With a thunderous boom, the immense wave of sword Qi clashed violently against the whirlpool created by the Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art, instantly consuming it whole!
Spectators were able to clearly discern Fang Yuan's figure being assertively thrust downward, his stature diminished by half. He was brought to the verge of a humble half-kneel, seemingly bowing in deference before Jiang Chen!
Yet, the Silent Annihilation Sword Qi didn't shatter Fang Yuan's defenses outright.
Instead, Fang Yuan tenaciously endured the initial onslaught of the most fearsome power, and was now progressively defusing the vortex's force produced by the Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art!
Witnesses watched as Jiang Chen's Silent Annihilation sword Qi was systematically nullified, its energy redirected towards the encompassing formation barrier of the stage.
In the blink of an eye, akin to the serene surface of a lake upon the arrival of a tempest, innumerable ripples were abruptly formed.
'Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art?'
'It carries a kind of deep-rooted enigma, akin to the Tai Chi principle of deflecting a thousand pounds with a mere four ounces!'
Jiang Chen's eyes slightly narrowed. This defensive secret art was unquestionably the most formidable Inquiring Journey realm secret art he had encountered thus far!
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen, instead of capitalizing on his evident advantage, appeared as if the energy expenditure was immense, necessitating a recharge of his Yuan Power.
He had come to the understanding that in this battle, direct termination of Fang Yuan was not a viable option.
In fact, even overcoming Fang Yuan in one fell swoop was undesirable.
The reason being, he aimed to create a favorable impression on Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning. A complete and direct defeat of Fang Yuan would portray him as an intimidating oppressor, lacking the grace of a gentleman.
Given these considerations, Jiang Chen elected to conserve his energy, preserving it for potential future encounters with Fang Yuan.
At this juncture, on the battleground, Jiang Chen's sword Qi displayed an intriguing pattern – it arrived with swift decisiveness and left with equal rapidity.
Fang Yuan, clenching his teeth, utilized the Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art and barely managed to hold on!
This turn of events left the tens of thousands of spectators astounded.
Yet, their thoughts soon shifted to commendations like 'Senior Brother Jiang Chen truly possesses a discerning eye', 'keen perception', 'sharp observation', and so forth.
In addition, the display of Jiang Chen's technique during this confrontation was incredibly impressive, exuding an aura akin to a celestial being gracing the mortal world. It was simply beyond the ordinary!
On the other hand, Fang Yuan presented a pitiable spectacle!
Consequently, countless cultivators found their respect for Jiang Chen deepening!
As for Fang Yuan, he was relegated to being nothing more than a stepping stone, a means to an end, a backdrop highlighting Jiang Chen's superiority!
At this critical juncture, after surviving the onslaught of the Silent Annihilation Sword Qi, Fang Yuan swiftly retreated, his gaze firmly fixed on the slightly pale Jiang Chen.
'That recent sword Qi maneuver must have depleted his energy reserves significantly!'
'To wield an Inquiring Journey realm sword technique while being at the Heavenly Origin realm, Jiang Chen is unquestionably formidable!'
'However, he is not in my shoes. He doesn't enjoy the mentorship of two seniors like Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning. Hence, he must be nearing his limit now. That sword Qi must represent his most lethal attack!'
'...'
A flurry of thoughts sped through Fang Yuan's mind, bolstering his confidence in emerging victorious.
For he still held an ace up his sleeve!
Nevertheless, out of prudence, Fang Yuan refrained from launching an immediate assault while Jiang Chen was supposedly 'in a weakened state'.
He chose to adopt a probing strategy again!
This would also afford him some respite to replenish his Yuan Power.
Previously, the usage of the 'Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art' had significantly drained his energy, leaving his Yuan Power almost depleted.
At this point.
"Wow."
"You've lived up to your reputation, you actually withstood my Silent Annihilation Heavenly Sword Secrets."
"Regrettably, you're now heavily drained, your chances of triumph have diminished. Let's call it a day, you ought to concede."
Jiang Chen regarded Fang Yuan and chuckled.
"No!"
Fang Yuan's eyes flashed an intense red, "Unless the formation's protective mechanism intervenes, I will not yield!"
As he declared these words, the audience beneath the stage erupted into a cacophony of disapproving jeers!
"This Fang Yuan truly lacks self-awareness!"
"Indeed, Senior Brother Jiang Chen was merely trying to leave him with some dignity, to avoid a total humiliation, yet he has the audacity to decline!"
"He's so excessively arrogant and stubborn!"
"It's such a shame that Senior Brother Jiang Chen holds him in high regard!"
"..."
