Chapter 2271
"Oh? Dr. Rhys, are you that confident? Does Dalen have ssecret moves?" Alicia raised an eyebrow. Her curiosity was piqued.
"Shadow Citadel's skills aren't limited to just the EvaIncantation. If Dalen is brave enough to enter the tournament, he must have stricks up his sleeve. I believe that with his strength, he won't stop here," Dustin said calmly. He could tell Dalen had yet to show his full potential.
Despite his carefree demeanor, Dalen was hiding his true abilities. Therefore, advancing to Group A would be effortless for him.
"Since you think so highly of him, let's wait and see what surprises Dalen has in store." Alicia smiled faintly and didn't press further. She didn't doubt Dustin's assessment but wondered what made him think so highly of Dalen.
Meanwhile, Thaddeus continued his relentless assault in the battle ring. He swung the Voidcleaver in a frenzy. Each swing left behind a mesmerizing trail of deadly blue arcs.
"Kid, surrender now! Your EvaIncantation won't last forever. Once your true energy runs out, you're finished." Frustrated by the lack of progress, Thaddeus began to use psychological attacks.
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Even though he had the upper hand, he didn't want to waste his stamina and true energy on Dalen, as he had more matches ahead. Overexerting himself now would undoubtedly impact his performance later on.
"I doubt you can drain my true energy so easily, Father Savier. You'll need stronger moves than these weak attacks." Dalen smiled and casually fanned himself. He seemed entirely at ease, as if he were just a bystander watching the fight.
"I'm giving you a chance, kid. Don't be so ungrateful." Thaddeus's voice turned icy. "We have nothing against each other. I don't want unnecessary bloodshed, so I've been holding back. But if you insist, you only have yourself to blfor what follows." "In this battle ring, life and death hang in the balance. So, please give it your all. If I lose, it's simply because I wasn't good enough. It's not your fault, Father Savier," Dalen said with a smile.
"Fine. If that's how you want to play it, I'm not holding back." Thaddeus was infuriated with Dalen's attitude. He intended to save skiller moves for the tougher opponents later, but it seemed he had no choice but to use them now.
If he continued to be worn down by Dalen's EvaIncantation, Thaddeus knew he would be defeated.
Thaddeus suddenly paused his attack and took a deep breath. At that instant, the blue glow of his Voidcleaver blade flared and emitted a sharp, piercing sound. Then, a terrifying, oppressive force burst out from Thaddeus's body.
Thunder seemed to rumble in the sky. The next second, fierce winds whipped around, and a chilling cold enveloped the entire arena.
The spectators shivered involuntarily. They instinctively pulled their clothes tighter as if they had been transported from a sunny area to a frozen wasteland.
"What's going on? Why did it get so cold all of a sudden?" "There's something strange about that blade. The cold radiated from it is incredible." "Looks like Father Savier is about to make a lethal move!" The sudden turn of events caused an uproar among the spectators.
Unlike his previous aggressive strikes, Thaddeus now seemed like a predator lying in wait. He was ready to unleash a fatal blow at any moment.
"Frostfire Strike!" After a brief buildup, Thaddeus shouted. He swung his Voidcleaver from above and aimed at Dalen's head.
At the stime, a strange scene unfolded.
As the blade descended, the cold blue glow suddenly turned fiery red, and the temperature around them began to rise rapidly.
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The spectators felt like they had gone from a freezing blizzard to a m scorching heat wave in the blink of an eye. The swift change from extrcold to intense heat left many with racing hearts and nausea.
A resonant hum filled the air as the Voidcleaver released a wave of energy that distorted the air and made the ground tremble.
"Impressive move!" Dalen's eyes sparked with interest as he observed the sudden change in Thaddeus' blade technique.
Dalen unexpectedly stopped using the EvaIncantation and dropped his defensive stance. Instead, he swiftly thrust his folding fan like a sword toward the Voidcleaver. "You fool!" Thaddeus sneered.
He increased the force of his strike. His blade cdown with even more deadly power. He felt that Dalen's actions were nothing short of suicidal.
Even if Dalen concentrated solely on his EvaIncantation, Thaddeus knew his attack wouldn't be strong enough to break through. Yet, Dalen's choice to go on the offensive seemed akin to a moth flying into a flame.
Chapter 2272
Under the intense gaze of the spectators, Thaddeus' Voidcleaver clashed with Dalen's folding fan. To be precise, Dalen's fan struck Thaddeus' blade.
A thunderous bang echoed as their weapons collided. It unleashed a powerful energy wave that radiated from the point of impact.
The shockwave swept through the surroundings, sending dust and debris flying. Spectators near the battle ring had to shield their eyes from the whirlwind of grit.
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The two men were locked in a standoff on the battle ring. Dalen's folding fan, like a sword, tapped against Thaddeus's blade. One was striking downward, the other thrusting upward, creating a deadlock in midair.
The spectators were stunned.
"Whoa! He actually blocked it? What's going on?" "Father Savier's attack had the power of a grandmaster. It was a devastating strike, yet that pretty boy managed to counter it with finesse. Impressive!" "Damn! How is the boy toy still alive?" The spectators buzzed with mixed reactions. Swere shocked, swere frustrated, and others were disappointed. Most of them were dissatisfied with the outcome.
