Even Batuli, who continuously unleashed waves of battle energy bullets, did not expect anyone to dare charge head-on into his bombardment.
Glancing in slight surprise at Zhang Wen, who was diving downward with his head lowered, Batuli couldn’t help but smirk. He glanced slightly behind at Batengping. “So this is the Zhang Wen you mentioned? Doesn’t look like much.”
With a wave of his hand, another surge of battle energy erupted outward.
“Even if he does have transcendent-tier strength, there’s no way he could stand against both of us, right? Didn’t Agate the Flame retreat in defeat earlier?”
But when he turned back toward Jiatengping with a mocking expression, he noticed something unusual—this ‘temporary ally’ wore an expression of rare seriousness on his face. Even when they had faced Agate the Flame or that transcendent-tier opponent they encountered along the way, Batengping had never been this serious.
What did that mean?
Before Batuli could fully grasp the implications, Batengping’s cherubic face, usually wearing a reserved smile, became solemn. He gave Batuli a cold, serious glance and said in a calm, detached tone, “We’re working together for now, so let me give you some sincere advice—don’t underestimate Zhang Wen, or you’ll definitely regret it.”
What! Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?
Batuli’s expression darkened instantly. The fragile alliance formed out of mutual interest had just created a new rift between them.
“Let’s deal with that kid Zhang Wen first. I’ve heard he has some skill, but running into me means his luck has run out. As for you, Batengping, don’t get too cocky—once I get the chance, I’ll take you out too!” Batuli’s eyes flashed with murderous intent as he silently plotted.
However, when he turned his gaze back to Zhang Wen, he was unexpectedly startled.
The narrow mountain path only allowed one person to pass through at a time. There was absolutely no way to dodge the frontal assault of battle energy bullets. But Zhang Wen had done it!
Facing the battle energy released by the transcendent-tier Batuli, Zhang Wen suddenly twisted his body sideways at lightning speed. At the same time, his right hand instantly solidified his battle energy into a sword, and he thrust it forward.
But he didn’t aim at the center of the spherical energy bullet—he aimed at a point three-quarters of the way across the round projectile.
A silvery-white battle aura, like a stream of starlight, spread from his hand along the entire sword blade. In the eyes of everyone watching in disbelief, Zhang Wen lightly flicked his sword, as if manipulating a lever, causing the battle energy bullet to deviate from its original trajectory and fly diagonally away.
The “Unburdening Technique” of the Springwater Method!
Like rolling river water washing away silt, like a spinning top deflecting external force.
Though this may seem like a long process when described, it actually happened in an instant. With one sword strike, Zhang Wen deflected Batuli’s battle energy bullet. Not only did his speed not decrease, but it actually doubled as he charged downward ferociously.
Batuli was momentarily stunned, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. Only now did he believe Batengping’s words, but it was already too late to make amends.
Zhang Wen had the advantage of position, charging downward from above. Now, at full speed, he came even faster—like thunder and lightning, covering more than twenty meters in an instant.
“Roar!”
Batuli roared furiously, his battle energy erupting violently like an explosion. He felt intense shame from having underestimated Zhang Wen so badly and being caught off guard. He was so enraged that he wanted to tear Zhang Wen in half.
At the same time, Batengping also fully activated his battle energy. The two transcendent-tier fighters stood side by side, unleashing their full battle energy. Brilliant star-like battle auras erupted skyward, creating a spectacular scene.
Time seemed to freeze in that moment. On the mountain, Marien, Shura, Xiaoxi, and Lofrei watched in stunned disbelief as Zhang Wen deflected Batuli’s battle energy and continued charging downward. Their eyes widened in shock.
Such swordsmanship—never seen before, not even heard of! Could someone actually deflect a transcendent-tier fighter’s battle energy with a sword?
Zhang Wen wasn’t even transcendent-tier yet, and he was already this strong. If he reached transcendent-tier, how powerful would he become? He might even be able to challenge a King!
Behind Batuli and Batengping, several Saint-tier and Tenth-tier fighters also gaped in shock. In their minds, transcendent-tier fighters like Batuli were like gods, yet he couldn’t even stop this person from charging forward? His battle energy was deflected with a single sword strike?