Indignant, the cultivators voiced their shared contempt for Fang Yuan one after another.
On the stage.
"Very well."
"Then I'll continue to be your sparring partner!"
A hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth, and he casually swept his right hand, which held the long sword.
Swish!
A blade of sword Qi instantly barreled towards Fang Yuan's face.
'Lustrous Illusionary Steps!'
Fang Yuan executed his movement technique, his entire form blurring into three distinct illusions.
The three mirages he transformed into didn't strike back but instead sought to escape at full speed!
Slash!
Jiang Chen's sword Qi obliterated one of the illusions, and the residual power pressed on to target the next mirage.
However, Fang Yuan consistently utilized the Lustrous Illusionary Steps during his evasive maneuvers, compensating for the illusions that had been eliminated.
Simultaneously, Fang Yuan rapidly absorbed the ambient spiritual Qi, supplementing his own reserves!
Here, he once again put to use the Yuan Power restoration techniques imparted by Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, his rate of Yuan Power recovery significantly outpacing that of other Heavenly Origin realm cultivators of the same level.
Even though he was perpetually employing the Lustrous Illusionary Steps, his Yuan Power was steadily recuperating, with his replenishment rate exceeding his consumption.
Moreover, while deftly evading, Fang Yuan was also meticulously observing Jiang Chen.
Analyzing Jiang Chen's expressions, movements, aura, momentum, attack power, and other factors, he was gauging his opponent's condition.
Before long, Fang Yuan arrived at a conclusion in his mind — Jiang Chen's capacity to recuperate Yuan Power did not match his, and he seemingly didn't have any additional tricks hidden.
Otherwise, he would have already deployed them to subdue him, why would he allow the situation to lapse into a deadlock?
'The time has come to conclude this battle!'
While skilfully dodging and evading, Fang Yuan began to incrementally close the gap between him and Jiang Chen, seeming prepared to engage in a ferocious combat, ready for a lethal assault.
'Is he about to play his trump card?'
'It appears it's time to conclude this battle!'
Jiang Chen, too, noticed Fang Yuan's unusual demeanor, and a cynical amusement rippled through his heart.
"Let's settle the score!"
Fang Yuan bellowed, launching an attack on Jiang Chen from an unpredictable angle, "Long Sea Reflecting Sky Sword!"
The remaining illusions simultaneously lunged at Jiang Chen.
No one could discern whether the roaring Fang Yuan was the genuine one, or if his real body was concealed amidst these illusions.
"Silent Annihilation!"
Confronted with Fang Yuan's counteroffensive, Jiang Chen remained composed, forcefully sweeping his long sword horizontally before him!
Just at this moment!
"Die!"
Fang Yuan's eyes radiated an intense light, the sword technique in his grasp abruptly shifting, instantaneously transforming into a far more formidable spear technique, 'Fierce God Seven Killings Spear Fourth Move - Death Command'!
Moreover, he simultaneously activated the self-harming power-amplifying secret art 'Wild Spirit Explosion'!
In a flash, Fang Yuan's attack power surged at least tenfold, and the abrupt alteration in his technique took everyone by surprise!
Witnessing this spectacle, the hundreds of thousands of spectators beneath the stage widened their eyes, their expressions marked by sheer astonishment.
However, Jiang Chen was acutely aware that Fang Yuan's surprise attack had been meticulously planned!
'Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets!'
'Great Martial Eight Ghostly Steps!'
Simultaneously, Jiang Chen deployed two techniques, one a soul attack and the other a movement technique!
But this time, the utilization of the Great Martial Eight Ghostly Steps was at full power.
In an instant, an invisible ripple propagated. Despite Jiang Chen's counterattack initiating later, it was astonishingly the first to strike, impacting Fang Yuan with full force.
Concurrently, Jiang Chen's figure abruptly flickered backwards!
"Ahhhh!!"
Fang Yuan found himself assaulted by the soul attack from the 'Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets'. Instantly, he was gripped by a throbbing headache, as if his head was on the verge of bursting!
He let out an agonizingly shrill scream.
Nevertheless, Fang Yuan did not abandon his attack on Jiang Chen.
During the two years of descent from the pinnacle, only he knew the trials he had faced to survive those two years.
His tenacity, his resolve, enabled him to resist the severe head pain. Even when he was scarcely able to think, he persisted in wielding his sword artifact and executing the 'Death Command Spear'!
He and his sword amalgamated into a single entity, transforming into an incredibly sharp long spear. Like a comet plummeting towards the earth, it aimed for Jiang Chen who was flickering and retreating.
