97. The Final Stroke

The battlefield was silent for a breath—then erupted into chaos.

Ling Tian and Nightshade Xian vanished from sight, their movements too fast for ordinary eyes to follow. Only the sound of clashing steel echoed through the void, each strike shaking the air with destructive force.

Nightshade Xian's sword flickered like a phantom, its shadowy edge seeking Ling Tian's heart. But Ling Tian was faster. He twisted his body, his azure-gold blade sweeping upward in a devastating arc.

CLANG!

Sparks ignited between them. A shockwave erupted from the clash, sending debris flying in all directions.

Ling Tian's golden aura surged, his presence like an unshakable mountain. "This is your limit."

Nightshade Xian sneered, his eyes flashing with madness. "Not yet."

Dark energy erupted around him, forming a massive vortex of shadows. His body blurred, splitting into countless afterimages.

Ling Tian remained unmoved. His sword glowed, vibrating with celestial power.

Vanquished Sovereign Slash!

He swung.

A golden arc of destruction tore through the battlefield, cutting through shadows, illusions, and even the darkness itself. Nightshade Xian's body was caught in the attack—his real body.

A choked gasp left his lips.

Blood splattered onto the ground.

His sword slipped from his grasp, embedding itself in the ruined earth. He staggered back, his vision blurring.

"No… impossible…"

Ling Tian stood before him, his blade still shimmering with divine power.

Nightshade Xian fell to his knees. He looked up, his smirk fading into something bitter.

"You… really are beyond this world…" His voice was hoarse.

Ling Tian gazed down at him. "You lost."

A flicker of something passed through Nightshade Xian's eyes. He exhaled. Then—he laughed.

A dark light burned within his chest.

Ling Tian's expression changed. Self-destruction?!

"You may have defeated me," Nightshade Xian whispered, his smile eerie. "But you will never be free of the shadows."

A thunderous explosion erupted. Darkness swallowed the battlefield.

But as the smoke cleared, Ling Tian remained standing, his golden aura protecting him like an unbreakable shield.

He looked at the spot where Nightshade Xian had been.

Gone.

Only silence remained.

Ling Tian exhaled. The battle was over.

Yet, a lingering feeling remained in his heart—this was not the end.

Far beyond the battlefield, hidden in the void, a pair of cold, calculating eyes watched.

And they smiled.

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