Such swordsmanship couldn’t possibly be achievable by an ordinary person. Even the legendary sword techniques of the Northern Realm’s Overlord probably couldn’t accomplish this! If this person’s swordsmanship surpassed even a Realm Overlord, how powerful could he be?
In an instant, Zhang Wen became an unfathomable, terrifying figure in their minds.
In just one breath’s time, Zhang Wen collided head-on with the fully unleashed battle energies of Batuli and Batengping!
“Boom!!!”
…
At the volcano’s crater, a massive ring-shaped pit loomed dark and bottomless. Faint red light shimmered from within, accompanied by pungent, sulfurous black smoke continuously rising from the crater, forming a twisted column of smoke.
The crater’s slope was at a thirty-degree angle, and already, fighters from various teams lay scattered across it—some severely wounded and unable to rise, some lifeless, and others who had chosen to withdraw after being injured.
At this moment, only one person remained standing—
The blue-clad Anthony!
No one could have imagined that he would be the last one left standing! The Southern Realm’s Overlord Tournament attracted countless powerful competitors, including ten transcendent-tier fighters. Logically, Anthony’s strength should never have been the strongest, nor could he possibly have withstood continuous attacks from various teams.
But the fact was—he had done it.
Apollo the Sun God was pinned to the ground, his neck gripped tightly in Anthony’s hand, barely able to gasp for breath. This low-key transcendent-tier fighter’s face was flushed red from blood congestion, his eyes wide with disbelief.
“An… Anthony, you’re insane! You even turned against your own people… cough…” Apollo struggled to speak, unable to believe what was happening. Though he had always been low-key, his strength was definitely not weak. Few knew that his power was even comparable to that of Zeus Omega, the Thunder God. How could he possibly lose to Anthony? He was merely Hassan’s dog—where did he get such strength?
“Fool, who said I was ever on your side? There’s only one Overlord position in the Southern Realm. Step aside, brother!” Anthony said, his free left hand clenching. Instantly, dazzling battle energy lightning gathered between his fingers—an oppressive energy aura only possible at the peak of the transcendent-tier!
“You… where did you get… this power… impossible…”
Apollo’s words were cut off abruptly as Anthony’s fingers pressed down, unleashing the violently explosive battle energy into his body. Accompanied by a thunderous roar of erupting battle light, curling black smoke rose. After several seconds, Anthony reemerged from the smoke. His blue robe was now stained with blood, his face twisted and grotesque, resembling a vengeful ghost.
“Apollo, didn’t you know there’s something called ‘Zero Formula—Ancient Reagent’ in this world?” He surveyed the ruined battlefield around him with a cold, sneering laugh, then casually sat on a rock beside the crater, one knee propped up on the stone, as if he had just ascended a throne.
Looking around, there were no enemies left.
…
When Zhang Wen collided with Batengping and Batuli, a violent surge of battle energy erupted outward like an aurora!
But Batuli and Batengping quickly realized they had been deceived by Zhang Wen again! Even though Batengping had some understanding of Zhang Wen, he never expected Zhang Wen to still conceal his speed, causing both transcendent-tier fighters to misjudge the situation.
In an instant, Zhang Wen used the “Ghost Step,” the fastest technique he had, slipping through the narrow gap between the two transcendent-tier fighters in what seemed impossible. This was also due to a subtle psychological error between Batengping and Batuli. Although both were powerful, they weren’t truly teammates or allies. Even while fighting a common enemy, they still maintained a small safety distance between them.
Zhang Wen exploited that tiny gap. First, he used a slightly slower speed to create an illusion in the two transcendent-tier fighters’ minds, then suddenly accelerated and forced his way through their connection point.
Zhang Wen’s move was extremely risky, but it was also the only way to survive in a desperate situation!
By the time Batengping and Batuli both realized what had happened and turned to glare furiously, Zhang Wen had already used that one-second advantage to place his sword against his opponent’s teammate’s neck.