Sharbored an unexplained animosity toward Dalen, while others had placed heavy bets on Thaddeus, staunchly believing in him.
They initially thought the previous strike would end the fight. Surprisingly, the underestimated Dalen possessed extraordinary strength. Despite Thaddeus' ferocious attacks, Dalen pinpointed its weaknesses and countered with precision.
Dalen was unquestionably impressive. Even Alicia and the others couldn't help but hold him in high esteem. They had previously questioned why Dustin had so much confidence in Dalen. But now they understood that Dustin's belief in him was justified. Dalen was indeed a hidden talent. "Hmm?" Thaddeus frowned as he looked at Dalen, who stood unharmed despite being so close to him.
Like everyone watching below the battle ring, Thaddeus thought he could kill Dalen. Yet, he didn't expect Dalen to deflect his powerful strike with just a folding fan. At that moment, he was curious about Dalen's identity. Thaddeus didn't relent. He gripped the hilt of his blade with both hands and pressed downward with all his might. His Voidcleaver trembled slightly, and the blue light intensified. At that instant, his blade aimed directly at Dalen's neck and shoulder.
Thaddeus could overpower Dalen's weapon with sufficient strength and inflict severe injury. After all, he was an ascetic priest. His physical strength was beyond ordinary martial artists, especially in raw power.
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Yet, his confidence faltered when he noticed something amiss. Despite his efforts, his blade didn't move. He noticed he wasn't up against just a folding fan but an immovable mountain.
Dalen's strength proved greater than Thaddeus had anticipated.
"Impossible!" Thaddeus's eyes narrowed, and he was taken aback.
He had always been confident in his strength. Still, he couldn't understand why he couldn't gain any advantage over Dalen. He wondered whether Dalen was naturally gifted with Divine Strength.
"I don't believe you don't have any weaknesses!" Thaddeus was undeterred and spoke through gritted teeth.
His Voidcleaver abruptly changed course and slashed horizontally toward Dalen's neck. The strike lacked overwhelming force but aimed for sheer speed to catch him off guard.
Instead of dodging or defending, Dalen countered fearlessly. His folding fan beca sword-like weapon and thrust toward Thaddeus' chest.
Chapter 2273
"Father Savier, you truly live up to your reputation as an ascetic priest. I'm impressed with your physical strength, "Dalen remarked as he stared at the white mark on Thaddeus' chest.
If a typical martial artist were struck in the chest by his folding fan, they would likely be seriously injured or dead. However, Thaddeus merely retreated several steps from the impact without a scratch.
There was no denying that the ascetic priest's physical resilience far exceeded that of martial artists at his level. "Kid, are you mocking me?" Thaddeus' expression darkened. The praise felt offensive to him.
He had always seen Dalen as prey. Now, Dalen had unexpectedly taken control of the situation. Thaddeus felt uneasy and furious, "You have misunderstood. I truly admire your skill. If you break through to grandmaster level, you'll soar to new heights," Dalen said sincerely.
Thaddeus surpassed other martial artists of his level due to his dual cultivation of both internal and external techniques.
Despite being 36 years old, he was disappointed that he hadn't yet broken through to beca grandmaster martial artist. This limitation significantly restrained his strength and hindered his full potential.
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The main reason for his delay in achieving this breakthrough was his extensive focus on refining his physical body.
While this emphasis resulted in a formidable physique, it significantly slowed his progress in cultivation. This was a common issue among martial artists who tried to excel internally and externally.
"Stop talking nonsense!" Thaddeus snapped. He beceven more agitated.
He continued, "You think you're tough just because you have that protective shield? Why don't you drop it and fightfair and square? Let's see who is stronger." Dalen had the EvaIncantation to protect himself, which always saved him in critical moments. Thaddeus knew he couldn't do much until Dalen's true energy ran out. Without the EvaIncantation, he could easily take Dalen down in three strikes.
"Okay. Since you're so eager, I won't use the art of defense and will have a fair fight with you," Dalen agreed without hesitation.
Thaddeus was bewildered by his response. He had spoken out of frustration and hadn't expected Dalen to agree. With the EvaIncantation, Dalen was virtually unbeatable.
No one in their right mind would give up such a huge advantage to face their opponent's strengths directly. Yet, that was exactly what Dalen did.
Either he was a fool, or his confidence bordered on arrogance. He didn't even consider Thaddeus a worthy opponent at all.
"Kid, did I hear you right? Are you sure you won't use any defensive skills?" Thaddeus was shocked and doubtful. He couldn't figure out Dalen's motive and wondered if he was playing a trick on him.
"Yes. A real man keeps his word. With so many people watching, do you think I'd back out now?" Dalen smiled faintly.
Thaddeus was thrilled to hear that." Good for you. You've got the guts to facewithout any defensive techniques. I respect that." At that moment, he almost laughed out loud.
He never expected someone to be so foolish. With just a few casual taunts, Dalen had completely fallen for it. Dalen had abandoned his advantages and forfeited his chance to win in the battle ring. Thaddeus saw this as a golden opportunity.
Ruby stood up and shouted frantically, "Mr. Shade! He's deliberately provoking you. Don't fall for it!" "Yeah, Mr. Shade! Winning the match is important. Don't waste twith him. Go all out and finish the match quickly!" Miles echoed.
