A Test of Courage

Ji Wuhui looked at Old Bai, a helpless smile gracing his lips. With a soft sigh, he admitted, "I never expected that after all these years, Old Bai's combat prowess remains undiminished. This match, I've lost."

As his words faded, a thin crimson line appeared across Ji Wuhui's throat. Moments later, his body dissolved into countless shimmering particles of light.

"Your Majesty, I accept your grace," Old Bai said with a smile, his own form turning into light and vanishing.

---

The two reappeared in the starting space, their previous forms restored.

The spectators—Bu Shiyi, Bu Lige, and Jiang Shengjun—stared in stunned silence.

"Wait… did Old Bai win?!" Bu Shiyi muttered in disbelief.

"How is that possible? His Majesty's strength should surpass Old Bai's! How could this happen?" Jiang Shengjun questioned, his expression puzzled.

The others were equally perplexed.

Yao Ziyan narrowed her eyes, contemplating. "Old Bai's technique emphasizes pure lethality, while Ji Wuhui's techniques seem to rely on the power of luck.

"In this arena, luck holds no sway, which might have prevented Ji Wuhui from fully unleashing his strength."

Though intangible and elusive, the concept of luck—or fortune—was undeniably real. National luck, in particular, was a tangible force.

As the emperor of the Star Empire, Ji Wuhui naturally commanded such power. His Holy Emperor Dharmakaya could only reach its full potential when bolstered by this national luck.

---

Ji Wuhui exited the Tower of Trials, nodding as he listened to Yao Ziyan's analysis. "You're absolutely correct. The absence of fortune in the arena significantly limits my abilities.

"However, if the power of luck were present, the outcome between Old Bai and me would be uncertain. Old Bai's title as the Black Spear God was earned through countless victories against the strongest warriors."

"You're too kind, Your Majesty," Old Bai replied humbly, stepping out of the Tower as well. He smiled and waved his hand. "In a real battle, I would stand no chance against you."

---

At that moment, Bu Shiyi hesitated, her expression conflicted. She seemed to want to speak but hesitated.

"Little girl of the Bu family, what's on your mind?" Old Bai asked, noticing her hesitation.

Bu Shiyi gritted her teeth and declared, "Old Bai, I want to fight you! I want to see how far I am from the realm of Pathseeker!"

Her bold words left Bu Lige and Jiang Shengjun wide-eyed with shock.

"Are you serious, sister? You're asking for trouble!" Bu Lige exclaimed, his expression a mix of disbelief and concern.

Ji Wuhui, however, burst into laughter. "Well said! As expected of the Southern Protector's bloodline—bold and courageous! Old Bai, why not give her the match she asks for?"

Bai Lao shook his head with a helpless smile. "Since Your Majesty insists, I'll entertain her request. But don't say I'm bullying the young."

At that moment, Luo Chuan's calm voice interjected, "In arena mode, the system defaults the combatants' power levels to match the weaker participant, ensuring absolute fairness."

---

Bu Shiyi and Old Bai entered the trial field together.

They found themselves in a dense forest, the sunlight filtering through the canopy of leaves.

Old Bai's brows rose in mild surprise as he sensed his reduced power. "The fifth rank of Soul Dominion! Little girl, your talent is extraordinary. Even across the entire Azure Continent, you would stand among the top prodigies."

Bu Shiyi smiled faintly, her confidence unwavering. "Old Bai, I apologize in advance for any offense."

A powerful aura surged around her, sharp and focused like a blade drawn from its sheath. Her movements were swift and precise as she lunged forward, her sword gleaming.

"Young people should have such determination," Old Bai said approvingly, sidestepping her strike effortlessly.

Whoosh!

The air crackled as her blade narrowly missed its mark. Without pause, Bu Shiyi transitioned seamlessly, turning her thrust into a sweeping slash aimed at Old Bai.

Bai Lao's hand flicked out casually, his fingers lightly tapping the blade near its hilt.

Bu Shiyi's expression shifted, her focus sharpening. Old Bai had struck the weakest point of her sword, effortlessly dispelling the force behind her attack.

Despite the setback, Bu Shiyi's resolve did not falter.