Inside the cage, the silence is terrifying.

Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng stand facing each other. This is a competition and even more so, a personal duel between the two of them!

Outside the cage, Jiang Li has already returned to the veranda of the mountains, sitting at the closest position to the cage where Mu Qingge is. Her gaze never left that cage until Huangfu Huan sat beside her with a plate of freshly washed fruits, and only then did her eyes shift.

Jiang Li glanced at the enticing fruit platter briefly, then moved her gaze to the smiling Huangfu Huan. Her eyebrow subtly raised, and her eyes took on a playful glint. "Offering favors for no reason, what business does the Crown Prince have?"

Huangfu Huan laughed, "Can’t Huan treat the Empress with the courtesy of friends?"

Jiang Li’s smile grew more playful, and she mercilessly pierced through him, "As a qualified heir to the Empire, friends are merely a means to win hearts."

"Must the Empress speak so harshly?" Huangfu Huan shook his head with a bitter smile. It seemed that conversing with Jiang Li gave him a headache, yet he willingly indulged himself in it nonetheless.

Jiang Li shrugged indifferently and said, "I always speak this way, if you can’t bear it, feel free to leave." After saying that, she even made a ’slow walk, no escort’ gesture.

Huangfu Huan helplessly picked up a fresh fruit from the platter and handed it before Jiang Li, "Consider it an apology for my previous words."

Huangfu Huan’s attitude made Jiang Li a little wary. Her eyes flickered, and she reached out, revealing a fair arm, taking the fruit from him without eating it, merely playing with it in her hand.

"Crown Prince Huangfu, just say it. Playing riddles is truly annoying." Jiang Li narrowed her eyes.

Huangfu Huan’s face turned slightly embarrassed, his jade-like face gradually blushing under Jiang Li’s gaze.

As Jiang Li awaited, he finally spoke, "The relationship between Empress Jiang and Little Lord Mu... is very good."

This statement made Jiang Li’s eyes narrow even further, the gleam in her eyes flickering. She smiled with raised lips and said, "Isn’t it said outside that I, the Empress, am Little Lord Mu’s woman? How good do you think this relationship is?"

"Huan wants the real answer from the Empress’s mouth." Huangfu Huan suddenly became serious.

The playful glint in Jiang Li’s eyes slowly faded, and she studied Huangfu Huan, seeming to analyze every subtle expression on his handsome face.

After a while, she ironically said, "What status does Crown Prince Huangfu hold to ask me this?"

Huangfu Huan earnestly replied, "As a suitor."

This straightforward declaration seemed almost sudden, leaving Jiang Li momentarily stunned. But soon enough, she responded by laughing arrogantly.

Her gaze drifted over the cage where Mu Qingge stood and seeing that neither had made a move yet, she looked at Huangfu Huan with a playful smile and said, "Is the Crown Prince confessing to me, planning to steal from Little Lord Mu?"

Huangfu Huan’s body stiffened slightly. Rationality told him that since he currently needed Mu Qingge, he shouldn’t commit acts that might displease him at such a time. If Jiang Li were indeed, as rumors suggested, Mu Qingge’s kept woman, then no matter what feelings he might have, this was not the time for improper actions that might provoke Mu Qingge.

Yet the sudden heart-pounding moment from a few days ago made it uncontrollable for Huangfu Huan. Matters of the heart were delicately unpredictable; they came suddenly, beyond resistance.

He is the heir to the Empire, yet he also possesses a true temperament.

Therefore, despite it being inappropriate, he couldn’t suppress his affection for Jiang Li, hoping to understand her relationship with Mu Qingge.

Even in fidelity to his emotions, he didn’t mind directly opposing Mu Qingge once.

No matter win or lose, he would have no regrets!

These thoughts were, naturally, unknown to Jiang Li. What she pondered now was whether the Crown Prince of the Holy Yuan Empire’s sudden confession was sincere or feigned, and if it were the latter, what was the real motive, and could it be detrimental to Mu Qingge.

Consequently, behind her playful gaze was a lurking sharp cold edge.

It seemed that the moment she confirmed Huangfu Huan’s hostility towards Mu Qingge, she would extinguish this flame in its cradle.

"A fair lady is what a gentleman desires. Huan dares not claim to be a perfect gentleman, but he also isn’t a coward who fears his own heart." After pondering, Huangfu Huan finally replied.

Jiang Li sneered, "In public you act as brothers with Mu Qingge, yet secretly you confess to her woman? Surely not a gentleman."

Huangfu Huan unapologetically smiled, "Since ancient times, true gentlemen either die penniless, suffer in anguish, or die filled with regret. Huan doesn’t want to live with lifelong regrets like them. Since the Empress hasn’t wed Little Lord Mu yet, Huan has a chance to pursue."

