The elder glanced at the top ten challengers standing on their respective platforms and announced:
"The third stage officially begins! Only the top five will qualify for the Inner Sect! Your goal is to challenge those ranked above you and claim a top-five spot! Each person has only one chance to challenge!"
At that moment, a figure stepped onto Veil's platform.
With a determined gaze, he declared:
"I challenge the second-ranked position!"
On the arena stage, Veil smirked as a surge of powerful energy radiated from his body.
His Level 36 spiritual aura was as imposing as a towering mountain, filling the battlefield with an intense pressure.
His opponent, Lin Ming, the ninth-ranked challenger, narrowed his eyes.
Lin Ming—Level 34. A high-tier warrior specializing in wind-based techniques, known for his speed and explosive attacks, his strikes were sharp, swift, and adept at breaking through defenses.
Veil licked his lips, his eyes flashing with excitement.
"A speed fighter, huh? Let's see if you can get past my defenses."
Lin Ming's lips curled into a confident smirk. "So you think your defense is strong? That just makes me want to test it even more."
The elder referee calmly announced:
"Let the challenge begin!"
——BOOM!
Lin Ming vanished.
Wind-element warriors were masters of speed.
In an instant, he transformed into multiple afterimages, circling Veil at an astonishing pace!
The audience erupted in shock.
"So fast! Lin Ming's speed has improved even more!"
"Veil's defense is strong, but can he keep up with such incredible speed?"
——SWISH!
A razor-sharp wind blade sliced through the air, aiming directly for Veil's side!
Yet, Veil didn't even move.
He raised his arm, and his muscles tensed like steel.
"Titan Barrier!"
BANG!
The wind blade slammed against Veil's arm—but it was like striking solid iron! The attack failed to penetrate his defense!
Lin Ming's eyes narrowed, but he didn't pause. In the next instant, he reappeared behind Veil, his sword surging with violent wind energy.
—A lethal stab toward Veil's back!
——BOOM!
At the last moment, Veil spun around, and with a single powerful hand, he caught the sword's blade head-on!
The crowd gasped.
"He caught the sword with his bare hand?! Just how strong is his body?!"
Lin Ming's expression flickered, but he quickly adjusted. He twisted his wrist, unleashing a rapid three-strike combo toward Veil's chest!
——SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
Veil shifted his stance slightly, barely dodging the deadliest edge of the attack, but a small cut appeared on his sleeve.
Glancing down at his torn clothing, he clicked his tongue. "Oh? Not bad. You're fast."
Lin Ming sneered. "You just figured that out?"
Before his words had even finished, his body blurred again—
"Wind Shadow Step—Thousand Blade Pierce!"
——WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Dozens of wind-infused sword slashes erupted in a relentless storm, aiming to tear through Veil's defense!
Veil's smile faded, his expression turning serious.
"Looks like I can't hold back anymore."
He stomped the ground, his stance like an immovable boulder, and crossed his arms before him as a surge of golden energy exploded outward!
"Titan's Guard!"
——BOOM!!!
A massive spiritual shield formed around Veil, his entire body glowing with a deep, earthy aura, standing firm like a war god's statue.
Lin Ming's wind blades clashed against the shield—
——BANG! BANG! BANG!
But they bounced off harmlessly!
Lin Ming's eyes widened in shock. "His defense is… this ridiculous?!"
Veil slowly uncrossed his arms, rolling his shoulders. His gaze sharpened.
"Alright. I'm done warming up."
Lin Ming's pupils contracted!
Veil grinned wildly.
"Now… it's my turn to attack."
—Boom!
Veil's "Avalanche Fist" roared forward with overwhelming force, smashing toward Lin Ming's right side!
The sheer impact twisted the air itself, sending shockwaves rippling across the arena.
Lin Ming's expression changed—he stomped the ground, his body flashing left like a gust of wind, narrowly evading the devastating blow!