Crystal frowned but stayed silent.
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To them, Dalen's actions seemed foolish. Despite having the upper hand, he decided to fight Thaddeus directly.
No one understood his decision.
The spectators around the battle ring were in an uproar.
"That kid is way too arrogant. He's not even taking Father Savier seriously." "Pride comes before a fall. Without his defensive skills, he's just a lamb to the slaughter before Father Savier." "Great! Let Father Savier teach that pretty boy a lesson about the dangers of the martial world and the unpredictability of human nature." Dalen's response brought unexpected delight to Thaddeus' supporters, who had been tense and fearful after his earlier retreat.
If Thaddeus lost to Dalen, their losses would be significant. But Dalen's arrogance had now renewed their hope for victory.
"Kid, I don't take advantage of others.
Since you're not using your defensive skills, I'll limit myself to three strikes," Hlimity Thaddeus said, extending three fingers toward Dalen.
He added confidently, "If you can withstand them, I'll consede defeat immediately. But if you can't, don't blme for going all out!"
"Okay," Dalen replied with a smile. He nodded as he raised one hand ima gesture of invitation. "Go ahead, Father Savier. Please make your move."
Chapter 2274
"Isn't Dalen being overly confident by not using the EvaIncantation to face an ascetic priest head-on?" Aurora frowned. She had been rooting for him, but this unexpected decision caught her off guard.
"I don't think he's being reckless. If he agrees to this, he must have a solid plan," Alicia said thoughtfully.
While she didn't fully grasp Dalen's strategy, she could sense his strength. Nevertheless, his overconfidence was a cause for concern.
"Okay, kid. Let's see how capable you are." On the battle ring, Thaddeus twirled his long blade. His true energy surged and filled the space with his imposing presence.
The Voidcleaver in his hand emitted a blue glow and a low, ominous hum, with arcs of energy flickering around the blade. It was a daunting sight.
Facing Thaddeus' charged attack, Dalen stood with one hand behind his back and the other lightly holding a folding fan.
His expression remained serene. He seemed unaffected even under the weight bearing down on him.
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"Stormstir Thunderstrike!" Thaddeus shouted. He slashed Dalen with his fully charged Voidcleaver.
As the blade descended, a sudden thunderclap erupted and shook everyone. The spectators were startled, and they immediately covered their ears.
At that moment, a massive blade aura crackling with lightning sliced through the air toward Dalen. The strike was earth-shattering.
Accompanied by a thunderous roar, the blade's aura carried a bone-chilling gust of wind even before reaching Dalen. His hair stood on end, robes fluttering, and he involuntarily narrowed his eyes.
"Impressive swordsmanship!" Dalen smirked and stood his ground without flinching. With a simple wrist turn, he used his folding fan as a sword to meet the incoming blade aura.
His strike seemed ordinary, lacking terrifying power, icy chill, or lethal intent. It was a straightforward stab and appeared insignificant compared to Thaddeus's mighty strike.
"Kid! Let's see how you're going to survive that!” "If this pretty boy doesn't use his defensive skills, Father Savier will take him down in one move." "Hmph! He's like a moth flying into a flame. He's asking for trouble." Many male spectators sneered as they watched Dalen's feeble-looking counterattack. They were anticipating his defeat.
Thaddeus's strike was more powerful than before. Without using the EvaIncantation, Dalen's petite frstood no chance against it.
With all eyes on them, their attacks finally collided.
There was a loud explosion, followed by a blinding burst of light. In an instant, fierce winds howled, and thunder roared.
When Dalen's folding fan met the blade aura, it inexplicably split. The large blade aura shattered like glass. It rained down as countless shards, which resembled a mesmerizing blue storm.
"What?" Thaddeus was stunned by the sight before him.
His Stormstir Thunderstrike was even more powerful and intimidating than the previous Frostfire Strike.
The Frostfire Strike combined ice and fire. On the contrary, the Stormstir Thunderstrike was pure lightning. It had a paralyzing effect that even a grandmaster martial artist would struggle to counter.
Thaddeus couldn't believe his eyes when Dalen effortlessly shattered the Stormstir Thunderstrike with a flick of his fan. What unnerved him even more was Dalen's calm demeanor.
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Dalen hadn't exerted noticeable energy or force, as his attack seemed like an ordinary move. Thaddeus's uke an unease deepened when he realized Dalen hadn't used his full strength. Thaddeus wondered if this handsome, almost otherworldly figure was a grandmaster martial artist in disguise.
Before he had tto dwell on this revelation, Dalen launched another attack. After shattering the blade NO aura, Dalen pressed on without pause. He wielded his folding fan like a sword and thrust at Thaddeus. The movement seemed simple and harmless, yet Thaddeus' eyes twitched, and fear gripped his heart.
"I don't believe you're that powerful." Thaddeus gritted his teeth. He suppressed his racing heart and struck again.
"Mountain Defenco!" he roared. His muscles bulged, and veins popped on his skin. His true energy surged like a tidal wave, and he channeled it into his Voidcleaver.
The blade trembled violently and emitted a thunderous hum. The intense blue light that had burst forth now condensed into a brilliant glow just an inch from the blade's edge.
Thaddeus' blade energy formed into a blade aura-a technique of the grandmasters.