"Your intention to steal is certainly bold and open!" Jiang Li’s smile was unreservedly sarcastic. Huangfu Huan’s words didn’t move her; if she were that easily swayed by men, she wouldn’t be Jiang the Empress.

Her coldness and mockery didn’t deter Huangfu Huan. He suddenly rose and spoke to Jiang Li, "Whether you believe or not, please remember Huan’s words today. If someday the Empress and Little Lord Mu are united in marriage, Huan will sincerely bless you. But before that, since the Empress hasn’t decided to wed, please do consider Huan."

After speaking, he nodded slightly at Jiang Li and turned to leave gracefully.

That kind of free spirit and frankness could indeed earn some admiration.

Jiang Li stood frozen in place, only blinking after Huangfu Huan’s figure disappeared from sight. She muttered under her breath, "Lunatic!"

Then she pushed Huangfu Huan out of her mind and focused all her attention on the cage holding Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng.

The impending battle between the two could be said to be the most anticipated fight of the entire second round. Both were outstanding figures among the younger generation; what kind of sparks would their duel ignite?

Jiang Li’s gaze shifted lightly as she slowly swept her eyes over the seats of the Four Great Families.

Today, aside from the Lan Family, members of the other three families were all present.

Jiang Li’s gaze brushed past the empty seat of the Lan Family and saw two more vacant seats. Those belonged to the Myriad Beasts Sect and the Refining Tower. Their absence made Jiang Li feel that something was amiss.

Jiang Li beckoned, and the Ancient Witch Official standing behind her walked forward and stopped at a position close to her.

"Send someone to find out what the people of the Myriad Beasts Sect and the Refining Tower have been busy with lately," Jiang Li whispered.

The official immediately understood and withdrew with downcast eyes.

Not long after the official from the Ancient Witch Country left, Hei Mu from the Myriad Beasts Sect and Lou Xuantie from the Refining Tower arrived together. They greeted everyone after arriving late and then took their seats.

Jiang Li stared at them from afar, involuntarily furrowing her brow.

Even with Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie present now, she still did not feel at ease with them.

After lightly retracting her gaze, Jiang Li looked once more at Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng in the cage.

Her eyes lingered mostly on Shen Bicheng.

Because this number one figure of the young generation in Tiandu, known as a madman, gave her a very dangerous feeling.

Jiang Li’s brow tightened slightly, a hint of seriousness reflecting in her golden eyes.

...

Inside the cage, Mu Qingge looked at Shen Bicheng with a calm expression.

The other was standing about ten feet away from her, eyes closed since he entered, his breath steady enough to make one think he was asleep.

However, Mu Qingge did not rush him, just stood there quietly and waited.

After half a stick of incense, Shen Bicheng finally opened his eyes slowly.

Strictly speaking, Shen Bicheng couldn’t be considered a handsome man. But he had an extremely sharp aura about him. His features seemed carved as if by knife and axe, so sharp yet possessing a unique flavor.

It seemed as though no matter what he said, it sounded particularly convincing coming from this man.

Especially the moment he opened his eyes, Mu Qingge felt as if two tangible beams of gaze shot out.

"I’m ready," Shen Bicheng said in a deep voice to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge nodded lightly, with a smile curling on her lips, "I’m ready too."

As soon as she spoke, Shen Bicheng’s right wrist flicked, and a long-handled curved saber appeared in his hand, slicing through space. He gripped it heavily, the handle striking the ground and causing it to tremble.

The blade of the crescent-shaped saber gleamed with a cold glint, its surface etched with mysterious totems, as if some enigmatic power was infused in it.

"A Top Grade treasure!" Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, instantly discerning the level of Shen Bicheng’s weapon.

This was an innate advantage from her bloodline.

Typically, people needed to engage in combat to judge the level of a weapon by its strength, but she only needed a glance, and her bloodline would tell her the weapon’s exact level.

A Top Grade treasure was just a step away from being a Divine Artifact.

That Shen Bicheng could produce such a weapon in this setting showed how seriously he took this match, how seriously he took Mu Qingge.

"This is the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber, weighing three hundred and sixty-eight pounds. It’s forged from a single piece of Mystic Iron and has the ability to enhance speed, strength, pierce the void and is bloodthirsty. It was extracted from the Ancient Ruins by my ancestors, passed down through three generations, and now in my possession." Shen Bicheng took out the weapon but did not attack immediately, choosing instead to briefly introduce the weapon to Mu Qingge.

After he finished, he said openly, "Reveal your weapon!"

Mu Qingge’s eyes moved from the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber in Shen Bicheng’s hand to his body, hesitating in her mind.

She possessed a divine artifact, and Hei Mu knew this, even though Lou Xuantie might not have seen it with his own eyes, he was clear about it. Otherwise, every time the people from the Refining Tower chased her, they would shout for her to hand over Yuanyuan and the divine artifact.