Dual swords! One in each hand, pressing against the necks of four people. These four Saint-tier fighters, the strongest among the team aside from the two transcendent-tier fighters, were instantly subdued by Zhang Wen in an instant. Something that should have been absolutely impossible—but it had happened. It could only be said that Zhang Wen’s hidden tactics had been too successful, even deceiving two transcendent-tier fighters. How could these Saint-tier fighters, weaker than transcendent-tier, have possibly anticipated an enemy suddenly appearing before them?
Moreover, Zhang Wen’s speed far exceeded anyone’s expectations. Even Zhang Wen himself hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly. It seemed that after being with the women, the Springwater Method had indeed improved significantly. This time, to prevent his Mind Steel from breaking again, he had brought an extra piece, which now came into play—two pieces of Mind Steel formed dual longswords, instantly subduing the four Saint-tier fighters as hostages.
Now, even though Batengping and Batuli were filled with resentment, they had no choice but to hold back.
Even Batu Li, who was continuously releasing energy blasts, didn’t expect anyone to dare charge back against his barrage.
With a somewhat surprised glance at Zhang Wen, who was diving headfirst, Batu Li smirked and chuckled. He glanced at Bateng Ping, who was slightly behind him, and said, “So this is the Zhang Wen you mentioned? He doesn’t seem like much.” As he spoke, he casually waved his hand, releasing another energy blast.
“Even if he truly has super-tier strength, he can’t possibly take on both of us, right? Didn’t the Flame Demon Agate also flee in panic earlier?”
But when he turned to look at Kato Ping with a mocking expression, he noticed an unusual seriousness on the face of this “temporary ally.” Even when facing the Flame Demon Agate and another super-tier powerhouse earlier, Bateng Ping hadn’t been this focused.
What did this mean?
Before Batu Li could figure it out, Bateng Ping’s usually smiling baby face turned serious. He coldly glanced at Batu Li and said, “Since we’re cooperating, I’ll give you a piece of advice: don’t underestimate Zhang Wen, or you’ll regret it.”
Damn! Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?
Batu Li’s expression instantly darkened. Their temporary alliance, formed out of mutual interest, now had a new crack.
“Let’s deal with Zhang Wen first. I heard he’s somewhat capable, but his luck runs out when he meets me. Bateng Ping, don’t get too cocky either. I’ll find a chance to take you out too!” Batu Li’s eyes flashed with murderous intent as he secretly plotted.
However, when he turned his gaze back to Zhang Wen, he was unexpectedly shocked.
The narrow mountain path could only accommodate one person, and there was no way to dodge the energy blasts head-on. Yet, Zhang Wen managed it!
Facing the energy blast from the super-tier powerhouse Batu Li, Zhang Wen swiftly sidestepped, his right hand instantly transforming into a steel sword, thrusting forward.
He didn’t aim for the center of the energy blast but at a point three-quarters of the way through the circular projectile.
A silvery-white energy flowed like starlight and water from his hand, enveloping the entire sword. To everyone’s disbelief, Zhang Wen lightly flicked his sword, leveraging the energy blast like a lever, causing it to veer off its original trajectory.
The “Dispelling Technique” of the Spring Water Art!
Like rolling river water washing away sand, like a spinning top deflecting external force.
Though it sounds slow, it all happened in an instant. With a single sword flick, Zhang Wen sent Batu Li’s energy blast flying, and instead of slowing down, he doubled his speed, charging forward with even greater ferocity.
Batu Li choked, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets. Only now did he believe Bateng Ping’s words, but it was too late to make amends.
Zhang Wen, positioned higher on the mountain path, had the advantage of gravity. With this full-speed charge, he came even faster, like a bolt of lightning, covering the twenty-meter distance in an instant.
“Roar!”
Batu Li roared, his energy exploding like a bomb. The shame of underestimating Zhang Wen and being put in such a humiliating position overwhelmed him. He wanted nothing more than to tear Zhang Wen in half.
At the same moment, Bateng Ping also unleashed his full energy. The two super-tier powerhouses stood side by side, their dazzling energy bursting into the sky, creating a spectacular scene.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment. On the mountain, Marian, Shura, Xiao Xi, and Luo Fulei watched in stunned silence as Zhang Wen deflected Batu Li’s energy blast and continued his charge.
