The four spectacular duels concluded, and the atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena grew increasingly fervent, with cheers and discussions rising in waves. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Clear Sky Sect each won a match, demonstrating the absolute strength required to vie for the "Upper Three Sects." The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect remained honorable despite their defeat, their support capabilities proving astonishing, while the Wind Sword Sect and the Black Tortoise Sect also proved their qualifications to be ranked among the "Lower Four Sects."
The selection continued. The subsequent duels were mostly held between sects of similar or slightly inferior strength, aiming to further clarify the rankings of the middle and lower-tier sects.
The Cardinal took the stage once again to announce the matchup: "Next, Elder Tang Lie of the Clear Sky Sect versus Sect Master Dai Jingxuan of the White Tiger Sect!"
Two Power Attack System Battle Soul Masters took the stage. Although Tang Lie was advanced in years, his Level 94 soul power cultivation combined with the dominance of the Clear Sky Hammer made his offensive prowess peerless. Dai Jingxuan's White Tiger Martial Soul was also extraordinary, fierce and sharp. The two fought intensely for dozens of rounds, with Hammer Shadows and tiger roars intertwining. In the end, relying on his superior soul power cultivation and the extreme attack power of the Clear Sky Hammer, Tang Lie forced Dai Jingxuan back with a heavy blow and secured a difficult victory.
"Next, Azure Peak Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect versus Sect Master Feng Zaiyun of the Wind Sword Sect!"
This could be called a duel between swordsmen. The Azure Peak True Body of Azure Peak Douluo was peerless and sharp, his sword intent piercing the heavens; Feng Zaiyun's wind sword was agile and swift, striking from unexpected angles. The two transformed into streaks of sword light, colliding at high speeds on the arena, with sword qi crisscrossing in a dazzling display.
After fighting for over a hundred moves, Azure Peak Douluo, relying on his deeper soul power and more profound understanding of the sword path, used a refined "Azure Peak Single Ray of Sky" to shatter Feng Zaiyun's protective sword aura. The tip of his sword touched his opponent's shoulder, stopping at the point, and Feng Zaiyun conceded with grace.
Next was the Fire Leopard Sect Master against the Sparrow Bee Sect Master; after a fierce battle, the Fire Leopard Sect Master emerged victorious.
"Next, Elder Yu Mingfeng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan versus the Elder of the White Tiger Sect!"
However, when the draw result revealed the name of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the atmosphere began to turn somewhat subtle.
Yu Mingfeng was currently a Level 88 Soul Douluo with impressive strength. His opponent, the White Tiger Sect Elder, was also a Level 88 Soul Douluo, known for his violent attacks. Everyone had expected a fierce dragon-and-tiger battle.
To everyone's surprise, as soon as the match began, the White Tiger Sect Elder released a few soul skills symbolically. After being easily blocked by Yu Mingfeng and exchanging a few more moves, he directly cupped his hands and conceded: "Elder Yu's cultivation is profound; I admire you, I concede!" The entire process took no more than a few minutes.
Yu Mingfeng was stunned for a moment, then shook his head helplessly as he left the stage. A wave of whispers and low, mocking laughter erupted from the spectator stands.
At first, everyone assumed the White Tiger Sect Elder simply knew he was outmatched and was conserving his strength. But as the selection progressed, similar situations occurred one after another.
When an 85th-level Soul Douluo Elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan faced an 84th-level Soul Douluo Elder of the Black Tortoise Sect, the Black Tortoise Sect Elder only resisted for a dozen moves before shouting, "The ultimate skills of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan are formidable, I admit defeat," and voluntarily jumped off the arena.
When an 87th-level Elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was drawn against an 86th-level Elder of the Wind Sword Sect, the Wind Sword Sect Elder was even more direct. Upon taking the stage, he cupped his hands to the referee and his opponent: "I have self-awareness and dare not contend with your noble sect; I concede this battle!" He didn't even make a move.
Once is a coincidence, twice is a fluke, but three or four times... when almost every opponent who encountered a representative of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, regardless of their cultivation level, chose to concede quickly or offer only symbolic resistance, the atmosphere of the entire Martial Arts Arena became bizarre. The whispers turned into undisguised discussion and ridicule.
"Hahaha, did the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan buy the whole tournament? Why are their opponents just handing them wins?"
"They're scared, obviously! Didn't you see how fierce their Sect Master and Young Master are? Who dares to actually fight them?"
"What if they get into a real fight and end up being targeted? Besides, there's no benefit to fighting to the death to win; the title of 'Number One Sect Under Heaven' won't go to them anyway."
"This is too ugly, isn't it? The Seven Sects Selection, turning into something like this—it's like a play!"
"Exactly, they have no backbone as Soul Masters! Aren't they afraid of being laughed at if this gets out?"
