Deng Long shook his arm lightly. The shattered bone shield regenerated at once, restoring itself to its original state. However, Rowan noticed something subtle. The section that had been sliced by the Starfire Flow Blade still glowed faintly red. Residual flame energy lingered there, interfering with the Bone Law's ability to fully recover.
"But," Deng Long suddenly changed his tone, cruelty flashing in his eyes, "do you really think only you have hidden cards?"
As his words fell, he crossed his arms over his chest. The power of the Bone Law surged to an unprecedented height.
Crack.
The white bone mask shattered.
Beneath it was no flesh or skin, only a face formed entirely of bone. Hollow sockets burned with ghostly blue flames, cold and unsettling.
"Bone Sea Domain. Soul Devourer."
The moment Deng Long spoke, the arena transformed.
White bones burst from the ground, flooding the platform like an endless ocean. Massive bone dragons, serpents, and warped skeletal beasts took shape and charged toward Rowan. At the same time, a terrifying psychic assault surged forward, bypassing physical defenses and striking directly at his consciousness.
This was a fusion of physical annihilation and soul-level attack. Even veteran Stellar-level cultivators would struggle to withstand both at once.
The audience fell silent in alarm.
The sheer scale and intensity of Bone Sea Domain exceeded most expectations.
"Can Rowan handle this?" Thor muttered, his brow tightening.
Hong remained composed. "Do not underestimate him. His spiritual strength is far greater than you think."
Luo Feng nodded in agreement. "And the Starflare Void Cleaver is not an ordinary psychic weapon. As one of the Nine, its capabilities go far beyond conventional understanding."
On the arena floor, Rowan showed no panic.
Determination flashed through his eyes as he raised his right hand, summoning the Starflare Void Cleaver back to his grasp.
"Starflare Void Cleaver. True Form. Activate."
The weapon responded.
The blade expanded rapidly, transforming into a massive star ring nearly ten meters wide. Countless miniature blades were embedded along its circumference, each one radiating dazzling starlight.
Rowan clasped his hands together and closed his eyes, as if in silent prayer.
In the next instant, the enormous ring split apart.
Thousands of smaller star rings emerged, spinning at extreme speed around Rowan, forming an impenetrable defensive sphere.
"Starflare Domain. Myriad Stars Guard."
The skeletal monsters were shredded the moment they touched the rotating rings. Even the overwhelming psychic assault was blocked completely, unable to breach the strange stellar energy radiating from the formation.
Shock flickered in Deng Long's eyes.
"So this is the true power of one of the Nine Psychic Weapons."
Rowan did not answer.
The star rings spun faster and faster, compressing into a perfect spherical barrier. From the outside, it looked like a miniature galaxy, countless points of starlight swirling in silent harmony. Beautiful, mysterious, and lethal.
Then Rowan counterattacked.
His psychic power surged outward, taking control of the star rings as they expanded away from his body.
"Starflare Domain. Falling of Ten Thousand Stars."
The rings shot outward in all directions, each one transforming into a blazing meteor aimed directly at Deng Long.
Deng Long roared and unleashed everything he had. Bone Law and psychic force fused together, erecting a towering bone wall to block the incoming storm.
It was useless.
The star rings pierced straight through the wall. Each impact triggered violent energy detonations that tore into Deng Long's body.
"Aaah!"
His scream echoed across the arena.
The Bone Law began to collapse. Cracks spread across the skeletal structure of his body, and the blue flames in his eyes dimmed.
Rowan knew the moment had come.
He clenched his teeth and forced his psychic power to surge even higher.
"Starflare Void Cleaver. Ultimate Art. Collapse of the Star River."
The star rings halted midair.
They began to vibrate violently.
Then they detonated simultaneously.
An overwhelming flood of starlight and energy erupted, forming a colossal vortex that swallowed Deng Long whole.
A deafening explosion shook the arena.
When the light faded and the dust settled, Deng Long lay motionless on the ground. His Bone Law had completely disintegrated, and his body had reverted to human form. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He was severely injured.
"The match is over. Rowan is victorious."
The referee's voice carried unmistakable astonishment.
The arena erupted.
Applause and cheers thundered through the stands. Rowan's performance, especially the final Collapse of the Star River, left the audience stunned. Many had never witnessed a psychic weapon used with such overwhelming power.
"Incredible."
"That final technique was unreal."
"Absolutely overwhelming."
Rowan approached Deng Long and extended his hand.
"You fought well. That Bone Sea Domain was especially impressive."
Deng Long lifted his head with difficulty and accepted the help, standing unsteadily.
"Compared to your Collapse of the Star River, my techniques still fall short. The reputation of the Nine Psychic Weapons is well deserved."
"I hope we can fight again someday," Rowan said sincerely.
Deng Long gave a bitter smile. "Next time, I doubt I will be so fortunate. Still, today taught me a great deal."
Medical staff escorted Deng Long away.
Rowan turned and left the arena.
Unlike Hong's calm demeanor the day before, Rowan wore a bright, unrestrained smile. This victory meant a great deal to him. It proved his strength and marked a significant step forward on his path.
Back in the contestant area, Thor rushed forward and slapped Rowan on the shoulder with enough force to make him stagger.
"That was insane. That Collapse of the Star River was incredible."
Luo Feng smiled. "Your control over the Starflare Void Cleaver has become extremely refined. The energy compression and release were nearly flawless."
Rowan waved his hands modestly. "I still have a lot to improve."
Rowan's victory quickly spread through the arena.
The brilliance and power of the Starflare Void Cleaver left a deep impression on countless spectators. On their way back to the suite, the group overheard constant discussions about the match.
"That final move was unbelievable."
"These competitors are on another level."
"First the Light Law mastery, now this."
Rowan lowered his head shyly, though pride still shone in his eyes. Thor slung a heavy arm over his shoulders, nearly crushing him.
"Not bad at all," Thor laughed. "That White Bone Swordsman barely held on."
Rowan shook his head. "That is an exaggeration. Deng Long was strong. Without that final move, the outcome was uncertain."
Hong spoke calmly from the front. "Do not downplay your victory, but do not become arrogant either. This is only the beginning."
Luo Feng nodded. "This was just the second round. Stronger opponents await."
Back in the suite, Thor collapsed onto the sofa with a stretch.
"Watching you all fight like that has me itching for my turn."
Rowan looked over. "Who is your opponent?"
Thor's grin turned sharp. "Mor. Known as the Thunder Marshal."
Luo Feng considered it. "A high-ranking military commander. Extremely experienced in battlefield combat."
Hong nodded. "He will not be easy to deal with."
Thor waved it off. "Titles mean nothing once the fight starts."
Rowan hesitated. "I have heard he possesses a special domain that amplifies both offense and defense."
Thor laughed loudly. "My Ninefold Thunder Domain is no joke."
Hong glanced at him. "Confidence is good. Carelessness is not."
Thor scratched his head. "Alright, alright. Let's study him."
Luo Feng brought up Mor's profile.
A towering figure appeared on screen, nearly three meters tall, armored head to toe. His skin gleamed with a metallic sheen, his eyes silver and emotionless. Twin thunder hammers rested in his hands.
"He looks like a machine," Thor scoffed.
"Do not be fooled," Luo Feng replied. "His physiology grants extreme durability and affinity for lightning."
Thor's interest grew. "Now that sounds fun."
Hong studied the weapons closely. "Those hammers are designed to store and amplify lightning energy."
Thor's eyes lit up.
"Finally," he said, grinning. "A truly worthy opponent."