Fighting Orchon

Fighting Orchon

2nd Sword's emanating killing intent sent shivers down the spines of the spectators. Qin Wentian's recent victories, particularly his defeat of 2nd Sword's 3rd Night, had pushed 2nd Sword to the 6th position. His current feelings of humiliation and anger were palpable.

He yearned to end Qin Wentian's life, to extinguish the burning flames of anger within him and cleanse the stain of his consecutive defeats.

"Qin Wentian is in grave danger," many spectators thought, anticipating 2nd Sword's relentless pursuit to eliminate him.

Finally, 2nd Sword unleashed his Sword Qi, and a fearsome sword beam descended from the heavens, slashing toward Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian's agile figure flickered and vanished as the sword beam narrowly missed him, cleaving the platform. Yet, Qin Wentian remained as calm as ever, standing to the side with the ancient halberd.

2nd Sword surged toward Qin Wentian, his sword fingers creating a deluge of sword rays, resembling rivers of blades.

Qin Wentian maximized his movement technique, manifesting a faint shadow of Garuda Wings on his back. His swift movements left afterimages as the sword rays sliced through the air, obliterating everything.

"KILL!" 2nd Sword's anguished cry echoed. A sword shadow pierced toward Qin Wentian's true form.

The entire platform was engulfed in a terrifying storm as the surroundings were shredded to pieces.

Buzz. At last, Qin Wentian initiated his attack. The Azure Dragon Stance conjured an illusory azure dragon, its roar clashing against 2nd Sword's sword rays but swiftly succumbing to their sharpness.

Simultaneously, Qin Wentian unleashed a palm strike with his left hand, exerting the pressure of a mountain. The speed of his assaults left everyone in awe.

2nd Sword's sword rays resurfaced as he slashed horizontally.

Chi! Qin Wentian projected a sword light ray, flickering and ascending into the air. The crowd was shocked by Qin Wentian's boldness. Wasn't he afraid of imminent death? 2nd Sword was determined to kill him, and Qin Wentian, not yet at Yuanfu, couldn't maintain flight in the air. He had to descend sooner or later, granting 2nd Sword an ideal opportunity to attack.

However, they soon realized their mistake. In mid-air, Qin Wentian resembled a true Garuda, soaring freely. With the ferocity of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, he unleashed a barrage of attacks in an instant. Simultaneously, he launched numerous razor-sharp sword rays and sent out countless Revolving Sea Imprints with his left palm.

In an astounding display, Qin Wentian unleashed not only his ancient halberd but also executed the Falling Mountain Palms with both his feet while soaring through the air. This defied all logic, as the sheer violence of his innate techniques blanketed the entire battleground. It was as if an enraged deity was venting divine fury, overwhelming 2nd Sword to the point where even his sword strikes turned chaotic. The spectators were left utterly dumbfounded, witnessing such a relentless onslaught unleashed by a single person. They couldn't believe their eyes.

"The rate at which he's expending his Astral Energy must be astronomical, right?" The spectators exchanged astonished remarks.

2nd Sword abandoned his offensive efforts entirely, focusing solely on defense. His Sword Qi formed an impregnable barrier, so impenetrable that not even rain or wind could breach it. Even after Qin Wentian landed, the Sword Qi forcefield still shimmered brilliantly.

Yet, the crowd wore peculiar expressions on their faces. Qin Wentian's attack speed was so blistering that it seemed like 2nd Sword was the only contestant dancing wildly on the stage, appearing somewhat clownish.

Naturally, 2nd Sword was aware of this. The sword rays gradually waned as he ceased his defense. However, at that very instant, Qin Wentian seized his opportunity.

It was as if 2nd Sword had forgotten that Qin Wentian was renowned for his speed.

Indeed, 2nd Sword seemed to have forgotten the fate that befell 3rd Night.

The Great Dream Halberd Art's Mountain Splitter Stance crashed down with ruthless force. 2nd Sword's reactions slowed, as if he were trapped in a dream. The halberd shattered his feeble defense, sending his weapon hurtling through the air while the halberd continued its merciless descent, piercing his skull.

The spectators watched in stunned silence as 2nd Sword opened his mouth, seemingly about to concede defeat. But fate had no more chances to offer him. Before he could utter his surrender, his life had already reached its cruel conclusion.

"It's that stance again," murmured the spectators, their expressions frozen in shock.

The attack had been swift and ferocious, just as it was when it claimed 3rd Night's life. Now, 2nd Sword followed his fallen comrade into the abyss.

"2nd Sword was too careless. The moment he withdrew his defensive Sword Qi forcefield, Qin Wentian moved like lightning and struck like thunder, snuffing out his life," one spectator observed.

"Indeed, 2nd Sword was formidable. What a tragedy; another brilliant talent lost on the grand stage of the Jun Lin Banquet," another lamented.

Many sighed silently, recognizing that opportunities were fleeting. Had 2nd Sword known his fate, he would surely have acted differently, not exposing his murderous intent against Qin Wentian so recklessly.

With 2nd Sword's defeat, only Sikong Mingyue of Snowcloud remained.

His hatred for Qin Wentian seemed to have penetrated his very bones.

