As the final stage arrived, only ten contestants remained on the arena—these were the strongest warriors who had emerged victorious in this selection tournament!
A senior elder stepped onto the stage, his gaze sweeping over the ten competitors. His face bore an expression of authority, yet there was a trace of anticipation in his eyes.
"Congratulations on making it to the final stage," he announced.
"From this moment on, you will engage in free challenges, and your final ranking will be determined by a points system."
The contestants' expressions shifted slightly as they focused on the rules.
The elder continued, "Each competitor can freely choose their opponent, but you may only participate in a total of five battles. Once you reach five matches, you cannot challenge or be challenged further."
"Challenges cannot be refused—every battle must be fought. Each victory earns you +1 point, while losses do not result in deductions."
"If multiple competitors have the same score after five matches, their rankings will be determined based on their head-to-head results and overall battle performance. Before each fight, all competitors will receive a 'Qi Restoration Pill' to ensure they are in peak condition."
The elder's sharp gaze scanned the contestants as he declared in a powerful voice, "There are no eliminations in this stage. Your final ranking will be determined solely by your strength!"
"Now, choose your opponent!"
As his words fell, murmurs spread throughout the arena. The ten remaining contestants exchanged glances, carefully considering their challenge strategies.
As the elder announced the rules, the atmosphere instantly grew tense. Every contestant was carefully considering their choice of opponent.
Meanwhile, the audience below the arena buzzed with discussion:
"These ten fighters are all extraordinary. Who will make it into the top five?"
"Roy has mastered two intermediate-level domains—Lightning Intent and Sword Intent. Combined with his powerful combat techniques, he definitely has a strong chance!"
"Don't forget Sfenro! He's the Grand Elder's personal disciple and has awakened 'Fist Intent,' another intermediate-level domain. His fighting style is fierce and overwhelming, and his strength has already reached Level 48!"
"Alice and Veil are equally terrifying in terms of talent. Both of them have comprehended intent, something very few can achieve."
"But every fighter who made it this far is a genius. The real battle starts now!"
The challenge selection process began, with two contestants choosing their opponents in alternating turns.
While the crowd was still murmuring, Roy had already locked his gaze onto Guo Jing. His expression was calm, yet his eyes were filled with battle intent.
"You," Roy declared. "I challenge you."
Guo Jing's expression shifted slightly but quickly returned to composure. His eyes narrowed, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Interesting. Let's do this!"
Both fighters stepped onto the arena, and the crowd instantly fell silent, their attention focused entirely on this match.
The moment the elder announced the start of the battle—
Boom!
Roy's entire body crackled with lightning, his aura surging to its peak. The terrifying power of Lightning Intent condensed onto his sword, transforming it into a blade of pure thunder aimed straight at Guo Jing!
[Thunder Annihilation Sword Technique]—Second Level!
The sword intent was razor-sharp, accompanied by arcs of lightning that crackled in the air. Even the temperature on the battlefield seemed to rise.
Guo Jing was not one to back down. Clasping his palms together, his spiritual energy erupted like a raging tide!
[Mountain-Crushing Palm]!
With a furious roar, his palms struck out, sending waves of energy rolling forward like a collapsing mountain, crashing down toward Roy!
Boom!
The two forces collided violently at the center of the arena, sending shockwaves through the platform. Thunderous light clashed against the overwhelming force of the palm strike, causing the entire stage to tremble!
"Unbelievable! Roy's fusion of Lightning Intent and Sword Intent makes his swordplay incredibly powerful!"
"Guo Jing's [Mountain-Crushing Palm] is equally terrifying—his fighting style is all about dominance!"
On the stage, Roy's eyes flashed coldly. His sword, still crackling with thunder, gathered even greater energy. In an instant, multiple sword shadows formed around him as he moved like a bolt of lightning!
"This next strike ends it."
[Thunder Annihilation Sword Technique—Third Level]!
The sword light cut through the sky, accompanied by deafening thunder, sweeping toward Guo Jing with unstoppable force!
Guo Jing's eyes widened in shock. He hurriedly gathered his spiritual power, but it was already too late!
Bang!
Lightning exploded upon impact, sending a violent shockwave across the stage. Guo Jing staggered backward, his chest heaving. Then—"Pfft!"—he coughed up a mouthful of blood and dropped to one knee!
The elder's eyes flickered, then he loudly declared—
"Winner—Roy!"
The audience erupted in shock, murmurs spreading throughout the crowd.
"Incredible! Roy has already mastered the third level of [Thunder Annihilation Sword Technique]! Guo Jing had no chance to counter!"
"The synergy between his Lightning Intent and Sword Intent is simply terrifying!"
Seated at the high podium, the academy headmaster stroked his beard, a glint of approval flashing in his eyes. A faint smile crossed his lips.
"Interesting… This tournament is only getting more exciting. However, Guo Jing was the weakest among the ten. His talent simply isn't on the same level… A pity."
As the tournament progressed, each battle kept the audience on edge, and the current standings were becoming increasingly clear.
