Chapter 62 – The first in this hunt

The Northern Azure's three volumes of swordsmanship.

The Thunderfire Volume focuses on attack and kill, while the Mountain-Sea Volume emphasizes defense.

However, among these three volumes, the most terrifying and fearsome is the Phantom Volume.

The Phantom Volume consists of five sword techniques, each a deadly strike.

Of these five techniques, the first, Dark Light, and the second, Shadow Play, are relatively easy to comprehend.

But when it comes to the third technique, it becomes a significant threshold.

It requires not only a profound understanding of sword intent but also an exceptionally high talent in swordsmanship to grasp.

The two Palace Masters of Heavenflame Palace previously believed that with Su Xin's understanding of sword intent, it was impossible for him to master the third level of the Thunderfire Arcane Secret Technique. However, in reality, the third technique of the Phantom Volume is even harder to master than the third level of the Thunderfire Arcane Secret Technique, so much so that they didn't even dare to consider it.

Yet...

"A Thousand Miles in One Line... This third technique of the Phantom Volume, just like its name, allows the sword's edge to instantly traverse nearly a 'thousand miles,' incredibly fast."

"With Su Xin's strength, using this move, it's almost impossible for anyone in the Sea Transformation Realm to withstand it. Xia Mang's defeat by this sword is not unjust."

Palace Master Diyue sighed softly.

"A peak Sea Transformation Realm, mastering the Thunderfire Volume and Mountain-Sea Volume to perfection, and even able to execute the third technique, A Thousand Miles in One Line, of the Phantom Volume, Su Xin's talent in swordsmanship..." Palace Master Qingyang frowned as he stared at Su Xin.

They thought they had already overestimated Su Xin.

Yet they didn't expect Su Xin's talent in swordsmanship to be far more terrifying than they imagined.

Palace Master Diyue had previously said that Su Xin's talent in swordsmanship ranked among the top three in the history of Heavenflame Palace. Now, seeing Su Xin execute A Thousand Miles in One Line, Palace Master Qingyang even believed that Su Xin's talent in swordsmanship might be the best in the history of Heavenflame Palace.

"Such talent, if allowed to grow, would pose a threat to Prince Qi in the future..." Palace Master Qingyang's gaze turned cold.

The two Palace Masters of Heavenflame Palace, both top experts in the Nirvana Realm, had the insight to see the true mystery behind Su Xin's recent sword strike.

But among the tens of thousands of spectators in the arena, most couldn't see it.

They only saw Su Xin make a move, and in an instant, they couldn't even see how Su Xin swung his sword, but Xia Mang was already defeated.

"Roar!!!"

A cheer like a landslide and tsunami echoed throughout the vast arena.

"Su Xin!!"

"Su Xin!!"

Tens of thousands of spectators began chanting Su Xin's name.

At this moment, Su Xin had undoubtedly become the most dazzling presence in the arena.

He was the undisputed first in this Imperial Capital Hunt of the Heavenflame Dynasty!

And also the most brilliant and stunning super genius of this generation in the Heavenflame Dynasty!!

"This kid really didn't disappoint me."

In an inconspicuous corner, the man in gray also showed a smile on his face.

"With peak Sea Transformation cultivation, sweeping away all geniuses and taking the undisputed first place in this hunt, with such talent and strength, hmph, who dares to question my judgment?"

"That Heavenflame Palace, they actually refused to give a special recruitment quota before, truly blind."

The man in gray smiled, occasionally glancing in the direction of Palace Master Diyue and Palace Master Qingyang, his gaze carrying a hint of satisfaction, and even a bit of provocation when Palace Master Qingyang looked over, he raised his chin, showing a proud and slightly challenging posture.

Clearly, Su Xin's performance in this hunt had greatly boosted his reputation.

"Without a special recruitment quota, he directly enters Heavenflame Palace as the top genius of this hunt, this kid really suits my taste." The man in gray looked at Su Xin below, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

...

Amidst the deafening cheers, the purple-haired elder announced the final result of the battle.

Su Xin defeated Xia Mang, winning all four matches, making him the first in this hunt. Upon entering Heavenflame Palace, he would also receive a full ten thousand fire points as initial resources.

Xia Mang, ranked second, would receive five thousand fire points upon entering Heavenflame Palace.

With the results announced, this hunt came to an end.

The countless spectators in the stands gradually left the arena amidst admiration and discussion.

Su Xin and Xia Mang had already returned to the preparation area.

Duan Yunfeng, who had been waiting there, immediately came up to greet them.

"Brother, amazing!"

"I thought I had hidden enough of my strength, but I didn't expect you to be even more ruthless! That last sword you used, it should be the third technique of the Phantom Volume, right? I heard that the third technique of the Phantom Volume is extremely difficult to comprehend, requiring a very high understanding of sword intent."

Duan Yunfeng asked several questions in succession, clearly excited, as if he himself had taken first place.

In fact, after Duan Yunfeng's strongest trump card was easily defeated by Xia Mang, he thought no one could stop Xia Mang in this hunt.

But he didn't expect his recognized brother Su Xin to defeat Xia Mang head-on, making him naturally happy.

Su Xin also smiled and answered one by one, equally pleased.

"Su Xin."

Xia Mang walked up to Su Xin.

"What, Xia Mang, do you still have any grievances?" Duan Yunfeng looked at Xia Mang with some arrogance.