With a thunderous boom, the immense wave of sword Qi clashed violently against the whirlpool created by the Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art, instantly consuming it whole!
Spectators were able to clearly discern Fang Yuan's figure being assertively thrust downward, his stature diminished by half. He was brought to the verge of a humble half-kneel, seemingly bowing in deference before Jiang Chen!
Yet, the Silent Annihilation Sword Qi didn't shatter Fang Yuan's defenses outright.
Instead, Fang Yuan tenaciously endured the initial onslaught of the most fearsome power, and was now progressively defusing the vortex's force produced by the Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art!
Witnesses watched as Jiang Chen's Silent Annihilation sword Qi was systematically nullified, its energy redirected towards the encompassing formation barrier of the stage.
In the blink of an eye, akin to the serene surface of a lake upon the arrival of a tempest, innumerable ripples were abruptly formed.
'Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art?'
'It carries a kind of deep-rooted enigma, akin to the Tai Chi principle of deflecting a thousand pounds with a mere four ounces!'
Jiang Chen's eyes slightly narrowed. This defensive secret art was unquestionably the most formidable Inquiring Journey realm secret art he had encountered thus far!
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen, instead of capitalizing on his evident advantage, appeared as if the energy expenditure was immense, necessitating a recharge of his Yuan Power.
He had come to the understanding that in this battle, direct termination of Fang Yuan was not a viable option.
In fact, even overcoming Fang Yuan in one fell swoop was undesirable.
The reason being, he aimed to create a favorable impression on Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning. A complete and direct defeat of Fang Yuan would portray him as an intimidating oppressor, lacking the grace of a gentleman.
Given these considerations, Jiang Chen elected to conserve his energy, preserving it for potential future encounters with Fang Yuan.
At this juncture, on the battleground, Jiang Chen's sword Qi displayed an intriguing pattern – it arrived with swift decisiveness and left with equal rapidity.
Fang Yuan, clenching his teeth, utilized the Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art and barely managed to hold on!
This turn of events left the tens of thousands of spectators astounded.
Yet, their thoughts soon shifted to commendations like 'Senior Brother Jiang Chen truly possesses a discerning eye', 'keen perception', 'sharp observation', and so forth.
In addition, the display of Jiang Chen's technique during this confrontation was incredibly impressive, exuding an aura akin to a celestial being gracing the mortal world. It was simply beyond the ordinary!
On the other hand, Fang Yuan presented a pitiable spectacle!
Consequently, countless cultivators found their respect for Jiang Chen deepening!
As for Fang Yuan, he was relegated to being nothing more than a stepping stone, a means to an end, a backdrop highlighting Jiang Chen's superiority!
At this critical juncture, after surviving the onslaught of the Silent Annihilation Sword Qi, Fang Yuan swiftly retreated, his gaze firmly fixed on the slightly pale Jiang Chen.
'That recent sword Qi maneuver must have depleted his energy reserves significantly!'
'To wield an Inquiring Journey realm sword technique while being at the Heavenly Origin realm, Jiang Chen is unquestionably formidable!'
'However, he is not in my shoes. He doesn't enjoy the mentorship of two seniors like Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning. Hence, he must be nearing his limit now. That sword Qi must represent his most lethal attack!'
'...'
A flurry of thoughts sped through Fang Yuan's mind, bolstering his confidence in emerging victorious.
For he still held an ace up his sleeve!
Nevertheless, out of prudence, Fang Yuan refrained from launching an immediate assault while Jiang Chen was supposedly 'in a weakened state'.
He chose to adopt a probing strategy again!
This would also afford him some respite to replenish his Yuan Power.
Previously, the usage of the 'Heavenly Star Shifting Secret Art' had significantly drained his energy, leaving his Yuan Power almost depleted.
At this point.
"Wow."
"You've lived up to your reputation, you actually withstood my Silent Annihilation Heavenly Sword Secrets."
"Regrettably, you're now heavily drained, your chances of triumph have diminished. Let's call it a day, you ought to concede."
Jiang Chen regarded Fang Yuan and chuckled.
"No!"
Fang Yuan's eyes flashed an intense red, "Unless the formation's protective mechanism intervenes, I will not yield!"
As he declared these words, the audience beneath the stage erupted into a cacophony of disapproving jeers!
"This Fang Yuan truly lacks self-awareness!"
"Indeed, Senior Brother Jiang Chen was merely trying to leave him with some dignity, to avoid a total humiliation, yet he has the audacity to decline!"
"He's so excessively arrogant and stubborn!"
"It's such a shame that Senior Brother Jiang Chen holds him in high regard!"
