chapter 22

The middle-aged man with a long beard cast a sidelong glance at the two young men on the battlefield. Once he confirmed they were both ready, he took a deep breath before bellowing:

"Begin the match!!"

"So you're Prince Xiang Tian Cai, huh? Judging by your aura, you're far weaker than me! Hah! Who even paired you against me? You're completely unworthy!"

Kai Se taunted loudly before lunging at Xiang Tian Cai with a burst of speed.

Xiang Tian Cai merely flicked a glance at him before his body blurred like a flash of crimson lightning. With a single palm strike, he slammed directly into Kai Se's chest.

The pudgy figure of Kai Se was sent flying violently, crashing with a thunderous impact that shook the surroundings. The sky above darkened ominously, the clouds splitting apart as if reality itself had been torn open! The heavens and earth trembled with a deafening roar that lingered for several long moments!

When the shockwaves finally subsided, a chilling silence enveloped the arena. Kai Se lay face-down on the shattered ground, his body motionless unable to tell whether he was unconscious or completely incapacitated.

Before anyone could react, Xiang Tian Cai flickered like a phantom, reappearing beside Kai Se in an instant. He stood over the fallen prince, his presence oppressive.

Then, without warning

He lifted one foot with deliberate slowness, exuding crushing pressure, before stomping down directly onto Kai Se's head!

A heavy, resonant thud echoed like stone being crushed. The spectators gasped, their breaths caught in their throats some even paling in horror.

"Weak? You should keep that word for yourself. Your skills aren't even worth the dust in my palm."

Xiang Tian Cai's voice was soft, icy each syllable laced with a razor-sharp edge. His tone was calm, yet it carried an overwhelming pressure that made the onlookers hold their breath, as if mercy was a concept foreign to him.

In the next instant, he leisurely withdrew his foot, shifting his weight back before turning away with utter indifference.

He didn't spare Kai Se another glance.

No concern.

No hesitation.

Not even a thought

Whether he lived or died!

Those who insulted him would receive no mercy whatsoever!

In truth, he reigned supreme in combat, his speed surpassing ordinary fighters by several magnitudes. However, his father had strictly forbidden him from using excessive force to the point of killing his opponents. That was the only reason he let this fat fool live!

If there was a next time, he would kill without hesitation!

Because he despised anyone beneath him daring to speak such insolent words.

The pudgy Kai Se lay like a lifeless corpse for a long while, battered and bruised beyond measure. He clutched his stomach and chest, his face twisted in agony, fear, and resentment. It seemed Xiang Tian Cai was far beyond his level.

The power from that single palm strike had been terrifyingly overwhelming like a colossal tidal wave crashing down!

Kai Se trembled faintly, terrified that Xiang Tian Cai might return to finish him off!

What had he just done?! He had carelessly insulted Xiang Tian Cai… Would he be hunted down and slaughtered after this match?!

Just the thought made him quake uncontrollably!

Xiang Tian Cai's brutality was too horrifying!

"The winner is Prince Xiang Tian Cai!"

The middle-aged man overseeing the match declared loudly once it was clear Kai Se could no longer stand.

The crowd was stunned into breathless silence!

Xiang Tian Cai this prodigious young man whose talent surpassed his age had displayed such fearsome prowess that even the Emperors were left in awe. Their eyes widened in shock, their expressions filled with astonishment, as if they had just witnessed a sovereign descending upon the battlefield!

Xiang Tian Cai wasn't just a genius he was beyond that!

Moreover, this was the shortest duel in the tournament's history!

"T-This… is your son's strength?!"

The Emperor seated to the left of Emperor Xiang Ren Ti stammered, utterly dumbfounded.

"Yes. This is my son's power. Though he can be a bit… excessive."

Emperor Xiang Ren Ti replied with a slight shake of his head. He had lectured his son many times about not using excessive force, but it seemed his words had fallen on deaf ears.

The young maidens who had been staring at Wei Xie, seated among the princes, now turned their gazes toward Xiang Tian Cai as well. Yet none dared to approach either young man again. Their cold, aloof demeanors left the girls with no choice but to admire from afar, too intimidated to greet them.

Wei Xie, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly stood and dashed onto the battlefield, helping the bruised Kai Se to his feet.

Kai Se slowly opened his eyes, looking at the one who had come to his aid. Realizing it was Prince Wei Xie, he exhaled shakily before speaking weakly:

"You… You're Wei Xie?"

He needed confirmation was this truly Wei Xie? Why would someone so noble help him?

"Yes. I am Wei Xie. Are you badly injured? Let me take you to rest."

Wei Xie's voice was calm and steady as he carefully supported Kai Se, leading him back to the group of princes until they disappeared among the crowd.

The elder Yow Yi Chen , seated in the highest position, slowly shifted his sharp, calculating gaze toward Xiang Tian Cai, who sat among the princes. A strange glint flickered in his eyes, as if assessing something profound.

'This young man… His skills are impressive. His stance is firm, and though his temperament is ruthless, he carries an intimidating presence. If he were to be betrothed to a maiden from a legendary family… They would be a perfect match, truly made for each other.'

After a moment of contemplation, Elder Yow Yi Chen allowed a faint, satisfied smile to grace his lips. Though his expression remained composed, his eyes gleamed with deep interest like a seer peering into the future.