"Go to hell!" He gripped the hilt with both hands and swung at Dalen's head with all his might He put everything into that strike, even staking his life on it. It was do or die-no other choice. âc
Chapter 2275
Dalen had provoked Thaddeus. When Thaddeus unleashed a powerful strike at the cost of his own lifespan, he
pushed his cultivation to its limits. At that moment, he finally broke through and beca grandmaster martial
artist.
With the prowess of a grandmaster, he executed his strongest technique- Mountain Defenco. Hence, this strike
was the deadliest move he had ever delivered.
Thaddeus was confident that even if Dalen were a grandmaster martial artist, he wouldn't be able to withstand
the attack unscathed.
A powerful blue blade aura, accompanied by wind and thunder, surged toward Dalen with overwhelming force.
Wherever it passed, skies darkened, thunder roared, and it seemed capable of cataclysmic destruction.
However, Dalen remained unfazed. He calmly opened his folding fan and gently waved it at the incoming blue
blade aura.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze lifted into the air. It met the blue blade aura head-on, like a mouse trying to stop an
elephant.
Thaddeus’s blade aura was immensely destructive and formidable. In contrast, Dalen’s gentle breeze seemed
weak and delicate.
The difference between them was like a tsunami compared to mere waves. Just when spectators expected
Thaddeus to kill Dalen, an unexpected scene unfolded.
Thaddeus’s blade aura shattered instantly upon contact with Dalen’s gentle breeze. There was no warning, no
resistance, not even a sound.
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With a casual flick of his fan, Dalen effortlessly dispersed Thaddeus’s most powerful attack. The fragments of the
blade aura shimmered with blue light, drizzling down from the sky in a mesmerizing display.
Thaddeus was shocked, and his eyes widened in disbelief. The spectators were just as stunned, Their mouths
hanging open as they tried to make sense of what they had just seen.
Thaddeus had unleashed an attack that only a grandmaster martial artist could pull off. They were sure he could
dominate the competitors in Group B.
Dalen should have struggled to withstand such an attack, even with the protection of the EvaIncantation. He
should have sustained serious injuries.
Surprisingly, he intercepted the attack and effortlessly shattered it by waving his folding fan. The fan seemed
ordinary, without any distinguishing features. He waved it casually as if swatting away a fly.
This seemingly simple gesture had an astonishing effect. It sent shivers down the spines of many grandmaster
martial artists present.
The spectators wouldn't have believed it if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes. They were baffled by how
such a gentle movement could unleash such tremendous power. Just how strong was Dalen?
A hush fell over the surroundings. As they watched, the blue rain began to drizzle from the sky. Many spectators
felt like they were dreaming, finding the scene almost surreal.
“How... How is this possible? You...” Thaddeus was too shocked to speak. He was utterly confused.
How had his all-out strike been effortlessly intercepted? How did Dalen, who looked to be in his 20s, possess
such incredible strength?
Thaddeus felt like he had been toyed with from start to finish. Was this the difference in their abilities?
After 30 years of grueling training, enduring countless hardships and torments, he believed his strength was
formidable enough to make a nfor himself in the battle ring. At that moment, he realized there was always
someone stronger, and he was still too weak.
In the face of true genius, Thaddeus’ abilities were simply not enough. He sensed that Dalen hadn't exerted
himself fully from start to finish.
To Dalent, all Thaddeus’ attacks seemed like clumsy attempts. This realization stirred a deep sense of defeat
within him.
« . , ”
Father Savier, there's one last move,
Dalen said with a [Qe yieappeived
ol ye{his Yop sure only made
him inscrutable. The content is on
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chapter there!
Suddenly, Thaddeus shuddered and
spat outa moh oEgocutis hg
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J. : .
fares aQuidnit fake’ tne strain, and he
collapsed on the battle ring. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
His face was ashen and devoid of any will to continue the fight. He knew he had lost. Continuing would only
bring him more disgrace.
) q
Dalen’s strength was overwhelming.
If he wanted to, he could have easily
finished the fgie Vek bd had shown
Thabltieus enough respect by not
going for a brutal knockout. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
Thaddeus understood that to push further would be ungrateful and foolish. Lying on the battle ring, he stared at
the blue sky.
With great difficulty and a bitter heart, he uttered, “I... concede.”
Chapter 2276
Thaddeus was defeated. After risking his life and mustering his final strength for one decisive blow, Dalen
effortlessly overwhelmed him.
Thaddeus had lost his will to fight. His body could endure no more, and he feared Dalen’s unpredictable prowess.
Despite Dalen’s youth, his cultivation was ten times stronger than Thaddeus’. Even when Thaddeus gave
everything he had, he couldn't penetrate Dalen’s defenses.
It was an overwhelming sense of despair. Even in his prime, Thaddeus wouldn't have had the confidence to
continue the match.
Thaddeus’ words prompted the referee to declare the final result, “Contestant Number 5 concedes. Contestant
Number 19 is the winner!”
The arena echoed with cries of despair, curses, and insults.
“Dammit! What a useless ascetic priest. He couldn't even handle a pretty boy. Such a disgrace.”
“Father Savier? He should call himself a jester! All talk and no skill. What a waste!”
“Screw you! You madelose everything. Why don’t you just die already!”
