CHAPTER 2646: A DUEL OF FATE
The arena stood still.
Elias, holding his sword with calm grace, smiled faintly as he faced his opponent, Billy. "Junior Brother Billy, I didn’t expect us to meet so soon. It seems today’s internal battle is inevitable."
Although Billy was a prodigious genius admired by many, Elias was no ordinary man either. He had always remained low-key, disliking fame, preferring to cultivate in silence. This tournament wasn’t about seeking glory. For him, it was a test—an opportunity to measure his true strength. He understood that locking oneself in a room for cultivation leads to stagnation. Only by crossing swords with masters could one truly see the limits of their power.
“You’re not my match. Surrender,” Billy said coldly.
As fellow disciples, he was reluctant to deal a fatal blow.
Elias' smile remained unchanged. “How can we know who's stronger if we don’t fight, Junior Brother? I've been in the Thunderstrike Sword Alliance a few years longer than you. Though you are the chosen one, I'm no slouch. If you want to defeat me, it won't be as easy as you think.”
“Your level is lacking. Don’t waste your effort.” Billy’s voice was emotionless.
His sharp eyes saw through Elias' current state. Elias had reached the Grandmaster realm, nearing perfection stage. In any other situation, someone of Elias's caliber could establish their own sect and dominate a region. But to face him, Billy thought, Elias was still not quite there.
"Sometimes, the level of cultivation doesn't tell the whole story," Elias responded, his tone calm and measured. "In our Thunderstrike Sword Alliance, defeating opponents of higher cultivation has become quite common."
A flash of annoyance passed through Billy’s eyes. "Are you comparing me to those weaklings?"
"Of course not." Elias shook his head with a smile. "You’re ranked first on the Whiz List. I have nothing but respect for you. But I hope you understand—there’s always someone stronger, and underestimating your opponent can be dangerous."
"My sword, once drawn, demands blood. If we fight, I won’t hold back. Think carefully," Billy warned, giving Elias one last chance.
Normally, he wouldn’t bother talking so much. He’d strike without hesitation. But Elias was his senior, and out of respect, Billy showed some restraint.
"I've stepped onto this platform fully prepared. Show me your sword. Let’s see whose swordsmanship reigns supreme," Elias replied, drawing his sword slowly.
The blade gleamed in the sunlight, its silver edge sharp as ice. It was no ordinary weapon, and its brilliance was blinding.
"Very well, then."
Billy, wasting no more time, acted instantly.
With a single point of his sword finger, a piercing sword light shot forth from his fingertip, aiming straight for Elias's chest. The light moved like a bolt of lightning—so fast it left no room for defense. Many had fallen to this very technique. In fact, just recently, a martial grandmaster had been slain by this deadly sword light.
“Sword Finger?” Elias' eyes narrowed.
Without hesitation, he lifted his sword, slicing downward with precision.
Boom!
A loud explosion echoed through the arena.
Elias' silver sword met Billy's sword light head-on, splitting it cleanly in two, causing the deadly energy to shatter into fragments.
CHAPTER 2647: CLASH OF BLADES
In the arena, the atmosphere crackled with tension. Billy's sword aura surged forward, slicing through the air with incredible speed. Yet, Elias was even quicker, his response lightning-fast.
In a swift exchange, neither combatant gained the upper hand.
“Hmph!” Billy grunted, refusing to back down. He raised his right hand and flicked his fingers three times.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three beams of sword light erupted, each imbued with tremendous force, targeting Elias' head and torso. These strikes were noticeably faster and far more powerful than before.
Elias remained calm, wielding his silver sword with grace. With a series of elegant sweeps, he unleashed a torrent of silver light.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The sounds of explosions echoed as Elias shattered each beam with precision and decisiveness. His movements flowed like water, elegant and carefree.
To withstand Billy's assault at such a level was no small feat.
“Billy, my junior brother, show me what you’ve really got! Attacks like these won’t even scratch me...” Elias smiled confidently, but before he could finish, Billy lifted his hand and made a slicing motion through the air.
Boom!
With a resounding blast, a gigantic golden sword appeared in the sky, descending ominously.
The massive blade measured about ten meters long and three meters wide, resembling a mountain in its intimidating presence. As it sliced down from the sky, the entire arena shook, enveloped by an overwhelming aura of destruction.
The spectators below felt their breaths hitch, as if a massive weight pressed down on their chests, leaving them gasping for air.
“What terrifying pressure! Such fierce sword energy!” they gasped, eyes wide in horror at the slowly descending golden sword.
The sheer power exhibited by a mere gesture was awe-inspiring and frightening.
Hmm?
On the stage, Elias' expression shifted. The smile vanished, replaced by a look of grave concern. Though the giant sword fell slowly, it had already locked onto him. No amount of dodging would matter; it was destined to strike him down.