However—
Just as he dodged, Veil's second punch followed immediately, crashing toward his left side!
——BANG!!!
Lin Ming barely stabilized himself before Veil's fist was already in front of him!
"Damn it!"
Teeth clenched, Lin Ming unleashed his wind-attribute energy, his figure blurring as he twisted aside!
Yet, even though he dodged, the residual shockwave from the punch blasted past him, sending him staggering backward!
Cold sweat formed on Lin Ming's forehead.
"How did his attacks suddenly become so ferocious?!"
At the start of the fight, Veil had been purely defensive, standing still like an unshakable mountain. But the moment he switched to offense, his attacks became a relentless storm, giving no breathing room at all!
——BOOM!!
Veil's aura surged, his fighting spirit burning bright, muscles rippling with raw strength as his bloodline power quietly awakened.
A wicked grin spread across his face.
"What's wrong? Weren't you the one who challenged me? Now that you're being overwhelmed, you're starting to panic?"
Lin Ming's face darkened, but he had no retort.
——SWISH!
In the next instant—
Veil's figure suddenly blurred!
"What?!" Lin Ming's pupils shrank!
Veil had just increased his speed?!
"Fist Charge!"
——BOOM!!!
Like a rampaging mountain, Veil barreled forward, his crushing presence distorting the air as he lunged at Lin Ming!
The overwhelming pressure made breathing difficult—
It felt as if the entire battlefield was collapsing beneath Veil's power!
"Wind Stride!"
Desperate, Lin Ming activated his footwork, his body flickering into a blur, trying to escape!
But—
This time, he was just a fraction too slow!
Veil's massive hand cleaved through the air, grabbing Lin Ming's arm in an iron grip!
——BANG!!!
"Get down here!"
With a roar, Veil slammed Lin Ming into the ground!
——CRASH!!!
The arena floor cracked apart, spiderweb fractures spreading from the impact!
Pain exploded through Lin Ming's body, a crushing force slamming into his chest!
"Cough—!"
He spat out a mouthful of blood, his mind reeling in shock.
He… couldn't match Veil's raw power at all!
——BOOM!!
Veil refused to let up!
He stomped forward, the sheer weight of his presence causing the arena to tremble.
From above, he looked down at Lin Ming, eyes burning with dominance.
"Well? Can you still stand?"
Lin Ming's fingers dug into the ground, trying to push himself up—
But pain shot through his entire body, leaving him pale and trembling.
"Damn it… his strength is too monstrous…"
Seeing Lin Ming struggle, Veil shook his head and pulled back his fist.
"It's not that I'm underestimating you—"
"You've simply lost."
Lin Ming's expression flickered between frustration and resignation.
Finally, he sighed, a bitter smile forming on his lips.
"…I concede."
——Match over!
The elder's voice echoed across the entire arena.
Veil, victory!
——The audience erupted!
"Too strong! Once Veil goes on the offensive, he doesn't give his opponent a chance!"
"Lin Ming's speed was incredible, but Veil's attacks were even faster… This is the difference in strength!"
—Spectator Stands
Alice pumped her fists into the air, grinning excitedly.
"Veil is a beast! He literally slammed that guy into the ground! Hahaha!"
Turning toward Roy, she smirked smugly.
"So? This is the strength of our team!"
Roy sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"It was Veil who won. How exactly is this a 'team' achievement?"
Alice crossed her arms, nodding seriously.
"It's called team spirit! If Veil wins, we win!"
Roy's lips twitched.
"…Fine. Whatever makes you happy."
—Veil's Exit
Veil hopped off the arena, rolling his shoulders as he walked over.
"Ahh, that felt good. Finally got to loosen up!"
Alice immediately patted his shoulder, grinning.
"Nice work! I love watching you smash people into the ground!"
Veil laughed heartily.
"Don't worry, there's more to come! I just hope they still have the courage to challenge us."
Roy smirked, eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the stage.
"Oh, they will."