Therefore, there was no longer a need for her to hide the Linglong Spear.

However, the issue she was considering now wasn’t whether to hide the Linglong Spear, but Shen Bicheng’s honesty. He introduced his weapon so thoroughly, indicating his attitude to Mu Qingge.

He wanted a fair fight with her, so he didn’t want to gain any unfair advantage with his weapon.

His combat ability must be fully utilized by cooperating with the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber. So this time, he brought out the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber. However, Mu Qingge was certain if she said she didn’t have a weapon on par with his, Shen Bicheng would abandon the use of the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber without hesitation.

The Linglong Spear was a divine artifact that surpassed the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber in level.

Since Shen Bicheng wanted absolute fairness, how could she use the Linglong Spear to bully him?

In a moment of hesitation, Mu Qingge shook her wrist, and a completely black long spear appeared in her hand. This spear was randomly taken from the weapon vault in her space.

As soon as she grasped the black spear, all the information about it flooded into her mind.

"Shadow Gun, weighs three hundred and twenty-six jin. Also forged from mystic iron, it has speed, armor-breaking, phantom, and blood-drinking fourfold enhancements." Mu Qingge held the shaft of the Shadow Gun, the dark spear tip exuded a chilling aura.

The appearance of the Shadow Gun made Shen Bicheng’s eyes light up, and a slight curve appeared on his tense lips. "Very good." He uttered these two words, as the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber in his hand was already raised high.

On the veranda, when Mu Qingge took out the Shadow Gun, Lou Xuantie frowned and said in a deep voice to Hei Mu, "Wasn’t it said that she had a divine Silver Spear?"

Hei Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly, letting out a cold laugh, "Perhaps unwilling to show it on such an occasion. But, what does it matter? Her making such a move only tells us she possesses more treasures. This spear is quite something too!" With that said, greed flashed in Hei Mu’s eyes.

Lou Xuantie also revealed a sinister smile, agreeing with Hei Mu’s assessment, "Indeed. This time to deal with her, we’ve mobilized so many resources, it would be a loss if there weren’t rich rewards, wouldn’t it?"

Hei Mu nodded almost imperceptibly.

The two exchanged a glance, seeing mutual understanding in each other’s eyes.

"Lord Mu, please instruct me!" Shen Bicheng shouted, raising the three hundred jin Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber with one hand, leaping back a step, and immediately executing a combat skill.

"Swift as a shooting star—!"

Shen Bicheng shouted the name of the combat skill, swinging the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber in his hand, as fist-sized flames shot towards Mu Qingge.

The speed of these flames was very fast, directly sealing off all around Mu Qingge.

In an instant, the entire cage seemed like a sea of fire, the temperature rising, fire connecting with fire.

Shen Bicheng’s momentum was strong, using a powerful move from the start as if planning to suppress Mu Qingge right away.

However, Mu Qingge wasn’t someone to be easily intimidated.

When Shen Bicheng’s "swift as a shooting star" was unleashed, her Shadow Gun moved. Using the spear technique of Linglong Spear with the Shadow Gun at first felt a bit clumsy.

Countless spear shadows formed outside Mu Qingge, creating a protective shield that shielded her airtight.

The flaming meteor stars unleashed by Shen Bicheng kept crashing into the spear shadows, ’boom boom’ bursts sounded.

Within the cage, smoke rose and drifted upward, blocking the view of those on the veranda.

This scene made many frown with dissatisfaction.

It’s like the feeling of suddenly going blind at a critical moment.

At this moment, the Emperor Yuan, seated at the head position, suddenly waved his hand, a swift wind blew towards the smoke, instantly dispersing it, revealing the scene within the cage again.

"Stunning Shot!" Mu Qingge suddenly looked up, her eyes slightly narrowed as she gazed at Shen Bicheng.

As her words fell, she and the Shadow Gun seemed to merge into one, transforming into a dazzling streak of light, piercing through the fiery layers Shen Bicheng created, rushing towards him with a clear whistle.

The Stunning Shot was one of the spear techniques of the Linglong Spear.

Though not a combat skill, it could perfectly express the attack power when paired with the augmentation power of the Linglong Spear.

Mu Qingge’s shift from defense to offense equally excited Shen Bicheng.

His eyes filled with intense battle intent, turning around, gripping the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber, and charged forward.

Bang—!

The two clashed intensely.

The spiritual power of both was a deep blackish purple, a hallmark of the Purple Realm Peak. The surging energy waves crashed into the surrounding walls, making them tremble and drop dust. Faint, hideous cracks even appeared.

The clashing sound of weapons resounded continuously as the purple spiritual power collided fiercely...

The cage where Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng were in kept booming and trembling, as if it might shatter at any moment.

This scene left the onlookers outside speechless, halting what they were doing, standing or sitting in place, staring in shock at the closed cage.

