Chapter 16: Eye of Destiny
"You can't even defeat me, yet you wish to challenge my junior sister?"
Lin Feng spoke calmly as he summoned Longing Tears, gripping it tightly in his palm.
He Rongsheng retracted the golden light emanating from his third eye. However, the intensity in his gaze did not fade; instead, it enveloped him in a thick mist. This mist carried a hint of Chaotic Aura, making it difficult to see clearly.
At the same time, He Rongsheng's eyes began to glow. His irises transformed into a brilliant gold.
He Rongsheng said with composure, "You've only forced me to this point. Or do you have other tricks up your sleeve?"
Despite having been previously subdued by Lin Feng's relentless assault, He Rongsheng maintained an air of calm arrogance. It was as if everything happening around him was well within his control.
As he spoke, the mist surrounding him thickened even more. Ancient runes began to emerge within the fog, resonating with the earth itself.
In that moment, He Rongsheng's aura became increasingly terrifying and powerful, causing an involuntary shiver to run down one's spine.
Lin Feng replied fearlessly, "I don't have many tricks, but just enough to defeat you."
"You are somewhat arrogant, but after all, you are merely a mortal. Even with my eyes closed and without using their power, you are no match for me. Do you believe that?" He Rongsheng's tone was calm yet filled with pride.
"You talk too much. Come at me."
He Rongsheng's eyes blazed even brighter, resembling two suns. The radiant light was blinding and made it impossible to look directly at him, sending chills down one's spine.
If one were to disperse and take a closer look at the Cultivation, they would find that within the pupils, many ancient runes were coalescing.
Lin Feng surged upward, his entire body brimming with Vital Energy. Transforming his body into a sword, he unleashed the Great River Sword Technique, emanating the momentum of the Ninth Layer.
Thunderous Roar...
This time, upon their clash, both were sent flying. Each had exerted their utmost strength, their power capable of shattering the ancient and decaying. After being repelled, they both coughed up blood and staggered backward.
"Again."
In an instant, the two collided countless times, each explosion creating intense waves that reverberated against the defensive formation.
Those watching could see that when He Rongsheng opened his eyes, he initially displayed a devastating power that allowed him to evade Lin Feng. However, now he did not reveal his divine might; instead, his eyes transformed into a golden hue.
On the battlefield, only Lin Feng, who was locked in combat with He Rongsheng, understood the difference. With his eyes opened, even without unleashing divine power, he could perceive illusions clearly. This indicated that all of Lin Feng's movements were fully visible to He Rongsheng.
Thus, attempting to feign a surprise attack as before was utterly impossible. More importantly, in He Rongsheng's eyes, time seemed to have altered. Every action of Lin Feng appeared to be slowed down by a beat.
The Great River Sword Technique had ample momentum; however, in He Rongsheng's view, it was like watching a slow-motion replay. The speed was insufficient. Lin Feng decisively executed the Moon City Sword Technique's Lonely Word Formula.
The Lonely Word Formula resembled his own martial arts techniques—an unrelenting barrage akin to a tempest. The momentum surged like a rainbow. Lin Feng wielded the Sky Sword and danced through the air, creating countless Sword Flowers.
In just a moment, the entire Arena was suffused with sword energy.
"Lin Feng. Is this your hidden technique? It's slightly faster than before, but still not enough."
He Rongsheng's tone was somewhat light as he wielded his longsword, effortlessly countering Lin Feng's fierce onslaught. However, Lin Feng's attacks were relentless and rapid, creating an almost impenetrable barrage.
Even though He Rongsheng could slow down Lin Feng's movements, he had yet to find a flaw in Lin Feng's defense to deliver a decisive blow.
"Even if my speed seems to have slowed in your eyes, what does it matter? Do you really think you can defeat me like this?" Lin Feng retorted sharply.
At that moment, both were engaged in a fierce battle with their Ninth-Grade Longswords. The Arena echoed with the sound of Thunderous Roars as the power of their clash sent shockwaves through the defensive array at the edges of the Arena.