Such swordsmanship was unheard of! Who had ever seen someone use a sword to deflect a super-tier powerhouse’s energy blast?
Zhang Wen wasn’t even a super-tier yet, and he was already this strong. What would he be like if he reached that level? He might even be able to challenge the King himself.
The several saint-tier and tenth-tier powerhouses following Batu Li and Bateng Ping were also dumbfounded. The super-tier powerhouse they revered like a god, Batu Li, was helpless against this man? Even his energy blast was deflected with a single sword flick?
Such swordsmanship couldn’t possibly be achieved by an ordinary person! Even the legendary sword techniques of the Northern Realm’s overlord might not be capable of this! How strong would someone with swordsmanship surpassing a realm’s overlord be?
In an instant, Zhang Wen became an unfathomably terrifying figure in their minds.
In just the time it took to take a breath, Zhang Wen collided with the fully unleashed energies of Batu Li and Bateng Ping!
“Boom!!!”
…
The volcano’s crater, a massive, pitch-black pit, was bottomless. A faint red glow emanated from within, and acrid, sulfurous black smoke continuously rose, forming a twisted column.
The entire crater sloped at a thirty-degree angle, and it was littered with warriors from various teams. Some were severely injured, some had lost their lives, and others had voluntarily withdrawn after being wounded.
At this moment, the only person still standing was—
The blue-clad Anthony!
No one would have thought that he would be the last one standing! The Southern Realm’s overlord competition was filled with powerful contenders, including ten super-tier powerhouses. By all accounts, Anthony shouldn’t have been the strongest, nor should he have been able to withstand the assaults from the other teams’ powerhouses.
But the fact was, he did it.
The Sun God Apollo was pinned to the ground by his neck, gasping for breath. This low-key super-tier powerhouse’s face was flushed with blood, his eyes filled with disbelief.
“An… Anthony, you’re insane, you’re even attacking your own people… cough…” Apollo struggled to speak, unable to believe what was happening. Though he kept a low profile, his strength was undeniable. Few knew that his power rivaled even the Thunder God Omega. How could he possibly lose to Anthony? He was just a lackey by Hassan’s side, where did he get such strength?!
“Idiot, who the hell are you calling ‘one of us’? There’s only one Southern Realm overlord, so step aside for your brother!” Anthony said, his free left hand clenching, a brilliant energy arc forming between his fingers—a sign of peak super-tier energy!
“You… where did you get… this power… impossible…”
Apollo’s words were cut short as Anthony’s fingers pressed down, unleashing a torrent of violent energy into his body. With a deafening explosion, black smoke billowed up, and after a few seconds, Anthony’s figure reappeared. His blue robes were now stained with blood, his face twisted into a grotesque mask, resembling a demon.
“Apollo, didn’t you know there’s something called ‘Zero—the Ancient Serum’?” He looked around at the chaotic scene, sneering coldly, and sat down on a rock by the crater, one knee raised, as if he had already claimed the throne.
Looking around, there were no more enemies.
…
Zhang Wen collided with Bateng Ping and Batu Li, their energies erupting like a dazzling aurora!
But after their strike, Batu Li and Bateng Ping realized they had been deceived by Zhang Wen again! Even though Bateng Ping had some understanding of Zhang Wen, he never expected Zhang Wen to have hidden his speed, causing both super-tier powerhouses to misjudge.
In that split second, Zhang Wen executed the fastest “Ghost Step,” slipping through the narrow gap between the two super-tier powerhouses. He exploited the subtle psychological distance between Bateng Ping and Batu Li—though they were strong, they weren’t true allies, and even in battle, they maintained a safe distance.
Zhang Wen used this to his advantage. First, he moved at a slightly slower speed to mislead the two super-tier powerhouses, then suddenly accelerated, forcing his way through the gap between them.
This was an extremely risky move, but it was the only way to survive!
By the time Bateng Ping and Batu Li turned around in fury, Zhang Wen had already used that one-second advantage to place his sword at the necks of their team members.