Sdisgruntled gamblers who lost their bets were furious and cursed loudly. They had high hopes for
Thaddeus to win, so they went in and hoped for a big comeback.
At first, things looked promising. However, as the fight progressed, Thaddeus grew weaker. By the end, he hadn't
landed a single hit on Dalen and had exhausted himself.
“What a complete waste!” they grumbled. They wouldn't have bet a dif they had known Thaddeus was such
a weakling. Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets, so they could only vent their anger with curses.
“Who would've thought Dalen would win? Dr. Rhys certainly has a sharp eye, “Alicia said, smiling.
Initially, she had doubted Dalen’s abilities. After all, Thaddeus displayed remarkable strength comparable to that
of a grandmaster martial artist.
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Despite Thaddeus’ aggressive attacks, he couldn’t gain the upper hand against Dalen and eventually had to
admit defeat.
While Thaddeus looked weak, keen observers could tell that Dalen’s cultivation was significantly more advanced.
Despite Thaddeus’ best efforts, Dalen effortlessly thwarted each move with calm and composure. This
highlighted the significant gap in their abilities.
“Yeah, he won. But something feels off. “Aurora scratched her head in confusion.
Thaddeus’ attacks were fierce and intimidating, yet Dalen’s responses seemed oddly passive. He either
defended or countered but never took the initiative to attack. It was as if Thaddeus was punching a pillow with
all his might.
Even though she knew Dalen was stronger, the match lacked the excitement of an intense clash she had
imagined.
“Dalen is more than meets the eye,” Fenley said. “He might seem as harmless as a lamb, but underneath that
facade, he’s a fierce tiger. When he bares his fang, he’s lethal.”
“Oh?” Alicia raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. “If you hold him in such high regard, Dalen must be even
more formidable than we thought.”
She knew he had high standards and rarely acknowledged ordinary martial artists. Only geniuses caught his
attention.
To earn Fenley’s respect meant Dalen stood out among the rising stars of the Celestial Alliance. After hearing
Fenley’s assessment, Alicia couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and curiosity.
“If I'm not mistaken, Dalen’s strength could match up with the tenth-ranked expert on the Legendary List,”
Fenley said.
“What? The tenth-ranked expert on the Legendary List?” Aurora's eyes widened in surprise.
The Legendary List featured the top talents in Dragonmarsh, and each was a dominant force in the martial world.
Compared to them, someone like Thaddeus was just a small fry.
She acknowledged Dalen was strong.
He was much stronger than ot
Thaddeus, but glaimirighe'could rival
Je) th tshth-ranked expert on the
Legendary List, seemed hard to
believe. The content is on
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chapter there!
“Fenley, do you have that much faith in Dalen?” Alicia asked, equally surprised.
) a
She couldn't understand why Dustin
and Fenley valued Dalen so highin
),
when he hadqt shod any
eRrBordhsty skills. She wondered
what was the secret behind their
confidence in Dalen. The content is
on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
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« .
Dalen achieved grandmaster status
in martial arts by the age of 20.
as )
Additionally, he's TestEeditie Atof
hid
defensdech ique known as the
EvaIncantation. These
accomplishments alone set him
”
apart,” Fenley remarked thoughtfully.
He continued, “And this is what we know about him. There are still aspects of Dalen that have yet to be
disclosed.
“Given his Shadow Citadel's background, it wouldn't be surprising for them to nurture a talent ranked in the top
ten on the Legendary List.”
Suddenly, he turned to Dustin and smiled. “Dr. Rhys, what do you think?”
Chapter 2277
“Me?” Dustin was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected Fenley to steer the conversation toward him.
Still, he nodded and said, “Sir Hudson is right. With Dalen’s talent and strength, he definitely has what it takes to
challenge the top ten in the Legendary List.”
Dustin had a lot of faith in Dalen.
“Since he can earn such high praise from both of you, he must be someone worth keeping an eye on,” Alicia said
thoughtfully.
Unfortunately, Dalen was from the Shadow Citadel. She might have convinced him to join the Celestial Alliance if
he had cfrom a smaller guild.
“A handsand capable talent like him is a rare find these days,” Aurora remarked. Her eyes were sparkling
with interest.
While she wasn’t instantly smitten with Dalen, his striking looks certainly made her take a second glance.
“We win. Crystal, did you see that? Mr. Shade won.” Ruby jumped up excitedly when Dalen’s victory was
announced.
Her joy cfrom his win and her successful bet. The thrill of winning big from such a small wager was simply
exhilarating.
“Crystal, you've got a keen eye. Mr. Shade actually won.” Miles, sitting beside her, beamed with joy.
He was grateful he had followed her advice and bet on Dalen. Otherwise, he would have suffered another big
loss.
His only regret was not going all in. Now, he felt a twinge of disappointment.
“Mr. Shade not only won, but he did so effortlessly. He's even more formidable than | imagined.” Crystal
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narrowed her eyes. Her expression was complicated.
She had always suspected Dalen was strong, though it was only a hunch since she hadn’t seen him in action. But
after the match, she realized he had achieved Grandmaster level. His strength was simply astounding.
At that moment, she felt defeated once again. First Dustin, and now Dalen. Both had becher friends on her
journey, yet their abilities were genuinely astonishing.