The mockery and questioning grew louder. In the VIP area, the complexions of the other sect masters also looked rather unpleasant. While their disciples or elders acting this way was born of awe for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's immense strength and a desire to avoid unnecessary injury or consumption, to outsiders who didn't understand the situation, it indeed lacked decorum and could even be misinterpreted as "throwing the match," damaging the reputation of their sects.
In the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan area, Yu Boxuan, Yu Qingtian, and the others frowned, but they were helpless. They couldn't exactly force others to fight them with full strength, could they?
Yu Yuanchen, who had been sitting quietly and watching with a calm expression, raised his eyebrows slightly at this moment. He naturally understood the reason; it was nothing more than the previous performance of his grandfather and his own past combat records being too dazzling, coupled with the overall deterrent power of the sect, causing these sects to feel wary and unwilling to waste energy or risk injury in a duel destined for defeat. Anyone with a discerning eye present understood this was awe for the strong.
But as those discussions suggested, if the news spread, what would those who were not on the scene and didn't know the inside story think? Would they think the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was bullying others or even secretly manipulating the selection? This would do his plan to accumulate prestige in the future no good at all. The reputation of a sect requires upright strength, not this slightly humiliating "concession."
Thinking of this, Yu Yuanchen slowly stood up.
His movement instantly attracted the attention of the entire arena. The noisy discussions ceased abruptly, and everyone looked at this Young Master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, wondering what he intended to do.
Yu Yuanchen walked with composure, step by step, to the center of the arena. His gaze swept calmly over the sect leaders in the VIP area—Tang Gan of the Clear Sky Sect, Ning Zhiyuan and Azure Peak Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Feng Zaiyun of the Wind Sword Sect, Dai Jingxuan of the White Tiger Sect, Shi Feng of the Black Tortoise Sect, and the recently defeated Fire Leopard Sect Master.
He cupped his hands in a circle, his voice clear and resonant, reaching every corner of the arena: "Sect Masters, Seniors. Today's Seven Sects Selection was meant to be a sparring of skills, to determine the order, and to promote the way of the Soul Master. However, in the past few matches, my disciples of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan have luckily won, but it was a hollow victory, as you all held back due to your concerns and did not use your full strength. If this continues, I fear it will invite criticism, violate the original intention of the selection, and is not what our sect desires."
The crowd held their breath, wondering what he was up to.
Yu Yuanchen continued: "Since that is the case, to avoid rumors and to ensure this selection has an ending worthy of its significance... I have a presumptuous request."
He swept his gaze over the seven people, including Tang Gan, Ning Zhiyuan, and Qingfeng, and said slowly: "Please forgive my arrogance, but I wish to use this arena to challenge the six sect masters present simultaneously! Sect Master Tang of the Clear Sky Sect, Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Senior Qingfeng (counted as one party), Sect Master Feng of the Wind Sword Sect, Sect Master Dai of the White Tiger Sect, Sect Master Shi of the Black Tortoise Sect, and the Fire Leopard Sect Master."
Every time he named someone, their expression changed. When he said "challenge simultaneously," the entire arena fell into a momentary deathly silence, followed by an earth-shattering uproar!
One against seven?! And against six sect masters, including Super Douluos like Tang Gan, Qingfeng, and Feng Zaiyun—in their eyes, this wasn't just arrogance; it was madness!
"Yu Yuanchen! You!" Tang Gan stood up abruptly, his tiger eyes wide, his face full of shock and anger. Although he knew Yu Yuanchen's strength was unfathomable, such behavior was simply treating the heroes of the world as nothing!
The expressions of Ning Zhiyuan, Azure Peak Douluo, and the others also sank instantly; this was blatant contempt and insult!
However, just as their anger was about to erupt, Yu Yuanchen seemed unintentionally, or perhaps intentionally, to release a bit of his own aura.
There was no earth-shattering explosion of soul power, no dazzling display of soul rings. It was just a vast, mountain-like, abyss-like pressure that quietly permeated the air. This pressure was not aggressive, but it was incredibly heavy, as if the entire sky had lowered, causing every Soul Master present, especially those at the Titled Douluo level, to feel their breathing stifle instantly, with an indescribable tremor rising from the depths of their souls!
Level 98!
The clear soul power fluctuation struck the heart of every powerhouse like a heavy hammer! Although there had been guesses, the shock brought by the true revelation of this terrifying aura, far exceeding Level 97, was incomparable!
The anger on Tang Gan's face froze, turning into extreme shock and disbelief. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in Ning Zhiyuan's hand trembled slightly. The knuckles of the hand with which Azure Peak Douluo held his sword turned white. Feng Zaiyun, Dai Jingxuan, Shi Feng, and the others turned deathly pale, sweat beading on their foreheads. The Fire Leopard Sect Master's legs went weak, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.
