As Gu He’s furious laughter faded, the atmosphere in the sky above became tense and hostile. Seeing Xiao Yan make such a bold promise, Jia Xing Tian and the others’ expressions slightly changed. Although Xiao Yan’s strength had greatly increased, the risk of defeating Gu He within ten moves was not small. Today, the various forces had come to the Yun Lai Sect intending to wipe it out in one go. Moreover, at the foot of the mountain, the royal family’s army of a hundred thousand troops was likely already beginning to surround them. If something were to go wrong with Xiao Yan, allowing Gu He to hold out for ten moves, would they simply abandon their carefully prepared attacks? That would be too childish. If they were to retreat today, the Yun Lai Sect would surely launch a counterattack tomorrow, and come after them one by one.
Seeing the changes in the faces of Jia Xing Tian and the others, Xiao Yan waved his hand. The emerald green fire wings on his back flickered slightly, emitting an unusual heat that made everyone around him feel a burning sensation. His calm and youthful face somewhat reassured Jia Xing Tian and the rest, calming their nerves.
“Rest assured, with the blood feud between me and the Yun Lai Sect, I will not act on impulse,” Xiao Yan said with a smile, speaking slowly.
Hearing this, the crowd exchanged glances. Seeing his determination, they did not say anything more. Regardless of what, they still had some confidence in Xiao Yan, and they also knew his character well enough to trust that he would not pull a blunder in this situation.
“Xiao Yan, be careful. Gu He has advanced to the Battle Emperor stage and now controls a particularly powerful flame. Although it cannot be considered as Heavenly Flame, its power is not to be underestimated,” Elder Fa Ma reminded in a low voice.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, glancing at the pair of purple wings behind Gu He. As long as it was not a Heavenly Flame, it posed no significant threat to him.
After giving the warning, Jia Xing Tian and the others hesitated for a moment before gradually stepping back, leaving ample space in the sky for the two.
As the people withdrew, the murmurs from the square below also subsided. Despite the stories of Xiao Yan spreading throughout the entire Empire, many people present had not seen the nearly overwhelming battle in the capital, so when they heard Xiao Yan boastfully claim he could defeat Gu He within ten moves, many watched with skepticism. Some of the stronger individuals who had a good relationship with Gu He even mocked and shook their heads, believing that although this young man was strong, he was just a brash and arrogant kid.
Yun Shan had sat back down in the main seat, his eyes fixed on the two figures in the sky. A faint, sinister smile spread across his lips. He had expected that Gu He, unable to bear the humiliation, would take action. Though the challenge of ten moves was a bit unexpected, it should drive Gu He to give it his all. Even if he lost to Xiao Yan, it would likely leave the latter injured.
Below the platform, Yun Yun could not help but lift her beautiful face. Staring at the black-robed figure, she felt rooted to the spot. The familiar face was less childlike and more mature than three years ago, showing that the time had truly transformed that young boy into a stronger individual.
In the sky, as Jia Xing Tian and the others retreated, the tension in the air became sharp. Gu He’s gaze remained fixed on Xiao Yan, the black-robed youth who, three years ago, could only compete with his disciples, but now dared to set such a challenge in his presence. The change was drastic.
“Today, I will defeat you in front of her!” Gu He said slowly, and as his words fell, an overwhelmingly powerful purple Dou Qi surged from his body. The Dou Qi clung to his skin, undulating endlessly like blazing purple flames, radiating intense heat.
Xiao Yan glanced at the frowning Gu He, his voice remaining calm. “If you insist on being a pawn for Yun Shan, then I won’t show any mercy.”
“Let’s see if you have the qualifications,” Gu He sneered, his hand clenching. The Dou Qi fluctuated, and in an instant, a deep purple long sword condensed in his palm, the blade burning fiercely with flames.
Xiao Yan smiled, lifting his hand toward the ground below. His fingers suddenly clenched, and the black heavy ruler embedded in the earth shot up, returning to Xiao Yan’s hand in a flash of black shadow.
This display of weapon control from afar, requiring precise command over Dou Qi, drew astonished cries from many in the square. It was hard to believe that someone of Xiao Yan’s age could have such mastery.
“Ten moves,” Xiao Yan said softly, holding the heavy ruler level and pointing it at Gu He.
Gu He’s face trembled, and without further ado, he shook his hand. The purple-flamed sword quivered, and a profound energy wave rippled through the air, causing ripples everywhere.