She had once considered herself a prodigy for reaching halfway to Grandmaster at such a young age-a
remarkable achievement. But compared to Dustin and Dalen, her skills were barely worth mentioning.
“Yay! My honey won. He's amazing.”
“You're the best, honey. Let's start a family.”
“You're so handsome. Look at me.”
Dalen’s victory ignited a wave of joy among his fans, who were already swooning over his charm. Cheers of ”
Honey” and excited screams echoed through the stands; their voices were loud enough to drown out the entire
arena.
For these fans, his appeal wasn’t merely about his appearance. It was the combination of his good looks and
excellent skill that drove them wild.
Under the spotlight, Dalen made a cool exit while Thaddeus stumbled off amidst a chorus of boos. It was a
classic case of “to the victor go the spoils”.
The winner was praised, while the loser was met with jeers.
The battle ring beca stage for fierce clashes as the match continued. One by one, talented elites began to
shine.
Meanwhile, Abigail's betting ring operation was booming. With every match result, the winners celebrated, and
the losers cursed their luck.
“The next match is Number 8 versus Number 22. Contestants, please cup on the battle ring,” the referee
announced as the previous match ended.
“Number 8?” Aurora glanced at the number tag around her waist. She was momentarily stunned before jumping
up excitedly. “It’s my turn! I'm Number 8.”
She and Alicia had signed up for the
tournament and were shortlisted for
Group B. Since Alig was. ill”
ceri and unable to participate,
Aurora was the only one able to
compete. The content is on
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chapter there!
“Aurora, make sure you shine out there and don’t let Celestial Alliance down,” Alicia encouraged with a smile.
“Don’t worry. I've been preparing hard for this. I'm about to leave my mark,” Aurora replied confidently.
After watching countless matches,
she was eager to flaunt her skills and
make a memorable db fm he
battle Ny With that in mind, she
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strutted confidently toward the battle
ring. The content is on
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chapter there!
On the other side of the battle ring, Crystal rose to her feet. She had the number 22 tag around her waist.
“Crystal, | know contestant Number 8. She’s Aurora Marshall, daughter of the Celestial Alliance guildmaster,”
Miles said.
With a serious expression, he reminded her, “I've heard she’s incredibly talented and strong. Just be cautious
when you go up against her.”
“Don’t worry. I've got this,” Crystal replied calmly. She tightened her grip on her sword as she strode toward the
battle ring.
These two striking women
] 5 )
immediately captured everyone's
attention. While theogameént
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featuredriany emale martial artists,
it was uncommon to encounter
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them. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Chapter 2278
“Oh? It's them?” Dustin was surprised and raised an eyebrow when he saw Aurora and Crystal step onto the
battle ring.
He knew they had signed up for the tournament, but he hadn't expected them to face off against each other.
One was a skilled disciple of the Sword Union, while the other was the daughter of the Celestial Alliance’s
guildmaster, Alloy.
This elite showdown between two major guilds would be quite a spectacle.
“Fenley, do you think Aurora has a shot at winning?” Alicia asked suddenly.
He shook his head and replied, “It’s hard to say.”
He continued, “Aurora’s opponent isn’t someone to underestimate. If I'm not mistaken, she’s a Sword Union
disciple. Her sharp gaze and strong presence suggest her cultivation is quite advanced.”
“A Sword Union disciple? That sounds like trouble,” Alicia said, frowning.
Despite their small numbers, members of the Sword Union were carefully hand -picked elites. They shouldn't be
underestimated, regardless of age or gender.
In the past, there was a conflict between the Celestial Alliance and the Sword Union. This left many Celestial
Alliance members with lingering psychological trauma. The mere mention of the Sword Union made them wary.
Aurora already stood out among her peers with her remarkable talent honed through dedicated training under
Alloy. Alicia knew her sister could easily defeat ordinary martial artists, but confronting a disciple of the Sword
Union presented a much tougher challenge.
“With a stunning beauty on each side, today’s match is absolutely thrilling.”
“One’s fiery, and the other's icy. Both are stunning in their own unique way. | can’t pick between them. It's a
tough decision.”
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“Only kids pick sides. | want both!”
“Do you think this is a beauty contest? Get real! Do you really think you have a shot with women like them? Take
a good look at yourself in the mirror.”
Aurora and Crystal's entrance stirred the spectators into a frenzy. The young men, in particular, couldn’t contain
their excitement. They openly declare their love.
Female martial artists were already rare, and such beauties were even more uncommon, Each of them alone
would have attracted attention. But two gorgeous women were about to face off in the battle ring, which drew
even more attention.
Many were eager to see these beauties in action. Seven hoped for a spectacle that would be a feast for
their eyes. With that anticipation, the spectators grew excited.
“I'm Aurora Marshall from the Celestial Alliance.” After stepping into the battle ring, Aurora nodded respectfully
toward Crystal, who stood opposite her.
Aurora was dressed in a red outfit, her hair tied back in a ponytail. She looked incredibly sharp and confident.
Her smile made many of the male spectators’ hearts race.
“Con, everyone! It's a beauty showdown! This rare event calls for your bets!” Abigail shouted
enthusiastically from below the battle ring.
Upon hearing her call, the crowd rushed forward to place their bets to support their favorite contestants.
