The arena was silent, save for the faint crackle of spiritual energy emanating from Han Qingshan's spear. His Nascent Soul cultivation surged, creating ripples of power that pressed down on the crowd, leaving even seasoned disciples slightly breathless.
Wu Tianjue stood on the other side, arms still hanging loosely by his sides. His expression betrayed no emotion, yet his eyes gleamed faintly with excitement. For the first time since arriving at the School of Talent, he had a worthy opponent, someone who might force him to exert himself.
Han Qingshan took the initiative, his spear thrusting forward with the precision of a viper. Each movement was calculated, aiming for vital points with relentless efficiency. The air hummed with energy as his strikes left afterimages, a blur of silver streaks in the light.
But Wu Tianjue was already moving.
He sidestepped the first thrust, leaned slightly to evade the second, and tilted his head to let the third strike pass by mere inches. His movements were fluid, effortless, like a leaf drifting on the wind.
The crowd gasped, unable to comprehend the scene unfolding before them.
"Impossible… How is he dodging Qingshan's spear so easily?"
"That spear technique is called Heaven's Piercing Stream! Even other Nascent Soul cultivators struggle against it!"
"Is he even trying? Look at him!"
Han Qingshan's brows furrowed as he increased the pace of his assault. His spear spun and thrust like a storm of blades, his spiritual energy coiling around the weapon to create a blinding torrent of strikes. The ground beneath him cracked from the sheer force of his movements.
Yet, Wu Tianjue remained untouchable.
Each strike passed by him like water flowing around a rock. His feet barely moved, and his hands stayed in place, as if dodging such attacks required no effort at all.
"You'll have to do better than that," Wu Tianjue said, his voice calm, almost bored.
Han Qingshan's jaw clenched, the taunt hitting its mark. Without hesitation, he jumped back, his spear spinning in a wide arc as spiritual energy gathered around him.
"Very well," Qingshan said, his tone sharp. "Let's see how you handle this!"
He slammed the butt of his spear into the ground, and the entire arena trembled. A wave of golden light surged outward, forming a vast, swirling vortex around him. The crowd could feel the pressure, their hearts pounding as the power of his technique filled the air.
"Heavenly Splitting Tempest!"
The vortex condensed into dozens of golden spears, each one glowing with lethal intent. They floated in the air around Han Qingshan, their points all aimed at Wu Tianjue.
The crowd erupted in awe and fear.
"That's one of his strongest techniques!"
"Those spears can pierce through solid steel! Even Nascent Soul cultivators avoid them!"
"Wu Tianjue might have been toying with him earlier, but there's no way he can dodge this!"
Han Qingshan thrust his hand forward, and the golden spears shot toward Wu Tianjue like falling stars. The air sizzled as they tore through it, leaving trails of golden light in their wake.
Wu Tianjue's gaze sharpened, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
As the first spear approached, Wu Tianjue shifted his weight slightly, letting it pass mere millimeters from his chest. The second spear came from his left; he stepped back just enough for it to miss. The third and fourth spears followed in rapid succession, but he dodged them with the same casual elegance.
It was as if he could predict their paths before they even left Qingshan's control.
The crowd fell silent, their disbelief palpable.
"He's… still dodging?!"
"Even the Heavenly Splitting Tempest isn't enough?"
"Who is this man?"
Han Qingshan's expression darkened. He raised his spear high, his spiritual energy surging to its peak. The remaining spears in the air fused together, forming a massive golden weapon that radiated a terrifying aura.
"This ends now!" Qingshan roared, his voice booming across the arena. He brought the massive spear down with all his might, the force behind it enough to shatter the earth.
Wu Tianjue finally moved.
He took a single step forward, his figure blurring as the massive spear descended.
BOOM!
The ground where he had stood exploded in a shower of dust and rubble. The crowd shielded their eyes, straining to see the outcome.
When the dust cleared, Han Qingshan stood at the center of a massive crater, his spear embedded deep into the ground. He was panting heavily, his spiritual energy visibly depleted.
But Wu Tianjue was unharmed.
He stood a few paces away, his robes immaculate, his expression still calm.
"You're done," Wu Tianjue said, his tone as cold as the edge of a blade.
Before Qingshan could react, Wu Tianjue appeared in front of him, his speed leaving no time for defense. With a single, casual movement, he flicked his wrist, sending Qingshan flying backward like a broken doll.