Chapter 26 – Clash of Titans

The battlefield trembled as two overwhelming forces stood face to face.

On one side—Qian Zhen, heir of the Azure Dragon Pavilion, surrounded by the spectral form of an ancient dragon, his presence dominating the heavens.

On the other—Li Tianming, standing amidst a golden storm of celestial energy, his Celestial Jade Art evolving into something unseen before.

The air crackled with tension.

The audience held their breath.

Lei Xueyan, gripping the edge of her seat, whispered, "If Tianming loses here… then no one else in this tournament stands a chance."

Jiang Chen, his fists clenched, murmured, "Come on, Tianming."

Across the battlefield, Qian Zhen grinned.

"You really are interesting." He stepped forward, the ground cracking beneath his weight. The Azure Dragon's image behind him roared, its power surging into his fists.

"Then let's end this."

With that, he vanished.

The Battle Resumes

BOOM!

Qian Zhen appeared right in front of Tianming, his fist covered in dragon scales smashing forward like a falling comet.

Tianming barely raised his sword in time.

CLANG!

The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, sending cracks splintering across the ground.

But Tianming—held his ground.

Qian Zhen's eyes flashed in surprise.

Tianming smirked. "Not this time."

With a sudden twist, he redirected Qian Zhen's force and counterattacked. His sword shone with divine light, cutting through the storm—

SLASH!

A streak of golden energy sliced across Qian Zhen's chest.

Blood spilled.

The crowd gasped. He landed a hit?!

Qian Zhen stumbled back, touching his wound. For the first time in this tournament—he bled.

His eyes darkened.

Then, he laughed.

"Finally!" he roared, excitement flashing through his gaze. "A real fight!"

BOOOOM!

The spectral Azure Dragon behind him expanded, its energy surging through Qian Zhen's body. His skin hardened into dragon scales, his claws lengthened, and his aura intensified tenfold.

He had unleashed his full transformation.

"Let's see how long you can last!"

Tianming's Awakening

Tianming didn't flinch.

He closed his eyes.

Deep within his dantian, the Celestial Jade of Primordial Chaos pulsed with an unknown rhythm.

Then—it spoke.

"You stand at the threshold of power… but are you ready to claim it?"

Tianming's heartbeat thundered.

A hidden memory, locked within the jade, unraveled.

Suddenly—

A new energy erupted from his body.

Golden dragons of light spiraled around him, his sword shining brighter than the sun. His wounds healed instantly, his golden eyes flickering with a force older than the heavens.

This was no ordinary breakthrough.

This was an awakening.

Qian Zhen froze.

For the first time—he felt a sliver of fear.

Tianming exhaled, his voice carrying across the battlefield.

"Now… let's finish this."

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What Comes Next in Chapter 27:

Tianming's newfound power is fully revealed.

The final clash between him and Qian Zhen shakes the heavens.

A mysterious figure interferes.

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