Rowan responded with full force. The Fire Law merged seamlessly with his mental force, causing the flames around the Starshard Riftblade to intensify. The fire no longer behaved like ordinary flames, instead forming a unique and unstable energy state.
"Starfire Flow Blade."
Rowan spoke softly, yet the moment the words left his lips, the flames along the Starshard Riftblade transformed. Fire and starlight fused together, creating a radiant mixture that pulsed with a terrifying aura.
This was a technique Rowan had used during his battle with Dunlong. It was the result of perfectly combining the Fire Law with the innate properties of the Starshard Riftblade. This special energy form carried both the scorching heat and destructive nature of fire, as well as the piercing and cutting qualities of starlight. Its power was far greater than either element alone.
Thor's eyes flashed with surprise, quickly followed by appreciation. "Interesting. Your Fire Law integrates extremely well with the Starshard Riftblade. This energy form is rare. It retains the essence of fire while borrowing the sharpness of starlight. That significantly enhances the weapon's lethality."
Rowan smiled faintly. "Thank you. I only grasped it recently. It still needs refinement."
Thor laughed. "Then I can't fall behind. Take a look at this."
As he spoke, the second layer of his Lightning Domain activated. Deep blue lightning intertwined with the pale blue first layer, forming a more complex and aggressive energy pattern. At the same time, the second gemstone on Thunder Severer lit up, and the lightning along the blade became denser and more violent.
"Dual Lightning Domain. Thunder Edge."
Thor brought his blade down in a single strike. The lightning wrapped around Thunder Severer suddenly condensed into blade-like extensions, sharply increasing its effective reach. This transformed lightning retained its speed and penetration while gaining the cutting power of a physical weapon.
Rowan did not hesitate. Starfire Flow Blade erupted at full strength, forming a barrier of fire and starlight before him.
The two special energy forms collided.
A blinding flash filled the training room as violent energy waves rippled outward, striking the walls like rolling tides.
"That's enough."
Hong's calm voice cut through the chaos. "If you continue, the residual energy will damage the suite."
Thor and Rowan immediately withdrew their power, ending the spar.
"Well done," Thor said, clapping a hand on Rowan's shoulder, his eyes full of approval. "Your Starfire Flow Blade has enormous potential. With further development, it could become your signature move."
Rowan bowed respectfully. "Thank you for the guidance. Your Thunder Edge opened my eyes. I never imagined lightning could be used that way."
Thor laughed. "That's only a fraction of the Ninefold Lightning Domain. Each layer has its own characteristics and applications. If there's time, I can teach you more."
Rowan's eyes lit up. "Really? I would be incredibly grateful."
Hong stepped forward and spoke evenly. "That was an excellent exchange. Rowan, your progress is obvious, especially in how you combine the Fire Law with your weapon. You are forming your own path. Thor, your guidance was precise and restrained. You did not overwhelm him, which is commendable."
Luo Feng nodded in agreement. "This kind of sparring benefits both sides. You discover your own shortcomings while learning from others' strengths."
The four returned to the living area and continued discussing the day's matches and sparring. Thor spoke highly of Mor, acknowledging him as a worthy opponent. Rowan, meanwhile, asked Thor several detailed questions about merging laws with weapons, gaining valuable insights.
Late at night, they each returned to their rooms.
Lying on his bed, Rowan replayed the spar in his mind. Thor's words echoed again and again.
Combat is alive. Techniques are rigid. A true expert is not someone who memorizes countless moves, but someone who can create the right attack in any situation.
The next morning, the group headed to the arena as planned. The highlight of the day was the appearance of the renowned warrior Rong Jun.
Rong Jun was a powerful fighter from a brutal warrior race known for extreme physical strength. His opponent was a swordsman famed for speed, known as Lightning Sword Ryan.
"We should pay close attention to this match," Hong said on the way. "Rong Jun is exceptionally dangerous. If things progress as expected, we may encounter him later."
Luo Feng nodded. "Rong Jun's race is known for terrifying physical bodies. They are born warriors, with strength and endurance far beyond normal standards."
Thor added, "And Rong Jun himself is an elite even among them. There are rumors that he once defeated a cosmic beast barehanded. That kind of creature forces even domain-level experts to tread carefully."
Rowan asked curiously, "What about Lightning Sword Ryan?"
"Ryan belongs to a shadow-based race famous for speed and agility," Hong explained. "He is a prodigy among them. He mastered extreme-speed swordsmanship at a young age and earned his title early. This fight is a classic clash of power versus speed."
When they arrived, the arena was already packed. Rong Jun's matches always drew enormous crowds.
"Look," Luo Feng said, pointing into the distance. "Mor is here too."
Thor followed his gaze and spotted yesterday's opponent. Their eyes met briefly. Both nodded in acknowledgment before returning to their seats.
"No surprise everyone's interested in Rong Jun," Thor remarked. "He's a legend for a reason."
The announcer's voice soon echoed throughout the arena.
"Next is Round Two, Match Five. Rong Jun versus Ryan. This will be an ultimate confrontation between raw power and extreme speed. Let us begin."
The holographic display revealed their profiles.
Rong Jun. Known as the Savage. Famous for monstrous strength and near-indestructible physique. Said to have defeated a cosmic beast with his bare hands.
Ryan. Known as Lightning Sword. Renowned for speed and precision. One of the most outstanding young swordsmen of his generation.
Thunderous applause erupted as both fighters entered from opposite sides.
Rong Jun was massive, well over two meters tall, his muscles packed like coiled steel. Tribal markings covered his dark skin, radiating wild intensity. His long red hair spilled down his shoulders like burning flames. He wore no armor, only a strip of beast hide at his waist, and carried no weapon.
Ryan stood in stark contrast. Tall and slender, his body possessed a faintly translucent silver-gray sheen characteristic of his race. His movements were elegant and light, as if gravity barely touched him. He wore a streamlined silver combat suit and wielded a narrow silver sword etched with acceleration runes.
"They're complete opposites," Rowan murmured. "Pure power versus pure speed."
Hong nodded. "This match will hinge on who finds the other's weakness first."
On the platform, Rong Jun stood casually with his arms crossed, battle-lust flickering in his eyes. Ryan held his sword in one hand, the other resting behind his back, calm and composed.
"Prepare," the referee announced.
Rong Jun grinned, flashing white teeth. "Shadow kid, I hear you're fast. But speed alone means nothing before absolute strength."
Ryan smiled lightly. "Savage, I've heard your name too. But no matter how strong you are, if you can't hit your target, it's meaningless."
Rong Jun laughed loudly. "Bold words. I like that."
"Three."
"Two."
"One."
"Begin."
Ryan vanished the instant the match started. He reappeared at Rong Jun's side, sword flashing toward his waist.
Rong Jun reacted just as quickly. His thick arm swung out and blocked the strike.
Metal struck flesh.
But to everyone's shock, Rong Jun was unharmed. Ryan's sword was knocked aside.
"What?" Ryan stared in disbelief. "Your skin blocked my blade?"
Rong Jun grinned. "You underestimate my people. That little sword of yours is nothing more than a toothpick to me."
He lunged forward, his massive body moving with shocking speed.
Ryan dodged desperately, but the sheer range of Rong Jun's attack still grazed his clothing.
"So fast," Rowan exclaimed. "How can someone that big move like that?"
"That's what makes them terrifying," Luo Feng replied. "They possess both strength and speed far beyond normal limits. Rong Jun stands at the very peak."
Realizing the danger, Ryan abandoned caution.
"Shadow Art. Phantom Sword Dance."
His body split into more than a dozen identical figures, all attacking simultaneously. These were not illusions but energy clones capable of dealing real damage.
Rong Jun stomped the ground.
"Savage Technique. Earthquake."
Shockwaves rippled outward, shattering the clones instantly. Ryan's true body staggered, balance disrupted.
Rong Jun seized the moment and charged, his fist carrying overwhelming force.
Ryan barely raised his sword to block.
Boom.
The impact sent a violent shockwave through the arena. Cracks spread across Ryan's sword, and he was launched dozens of meters backward, slamming into the energy barrier at the edge of the platform.
Gasps echoed from the stands.
Rowan stared in shock. "He shattered Ryan's sword with a single punch."
Thor nodded grimly. "That is the terror of Rong Jun. His physical power borders on the unbelievable."
On the platform, Ryan struggled to his feet. His sword was riddled with fractures, on the verge of breaking. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"Well?" Rong Jun asked with a feral grin. "Still want to continue?"
Ryan's eyes hardened. "Of course. This is just the beginning."
He hurled the damaged sword into the air and formed seals rapidly.
"Forbidden Art. Shadow Assimilation."
The sword exploded into countless silver particles that rushed back into Ryan's body. His skin transformed into a metallic silver sheen, sharp and cold.
Rong Jun's expression grew serious.
Ryan smiled coldly. "This technique fuses my weapon into my body. From now on, every strike I make is as lethal as the sharpest blade."