He had but one choice left: to face the attack head-on and counteract it preemptively.
"Salute to the Phoenix" Elias gritted his teeth, casting aside any hesitation. He immediately unleashed his ultimate move.
Suddenly, his body began to spin, creating a fierce whirlwind around him.
In an instant, a semi-transparent phoenix emerged, shimmering into existence before the crowd.
CHAPTER 2648 THE ARENA OF FLAMES
In the heart of the arena, a fiery phoenix flickered to life, its crimson form glowing as brightly as the sun. Its wings, vibrant and alive, radiated an otherworldly brilliance.
“Aang!”
As the massive golden sword descended with thunderous force, the phoenix let out a piercing cry. With a powerful flap of its wings, it soared upward, charging straight into the attack.
The crowd held its breath as the red and gold energies collided in a spectacular explosion.
BOOM!!
The sound echoed like a crack of thunder, shaking the very ground beneath their feet. An overwhelming wave of explosive energy erupted, sweeping outward with the force of a cataclysm.
The protective barrier surrounding the arena trembled under the strain, glowing with a brilliant blue light, sending ripples through the air as if it might shatter at any moment.
“What terrifying pressure! Is this the power of the top-tier warriors? It’s truly extraordinary!”
“I can understand the strength of Billy, but I never imagined that the seemingly unremarkable Elias could unleash such fearsome might. This is astonishing!”
“Indeed! Every disciple of the Thunderstrike Sword Alliance is exceptional in their own right!”
The audience buzzed with excitement, their chatter a mix of awe and admiration. Both Billy's golden sword and Elias's phoenix illusion had reached a level that left them in wonder. Without the protective formation, they would likely have been overwhelmed by the residual force of the clash.
As the dust settled, the scene on the stage shifted. Billy remained stoic, standing unwavering in his original spot. His expression was cold, his clothes pristine, showing no signs of disturbance.
In stark contrast, Elias bore a serious expression, sweat beading on his forehead. His grip on the sword trembled uncontrollably.
What was most alarming was the shallow pit that had formed beneath his feet—a crater spanning three meters across. Cracks radiated outwards, stretching five to six meters from the epicenter.
“Huff...”
Elias's breath came heavier now as he struggled to suppress the recoil surging through his arms. Though his Phoenix technique had shattered Billy's descending sword, he hadn’t gained any advantage from it. In fact, he found himself at a disadvantage.
CHAPTER 2649 A FINAL WARNING
The power contained within that giant sword exceeded anything he could have anticipated.
At the moment of contact, he felt as if he could shatter mountains with his body alone.
What was most crucial was that this was merely a casual swing from Billy, who hadn’t even exerted his full strength.
He had to admit that Billy was far more powerful than he had imagined.
This wasn't merely a matter of skill in swordsmanship but a vast gap in their realms of strength.
“Do you still want to fight?” Billy's voice was icy.
That last strike had been a final warning.
Any intelligent person should recognize the disparity between them.
“Giving up just like that isn’t my style. Besides, my sword wouldn’t agree,” Elias said, glancing down at the silver sword in his hand. He looked back up at Billy, determination gleaming in his eyes. “I know I’m no match for you, but regardless, I must give it my all. At the very least, I want to force you to draw your sword.”
Indeed, Billy hadn’t drawn his sword from its sheath; instead, he used his hand as a substitute to attack.
Clearly, he didn’t regard Elias as a true opponent; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so dismissive.
Elias didn’t seek to defeat Billy; he simply wanted to see the man’s true power.
He wasn’t afraid of losing; he just needed to understand where he fell short and how vast their difference was.
“If I draw my sword, you will most likely die,” Billy replied, his expression unchanged.
“What joy is there in life? What fear in death? I’ve devoted my life to the sword; even if I die, I have no regrets. Draw your sword!” Elias raised his silver sword slowly, directing it at Billy with a hint of provocation.
“Very well, I shall fulfill your wish!”
There was no unnecessary chatter or wasted movements. Billy gently tapped the sword sheath.
With a swift whoosh, a golden sword soared from its case, rising like a dragon through the sky, shooting straight up into the clouds.
Then, Billy raised his sword and forcefully pressed downwards.
Whoosh!
The golden sword spun in midair before plunging down like a meteor, crashing towards Elias.
The sword moved with incredible speed, its golden light blinding, as if a scorching sun bore down, making it impossible to look up or even glance for long.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Before the sword arrived, the heavens and earth echoed with the sounds of wind and thunder, causing the entire arena to shake.
Elias felt his body grow heavy, as if a mountain pressed down on his shoulders.
The immense pressure made it difficult to breathe; his limbs began to tremble uncontrollably.
Only at that moment did he fully grasp the terror of Billy.
It was an almost invincible sword force that left no room for resistance.
It felt as if this strike could annihilate the very fabric of existence.