Level 98! Just one step away from the legendary Level 99 Titled Douluo! This was a realm they had to look up to, and he was only in his thirties! Under this level gap, the numerical advantage seemed to become pale and powerless.
The full-blown anger was instantly extinguished by this tip of the iceberg of absolute strength, leaving only deep powerlessness and... a trace of bitterness. They finally understood that Yu Yuanchen was not arrogant, but... possessed the foundation of absolute strength!
Yu Yuanchen retracted his aura, still wearing a smile, his tone sincere: "I have no intention of slighting any of you. I only feel that in this way, we can demonstrate your strength to the world and completely put an end to idle gossip. If I am lucky enough to take a few moves from you, it will count as our sect having the grace to win this selection; if I am defeated, it proves our sect still has shortcomings, and this title of 'Number One Sect Under Heaven' is not worth having. I wonder if you are willing to offer your guidance?"
With the words spoken and the posture set (releasing his aura to intimidate), and the reason given in a high-sounding manner (to stop rumors and show strength), even if Tang Gan and the others were unwilling and felt a thousand grievances, they could not refuse. To refuse—wouldn't that mean they didn't even have the courage to fight on stage? That would be even more shameful than conceding!
The seven looked at each other, all seeing the complexity and resolution in each other's eyes. Tang Gan took a deep breath and said in a low voice: "Fine! Since Young Master Yu has such an interest, we will accompany you to the end! We shall learn your high-level skills!"
Ning Zhiyuan, Qingfeng, and the others nodded one after another and leaped onto the arena. The seven spread out in a fan shape, surrounding Yu Yuanchen in the center. Although it was many against one, facing a terrifying existence at Level 98, no one felt it was unfair; instead, they felt a tremendous pressure.
"The match begins!" The Cardinal's voice trembled slightly.
Almost the moment the sound fell, Yu Yuanchen moved!
Without any earth-shattering momentum, a faint flash of purple-gold light flickered across his body, and a magnificent, majestic, and streamlined suit of purple-gold full-body armor instantly covered him! Lightning patterns flowed across the armor, and the dragon might was restrained; this was his brand-new form, combining his Martial Soul True Body, the Dragon Transformation Secret Method, and the Thunderous Armament—Martial Soul True Body Possession!
Entering this state, Yu Yuanchen's aura was completely restrained, yet it gave off an even more dangerous feeling, as if it were the calm before a storm.
"Attack!" Tang Gan roared. Knowing he could not give Yu Yuanchen the chance to defeat them one by one, they had to join forces for a preemptive strike! He led the charge, his Clear Sky Hammer smashing toward the back of Yu Yuanchen's heart with the force of a collapsing mountain!
Azure Peak Douluo achieved Man-Sword Unity, transforming into a cyan bolt of lightning to strike directly at his throat;
Feng Zaiyun turned his sword into a gale, sweeping toward his lower stance;
Dai Jingxuan's White Tiger Heaven-Splitting Strike lunged straight for his face;
Although Shi Feng excelled in defense, he also condensed a massive phantom of a Black Tortoise Shield, pressing down from above with the weight of ten thousand jun;
Ning Zhiyuan exerted his full power to drive the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, bestowing all his amplification auras upon the six of them simultaneously;
The Sect Master of the Fire Leopard Sect also roared as he released his strongest soul skill, a scorching leopard shadow pouncing forward.
With the seven of them joining forces, the onslaught was like a violent storm, instantly engulfing Yu Yuanchen. The radiance of their soul power was dazzling, and the destructive energy fluctuations caused the entire arena to wail! The hearts of those watching the battle were in their throats; such an offensive, if faced by any other Super Douluo present besides Yu Yuanchen, would likely have left them severely injured in an instant!
However, facing this overwhelming barrage of attacks, Yu Yuanchen simply raised his hands.
His left hand pressed into the void, and the Two Forms Divine Thunder was unleashed. A flexible yet immensely vast black-and-white lightning field expanded from his center like a quagmire, suddenly slowing the speed of Tang Gan's heavy hammer, Dai Jingxuan's tiger claws, and Shi Feng's shield strike, while their power was weakened layer by layer!
His right hand formed a sword gesture, lightning condensed at his fingertip, and the Annihilation Divine Thunder struck first despite being launched later, landing with pinpoint precision on the tip of Azure Peak Douluo's sword and the strongest point of Feng Zaiyun's wind blade!
"Break."
A soft word, yet it was as if his command became reality!
Clang! Boom!
Azure Peak Douluo felt an irresistible force travel along his blade; his entire arm went numb in an instant, his Azure Peak True Body trembled violently and nearly dissipated, and his body was sent flying backward! Feng Zaiyun's wind blade was shattered directly, and he let out a muffled groan as he stumbled back!