Dual swords! Both hands held swords at the necks of four saint-tier powerhouses—the strongest members of the team below the two super-tier powerhouses. In an instant, Zhang Wen had subdued them! This was something that should have been impossible, but it happened. It could only be said that Zhang Wen’s premeditated tactics were too successful, even fooling the two super-tier powerhouses. How could these saint-tier powerhouses, weaker than the super-tier, have expected the enemy to suddenly appear before them?
Moreover, Zhang Wen’s speed far exceeded anyone’s expectations. Even Zhang Wen himself hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly. It seemed that after his intimate encounters with the women, his Spring Water Art had indeed improved significantly. This time, to prevent the steel from breaking again, he had brought an extra piece, which came in handy. With two pieces of steel forming dual swords, he simultaneously subdued four saint-tier powerhouses, turning them into hostages.
Now, even if Bateng Ping and Batu Li were unwilling, they had to tread carefully.
Just as Zhang Wen was thinking this, Batu Li suddenly roared, taking a large step forward. His killing intent solidified, his aura continuously rising, ready to unleash a devastating strike! The berserker Batu Li wasn’t one for calmness. The immense sense of defeat and humiliation made him throw caution to the wind, determined to kill Zhang Wen on the spot, no matter the cost.
Fortunately, there was still the level-headed Bateng Ping. His deep eyes flashed with thought. From Zhang Wen’s dual swords holding four saint-tier powerhouses hostage—two in front and two behind, acting as shields—it was clear he had already prepared for the worst. If it came to a fight, it would be a mutual destruction, a lose-lose situation.
Zhang Wen might not escape the wrath of the two super-tier powerhouses, but if all the saint-tier members of Bateng Ping’s team were wiped out, how would they compete for the Southern Realm overlord at the summit? Looking at the flashing lightning and energy bursts at the peak, it was clear an even more intense battle awaited.
Thinking this, he grabbed the nearly berserk Batu Li, “Wait!”
“Wait for what?” Batu Li glared at him, barely restraining himself from attacking Bateng Ping as well.
The dual swords in Zhang Wen’s hands shimmered with a dazzling silver light, a unique fusion of the Spring Water Art and energy. Not only did they possess destructive power, but also the resilience of the Spring Water Art. A faint smile played on his lips as he slightly adjusted the swords, pressing the blades deeper into the carotid arteries of the four saint-tier powerhouses, causing them to break out in cold sweat, their backs covered in goosebumps.
Even as saint-tier powerhouses, being held at sword point by such a swift and unfathomable opponent left them helpless, silently praying for mercy.
“Bateng Ping is indeed the more level-headed one,” Zhang Wen said calmly. “I know I can’t defeat both of you. If you insist on fighting to the end, I’ll surely be finished. But…” His tone shifted, his smile still composed, “if that’s the case, I’ll have to mourn for you all first.”
His eyes swept over the hostages. The four saint-tier powerhouses felt utterly humiliated. They were respected figures elsewhere, always surrounded by followers. Who would have thought they’d be humiliated like this today?
Despite their resentment, they dared not show it, forcing out smiles that were uglier than tears, pleading silently.
Seeing the state of his subordinates and their spineless expressions, Batu Li was almost driven mad with rage, but his mind cooled. His bloodshot eyes darkened as he said, “What do you want?” He silently vowed that no matter the outcome of this competition, he would find a way to kill Zhang Wen, or he wouldn’t be able to live with this humiliation.
“The situation is that you two can kill me and wipe out my team. But I’m not a pushover. At the very least, I’ll take these four saint-tier powerhouses with me,” Zhang Wen said nonchalantly. “And you’ve seen my speed. It’s possible that before you kill me, I’ll wipe out your entire team!”
“You! Bastard! Do you really want to die that badly?” Batu Li’s fists clenched with a cracking sound, his eyes blazing with fury. “Don’t you think I’d sacrifice a few to take your head?”
Even Bateng Ping felt Zhang Wen was going too far. What good did it do to humiliate two powerhouses like this?
“I’m just stating the facts. And my team still has three saint-tier powerhouses. With my strength, it would take you more than ten minutes to finish us off. Oh, we’ve already spent two or three minutes talking. You have seven minutes left. If you exceed that, the arbitration committee will disqualify you.” Zhang Wen’s eyes held a hint of mockery. “Want to bet on it?”
