Chapter 45: Sword Out

Dustin Li's punch, though seemingly ordinary, was accompanied by the fierce roar of a tiger. Radiating with the energy of true power, the strike morphed into a white tiger that charged toward Alayna with unrelenting force.

The impact of the punch, combined with the roar, created visible sound waves that rippled through the air. Those in the audience felt the vibrations in their eardrums, their Energy and blood stirred.

"What a powerful boxing technique," said Seth Lu, the outer sect master, his keen eyes observing the fight. "This is beyond the second-rank Dragon Tiger Boxing. It's reached a whole new level, far surpassing its perfection."

To Seth, it was clear: Dragon Tiger Boxing in Dustin's hands had transcended its limits, stepping into uncharted territory. "When the student surpasses the master," he thought, "martial arts can transcend their own boundaries, becoming even more dangerous than expected."

"Butterfly Dance Movement Technique!"

Alayna, although startled, quickly regained composure. With a graceful motion, her toes tapped the ground, sending her body into an elegant spin. She soared through the air, narrowly avoiding Dustin's punch as her spear came up, held horizontally, her red clothes fluttering with the wind. The spear absorbed the backlash of Dustin's energy, but even with her skill, the sheer force of his attack sent her stumbling backward, nearly sending her off the edge of the stage.

"What an exquisite body technique," Dustin observed with admiration. When they last faced off at Novaridge Martial Hall, Alayna's movements had been far less refined. The growth she had shown was undeniable—her movements were now fluid, almost flawless.

With a full mastery of fourth-grade marksmanship and movement techniques, Alayna would have ranked among the top three in the previous entry-level assessment. If she faced Rocco Xu or DenCan, she might even have stood a chance. But facing Dustin Li, who had barely revealed a fraction of his power, her skills couldn't compare.

With a sharp "snapped" sound, Dustin's fist hit again, sending Alayna's spear shaking. She staggered, finally losing her balance and falling off the competition stage.

The crowd gasped, and their curiosity about Dustin's sword grew. Everyone had been wondering about the weapon he carried, but many assumed he wouldn't use it—he had already displayed such overwhelming strength without it.

However, Dustin knew better than anyone. His swordsmanship had evolved into something far beyond its previous limits since he completed the Quick Sword Art. It was now a weapon that could kill if necessary. Yet, this wasn't the place for such violence. No, the match was just a competition, not a life-and-death battle. He didn't want to draw blood unless absolutely necessary.

Soon, the challenge to rank third and beyond ended, and the final match between the top three loomed.

"I give up the challenge!" Rocco Xu declared, standing up with finality. His decision was no surprise; he excelled in movement, but against DenCan's swordsmanship, he didn't stand a chance. With a top-three spot secured, he was content to enter the Salmoris Sect.

A new figure appeared on the stage. DenCan, ranked second, had decided to challenge Dustin Li. The crowd buzzed with excitement.

"DenCan's a master of fourth-grade swordsmanship," someone murmured. "And I heard he's trained in the Wang family's Frozen Energy Refinement Art. His strength should be able to force Dustin Li to draw his sword."

On the stage, DenCan's icy aura was palpable, causing the air around him to chill. It wasn't due to ice magic, but rather the unique martial technique he had cultivated. The true Frigid Energy, which contained the ice element, would only become available once he reached the innate realm.

"Looking at his breath, DenCan's almost on par with the fourth level of Energy Gathering," Pablo Zhang, the chief examiner, said as he observed the two combatants. "It'll be interesting to see if he can push Dustin Li to his limits."

DenCan stared at Dustin Li with icy resolve. "I'll claim first place. No one can stop me!" His voice dripped with confidence. "You think I'm just a fourth-grade swordsman? You're about to be very disappointed."

DenCan raised his sword, his eyes gleaming. "Months ago, I was in the deep mountains fighting monsters when I discovered an ancient ruin. There, I found the Moon Severing Flying Sword, a high-grade war sword. Not only that, I also acquired a fifth-grade sword technique—Breaking the Mountain—and a fifth-grade Flying Light Body Technique. I've mastered both to a minor level. I'm stronger than you can imagine!"

At DenCan's revelation, the audience stirred. However, the master of the outer sect, Seth Lu, remained unmoved. While fifth-grade martial arts were impressive, it wasn't a game-changer. What caught his attention was DenCan's age. A fifteen-year-old possessing such an opportunity was a rarity—true fortune.

But Seth knew that this kind of luck could only take DenCan so far. Skill and ability were far more important.

"The sword is blind," DenCan sneered. "I suggest you admit defeat now. Otherwise, you may get seriously hurt."

Dustin Li's expression was unfazed. He didn't even flinch. "Is that so? Is your fifth-grade swordsmanship that great?" He chuckled dismissively. "I don't need three moves to defeat you. I can do it in one. Believe it or not."

The audacity of his statement stunned everyone. DenCan, a formidable martial artist with the power of a fifth-grade sword, was being told that he would fall in one move?

The crowd waited for DenCan's response.

His face twisted in anger. "You're asking for it."

With a flash of coldness, DenCan unsheathed his sword. A chilling aura exploded from the blade, and frost began to form on the ground. His strike was swift, like an iceberg crashing down on its target.

But Dustin Li remained calm, his gaze unwavering.

"Fifth-grade swordsmanship? Is that all you've got?" His voice was cool, but it carried a weight that struck deep. He drew his sword from its sheath with effortless precision.

"Sword out!"

The crowd barely had time to process what happened.

The blade flickered like a shadow. The sound of metal on metal rang in the air, but before anyone could fully react, DenCan was sent flying backward, blood spilling from his chest as he crashed to the ground.

"It's impossible!" DenCan gasped in disbelief. "How could I lose?"

His body thrashed, consumed with anger. "The first place is mine! I won't let you take it!" he yelled, rushing at Dustin Li with rage-filled eyes.

But before DenCan could reach him, Dustin Li's foot came crashing into his chest. DenCan was sent flying, spitting out blood, his ribs shattered.

As DenCan staggered to his feet, desperation clouded his judgment, and he rushed forward again, his eyes wild with fury.

"Enough!" a cold voice called out. It was Pablo Zhang, who appeared between the two combatants, his hands raised in warning.

The palm wind struck DenCan first, knocking him unconscious as he fell from the stage.

Now, Pablo Zhang's gaze turned on Dustin Li, his palm striking out. But this time, it was different. The lethal energy behind his blow made Dustin Li pause.