The battle had reached a fever pitch. Lin Feng faced immense frustration. He Rongsheng's eye technique not only allowed him to perceive the changes in Lin Feng's swordplay but also slowed down Lin Feng's own movements.
Only with absolute authority could one hope to suppress He Rongsheng. Yet, how could Lin Feng, whose cultivation was inferior to He Rongsheng's, hope to exert such authority?
In terms of combat experience, Lin Feng was slightly more seasoned than He Rongsheng. However, each time he attempted a critical strike, He Rongsheng seemed to sense it beforehand and countered effectively, even taking the opportunity to strike back, nearly putting Lin Feng at a disadvantage.
After half an hour of battle, Lin Feng began to feel his Vital Energy and stamina wane. Ultimately, He Rongsheng landed a kick that sent Lin Feng flying across the arena, crashing heavily against the barrier and spitting out blood.
He Rongsheng approached Lin Feng with an air of arrogance, his eyes shining even brighter with golden light as runes flickered around him, channeling ancient and forbidden mystical powers.
"Lin Feng, is this all you've got?" He Rongsheng said, choosing not to press his advantage. With his eye technique activated, he knew that Lin Feng was no match for him. However, he found Lin Feng to be an excellent practice partner, allowing him to experience the power of his gaze and learn how to wield it effectively in combat.
To He Rongsheng, it seemed that he regarded Lin Feng merely as a training dummy.
Lin Feng grew increasingly alarmed as the battle wore on; he was becoming fatigued from defending against He Rongsheng’s relentless attacks. If this continued, defeat was inevitable. As he quietly watched He Rongsheng approach, his eyes gradually cleared as many thoughts crossed his mind.
In the end, Lin Feng chose to unleash the Living Character Formula from the Moon City Sword Technique.
The Living Character Formula is the essence of the Moon City Sword Technique, a crucial element. When executing this Sword Technique, one's state of mind is paramount. Its speed is neither fast nor slow, and its power is neither strong nor weak. Yet, each move exudes an invincible aura.
He Rongsheng watched as Lin Feng seemed oblivious to his presence, engrossed in practicing the Sword Technique, as if rehearsing it. This Sword Technique flowed like clouds and water, seamless and without flaw.
"What does he intend to do?"
He Rongsheng felt puzzled, standing still as he observed Lin Feng's gradual evolution. He noticed that as Lin Feng practiced, the Sword Intent began to grow in power.
"No, I can't let him be."
He Rongsheng took action, swinging his long sword to drive a white horse toward Lin Feng. As the horse approached, the Spirit Horn pierced into the Sword Technique, as if sinking into a mire—unable to pull out and only becoming more entrenched.
In He Rongsheng's eyes, Lin Feng's Sword Technique appeared to slow down but lost its significance. Lin Feng's Sword Technique became whole; even if it slowed down, it remained unified.
Lin Feng continued to practice his swordplay without rushing to strike. He needed to merge his Indomitable Sword Intent with the Living Character Formula, grasping its profound applications.
In his vision, the figure of Master Ancestor flickered, practicing the Sword Technique alongside him.
"What is Lin Feng doing? Why is he swinging the Sword Technique all alone?"
"Is that the solitary Moon City Sword Technique? I don't think I've ever seen it before."
Lin Feng's strange behavior sparked discussions among the crowd. The Solitary Moon City and its Moon City Sword Technique had been lost for ages, unseen by anyone. Thus, no one recognized the origins of Lin Feng's Sword Technique.
He Rongsheng attempted several times with the Azure Cloud Sword Technique but achieved nothing. Lin Feng's Sword Technique seemed to form a protective shell around him, leaving He Rongsheng unable to penetrate it.
Lin Feng's Sword Technique was agile and ever-changing, and every time He Rongsheng thrust his sword, it felt as if he was piercing into a sea of mud, which was effortlessly dissolved.