Current Standings:
Roy: 2 wins (defeated Guo Jing, Zhang Yu) – 2 points
Alice: 2 wins (defeated Xin Lin, Guo Jing) – 2 points
Veil: 2 wins (defeated Oi, Mu Feng) – 2 points
Sfenro: 2 wins – 2 points
Other contestants: Mostly at 1 point
Guo Jing, Xin Lin: 0 points
By now, the audience was buzzing with discussion.
"Man, Guo Jing is really having a rough time! Why does everyone keep picking him?"
"It's just how the points system works. Everyone wants an easier win."
"But he's not exactly weak, right? He made it to the top ten, after all. It's just bad luck running into these monsters every round…"
"Haha, he looks completely numb to it now. Every match, he's just getting steamrolled."
"Look at him standing at the edge of the stage with that dead-eyed expression. I actually feel bad for the guy."
Near the arena, Guo Jing's face was grim. His fists clenched tightly, frustration boiling inside him.
"Damn it… Why am I the one being challenged every time?!"
But reality was cruel. Against these absurdly talented opponents, he barely stood a chance.
Just then, the elder's voice rang out once more, announcing the next challenger.
"For the next round… Veil, choose your opponent!"
Standing at the center of the arena, Veil's gaze swept across the remaining contestants.
Guo Jing shuddered. His face turned pale, and he instinctively took a step back.
"No way… He's not going to pick me again, is he?"
The crowd erupted in laughter.
"If Veil picks Guo Jing again, I think he might just forfeit on the spot!"
Veil chuckled at the chatter but then calmly locked his gaze onto another contestant.
"Xin Lin. You're up."
At that moment, Guo Jing exhaled a long sigh of relief, feeling as if he had narrowly escaped from hell.
"Finally… Finally, it's someone else…"
On the other side, however, Xin Lin's expression instantly froze.
"Wait—why me?!"
The audience burst into laughter, and for a moment, the tense atmosphere of the tournament was lightened by the scene.
------------
After a series of intense battles, the top five rankings were nearly set:
1. Sfenro – 4 points
2. Roy – 4 points
3. Veil – 4 points
4. Alice – 4 points
5. Oi – 3 points
The remaining contestants were still fighting, but their chances of breaking into the top five were slim. This round would be the decisive battle for final rankings!
Veil Challenges Sfenro!
The crowd erupted in shock.
"Is Veil crazy?! He's actually challenging Sfenro?!"
"Sfenro is widely recognized as the strongest inner disciple! Veil is talented, but he's only level 45, while Sfenro is level 48! That's a three-level gap!"
"Don't forget, Veil possesses the Giant's Bloodline and Giant Intent! His talent is extraordinary—this fight won't be easy!"
As the murmurs died down, all eyes turned toward the stage.
Veil lifted his head, his gaze firm. "Let me see the strength of the strongest disciple."
Sfenro smirked confidently. "Don't worry—you'll see it soon enough."
The two warriors locked eyes, their auras clashing. The air on the arena grew heavy—the battle was about to begin!
Veil struck first!
[Mountain Collapse Fist]!
His punch carried the force of a crumbling mountain, infused with the power of the Giant's Bloodline. The sheer pressure of his attack surged forward like an unstoppable tidal wave!
Sfenro remained unfazed and responded in kind—
[Fervent Fist]!
Their fists collided, unleashing a terrifying shockwave. The sheer force sent dust and debris flying, forcing the spectators to step back in awe.
Boom!
The impact sent a deep rumble through the arena—they were evenly matched!
Roy's expression turned serious. "Sfenro's Fist Intent is truly powerful. Veil won't win easily."
Alice clenched her fists, calling out, "Veil! Don't get crushed! That would be so embarrassing!"
Veil's eyebrow twitched at her words. "Can't you have a little faith in me?!"
But Sfenro wasted no time, pressing his advantage!
[Thunderous Barrage]!
His fists rained down like war drums, relentless and overwhelming!
Veil's expression darkened. He quickly gathered his strength and raised his defenses—
[Giant's Guard]!
A golden energy shield formed before him, an indestructible barrier protecting against the relentless onslaught!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Each strike shook the arena, Veil's shield beginning to crack!
"Sfenro's offense is insane! Veil won't last much longer!"
Veil's arms trembled under the pressure. He knew—staying on the defensive was not an option!
"If that's the case… let's see if you can handle my true power!"
A low roar erupted from Veil as his bloodline ignited—the overwhelming aura of a Giant burst forth! His muscles swelled slightly, and his energy surged!
[Titan Art]!
His power skyrocketed, and his next punch carried an earth-shattering force, hurtling straight at Sfenro!
Sfenro's eyes narrowed—he hadn't expected such a terrifying burst of strength! But he did not back down!
[Exploding Fist]!
He ignited his spirit energy, unleashing his full Fist Intent in his strongest strike!
The two warriors clashed once more—fist against fist—sending out a deafening explosion that echoed through the arena!
Veil staggered, his body forced back half a step!
Sfenro remained standing, a cold smirk on his face. "Veil, this is your limit."
Veil was silent for a moment—then suddenly, he grinned.
"No… I haven't lost yet."
"My Intent… hasn't even been released!"
The entire crowd held their breath—this battle was far from over!