As he spoke, the silver energy on his dual swords flared brightly, the blades vibrating with a “hum,” drawing blood from the necks of the four saint-tier powerhouses.
“Ah! You…”
“Be careful! Let’s… talk this out.”
“Don’t shake your hand… Batu Li, boss…”
“Captain Batu Li!!”
The four saint-tier powerhouses cried out in unison. No one wanted to die, and it was clear that the other side was open to negotiation.
Batu Li almost charged forward, but hearing the cries of his two team members, he hesitated, his face flushing red. With a muffled roar, he punched to the right, sending a massive energy blast five to six meters high, vaporizing the rocks and lava on the left side of the mountain path.
“Zhang Wen, you’ve got guts! State your terms…” Batu Li panted heavily, glaring at Zhang Wen. No one had ever humiliated the super-tier powerhouse Batu Li like this. This grudge would be repaid tenfold, a hundredfold!
“My demands are simple,” Zhang Wen said, frowning slightly at the nearly berserk Batu Li. “I just want you to lead your team ahead and not harm my people. Of course, these four will have to stay with me a bit longer. Once I confirm you’ve left, I’ll release them.”
Bateng Ping gave Batu Li a look, “We don’t have time to waste.”
Batu Li let out a gruff roar and turned to leave.
“This time, you win!”
Bateng Ping waved for the others to bypass Zhang Wen. The mountain path had been widened by Batu Li’s earlier blast, making it easier to pass.
Before leaving, everyone cast complex glances at Zhang Wen, feeling deeply frustrated. With so many powerful individuals, how could they be played like this by one man?
But the facts were clear. Zhang Wen was like a hard pebble—kicking it would come at an unbearable cost.
In silence, led by the fuming Batu Li and Bateng Ping, they headed toward the volcano’s crater. Bateng Ping believed Zhang Wen would release the four saint-tier powerhouses. Unless Zhang Wen truly wanted to provoke the wrath of two super-tier powerhouses hunting him down, he wouldn’t do something so foolish.
As they passed the stunned Shura and Marian, Batu Li, still unwilling, glared at them, his energy flickering restlessly. Fortunately, Bateng Ping managed to calm him with a few words.
Only after Bateng Ping and the others had walked several dozen meters did Zhang Wen, with the four saint-tier hostages, reunite with Luo Fulei and Xiao Xi. He then released the four.
Watching the four saint-tier powerhouses flee in disarray, Xiao Xi stuck out her tongue and gave Zhang Wen a thumbs-up, “Zhang Wen, I think you’re amazing!”
Luo Fulei didn’t say much, her eyes deep in thought. Marian, however, walked over, looking at Zhang Wen with surprise. She had thought he would be killed, but instead, he had pulled off such a feat. It seemed his value was even greater than she had anticipated.
Thinking this, her eyes sparkled with admiration.
Shura patted Zhang Wen’s shoulder, speechless. Having witnessed too many surprises from Zhang Wen in the Cassares Star’s arena, he was almost numb to it.
This guy is a monster!
Shura thought to himself. But then again, if the Northern Realm’s overlord was indeed the female swordsman who had caused a stir in the arena, then Zhang Wen, who had defeated the Northern Realm’s overlord, holding four saint-tier powerhouses hostage and threatening two super-tier powerhouses, didn’t seem so exaggerated.
In short, this guy is definitely a monster!
Shura concluded in his heart.
“Alright, we’ve been here for almost ten minutes. If we don’t move, we’ll be disqualified. Let’s go.” Zhang Wen didn’t want to waste time with these oddly staring people. Reflecting on it, he had acted on a strong impulse, feeling it was necessary. Looking back, finding a flaw between two super-tier powerhouses and subduing four saint-tier powerhouses simultaneously had indeed involved a lot of luck. It wasn’t something that could be replicated.
But if he hadn’t taken that risky gamble, the outcome might have been the annihilation of his entire team. Though the process was nerve-wracking, the result was favorable.