The vibrant scene left Abigail beaming. It was clear that the appeal of beautiful contestants was a powerful draw.
She made a mental note to use this strategy more in the future.
“Ruby, should we place our bet too?” Miles, seated in the audience, felt restless. He had becaddicted to
gambling and felt uneasy whenever he skipped placing a bet. Past losses had made him more cautious.
“Of course we should!” she exclaimed confidently. “We should support Crystal.”
She grabbed a small bag of celestial stones and approached the outdoor betting table. Slamming it down, she
shouted, “Number 22, all in!”
“Huh? All in?” Miles was shocked. His eyes were twitching. He had meticulously saved up celestial stones, and
staking everything felt like a daring gamble.
“Miles, what are you waiting for? Place your bet!” Ruby urged. She had unwavering confidence in Crystal.
“Okay. I'll bet...” His voice trailed off. He hesitantly pulled a handful of celestial stones from his bag and placed
them on Number 22.
“Is that it? Don’t you trust Crystal?” Ruby frowned, clearly annoyed.
« » . . q
Of course | do,” Miles replied with a
g GEAR
forced smile. “With her advaneedn
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90 % chance of winning.” The content
is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
Follow on sunniworlds.blogspot.com
chapter there!
“Then, you should go all in.”
Before he could react, Ruby snatched the bag of celestial stones from his grasp and slammed it onto the betting
table.
Miles was startled. Just as he was about to reach for the stones, the dealer had already taken them.
His heart sank with a feeling of
despair washing over him. Thos,
celestial stones ment everything to
ET Rekha meant losing any
chance to recover from his mounting
debts. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
He had planned to play it safe and
bet only on sure wins. But Ris m
CaUtiouR SHEdy We teh for
Ruby s impulsiveness. If he lost this
time, he would be left with nothing.
i
Chapter 2279
"Miles, don't worry. You know how strong Crystal is. Handling that little missy should be a piece of cake!" Ruby said.
Seeing the concern on his face, she couldn't help but offer sreassurance. “Relax, Crystal will definitely win this match. Trust me." Crystal wasn't just naturally talented but also extremely diligent. She has prepared thoroughly for the Combat Tournament.
While winning the championship wasn't guaranteed, Ruby was confident Crystal would advance to Group A and compete against the top talents.
"I hope so," he said with a forced smile.
He had full confidence in Crystal's abilities. He would bet everything on her if she faced a slightly weaker opponent. But her opponent was Aurora -the daughter of Alloy, guildmaster of the Celestial Alliance.
Aurora had been rigorously trained since childhood. So, she matched Crystal in cultivation level, combat skills, and secret techniques.
With these two facing off, it was hard to predict who would win. Miles could only hope Crystal would be the champion.
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"Con, Faith. Let's place our bets too." Alicia tugged Grace toward the betting ring. She intended to wager all her celestial stones on Aurora.
For Alicia, winning or losing the celestial stones didn't matter since she only wanted to support her sister. Spectators had already taken sides even before Aurora and Crystal's match began. One group cheered for the fiery Aurora, while the other favored Crystal, the icy maiden.
Cheers erupted from both groups, and the excitement filled the air.
In the battle ring, two women looked at each other from a distance.
"I'm Aurora Marshall of the Celestial Alliance," Aurora greeted first with a nod.
She wore a red outfit. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail. She looked confident, and her smile captivated many male spectators.
"I'm Crystal Wesley from the Sword Union," Crystal replied. Her expression was cold as usual.
"Oh? So, you're a disciple of the Sword Union?" Aurora's eyes narrowed, and she looked serious.
She added, "I've heard that Sword Union disciples are highly skilled and renowned for exceptional swordsmanship. Today, I'd like to see it for myself." With that, she slowly unsheathed her dual crescent blades from her waist. They gleamed silver-white, and their curved forms were radiant under the sunlight. It was a truly remarkable weapon.
Crystal didn't say much. She simply drew her sword and uttered, “Let's begin." Her sword, three feet three inches long, gleamed like freshly fallen snow. A chill radiated from its edge.
"Better watch out!" Aurora warned before darting forward like a swallow in flight.
Her movements were swift and unpredictable as she weaved back and forth toward Crystal, her erratic footwork making it hard to anticipate her next move. This was the renowned Celestial Alliance technique, Quickstrike Steps, known for its agility and balanced offense-defense capabilities. Its rapid acceleration in close quarters made it distinctive, as it often caught the opponents off guard with sudden bursts of speed.
"Quickstrike Steps?" Crystal narrowed her eyes as she instantly recognized Aurora's technique.
She slashed diagonally without hesitation. More than a dozen sword shadows burst out and swept toward Aurora. Spectators gasped as the shadows sliced through the air with a fierce wind.
As expected from an elite disciple of the Sword Union, Crystal's swordsmanship was extraordinary. e..
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Po Evema casual strike carried such terrifying power. An ordinary martial artist would likely be defeated with just one of those strikes.
Facing the oncoming sword shadows, Aurora chose not to block them. Instead, she instantly 0 M accelerated and created several afterimages. With the agility of Quickstrike Steps, she easily dodged the attack. Taking advantage of the opening, Aurora closed the distance between them. With a crescent blade in each hand, she made sweeping cuts.
Crystal's eyes narrowed. She instinctively leaned back to dodge the horizontal strikes, then countered with a vertical sword strike.