"..."
Indignant, the cultivators voiced their shared contempt for Fang Yuan one after another.
On the stage.
"Very well."
"Then I'll continue to be your sparring partner!"
A hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth, and he casually swept his right hand, which held the long sword.
Swish!
A blade of sword Qi instantly barreled towards Fang Yuan's face.
'Lustrous Illusionary Steps!'
Fang Yuan executed his movement technique, his entire form blurring into three distinct illusions.
The three mirages he transformed into didn't strike back but instead sought to escape at full speed!
Slash!
Jiang Chen's sword Qi obliterated one of the illusions, and the residual power pressed on to target the next mirage.
However, Fang Yuan consistently utilized the Lustrous Illusionary Steps during his evasive maneuvers, compensating for the illusions that had been eliminated.
Simultaneously, Fang Yuan rapidly absorbed the ambient spiritual Qi, supplementing his own reserves!
Here, he once again put to use the Yuan Power restoration techniques imparted by Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, his rate of Yuan Power recovery significantly outpacing that of other Heavenly Origin realm cultivators of the same level.
Even though he was perpetually employing the Lustrous Illusionary Steps, his Yuan Power was steadily recuperating, with his replenishment rate exceeding his consumption.
Moreover, while deftly evading, Fang Yuan was also meticulously observing Jiang Chen.
Analyzing Jiang Chen's expressions, movements, aura, momentum, attack power, and other factors, he was gauging his opponent's condition.
Before long, Fang Yuan arrived at a conclusion in his mind — Jiang Chen's capacity to recuperate Yuan Power did not match his, and he seemingly didn't have any additional tricks hidden.
Otherwise, he would have already deployed them to subdue him, why would he allow the situation to lapse into a deadlock?
'The time has come to conclude this battle!'
While skilfully dodging and evading, Fang Yuan began to incrementally close the gap between him and Jiang Chen, seeming prepared to engage in a ferocious combat, ready for a lethal assault.
'Is he about to play his trump card?'
'It appears it's time to conclude this battle!'
Jiang Chen, too, noticed Fang Yuan's unusual demeanor, and a cynical amusement rippled through his heart.
"Let's settle the score!"
Fang Yuan bellowed, launching an attack on Jiang Chen from an unpredictable angle, "Long Sea Reflecting Sky Sword!"
The remaining illusions simultaneously lunged at Jiang Chen.
No one could discern whether the roaring Fang Yuan was the genuine one, or if his real body was concealed amidst these illusions.
"Silent Annihilation!"
Confronted with Fang Yuan's counteroffensive, Jiang Chen remained composed, forcefully sweeping his long sword horizontally before him!
Just at this moment!
"Die!"
Fang Yuan's eyes radiated an intense light, the sword technique in his grasp abruptly shifting, instantaneously transforming into a far more formidable spear technique, 'Fierce God Seven Killings Spear Fourth Move - Death Command'!
Moreover, he simultaneously activated the self-harming power-amplifying secret art 'Wild Spirit Explosion'!
In a flash, Fang Yuan's attack power surged at least tenfold, and the abrupt alteration in his technique took everyone by surprise!
Witnessing this spectacle, the hundreds of thousands of spectators beneath the stage widened their eyes, their expressions marked by sheer astonishment.
However, Jiang Chen was acutely aware that Fang Yuan's surprise attack had been meticulously planned!
'Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets!'
'Great Martial Eight Ghostly Steps!'
Simultaneously, Jiang Chen deployed two techniques, one a soul attack and the other a movement technique!
But this time, the utilization of the Great Martial Eight Ghostly Steps was at full power.
In an instant, an invisible ripple propagated. Despite Jiang Chen's counterattack initiating later, it was astonishingly the first to strike, impacting Fang Yuan with full force.
Concurrently, Jiang Chen's figure abruptly flickered backwards!
"Ahhhh!!"
Fang Yuan found himself assaulted by the soul attack from the 'Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets'. Instantly, he was gripped by a throbbing headache, as if his head was on the verge of bursting!
He let out an agonizingly shrill scream.
Nevertheless, Fang Yuan did not abandon his attack on Jiang Chen.
During the two years of descent from the pinnacle, only he knew the trials he had faced to survive those two years.
His tenacity, his resolve, enabled him to resist the severe head pain. Even when he was scarcely able to think, he persisted in wielding his sword artifact and executing the 'Death Command Spear'!
He and his sword amalgamated into a single entity, transforming into an incredibly sharp long spear. Like a comet plummeting towards the earth, it aimed for Jiang Chen who was flickering and retreating.
