The five Titled Douluo of the Haotian Sect united, forming a pentagram-shaped formation around Qian Renfeng.
"Pentagram, assemble!"
This formation was directed by Tang Xiao. Normally, it would be executed by five elders working in perfect harmony—except their Seventh Elder was swiftly defeated in battle, so Tang Xiao had to step in.
Though different, Tang Xiao was no less capable. And with his soul power at level 96—far above a typical Titled Douluo—his presence only amplified the formation's strength.
Qian Renfeng found himself trapped within the black runic pentagram. Seeing the glowing lights of the pentagram, he sensed danger.
Instinctively, he flapped his wings to fly out, but was halted by a shimmering force barrier at the formation's boundary.
"Fourth Martial Skill: Divine Sword!"
A sword of blazing holy flames materialized before him. Qian Renfeng gripped the hilt and rammed it into the barrier.
Initially, he thought a Titled Douluo couldn't breach it—but as the sword pierced deeper, he realized his mistake: the barrier sustained itself through continuous energy flow. As long as the formation remained active, it couldn't be shattered by force alone.
Qian Renfeng chuckled. "Interesting."
He knew that if he could unleash his Shura Demon Sword spirit, breaking the formation would be trivial. But the Angel God had suppressed that option—he was confined to his Angel spirit, increasing the difficulty of his divine exam.
Yet, "no challenge unsolvable," Qian Renfeng thought. He hovered tranquilly within the pentagram, making no further move.
Seventh Elder sneered, "He thinks he can withstand our formation? Even if his grandfather were here, he'd burn out before us!"
"The formation blocks all energy…" the Second Elder added, "Once we absorb all soul power inside, we'll drain even more from outside. Let him exhaust himself—then he dies."
Tang Xiao remained silent, studying Qian Renfeng. This youth was no fool.
"Uncle, don't underestimate him!" warned the Second Elder.
He responded dismissively, "Spirit Hall disciples are arrogant. Even if he's level 97, I won't believe he can outlast five Titled Douluo!"
Tang Xiao revealed via soul communication that Qian Renfeng's power exceeded level 97, so even he couldn't measure it precisely. So yes, he was no lightweight.
While the elders drained their souls maintaining the pentagram and exhausting themselves, Qian Renfeng remained idle—no spirit domain, no visible effort. The only source of energy was the sun, which he used to recover.
Time passed. The sun slid lower in the sky. Half the Sect's disciples had already retreated. Only a handful of elite disciples, the four standing elders, and Sect Leader Tang remained outside.
Tang Xiao, with sweat beading on his brow, felt the toll. Maintaining the pentagram was taxing, even if Qian Renfeng looked at ease.
He taunted: "Are we done playing?"
"And now, under the dark wind and black moon, be ready for death!"
A luminous angelic silhouette appeared in the sky—Qian Renfeng's throne transformed into a silver sword, gripped by the angelic form.
Qian Renfeng didn't need to break the formation—he was deciding whether these people warranted death. Raising the angel blade, he struck toward Tang Xiao.
Energy burst forth, clearing fog atop the Haotian peak. The moon glowed overhead, casting pale light on the battle scene below.
Qian Renfeng bowed to the five circle-masters, voice quiet but firm:
"Sorry—I refuse to be a fool who leaves behind future calamity. So please… take the Yellow Springs ahead of me."