At the same time, Yu Yuanchen's figure flickered like a ghost; though it looked perilous, he always avoided the most lethal attacks by a hair's breadth. His movements were simple, efficient, and precise to the extreme, as if he had long since calculated the trajectory and power of every single attack.
"My turn." Yu Yuanchen's voice remained calm. His figure flashed as he took the initiative to attack! His target was Tang Gan, who had launched the most ferocious assault!
"Stop him!" Ning Zhiyuan shouted urgently. Azure Peak Douluo forced his soul power up, and sword light rose once more. Dai Jingxuan and Feng Zaiyun also gritted their teeth and attacked.
Yu Yuanchen did not dodge or evade, throwing a single punch! Purple-gold lightning condensed on his fist; it was not a soul skill, yet it contained terrifying physical strength and the Thunder Law!
Boom! Wherever the wind of his punch passed, the very space seemed to distort! The sword light of Azure Peak, the tiger shadow of Dai Jingxuan, and the sword qi of Feng Zaiyun were torn apart instantly as if they were made of paper! The remaining force of the punch did not diminish, surging straight toward Tang Gan!
Tang Gan's pupils shrank, and he held his Clear Sky Hammer horizontally across his chest, defending with all his might!
"Dong--!!!"
A sound like a giant bell tolling! Tang Gan was struck as if by lightning, sent flying along with his hammer, and slammed heavily into the barrier at the edge of the arena. His qi and blood churned, and he nearly vomited blood!
In the blink of an eye, four of the seven were gone! The remaining Shi Feng, Ning Zhiyuan, and the Fire Leopard Sect Master were filled with horror!
Yu Yuanchen did not stop his pace, his figure flashed again, and he was already in front of Shi Feng. Shi Feng roared, the Black Tortoise Shield shone brilliantly, and he pushed his defensive power to the limit!
Yu Yuanchen joined his fingers like a blade, and a hand-blade slashed lightly onto the surface of the shield.
"Crack..." A faint shattering sound rang out, and a tiny crack actually appeared on Shi Feng's Black Tortoise Shield, which was known for its absolute defense! He himself felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, staggering back more than ten steps, his face turning deathly pale!
Yu Yuanchen did not even look at the result, turning his gaze toward Ning Zhiyuan. Ning Zhiyuan felt a chill in his heart, and the light of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda flashed rapidly, but Yu Yuanchen merely pointed through the air.
A condensed beam of lightning instantly crossed the space and struck the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Ning Zhiyuan was hit as if by a heavy blow, the pagoda's light dimmed instantly, and he collapsed to the ground, his body paralyzed in an instant.
Finally, his gaze fell upon the Fire Leopard Sect Master, who was already scared witless. The Fire Leopard Sect Master let out a strange cry, turned around, and jumped off the arena.
From start to finish, it took less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn!
On the arena, the seven sect-master-level powerhouses were either collapsed, defeated, or frozen, with no one left able to fight.
Yu Yuanchen stood with his hands behind his back, the armor on his body quietly dissipating, and he returned to his blue robes, his breath steady, as if he had just casually swatted a few flies.
The entire Martial Arts Arena was deathly silent.
Everyone had their mouths agape and eyes wide, staring at the scene on the arena in disbelief. One against seven, in just over ten rounds, a complete victory! What kind of terrifying strength gap was this?! Level 98, could it really be this formidable?!
After a long while, the deathly silence was broken, turning into a tsunami-like roar of astonishment and fanatical cheering!
"Yu Yuanchen! Yu Yuanchen! Yu Yuanchen!"
The sound shook the heavens and the earth, filled with worship and awe for an absolute powerhouse!
In the VIP seats, Angel Douluo Qian Chongxiao slowly opened his eyes, which had been slightly closed, and took a deep look at Yu Yuanchen. A trace of extremely complex emotion flashed in his eyes—there was amazement, gravity, and also a hint of... relief? He nodded slightly and whispered a few words to the Cardinal beside him.
The Cardinal took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, flew onto the stage, and shouted with all his might:
"In this battle, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Yuanchen wins!"
"As determined by the joint adjudication of Martial Soul Hall and all parties, combined with the comprehensive strength of each sect and their performance in this event, the final rankings of the first Seven Sects Selection are as follows!"
"The head of the Upper Three Sects, the Number One Sect Under Heaven—Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
"The second of the Upper Three Sects—Clear Sky Sect!"
"The last of the Upper Three Sects—Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"
"The Lower Four Sects, in order: Wind Sword Sect, White Tiger Sect, Black Tortoise Sect, Fire Leopard Sect!"
"The seven sects are established to lead the Soul Master World! May all sects work together to promote the majesty of the Martial Soul!"
As the announcement fell, it marked the birth of a new order for the continent's sects! With the absolute strength of Yu Yuanchen, who dominated the current age, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan ascended to the position of the "Number One Sect Under Heaven" without dispute!
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan