Swish!


    Lu Yi''s figure abruptly vanished from his original position. The blade light slashed across the ground, leaving a deep mark. Jiang Fan did not even glance at the mark. Instead, he moved his foot and disappeared from the spot as well.


    Boom!!


    In the next moment, at one corner of the arena, Lu Yi and Jiang Fan reappeared simultaneously. A booming sound erupted as spiritual energy swirled around them, forming faint light shields. Radiant halos flowed, and powerful aftershocks rippled outward, turning into translucent waves that radiated across the arena.


    The collision lasted only an instant before the two vanished again.


    In the blink of an eye, their figures flickered continuously across the arena. Blade lights and sword clouds crisscrossed, spanning over ten meters in length. The deafening sound of collisions rang out repeatedly.


    In just a short exchange, the already-scarred arena was left in complete disarray.


    The intense battle drew gasps of amazement from the watching disciples.


    The strength displayed by the two was considered top-tier even among those at the tenth level of Qi Refining. Few could match them.


    After a brief clash, the two reappeared on opposite sides of the arena, holding their weapons and staring at each other.


    Lu Yi sighed inwardly. He had to admit that Jiang Fan''s strength surpassed even Senior Brother Bai Yulong. Lu Yi had pushed his White Cloud Sword Technique and White Cloud Steps to the limits of their Perfection Realm. Furthermore, he had infused ample spiritual energy using the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique, enhancing its quality repeatedly. Yet, he still couldn''t suppress this senior brother.


    At this moment, Jiang Fan took a deep breath and slowly said, "Junior Brother Lu Yi, is this your full strength?"


    Lu Yi paused before recalling that he hadn''t yet used his level 7 or level 8 White Cloud Sword Techniques and spells, his nearly mist-like spiritual energy, or his newly grasped sword intent. Clearing his throat, he replied, "I''m close to full strength."


    Jiang Fan''s expression shifted slightly. "So, it''s not your full strength?"


    Jiang Fan felt he had a fair understanding of Lu Yi. When Lu Yi said "close to full strength," it was likely far from it. He must still be holding back!


    Thinking this, Jiang Fan hesitated before taking a deep breath and declaring, "In that case, I will use my strongest move to decide the winner in one blow."


    Lu Yi blinked, feeling curious. Given Jiang Fan''s current performance, he shouldn''t pose much of a threat. The only move that had slightly concerned Lu Yi earlier must be this strongest move.


    Lu Yi smiled and said, "Senior Brother Jiang Fan, please proceed."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Jiang Fan''s expression turned serious as he slowly said, "I haven''t completely mastered this move, so I can''t fully control it. Junior Brother Lu Yi, be careful."


    As he spoke, Jiang Fan''s spiritual energy began to surge, and his aura rapidly intensified.


    The surrounding spectators heard their conversation and were puzzled.


    "Senior Brother Jiang Fan is already so strong—he''s still holding back?"


    "What kind of technique is he hiding? I don''t think I''ve seen him use it before."


    Below the arena, Bai Yulong stared at Jiang Fan with growing curiosity. "What is this guy hiding?"


    At that moment, the sound of waves surged around Jiang Fan as his spiritual energy erupted. An overwhelming aura spread out, forming waves of energy that swept in all directions, causing his black hair to dance wildly.


    Lu Yi''s pupils contracted slightly as he focused intently on Jiang Fan.


    Goodness, this aura is a bit intimidating, isn''t it?


    High above in the sky, Elder Du Gufang and the others had subtle changes in their expressions, showing surprise.


    "Is this... the Raging Wave Palm?"


    "This kid has quite some talent. He''s only at the tenth level of Qi Refining, yet he has grasped a Foundation Establishment level spell?"


    "Interesting. I initially thought Lu Yi had this match in the bag, but now it seems there''s still a twist."


    The elders'' expressions shifted as they observed Jiang Fan. Comprehending and wielding a Foundation Establishment level spell at the Qi Refining stage demanded both solid fundamentals and exceptional perception.


    Jiang Fan''s performance clearly impressed them.


    The elders alternated their gaze between Jiang Fan and Lu Yi, filled with curiosity.


    Qi Feiyu smiled. "I wonder if Lu Yi can block a Foundation Establishment spell?"


    "I doubt it. Lu Yi has already pushed his White Cloud Sword Technique and White Cloud Steps to their limits. Even with his higher-quality spiritual energy from the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique, it is still limited. Blocking a Foundation Establishment spell is simply too difficult."


    Another elder shook his head.


    The others nodded slightly, agreeing.


    Even Elder Du Gufang nodded. "If Lu Yi doesn''t have more tricks up his sleeve, he might lose."


    One elder chuckled. "I thought Lu Yi was a sure bet for first place, but Jiang Fan has hidden his strength well."


    In the distance, Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi looked at Jiang Fan''s powerful aura with changing expressions.


    Lu Gaoyang frowned slightly. "Raging Wave Palm? Jiang Fan actually mastered a Foundation Establishment spell?"


    Wang Siqi said worriedly, "The Raging Wave Palm is incredibly powerful. Will Yi''er be hurt?"


    Honestly, Lu Yi securing second place already far exceeded their expectations. Now, they were more concerned about whether he would be injured by such a powerful attack.


    Beside them, Li Mang reassured, "Don''t worry, Sister-in-law. With so many elders watching, there''s no way they''d let such a talented junior as Lu Yi get hurt."


    The others also offered words of comfort.


    Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi relaxed slightly, their expressions softening.


    Below the arena, Bai Yulong, Lin Wan''er, and the others also focused on Jiang Fan''s overwhelming aura.


    Bai Yulong''s pupils constricted as he muttered, "I didn''t expect Jiang Fan to hide so much. He even saved this move!"


    Li Yun crossed his arms and added, "Junior Brother Lu Yi is in danger."


    Tie Man nodded slightly. "A Foundation Establishment spell... I doubt Junior Brother Lu Yi can block it."


    "Hmph! I believe Junior Brother Lu Yi can handle it!" Lin Wan''er snorted and shot a glare at the three.


    The trio fell silent. Was this woman just biased because Lu Yi looked good? Appearance wasn''t equivalent to strength.


    The three decided to stay quiet.


    At this moment, Jiang Fan stepped forward and shouted, "Junior Brother Lu Yi, be careful!"


    He raised his right hand, forming a palm, and struck toward Lu Yi. Waves of azure energy emerged, forming a massive palm imprint over two meters wide, surging toward Lu Yi at high speed.


    As the palm imprint swept forward, the arena floor cracked apart, and the surrounding air seemed saturated with water-attribute spiritual energy, sealing off all avenues of escape.


    Facing the overwhelming palm imprint, Lu Yi remained calm, his eyes gleaming with sword intent.


    In the next moment, an incomparably sharp sword aura burst forth, and clouds of sword energy began to rise from Lu Yi''s long sword.