Awakening Amidst the Storm

Lan Yue's sword danced like flowing water, her attacks relentless and precise. Every slash was filled with immense Nascent Soul Realm power, forcing Ron to block and evade with everything he had. His golden eyes gleamed with determination, but his body was beginning to feel the strain.

BOOM!

A powerful energy wave crashed into Ron, sending him skidding backward. Blood trickled down the corner of his lips.

Lan Yue smirked. "You've done well, but this is your limit. You can't even land a single solid strike against me."

Ron gritted his teeth. He had been relying purely on his swordsmanship, avoiding the use of his World Devouring Dragon Bloodline. However, the gap in power was too great. Even though his techniques were superior, Lan Yue's sheer cultivation level was overwhelming him.

His arms felt heavy, his vision blurred slightly. Am I really going to lose…?

Lan Yue sighed and shook her head. "You're talented, Ron, but you're still too young. I'll end this battle now."

She raised her sword, Azure Moon Phantom Blade, and unleashed her strongest technique. A massive crescent-shaped energy slash formed above her, radiating a terrifying aura.

"Moonlit Judgment!"

The attack descended toward Ron like divine punishment from the heavens.

For the first time, Ron felt a genuine threat to his life. His consciousness began to fade, but at that moment…

RUMBLE!

A roaring dragon's will erupted from deep within his soul. His World Devouring Dragon Bloodline pulsed violently, his entire body trembling as three more dragon scales lit up on his skin.

3rd Dragon Scale Awakened!

4th Dragon Scale Awakened!

5th Dragon Scale Awakened!

A surge of unimaginable power rushed through his veins. His muscles, bones, and meridians were instantly strengthened, and his fatigue vanished like mist under the sun.

In his mind, ancient knowledge from his bloodline memory surfaced—a sword formation technique far beyond anything he had ever learned.

"Dragon Emperor's Sword Formation."

Ron's golden eyes snapped open, filled with an overwhelming aura. His sword trembled as if it had awakened alongside him.

The crowd gasped as they felt the sudden shift in power.

Lan Yue's eyes widened in shock. "What—?"

Ron vanished.

In the next instant, he reappeared mid-air, standing on an illusory golden sword, surrounded by eight floating swords of pure energy.

His aura drowned out Lan Yue's completely.

"Your strongest attack?" Ron said calmly. "Let me show you what true swordsmanship looks like."

With a flick of his fingers, the Dragon Emperor's Sword Formation activated.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

The eight swords shot forward, tearing through Lan Yue's Moonlit Judgment like it was made of paper. The energy slash shattered, leaving Lan Yue completely exposed.

"Impossible!" she screamed, trying to retreat, but Ron had already moved.

"Dragon Emperor's Wrath!"

All eight swords converged toward Lan Yue in a blinding flash. She barely managed to block, but the force sent her crashing into the ground, defeated.

A stunned silence filled the stadium.

The princess, watching from above, clenched her fists, her heartbeat racing. This man… is truly terrifying.

Lan Yue, lying on the ground, coughed and smiled bitterly. "I… I guess you win."

Ron sheathed his sword, his expression as calm as ever. "I told you—I'm not that easy to defeat."

—To Be Continued!—

Ron's Progress:

• Cultivation: Qi Refining stage 5

• Swordmanship: Sword user Peak

Scales Unlocked: 6 scales

Techniques

• Heaven crushing slash

• Phantom Moon Slash

• Dragon Emperor's Wrath