"A loss is a loss, I have no grievances. Your strength is indeed greater than mine." Xia Mang stared intently at Su Xin, "After this hunt, both you and I will enter Heavenflame Palace to cultivate. At the Sea Transformation Realm, I can't catch up with you. When we both break through to the Void Shattering Realm in the future, if there's a chance, let's compete again."

"Compete again after breaking through to the Void Shattering Realm?" Su Xin smiled.

Xia Mang was indeed self-aware.

His cultivation had already reached the peak of the Sea Transformation Realm, and his skills and comprehension of intent had also reached his utmost level. In the Sea Transformation Realm, he had no room for further improvement.

But Su Xin was different. Su Xin had just broken through to peak Sea Transformation, and he still had a lot of room for improvement in the Sea Transformation Realm.

So he knew he couldn't be Su Xin's opponent in the Sea Transformation Realm, which is why he proposed to compete again after both breaking through to the Void Shattering Realm.

"Alright." Su Xin agreed with a smile.

Su Xin had great respect for top geniuses like Xia Mang.

In their recent battle, he indeed almost gave it his all.

The reason it was 'almost' was because he hadn't used his strongest trump card, the Divine Annihilation Forbidden Technique, and also only unleashed seventy percent of his bloodline power.

As his cultivation improved, he could tap into more of his bloodline power, which greatly enhanced his overall strength. Unleashing just seventy percent of his bloodline power had already caused a significant boost in his strength.

And if he unleashed his full bloodline power... it would be enough to elevate his strength to a new level.

However, he didn't want to be too conspicuous, as being discovered with a high-level bloodline power could bring endless trouble.

At this moment, Su Xin suddenly noticed someone in the crowd.

"Master Wu Chao." Su Xin approached.

"Congratulations, Su Xin, on taking first place in this hunt." Wu Chao continued to smile warmly, giving off an incredibly friendly vibe.

"Master Wu Chao, you're too kind. If you hadn't voluntarily conceded and instead competed round after round like the others, I might not have been your match in the final battle." Su Xin looked at Wu Chao.

He wasn't being modest.

From the first time he saw Wu Chao in the hunting grounds, Su Xin had a feeling that Wu Chao was... very strong!

Possibly even stronger than Xia Mang.

But later, Wu Chao voluntarily conceded, and there was no chance for them to truly face off.

This left Su Xin curious about his strength.

"Master Wu Chao, may I ask, if we were to truly face off, what are my chances of winning?" Su Xin inquired.

Wu Chao looked at Su Xin, paused for a moment, and then said, "Your strength is astonishing, and in the Sea Transformation Realm, you have great potential for improvement. If you can elevate your cultivation to the peak of the Sea Transformation Realm, this humble monk would not be your match."

This statement surprised Su Xin.

Only after reaching the peak of the Sea Transformation Realm would Wu Chao consider himself not a match.

Which means, at his current peak Sea Transformation level, Wu Chao is confident he could defeat him.

"Indeed, there's always a higher mountain." Su Xin smiled faintly.

He wasn't arrogant or complacent after defeating Xia Mang and taking first place in this hunt.

He knew the world was vast.

Even the Heavenflame Dynasty was just one of many dynasties in the Eastern Wasteland. Taking first place in a hunt within one dynasty was nothing significant. There were undoubtedly others in the Sea Transformation Realm stronger than him.

Like Wu Chao, whom he wasn't confident in defeating.

...

Su Xin didn't doubt Wu Chao's words, but Duan Yunfeng beside him was displeased.

"Hey, monk, you're quite arrogant, huh? You say you wouldn't be a match for my brother after he reaches the peak of the Sea Transformation Realm, but does that mean you're his match now?" Duan Yunfeng said.

He was still reveling in Su Xin's victory over Xia Mang, and suddenly hearing Wu Chao's words...

Wu Chao chuckled, not explaining further, but said, "Su Xin's talent is extraordinary, and his future achievements will undoubtedly be remarkable. If there's a chance, let's meet again at the Nine Sacred Mountains."

"Nine Sacred Mountains?"

Duan Yunfeng, who was initially displeased with Wu Chao, instantly changed his expression upon hearing 'Nine Sacred Mountains,' "Monk, you're from the Nine Sacred Mountains?"

Even Xia Mang, standing behind, showed a look of surprise upon hearing Nine Sacred Mountains.

"Nine Sacred Mountains? What is Nine Sacred Mountains?" Su Xin looked puzzled.

Although he was the young master of the Su Family and came from a prestigious background, he had never heard of the Nine Sacred Mountains.

At this time, the Heavenflame Emperor and the two Palace Masters of Heavenflame Palace had descended from the high platform and approached.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

The many geniuses still present all bowed in respect.

"Rise." The Heavenflame Emperor waved his hand, and everyone stood up.

"Xia Mang."

The Heavenflame Emperor first looked at Xia Mang, a member of the Imperial Family, and said, "Your performance in this hunt was commendable. Continue to work hard when you enter Heavenflame Palace."

"Yes." Xia Mang nodded.

"Wu Chao." The Heavenflame Emperor then turned to Wu Chao.

"This humble monk greets Your Majesty." Wu Chao bowed again.

Looking at Wu Chao, the Heavenflame Emperor frowned, "I know your background and your purpose for being here. I won't hold it against you this time, but if there's a next time, and you cause trouble with that girl again, I won't be so forgiving."

"This humble monk understands." Wu Chao smiled, though his smile was somewhat awkward.

"Su Xin."

Finally, the Heavenflame Emperor looked at Su Xin, a smile already on his face.

...