The sword and dual blades clashed in midair. Sparks flew, and a shockwave of true energy rippled through the air. Upon impact, they quickly stepped back.
From the brief exchange, both assessed each other's strengths, m They were evenly matched in terms of skill and cultivation, and neither could gain the upper hand in a direct confrontation. The match would test their experience, techniques, and hidden strategies. Ultimately, the secret moves they had yet to reveal would determine the victor.
"Again!" Fueled by her competitive spirit, Aurora launched another attack after her initial strike missed.
This time, her Quickstrike Steps were lightning-fast. She blurred into motion and charged at Crystal with her crescent blade gleaming ominously.
Chapter 2280
Aurora's strikes were swift, but Crystal's reflexes matched them. As Aurora's crescent blades sliced through the air, Crystal's sword was already in motion.
"Windbreaker Slash!" Crystal called out as her longsword trembled violently. A flurry of sword shadows appeared and clashed fiercely against Aurora's dual blades like a raging wind.
The metallic clangs echoed as Aurora's attack was instantly deflected.
Crystal lunged forward from behind the dissipating shadows and aimed her sword at Aurora's chest and abdomen.
With the remaining shadows masking her move, the thrust was silent and undetectable. It was deceptively harmless but filled with hidden danger.
"Aurora, watch out!" Alicia's expression changed.
She recognized Crystal's skill in swordsmanship and extensive combat experience. With a single deceptive move, Crystal shifted from defense to offense and took control of the match.
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"Huh?" Aurora's eyes widened in shock. She didn't need Alicia's warning, as her instincts had already kicked in. She leaned back sharply and crossed her blades in front of her chest just in tto dodge the incoming strike. A harsh screech of metal rang out as Crystal's sword scraped against Aurora's blades, sending a shower of sparks flying.
Aurora locked Crystal's sword between her dual blades like scissors. With a quick twist of her body, she delivered a powerful kick aimed at Crystal's lower abdomen.
As Alloy's daughter, Aurora had undergone extensive training. Her mastery of blade techniques was exceptional, and her hand-to-hand combat skills were equally impressive.
She had mastered multiple martial arts styles with no discernible weaknesses. She was confident she could defeat her opponent even without her weapons.
When Aurora's kick landed, Crystal countered with her foot. The impact echoed with a dull thud before they both stepped back.
The brief exchange had left neither with an advantage.
"Impressive skills for a disciple of the Sword Union," Aurora remarked. "But now, get ready to witness the ultimate technique of the Celestial Alliance!" With a swift motion, Aurora brought the hilts of her dual blades together. A twist followed a sharp click, and the two crescent blades fused into a singular, strange, S-shaped weapon.
"Watch closely!" Aurora gripped the hilt with her right hand and flung it toward Crystal.
The S-shaped weapon spun wildly, leaving a blur of afterimages as it hurtled toward Crystal with astonishing speed.
As Aurora hurled her weapon, she sprang forward like a leopard. At spoint, she had slipped on a pair of silver gloves.
The gloves, though appearing soft as silk, were made from the extremely rare mithril, making it impervious to weapons and immune to fire and water. They were perfect for both defense and attack.
As the strange, spinning weapon whirled toward her like a fan, Crystal wasn't sure how to deflect it. Instead of confronting it head-on, she swiftly dodged to the side.
Aurora saw her chance and closed the distance. She swiftly delivered a powerful punch aimed at Crystal's chest.
Undeterred, Crystal countered with a thrust of her longsword straight at Aurora's throat. After all, she had the upper hand with her longsword.
She knew Aurora would be vulnerable without her weapon. Aurora would likely be impaled before her punch could land.
But Aurora anticipated the move. Instead of dodging or retreating, her other hand grabbed Crystal's sword. Since the mithril gloves protected her, the sword failed to inflict injury.
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"How naive." Crystal arched an eyebrow as her longsword quivered in her grip. Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted and shook Aurora's hand. The sword writhed like a serpent before striking again.
Just as the sword seemed poised to strike, a sharp whistle pierced the air. Crystal sensed imminent danger and swiftly ducked.
The strange weapon Aurora had thrown earlier spun through the air and veered back toward Crystal. It nearly grazed Crystal's head and cut off a strand of her hair. "Fuck! That was close!" The spectators gasped in surprise.
Crystal's lightning-fast reflexes narrowly saved her from the fused blades' deadly return. It was a blow that could have seriously injured her.
"Damn! Aurora is cunning. Crystal almost fell into her trap." Miles was startled, and his heart was racing.
"First, Aurora used her weapon to attract attention. Then, she launched ther a close-range attack to divert opponent's attention before aiming for a decisive blow with the weapon returning to her. "She's so unpredictable. It looks like Crystal has finally met her match today! "Ruby's expression turned serious. Unlike her usual restless energy, she becunusually focused. She realized that Aurora, Alloy's daughter, was not someone to underestimate.
"Aurora was so close." Alicia sighed.
She acknowledged Crystal's remarkable skill. Aurora's surprise lethal attack had consistently prevailed against opponents of similar caliber.
Aurora had hoped to capitalize on this advantage to defeat Crystal, but her quick reaction thwarted the plan. It was clear this would be a challenging battle.
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