“Enough talk, let your fists do the talking!” With a brief pause, Gu He’s eyes widened, and he roared, his purple wings flapping vigorously. In an instant, he transformed into a purple streak, shooting towards Xiao Yan with lightning speed.
Darting through the sky, the sharp tip of the sword, aided by powerful Dou Qi, easily sliced through the air. In a mere blink, the sword point was at Xiao Yan’s chest.
*Clang!*
A black shadow flickered, and the enormous heavy ruler mysteriously appeared before Xiao Yan, blocking the fierce purple-flame sword with ease, like a thick shield.
As the sword and ruler clashed, a powerful shockwave spread out from the point of contact, causing ripples in the air.
*Swoosh!*
With no result from the first move, Gu He twisted his wrist, and the sharp sword quickly turned like a venomous snake, swiping across the ruler and then thrusting forward abruptly.
*Clang!*
As the sharp sword passed the heavy ruler, a slender finger swiftly extended, striking the blade precisely, deflecting it. At the same time, the heavy ruler swung up, smashing directly at Gu He’s face.
Dodging Xiao Yan’s attack, Gu He’s eyes flashed with a fierce light. The Dou Qi in his body surged, and the sword body quivered oddly. As the sword trembled, numerous afterimages appeared instantly.
“Thousand Flame Sword Aura!”
Within moments, the sky was filled with countless sword shadows before Gu He. With a shake of his arm, the purple-flamed sword pushed forward, and the myriad afterimages converged into a torrent, rushing towards Xiao Yan.
The searing sword shadows filled Xiao Yan’s vision. Although the endless afterimages were illusory, the force they carried was not to be underestimated. If he handled them carelessly, the hidden true sword light would appear unexpectedly, making it difficult to guard against. Just by observing this sword technique, it was clear that Gu He was no ordinary opponent. Coupled with the power of the purple flames, his technique was extremely formidable. As such, his move was met with cheers from the crowd below, while Jia Xing Tian and the others grew anxious.
Unlike the crowd’s cheers and worries, Xiao Yan’s heart was unperturbed. He calmly observed the approaching sword shadows, raising the heavy ruler and moving it in an arcane arc. His arm shook, and the ruler created a blurry black shadow, launching a subtle and forceful attack. Though it seemed gentle, it carried a relentless offensive, like the waves of a vast ocean, one after another, with each wave stronger than the last.
*Swoosh! Swoosh!*
The heavy ruler moved in its arcane arc, intersecting with the myriad sword shadows. In that instant, the sword shadows burst with fierce energy. However, no matter how dense the sword shadows were, they could not break through the strange, slow rhythm of the ruler’s movement. It was as if a deluge of arrows met the surging waves of the sea, all swallowed and digested by the crashing tides.
Feeling the unique force emanating from Xiao Yan’s ruler, Gu He’s expression changed slightly. He could sense that his sword, hidden in the afterimages, was being pulled closer to the ruler.
“This brat does have a few tricks up his sleeve!” Gu He thought, shaking his arm. A sword shadow instantly separated from the mass, piercing directly at Xiao Yan’s chest.
Just as the sword shadow materialized, the ruler, moving in its strange rhythm, suddenly accelerated, and a strong suction force deflected the sword’s attack.
Shocked, Gu He was about to move when a black shadow flashed, and a terrifyingly powerful palm strike slammed towards him. Unwilling to retreat, Gu He’s face darkened, and he quickly gathered Dou Qi in his hand, striking back at Xiao Yan’s palm without hesitation.
*Boom!*
The clash of palms erupted, and both figures shot apart.
Recovery from the blow, Xiao Yan shook his wrist and looked up at Gu He, who had been flung back several meters, with a slight smile. From their brief engagement, he had assessed that Gu He’s strength was around the level of a three-star Battle Emperor. Perhaps due to the purple flames, his combat power rivaled that of a four or five-star Battle Emperor.
“Xiao Yan, we’ve already exchanged eight blows,” Gu He said, steadying himself with his purple wings. He raised his head, which was numb, and laughed coldly.
In the blink of an eye, they had engaged in eight moves, and from the battle, it was clear that neither had the upper hand. Judging by the situation, Xiao Yan’s boast about the ten-move challenge was laughable.
Gu He’s voice was loud, and the crowd’s expressions shifted, some even laughing, believing the brash, young man was merely overconfident because of his strength.
Ignoring the whispers, Xiao Yan casually put away the Heavy Ruler, and with a light smile, he said, “There are still two moves left. Why get excited so soon? Two moves are enough to finish you…”
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