Being able to barely unleash the mysterious Heavenly Official Sword Formation was already the limit of Ming Qi's current combat power. However, what he never expected was that Zhao Fenghua, after being sliced and washed by two layers of the Heavenly Official Sword Formation, could still stand!
Ming Qi still had the strength to unleash the Heavenly Official Sword Formation once more, but since Zhao Fenghua had been able to stand up under two layers of the Heavenly Official Sword Formation, even if he tried his best to unleash another layer of the Heavenly Official Sword Formation, it would probably be futile!
"If this Heavenly Official Sword Formation were complete, I think a single strike would have decided the outcome. What a pity."
Ming Qi now understood that the Heavenly Official Sword Formation he could currently wield was incomplete. Only by gathering all twenty-eight Heavenly Official Sword Qi could he form a complete Heavenly Official Sword Formation. This could only be achieved by completely clearing all twenty-eight floors of the Heavenly Official Tower. However, given his current strength, completing all twenty-eight floors of the Tower was still a challenge.
Zhao Fenghua stood there, teetering on the brink of collapse, yet he refused to collapse. Despite blood splattering his face and body, he maintained an unpredictable smile. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he had suppressed all his wit, making it impossible to grasp his inner thoughts at that moment.
Ming Qi braced himself, preparing for a final stand. It was impossible to get him to admit defeat. He had to fight to the bitter end. Otherwise, how would he explain to the others if Tianqi Academy was lost?
"Alright, let's call it a day. I'm going back to eat my fruit. This time, your challenge is a draw. Hehe, just count your luck, little Ruyue!"
Just then, the miniature Azure Dragon in the low-lying clouds drooled.
A draw?
Ming Qi felt relieved. It seemed like this little creature had secretly helped him this time, but it all depended on whether Zhao Fenghua was willing to accept it.
In Ming Qi's opinion, since Zhao Fenghua had been able to withstand the Heavenly Official Sword Formation, it would be difficult to get him to accept a draw.
However, Zhao Fenghua, standing in the distance, simply nodded quietly upon hearing the result, surprisingly showing no sign of objection.
Ji Ruyue, standing high above, was stunned for a moment before she addressed the Xuanwu Academy disciples behind her, "Go and help Zhao Fenghua recover. Today's matter ends here."
After they helped Zhao Fenghua back, Ming Qi sheathed his Nifeng Sword and returned to their side.
The thrilling battle came to an end, and the large crowd of onlookers gradually dispersed, murmuring quietly.
Ming Qi calmed himself and looked up, only to find that the little Azure Dragon in the sky had vanished without a trace.
Everyone in Tianqi Academy was delighted to see Ming Qi return safely. After a brief conversation, Meng Junyi hesitated and asked, "Junior Brother Ming, your sword..."
It was clear that Meng Junyi was very interested in Ming Qi's sword.
He naturally couldn't imagine that the Heavenly Official Sword Formation Ming Qi had unleashed originated from the Heavenly Official Tower. In his view, it must be a powerful sword formation sealed within this mysterious sword. However, any sword sealed with a sword formation must be of the spiritual weapon level, and only a congenitally powerful being could activate it.
A wry smile crossed Ming Qi's pale face, but he didn't answer.
He didn't know what to say about this sword.
Seeing Ming Qi's silence, Meng Junyi didn't question him. He simply smiled and said generously, "Junior Brother Ming, after today's battle, I'm afraid no one will dare to underestimate our Tianqi Academy anymore."
The group left Xuanwu Academy and headed back.
"Senior Brother Meng, to be honest, it was pure luck that I managed to hold on. If Zhao Fenghua had fought to the death, I'm afraid I would have been defeated."
Ming Qi said gloomily as they walked along the road.
This was indeed his true thought. If Zhao Fenghua hadn't agreed to a draw, the outcome would have been tragic.
"Not necessarily. I think Zhao Fenghua is at the end of his rope. Injured by your sword formation, his spiritual energy is severely shattered, and his chances of fighting again are slim," Meng Jun said.
"No, it seems someone is cheating."
At this moment, Yue Qinglong, standing nearby, suddenly spoke up.
Everyone stared at him in surprise.
Yue Qinglong rubbed his smooth chin sheepishly and said with a chuckle, "Of course, I'm not talking about us, Mingqi. If I'm not mistaken, you defeated Zhao Fenghua in this challenge. It wasn't a draw at all."
"Oh? What's going on?"
Mingqi's soul had been damaged, and his focus was already flawless. He was lucky to have managed to hold on until now. How could he have the energy to focus on anything else?
"From what I can see, Zhao Fenghua was completely devoid of any fighting ability after being severely injured by your sword formation. He struggled to even move a finger, let alone get up. Yet, he managed to stand up again. Don't you find that incredible?"
Yue Qinglong recounted this story. Even the experienced Meng Junyi frowned, sensing a reasonable point.
"Are you saying someone secretly attacked?"
"Yes, it must have been a powerful innate cultivator who used mysterious techniques to support Zhao Fenghua's body, temporarily preventing him from collapsing." Yue Qinglong nodded.
This was Ming Qi's first time using a sword formation, so he naturally didn't fully understand its power. However, he did know one thing: only innate cultivators could activate it, and the power that activated it must be innate energy. The lethality of innate energy is completely on a different level from that of an acquired cultivator.
The advancement from acquired to innate, the conversion of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into innate energy, could potentially increase power by nearly tenfold!
Although Ming Qi's sword formation was unbelievable, it was nonetheless genuine. Even if Zhao Fenghua was at the peak of the Ninth Level of the Acquired Realm and possessed exceptional talent, it was a blessing to be alive after being sliced through two layers of the sword formation!
For him to still be able to stand and fight like that was completely unreasonable!
"Could it be Ji Ruyue?"
Ming Qi believed the most likely person to have cheated was Ji Ruyue, as this duel directly implicated her. If Zhao Fenghua lost, she would have to fulfill her bet and obey Ming Qi's orders, something a powerful innate cultivator would never be able to do.
Although he knew someone was interfering, they were all acquired cultivators after all. They had no understanding of innate cultivators and could not fathom the situation, so he gave up on the idea.
Ming Qi hurried back to his residence and began meditating to heal his wounds.
The damage to his soul was severe; the slightest misstep could cause his spirit to scatter, leaving him hopeless.
Time flew by as he sat there, and when Ming Qi opened his eyes, it was already night.
Although the shock to his soul was quite severe, Ming Qi, protected by the Supreme Mountain and Sea Map, was not seriously injured. He estimated that he would fully recover in three to five days. Of course, he should not engage in physical combat easily during these few days.
Just then, footsteps were heard outside the door, along with the low growl of a dire wolf.
Needless to say, it was someone close to him.
Ming Qi opened the door. It was Ouna, standing there with a charming figure, carrying an exquisite food box. It was clearly a special treat for Ming Qi.
Ming Qi smiled and welcomed the most beautiful cook among the outer sect members into a seat.
Ouna's beautiful eyes flickered as she glanced at Mingqi, whose face was still a little pale. She put down the food box and said worriedly, "You've been hit by Zhao Fenghua's Soul-Binding Finger. You..."
She knew that Zhao Fenghua's Soul-Binding Finger damaged the soul, making recovery extremely difficult. If severely injured, the soul could easily disintegrate, leading to death.
"It's okay. He can't hurt me yet. Senior Sister Ouna, don't worry."
Mingqi smiled, a warm smile on her face, as if nothing had happened.
Ouna opened the food box and took out the dishes one by one, placing them on the table.
The food was still steaming hot, clearly freshly prepared by Ouna.
"Have the brothers and the others eaten?"
Mingqi asked, savoring the food with her chopsticks.
"Well, they've all eaten. I made this for you again. Senior Brother Meng said you must be exhausted from the battle, and asked me to make you something delicious." A hint of shyness crossed Ouna's gentle and graceful face as she spoke.
Ming Qi observed this, but said nothing. After all, in front of Ouna, he was only a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy, and some things were invisible.
Ming Qi was indeed hungry, and he devoured the meal in a flash. Ouna's cooking skills were truly exceptional; it was unknown where she'd learned them, but the food was incredibly appetizing. In a short while, only empty plates and bowls remained.
After finishing the meal, Ming Qi pondered for a moment, then pulled out a small jug of wine and two cups from his ring.
"Senior Sister Ouna, could you have a drink with me?"
Ouna blushed slightly, as if about to refuse, but after a brief hesitation, she nodded.
Ming Qi naturally noticed all these details, but it was hard to take back what he had said, so he poured two glasses of wine. Without forcing anyone, he raised his glass, gestured to Ouna, and drank.
Ouna hesitated for a moment, her hand resting on the table. Finally, as if summoning courage, she cautiously lifted the glass to her lips.
Ming Qi felt a little sorry and said apologetically, "I'm sorry for being so rude. Senior Sister isn't good with alcohol. You shouldn't force me."
As he spoke, Ouna took a sip. The pungent taste of the wine immediately set her off with a violent cough. Her clear eyes became hazy and misty, and a blush spread across her delicate face.
Ming Qi stopped pouring wine and stood up to clear the plates.
"Then..." Ouna's face was still a little shy, but the blush from the alcohol made her look even more charming. "Then, Junior Brother Ming, have a good rest. I'll be heading back."
"Okay, I'll see you off."
Ming Qi politely lifted the food box.
The two walked out the door and walked a distance before Ouna took the lunch box from Ming Qi and quietly left.
Ming Qi watched the graceful and charming girl walk away before entering the house. Just as he was about to close the door, a sudden, small noise outside startled him. He shouted coldly, "Who is it?"