"If you seek death, I shall oblige," Qin Wentian declared, pulling his ancient halberd free from 2nd Sword's lifeless body.

2nd Sword's body tumbled unceremoniously from the platform, ending the life of the Snowcloud contestant who had once been a strong contender for a top-three spot. Today, he perished far from his homeland.

The crowd's attention shifted to Sikong Mingyue, whose body exuded intense killing intent. His sharp eyes never left Qin Wentian, his desire for vengeance undisguised.

"You had better not set foot on that first towering platform," Sikong Mingyue warned, his breath heavy. Qin Wentian had slain two Snowcloud elites because of his intent to kill Luo Huan. Sikong Mingyue could not let this go unanswered.

A fierce determination ignited within him. Part of him wished Qin Wentian would carve a path all the way to the top three ranks, so he could unleash his pent-up fury.

"Wait for me," Qin Wentian calmly replied, his gaze locked onto Sikong Mingyue.

He was determined to stand on that first towering platform with the top three rankers. Since he had missed his earlier opportunity to face Sikong Mingyue, he would strive to reach the grand stage of the Jun Lin Banquet where the strongest contenders gathered.

"Was that halberd strike Qin Wentian's secret weapon? It's undeniably powerful. He's about to face off against Hou Tie next, and despite Hou Tie's strong defense, it's likely to be shattered by Qin Wentian," speculated the spectators.

The aged figure then asked, "Do you need a break?"

"Perhaps after the next battle," Qin Wentian replied calmly.

"Very well. The next battle is between Qin Wentian and Hou Tie," the aged figure announced, and Hou Tie stepped forward to confront Qin Wentian. Hou Tie had secured the 5th position in the Jun Lin Banquet, and he never expected to encounter such a formidable challenger like Qin Wentian even at this stage.

Orchon also watched Qin Wentian closely. If he defeated Hou Tie, Qin Wentian would earn the right to face him. He hadn't foreseen that Qin Wentian, who had vanished earlier, would still have a chance to confront him.

"You are not my equal, and I don't wish to squander my energy. Would you kindly step aside?" Qin Wentian spoke to Hou Tie, his voice calm but emanating an air of dominance.

He had the audacity to suggest that Hou Tie step aside for him, a bold declaration that reverberated through the arena.

"Are you overestimating your abilities?" Hou Tie's voice turned icy. Although Qin Wentian had defeated 2nd Sword, it didn't mean he could easily best him. Hou Tie wondered if Qin Wentian was trying to mock him.

"Are you implying you can withstand my previous halberd strike?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"While your halberd attack was formidable, it doesn't mean I have no means of defending against it," Hou Tie responded after a moment of contemplation. He had witnessed Qin Wentian's assault on 2nd Sword.

"Perhaps, but have you truly experienced it yourself?" Qin Wentian's voice carried a shift in his aura. With incredible speed, he thrust the ancient halberd forward. Hou Tie's gaze locked onto the weapon as if he sensed it was unstoppable.

However, Qin Wentian didn't follow through with the attack; he merely demonstrated the futility of Hou Tie's obstinacy.

"I don't want another meaningless sacrifice. Even if you block this strike, what happens when I execute it repeatedly?" Qin Wentian questioned further.

Hou Tie fell silent, then eventually responded, "Your Astral Energy consumption for that strike must be substantial. How do you intend to continue fighting?"

"Are you suggesting you're willing to gamble your life to test the depths of my Astral Energy?" Qin Wentian countered, leaving Hou Tie at a loss for words.

The two contestants stood on the stage in tense silence. After a few breaths, Hou Tie spoke again, "I grew up in the Dark Forest, hunting countless demonic beasts. I've condensed two beast-type Astral Souls, making me unmatched among my peers. But your attacks, despite being at the 7th level of cultivation, have reached an incredible level. Can I ask you something: what halberd stance is that? What's the grade of that innate technique? And where did it originate?"

Qin Wentian responded, "It's the opening stance of the Great Dream Halberd Art, called 'Mountain Splitter.' As for the grade of this innate technique, I'm unsure because it's one I created myself."

This revelation left the audience gasping. If Qin Wentian's words were true, he was undoubtedly a cultivation prodigy, wielding a power that stemmed from his very own creation.

Hou Tie stood there, frozen in contemplation, absorbing the weight of Qin Wentian's words. Then, with a grateful bow, he spoke, "What you've achieved is beyond my reach. It appears that, despite my self-proclaimed genius status, I've been nothing more than a frog in a well, gazing at the vast sky. Participating in the Jun Lin Banquet was undoubtedly the right decision. Although this is the farthest my abilities can take me, it's a journey worth taking."

He stepped aside, accepting his limitations, and chose to concede. His decision sent ripples through the crowd, leaving many spectators stunned and moved by his humility.

Hou Tie might have appeared rough on the surface, but beneath it, he had his own dreams and principles. His surrender was a testament to his profound character.

With Hou Tie's concession, Qin Wentian effortlessly secured a place in the top five. His next opponent would be Orchon. Victory against Orchon would grant him the opportunity to compete for a spot in the coveted top three.

The spectators couldn't help but marvel at the unpredictable twists and turns of the Jun Lin Banquet's ranking battles that had unfolded before their eyes.