Glancing at the suddenly calm peak, Zhang Wen felt a strange premonition. He shook his head, temporarily suppressing the feeling, and led Shura and the others to quicken their pace toward the summit.
Whatever was happening up there, they would find out once they reached the crater.
Fortunately, there was still someone calm—Batengping. His deep, thoughtful eyes flashed as he analyzed the situation. From Zhang Wen’s dual swords holding four Saint-tier fighters hostage, with two in front and two behind serving as human shields, Batengping realized Zhang Wen had already prepared for the worst-case scenario. If they really fought, it would end in mutual destruction, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Zhang Wen would certainly not escape the wrath of the two transcendent-tier fighters, but if their team’s Saint-tier fighters were all eliminated, would they still be able to compete for the Southern Realm’s Overlord at the summit? Looking at the flickering lightning and battle auras at the peak, it wasn’t hard to imagine a much more difficult battle waiting there.
Thinking this through, he grabbed Batuli, who was almost about to lose control. “Wait!”
“What are we waiting for?” Batuli glared at him furiously. If he weren’t still somewhat rational, he might have attacked Batengping as well.
The two long swords in Zhang Wen’s hands shimmered with dazzling silver light—a unique transformation after integrating the Springwater Method with battle energy. It not only possessed the destructive power of battle energy but also the lingering resilience of the Springwater Method. A faint smile played on his lips as he slightly adjusted the swords, pressing the blades deeper against the carotid arteries of the four Saint-tier fighters, causing them to simultaneously shudder with fear and break out in cold sweat.
Even as Saint-tier fighters, being held at swordpoint by such a swift and unfathomable opponent left them completely helpless. All they could do was silently pray that Zhang Wen would show some mercy and leave them a chance to survive.
“You have to admit, Batengping is the more composed one,” Zhang Wen said casually, praising him.
“I know I can’t defeat both of you. If you really insist on fighting to the end, the final outcome will definitely be my defeat. However…” His tone shifted, still wearing that calm smile, “If that happens, I suppose I’ll have to mourn for you four first.”
His eyes swept left and right across the hostages in his hands. The four Saint-tier fighters felt especially humiliated. In other places, they were respected figures, always surrounded by followers and treated with reverence. Now, they were like tigers fallen on hard times, bullied by a dog.
Though filled with resentment, they dared not show even the slightest expression of defiance, forcing themselves to wear smiles that looked more like grimaces, filled with pleading.
Seeing the pitiful state and spineless expressions of his subordinates, Batuli nearly exploded with rage. But his mind became unusually calm instead. His bloodshot eyes darkened as he coldly asked, “What do you want?” At the same time, he silently vowed that no matter the outcome of this final competition, he must find an opportunity to kill Zhang Wen, or he would never be able to vent the anger burning inside him.
“You two can kill me and wipe out my entire team. But I’m not some soft target you can just squeeze. At the very least, I’ll take your four Saint-tier fighters with me.” Zhang Wen shrugged indifferently, continuing, “Moreover, you’ve already seen my speed. Maybe before you kill me, I’ll wipe out your entire team first!”
“You! Bastard! Do you really want to die that badly?” Batuli clenched his fists so hard they cracked, his eyes glaring at Zhang Wen as if they would shoot flames. “Don’t you fear that I’ll sacrifice a few to take your head?”
Even Batengping felt that Zhang Wen had gone too far. What benefit could he possibly gain from humiliating two transcendent-tier fighters like this?
“I’m just stating the facts. Besides, my team still has three Saint-tier fighters, plus my own strength. Don’t you think it would take you more than ten minutes to eliminate all of us? Oh, we’ve already spent two or three minutes talking. You have seven minutes left. If you exceed the time limit, the Arbitration Committee will disqualify you. Want to bet on it?”
As he spoke, the silver battle aura on his dual swords suddenly surged. With a “buzzing” sound, the blades vibrated, leaving blood marks on the necks of the four transcendent-tier fighters.
“Ahh! You…”
“Be careful! Let’s talk this through…”
“Don’t tremble… Boss Batuli…”
“Captain Batuli!!”
The four Saint-tier fighters simultaneously cried out in panic. None of them wanted to die, and clearly, the opponent was open to negotiation.
