Chapter 56

“The finals begin now!”

As soon as the referee elder finished speaking, Li Tianming’s voice rang out from the stage, startling the crowd.

“That’s the Grand Elder of Liuyun Sect!”

“Did he just ask Gu Yang to surrender outright? I was hoping to see the gap in strength between them.”

“After all, Yun Hai is at the first level of the Core Formation Realm, while Gu Yang is only at the third level of the True Condensation Realm. The difference in cultivation is huge!”

“Gu Yang can’t possibly be Yun Hai’s match. It’s better to surrender early…who knows if Yun Hai might go for the kill!”

Although many found Li Tianming’s words surprising, most understood and agreed with his reasoning. After all, Yun Hai had just severely injured Liu Tianxiang. There was no guarantee he wouldn’t do the same to Gu Yang.

Gu Yang naturally heard the remarks. He paused, stunned.

Surrender?

He shook his head and cupped his hands toward the Grand Elder. “Don’t worry, Elder. I know what I’m doing.”

With that, he walked toward the dueling arena.

Seeing this, Li Tianming grew increasingly anxious.

Gu Yang… why wouldn’t he listen?

Yun Hai had already reached the Core Formation Realm!

Gu Yang was still only at the third level of True Condensation!

No matter how talented he was, no matter how capable of fighting above his level…could he really challenge someone in the Core Formation Realm?

Li Tianming felt both worried and frustrated. But since Gu Yang had made his choice, he couldn’t intervene by force. That would violate the rules jointly set by the four major sects. Besides, Xue Wujian standing nearby would never allow him to interfere.

So he could only stand on the viewing platform, helplessly watching.

Gu Yang’s response caused a stir.

“He actually chose not to surrender?”

“He’s walking straight into the tiger’s den!”

“A third-level True Condensation cultivator challenging a first-level Core Formation expert… no matter the outcome, this battle will shake all of Haonan Province!”

“Even if it’s not unprecedented, it’s certainly rare!”

“Tsk tsk, I’m actually looking forward to this.”

“Exactly. Gu Yang hasn’t even shown his full strength yet. Maybe… he really can pull it off?”

For a moment, many core disciples looked on with anticipation, genuinely believing Gu Yang might succeed.

Of course, not everyone was optimistic.

“Don’t kid yourself.”

“Can’t you see the gap between Core Formation and True Condensation?”

“Liu Tianxiang is a living example. Before Yun Hai unleashed his Core Formation power, Liu Tianxiang had the upper hand. But once Yun Hai revealed his true cultivation, he crushed Liu Tianxiang instantly!”

“Core Formation and True Condensation are worlds apart. And Gu Yang is only at the third level…how could he possibly stand against Core Formation?”

“He’s just asking for trouble!”

Countless core disciples below the stage debated fiercely.

On the stage, Xue Wujian looked thrilled.

Gu Yang actually gave up the chance to surrender?

He still wanted to challenge Yun Hai?

Hahaha! He was walking straight to his doom!

On the other side, Yun Hai hadn’t expected Gu Yang to refuse surrender either. He had planned to mock him and provoke him into fighting. But it turned out he didn’t need to…Gu Yang had already stepped into the arena.

That worked just as well. It saved him the trouble.

Thinking this, Yun Hai sneered and stepped onto the dueling stage.

“Gu Yang, you’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. You actually dared to challenge me.”

“Out of courtesy, I’ll make sure to take good care of you.”

Yun Hai grinned at Gu Yang, his face twisted with menace.

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly pulled out a blood-red broadsword from his storage ring without warning.

He gripped the sword tightly, and his true essence erupted, instantly infusing the blade.

Then…

A terrifying aura burst forth.

Yun Hai casually raised the sword and swung it.

A crimson blade aura tore through the air, aiming straight for Gu Yang’s left arm!

With this strike… he intended to sever Gu Yang’s arm!

His opening move was vicious and ruthless!

The surrounding core disciples gasped in shock.

“He drew his sword!”

“That strike… it’s terrifying! Is this the power of true essence?”

“He didn’t even use sword intent or technique…just pure true essence, and it’s already this powerful!”

“That blade is aimed at Gu Yang’s left arm. Yun Hai… what a brutal move! He wants to cripple him right away!”

Many disciples from Liuyun Sect looked worried.

On the other side, the top disciples from the other two sects turned pale.

The power of that strike was simply overwhelming.

If they had to block it…

They probably wouldn’t stand a chance!

True essence was just too terrifying!

Yun Hai swung his sword casually, his face full of cold mockery and cruelty.

The battle had only just begun. He had no intention of killing Gu Yang outright.

He wanted to torture him slowly.

Just as he was thinking this, his expression suddenly changed.

Because Gu Yang moved!

Gu Yang remained calm and swung his fist.

Profound fist intent surged forth!

It flowed directly into his right fist.

He smashed it toward the crimson blade aura!

Clearly, Gu Yang didn’t hold back.

He unleashed thirty percent of his fist intent!

As Gu Yang threw the punch, the air trembled with a loud boom!

In the next moment…

In midair…

Gu Yang’s right fist collided with the crimson blade aura!

Sizzle!

A terrifying shockwave swept across the entire arena.

The robes of nearby referee elders flapped wildly.

True essence surged around them as they quickly neutralized the impact.

Boom!

The shockwave didn’t last long.

A thunderous sound followed.

The terrifying crimson blade aura shattered instantly.

Gu Yang only took half a step back.

Judging by the result…

This round ended in a draw!

The surrounding core disciples stared wide-eyed.

He blocked it!?