So powerful it was unbelievable!
Truly terrifying!
CHAPTER 2650: PHOENIX SOARS TO THE HEAVENS
"Phoenix Soars to the Heavens!"
Under immense pressure, Elias unleashed every last ounce of his potential in an instant.
His inner energy surged like tidal waves, pouring into his sword. The silver blade erupted with blinding light, radiant and intense.
In the blink of an eye, Elias merged with his sword, transforming into a colossal divine phoenix. With a piercing cry, the phoenix shot toward the golden sword that hung like a spear from the heavens.
The phoenix's feathers gleamed silver as it beat its wings, summoning powerful winds. Its sheer presence commanded awe, as if it sought to ascend beyond the clouds and dominate the skies.
For a fleeting moment, the silver phoenix hovered in the air before diving headfirst toward the golden sword.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion shook the heavens and the earth. Energy rippled out in all directions, the entire arena trembling under the force.
The protective barrier around the stage quaked violently, bending under the strain, threatening to shatter at any moment.
At the heart of the explosion, the golden sword met the phoenix’s beak.
The golden sword, like a towering mountain, pushed down on the divine phoenix. Down, and down, the pressure grew heavier.
Finally, with a resounding crash, the divine phoenix crumbled under the sword's weight, smashing into the stage below.
Dust and debris erupted into the air, rocks flying in every direction. The stage shook violently, massive cracks snaking across its surface like fissures splitting the earth.
When the dust settled, the sight left the spectators utterly speechless.
The once-grand arena, spanning a hundred meters, was now covered in deep cracks. From above, it resembled a giant spider's web.
At the very center of the stage lay a ten-meter-wide crater.
Inside the crater, Elias knelt on one knee, gasping for breath.
His robes were in tatters, his hair disheveled, his face caked in dust. Blood dripped from his hands, his grip weak and trembling.
The once-glorious silver sword had been shattered into two pieces, its brilliance long gone.
Using the broken blade as support, Elias struggled to stay upright, refusing to fall.
But after a few strained breaths, he could hold back no longer. "Urgh!" A mouthful of blood spilled from his lips, his face as pale as a sheet, his body weakened beyond measure.
On the other side of the battlefield, Billy stood unmoved. His expression remained cold and detached.
Throughout the entire battle, he hadn’t taken a single step.
Elias had lost—and lost miserably.
It was only at the moment when Billy drew his sword that Elias finally understood the immense gap between them.
CHAPTER 2651: A SWORD BEYOND TECHNIQUE
There were no flashy moves, no dazzling sword techniques—just a single downward slash that nearly took his life.
If not for the burst of potential at the last second, where he managed to perform the Phoenix Soars to the Heaven to disperse most of the sword’s force, he would be dead by now.
Before stepping onto the stage, he had been full of confidence, believing his advanced sword skills could put him on equal footing with Billy. But now, he deeply understood: in the face of absolute power, any technique was meaningless.
He couldn’t even block a single strike from Billy. How could he ever think he was worthy of challenging him?
"My goodness! Is this the strength of the number one on the Whiz List? It's terrifying!"
"Both of them are disciples of the Thunderstrike Sword Alliance, and the challenger even entered the sect a few years earlier. Yet, he couldn’t withstand even one strike from Billy—how unbelievable!"
"Judging from this, the champion of this tournament has to be Billy!"
The audience was abuzz, their eyes fixed on the formidable Billy standing triumphantly in the arena.
Was Elias weak? Of course not.
To cut through opponents and advance to the top eight was proof he was a standout among the younger generation. But even a master like him couldn’t survive a single move from Billy. It showed just how overwhelmingly strong Billy was.
This wasn’t just an ordinary gap in power; it was a chasm.
Among all the competitors, no one else displayed the same level of absolute dominance as Billy.
"What kind of monster is he? To defeat his senior brother with just one strike—too ruthless!" Liana frowned, her emotions a chaotic mix.
She had always thought that Vincent, after his breakthrough, would easily claim the championship. But Billy’s overwhelming performance just now had shaken her confidence.
"To be ranked at the top of the Whiz List—no wonder. He’s truly extraordinary," Lara thought to herself, her heart filled with awe.
Her impression of Billy had always been based on rumors. She hadn’t fully understood the depth of his strength until now. In his previous matches, his opponents hadn’t been strong enough to showcase his destructive power, even when he won.
But the sword he just unleashed made it clear to her how much weight came with being ranked first.
"A truly formidable opponent."
Vincent narrowed his eyes, his expression growing serious.
Before his breakthrough, he had admitted to being weaker than Billy. After his breakthrough, he was confident he could surpass him. But now, that confidence wavered.
It wasn’t just about the sheer power of that single sword strike—it was the ease with which Billy won.
Vincent couldn’t even be sure if Billy had gone all out just now.
And that... was the scariest part.