Batuli almost rushed forward, but after hearing the cries of his own two team members, he hesitated. His face turned blood-red, and with a low roar, he swung his right fist, unleashing a massive battle aura over five or six meters tall. It swept to the left, instantly vaporizing the rocks and surging magma on the left side of the mountain path.
“Zhang Wen, you’ve got guts! Tell me your conditions…” Batuli panted heavily, glaring at Zhang Wen with hatred. No one had ever made transcendent-tier fighter Batuli suffer such humiliation. This grudge would be repaid tenfold, even a hundredfold!
“My demands are simple.” Zhang Wen slightly frowned at the nearly out-of-control Batuli before continuing, “I just want you and your team to go ahead at the front, without harming my people. Of course, these four will have to stay with me a little longer. Once I confirm that you’ve left, I’ll naturally release them.”
Batengping exchanged a glance with Batuli. “We don’t have time to waste.”
Batuli let out a heavy roar and turned to leave.
“This time, you win!”
Batengping waved for the others to bypass Zhang Wen and walk forward. The mountain path had been blasted open by Batuli earlier, making it quite wide now.
Before leaving, everyone cast complex, hard-to-describe glances at Zhang Wen. They felt extremely frustrated. With so many people and such strong power, how could they be so easily manipulated by just one person?
But the facts were right in front of them. Zhang Wen was like a small, hard stone—if you wanted to kick him aside, you’d have to pay an unbearable price.
Everyone remained silent, following the furious Batuli and Batengping toward the crater. Batengping believed that Zhang Wen would release the four Saint-tier fighters. Unless Zhang Wen really wanted to provoke both transcendent-tier fighters into a relentless pursuit, he wouldn’t do something stupid like breaking his word.
As they passed the stunned Shura, Marien, and the others, Batuli still couldn’t let go, glaring at them furiously. His battle aura flickered restlessly. Fortunately, Batengping managed to calm him down with a few words.
After Batengping and his group had walked dozens of meters away, Zhang Wen finally joined up with Lofrei, Xiaoxi, and the others, bringing the four Saint-tier hostages along. He then released the four captives.
Watching the four Saint-tier fighters flee in disarray, Xiaoxi stuck out her tongue and gave Zhang Wen a thumbs-up. “Zhang Wen, I think you’re amazing!”
Lofrei didn’t say much, but her eyes flickered with deep thought. Marien approached, somewhat surprised to see that Zhang Wen hadn’t been killed. She hadn’t expected him to have such skills. It seemed his value was even greater than she had anticipated.
Thinking this through, her gaze toward Zhang Wen shimmered with new admiration.
Shura patted Zhang Wen’s shoulder, unable to say anything. Back at the arena on Kasares Star, he had already witnessed too many surprises from Zhang Wen, becoming somewhat numb to them.
This guy is truly a pervert!
Shura muttered inwardly. But then he thought again—if that Northern Realm Overlord was indeed the female swordsman who had caused chaos at the arena, then Zhang Wen had actually defeated the Northern Realm Overlord. Compared to that, subduing four Saint-tier fighters and threatening two transcendent-tier fighters didn’t seem so exaggerated anymore.
In conclusion, this guy was definitely a pervert!
Shura finally reached this judgment in his heart.
“Alright, we’ve been here for almost ten minutes. If we don’t move soon, we’ll be disqualified. Let’s go.” Zhang Wen didn’t feel like wasting words with these strangely staring people. When he thought back, he realized that just now, he had acted on a strong, instinctive impulse—he felt he had to do it, so he did. Reflecting on it, being able to find a flaw in two transcendent-tier fighters and subdue four Saint-tier fighters involved a lot of luck. It wasn’t something that could be replicated.
But if he hadn’t taken that risky gamble back then, the outcome now might have been that everyone was wiped out. Although the process was extremely dangerous, the result was ultimately quite good.
Looking at the suddenly calm summit, Zhang Wen felt a strange premonition rising in his heart. He shook his head, temporarily suppressing the feeling, and hurried forward with Shura and the others toward the mountaintop.
No matter what awaited at the top, they would know once they reached the crater.
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