"Do you think that showcasing such powerful defense will lead you to victory? I wonder how long you can hold on."
He Rongsheng grew somewhat irritated. He bit his finger, drawing blood, and pointed it into the Azure Flame Longsword.
"Nine Profound Temple. Transform into Divine Thunder. With overwhelming might, I summon it with my sword!"
As He Rongsheng chanted, a massive and deep vortex of darkness appeared in the air, continuously swirling with flickering electric sparks within.
The wind suddenly roared.
He Rongsheng, clad in white, soared into the sky.
"Divine Sword Thunder Suppression Technique?" a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect exclaimed in shock.
The Divine Sword Thunder Suppression Technique was the final and most powerful move of the Azure Cloud Sword Technique. It was said that only those who reached the Enlightenment Realm could perform it. Yet now, He Rongsheng was able to execute it with his Fate Realization Cultivation, a rare occurrence indeed.
Beneath the rolling dark clouds, He Rongsheng flew upward with the Blue Flame Sword in hand, resembling an immortal descending from the heavens.
Above the thick clouds, countless electric sparks rapidly gathered, and the sound of thunder roared incessantly. The ground trembled as He Rongsheng swung his long sword. From within the dark vortex, a massive bolt of lightning was drawn out, bursting through the clouds and miraculously landing upon the Blue Flame Sword.
The blinding electric light seemed to be held in someone's hand. How extraordinary was this?
He Rongsheng coughed lightly, his face somewhat pale. Executing this astonishing strike had inflicted backlash upon him. Meanwhile, Lin Feng's Sword Technique remained profoundly mysterious and unmatched, leaving him unable to decipher it.
With the might of thunder, he suppressed.
He Rongsheng swung his long sword, and an astonishing bolt of lightning, emanating power beyond Fate Realization, fell into Lin Feng's Sword Technique practice.
As the lightning descended, the sword energy that Lin Feng had conjured in the Arena instantly turned to ash.
Thunderous Roar...
In the blink of an eye, the lightning struck Lin Feng at the center of his Sword Technique, causing unprecedented vibrations. The defensive array above the Arena was hit by the strongest attack, and the roar resonated painfully in everyone's ears.
On the Viewing Platform, the imposing Martial Emperor slowly spoke, "This He Rongsheng is quite impressive. Cold Rain, how does he compare to you in your prime?"
Beside him, Cold Rain replied honestly, "He surpasses me from back then."
"Indeed. However, it's a close match. He Rongsheng is a talent; congratulations to the Sect Leader," the Martial Emperor declared loudly.
Qingyun Sect Leader Helan Mountain cupped his hands and said, "Martial Emperor, you flatter me."
"Our Great Zhou is filled with talents. The first in the Martial Examination is undoubtedly deserving," the Martial Emperor proclaimed with great spirit, exuding immense pressure that commanded genuine submission.
Cold Rain quietly observed the contest in the arena, her gaze flickering uncertainly. At present, He Rongsheng indeed held the upper hand and still had yet to unleash his full potential. In contrast, Lin Feng was constantly on the defensive, having only managed one successful counterattack through trickery.
Yet, Cold Rain felt a lingering unease.
"The Divine Sword Thunder Suppression Technique can be executed. This battle is without a doubt settled."
“Solitary Moon City’s Lin Feng is impressive as well. Second place in the Martial Examination is well-deserved.”
“Indeed. For a mortal to push the Eye of Destiny to its limits is truly something to be proud of. It's a pity that this person is Nameless Stone Tablet. I would really like to know how Lin Feng would rank if he entered the tablet.”
“At least in the top three.”
“The Ethereal Body is also a rare divine body. It's a shame it only appeared briefly and didn’t fully showcase its power. If the Ethereal Body were to face the Eye of Destiny, I wonder who would win.”
On the sidelines, everyone believed that the battle was nearing its end, and they began to reflect on what had transpired. (To be continued…)
Comment 0 Comment Count