to give face to Ouyang Jian, Ouyang Huajin likely wouldn't hold out for long.

Ouyang Huajin had grown up in the capital city from a young age and had come this far. Many were aware of his journey.

Cultivation also adhered to fundamental principles.

He couldn't inexplicably transform into an unparalleled expert with strength surpassing Meng Zhang.

If not for his background, he would hardly stand out among the multitude of experts in the capital city.Normally, due to his mentor's reputation, people in public settings would generously praise and laud him, depicting him as an unparalleled prodigy and an exceptional talent.

However, when it came to putting down actual money for bets, many of those who praised him before indicated their true opinions about him.

Their real sentiment was that they had no confidence in his chances against Meng Zhang in this bout.

Even the three Primordial Spirit True Monarchs serving as arbitrators held similar views.

Though they maintained a neutral stance and aimed for fairness and impartiality, as both sides had already signed life-and-death contracts before the battle, Ouyang Jian was present, and they couldn't just watch Ouyang Huajin perish without intervening.

Thus, they had communicated silently, reaching some unspoken agreement.

If Ouyang Huajin could withstand Meng Zhang's attacks, then naturally all would be well, even though the likelihood of that was low.

However, if Ouyang Huajin proved to be outmatched, at the moment of his defeat, even if the three arbitrators displayed a slight bias, they would do their utmost to preserve Ouyang Huajin's life and prevent him from meeting his end on the spot. 𝘙ΑNȪ𐌱Ěṡ

In short, whether within the arena or beyond, anyone aware of this major clash, anyone with even a slight understanding of Meng Zhang, believed the probability of Meng Zhang's victory was extremely high.

Ouyang Huajin wasted no words. Once the arbitration announced the start of the match, he made the first move.

From his title as Swordlord Ouyang Jian, it was evident that he excelled in swordsmanship and had become renowned through it.

In fact, he might be the strongest Sword Cultivator in the entire Dali Dynasty.

As an inner disciple under his tutelage, Ouyang Huajin was also a Sword Cultivator, and he had clearly received a portion of the true transmission.

A Fourth Rank flying sword appeared intermittently in the air, continuously flickering. Every time it emerged, it aimed for Meng Zhang's vital points.

A deep intent to kill emanated from the flying sword, effortlessly harnessing the surrounding Grand Dao forces.

Although the Grand Dao of the Sword was one of the acquired Grand Daos among the three thousand, in terms of sheer destructive power, it ranked at the forefront among all the Grand Daos.

Sword Cultivators were combat specialists among cultivators, known for their belligerent nature.

Many Sword Cultivators were dubbed "sword maniacs" due to their reckless approach to combat.

While Ouyang Huajin was undoubtedly a second-generation cultivator, his performance at least resembled that of a qualified Sword Cultivator, possessing a hint of a manic temperament that seemed to fit the image of a Sword Cultivator.

Ouyang Huajin's resolute actions and willingness to fight garnered nods of approval from many spectators.

Some even began to reconsider whether they had underestimated him due to his second-generation status.Meng Zhang isn't a Sword Cultivator, but he's also skilled in swordsmanship.

If his opponent wants to engage in a sword fight, he will use his sword to defeat them.

Using Ouyang Huajin's specialty and fundamental method against him would likely cause the most damage.

Meng Zhang knows that even though both sides have signed life-and-death contracts, life and death is determined by fate. According to Dali Dynasty's laws, killing Ouyang Huajin on the spot would be rational and lawful; no one could say anything about it.

However, under today's circumstances, it's difficult for him to kill Ouyang Huajin.

Moreover, he doesn't harbor much killing intent within him.

Although the other party has offended him, he can't kill everyone who offends him.

He doesn't have a life-or-death grudge with Ouyang Huajin, the other side doesn't deserve death, and he doesn't want to become a mortal enemy with Ouyang Jian.

So, he can defeat and harm Ouyang Huajin, but he's not inclined to directly kill him.

Meng Zhang even boldly speculates that even Han Yao probably wouldn't want to see him kill Ouyang Huajin on the spot, potentially causing an irreparable scene.

Meng Zhang wields the Startled Swan Sword, displaying extraordinary power, albeit without any intent to kill.

Meng Zhang isn't a Sword Cultivator and doesn't grasp the Grand Dao of the Sword.

Though his swordsmanship is evidently superior to his opponent's by a fair margin, his sword technique's destructive power falls slightly short.

Of course, he doesn't need to deploy other hidden cards; the substantial gap in their cultivation bases alone is sufficient for Meng Zhang to gain the upper hand.

While there isn't a fundamental disparity between the early and mid stages of the Primordial Spirit realm, it's quite common to challenge opponents of higher stages.

However, a gap is still a gap, especially when Meng Zhang is the stronger side; it allows him to fully exploit his advantages.

Shortly after the battle commenced, Meng Zhang gained an absolute advantage.

All spectators who witnessed this scene understood that the outcome was mostly settled; the only question was when and how Meng Zhang would choose to end the fight.

Just as Meng Zhang was considering the extent of damage he should inflict on his opponent, an unexpected event occurred.

In another collision, Ouyang Huajin seemed to have lost his power to resist, and he was easily struck by the Startled Swan Sword. He was then immediately beheaded and died on the spot.

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