"Who’s inside there?" Zhao Nanxing, who had just left the cage, missed the moment Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng went in.

Stunned by the scene, he inquired to the person next to him.

Standing beside him was a Samurai from Rong Country. Since entering Tiandu, people from Rong Country seemed to look down upon those from the Third-class Countries.

Especially when Mu Qingge led them in repeatedly astonishing everyone, their feelings towards those from the Third-class Countries grew colder.

Normally, Zhao Nanxing asking like this might have been mocked or ridiculed.

Yet at this moment, after Zhao Nanxing asked, the person only dumbfoundedly replied, "It’s the little Lord Mu from Qin Country, and Shen Bicheng from the Shen Family."

After speaking, he added with lingering fear, "What kind of realm must one have to create such an impact?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he realized who had asked the question.

Seeing it was Zhao Nanxing, his expression changed several times, and he quickly left.

Zhao Nanxing didn’t pay him any mind but gazed in shock at the cage where Mu Qingge was.

At this moment, the cage walls were constantly trembling, with layers of dust falling from above. At the top of the high walls, purple light intertwined as if competing for brightness.

It’s important to know that these high walls were constructed with spiritual power by experts at the Spiritual Movement Stage.

Each cage was like another dimension set with a barrier.

Before this, no matter how intense their matches inside became, the people outside couldn’t sense a thing.

Yet now, the battle inside resembled two frenzied beasts continuously ramming the walls, seemingly unwilling to stop until a hole was burst through.

Feng Yufei, who had finished his match, also came to Zhao Nanxing’s side, pale-faced and said, "Shen Bicheng is so formidable, among us, probably only the little Lord is his match."

Zhao Nanxing nodded in agreement.

He took a deep breath and said to Feng Yufei, "We can’t delay any longer. There are less than three days until the competition ends. Qingge is fighting inside for our Third-class Country, we can’t lag behind."

Feng Yufei nodded solemnly. After another glance at the cage where Mu Qingge was, he turned to another cage with an open Mystic Iron Gate.

...

On the mountain corridor, representatives of different factions and leaders were also startled by the thrilling battle between the two.

With their abilities, they could naturally take in the flashes of both figures, but only in blurred glimpses, seeing mere shadows colliding.

"Family Head Shen, Third Young Master Shen has such cultivation, truly commendable!" commented the Head of the Jing Family, turning to offer a cupped-fist salute to the Shen Family Head.

The Head of the Hua Family, too, laughed charmingly and said to the fellow Family Heads, "Oh! We’re really getting old. Just look at these youngsters, at such a young age, possessing cultivation far beyond ours."

The Shen Family Head chuckled modestly, "You flatter me, my third son, aside from this small show of skill, hasn’t got much to offer. If you ask him to do business, it’d be a complete mess!"

"Oh, Family Head Shen is mistaken. A genius like Third Young Master is truly a blessing to the family, we Jing Family folks can only wish for such fortune." complimented the Head of the Jing Family.

The Head of the Hua Family also chirped in, "Indeed, indeed! I wonder, Family Head Shen, does Third Young Master have someone in mind? If not, our Hua Family has many fine young ladies waiting to catch his eye."

Though flattered by the two, the Shen Family Head did not lose his composure, responding with laughter while keeping an eye on his son’s match.

After discussing Shen Bicheng, the conversation shifted to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge had already made them view him with newfound respect.

Now, seeing her cultivation strength with their own eyes further invigorates these people. They are truly reluctant to believe that such an exceptional genius, who can single-handedly outshine the proud sons of their families, Mu Qingge, actually comes from a third-class country.

What is a third-class country?

It is a place where most of them would never want to set foot in their lifetime.

There, it symbolizes poverty, backwardness, isolation, ignorance—like uncivilized fools. Yet, from such a place, emerged Mu Qingge, a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy, shattering their preconceived notions.

"Sigh! Seeing a genius like Lord Mu appearing out of nowhere, I feel like disguising myself and secretly visiting Qin Country to see what kind of place could nurture such a talent." Emperor Yuan, Huangfu Haotian, said earnestly.

There wasn’t an ounce of flattery or hypocrisy in his words.

Because, this is exactly what he thought.

The third-class countries are considered the most resource-scarce areas in Linchuan. Even some exceptionally gifted talents would fall slightly behind the talents from first- or second-class countries due to a lack of resources.

Yet, Mu Qingge is an exception.

She comes from the most backward, resource-poor place. However, she still leaves the talents from first- and second-class countries feeling ashamed.

Her brilliance dims the light of all these stars.

Yet, there’s nothing they can do.

They just can’t measure up.

"When Your Majesty sets out, please make sure to inform me. I also want to see what kind of Feng Shui treasure land nurtures someone like Lord Mu!" the head of the Shen Family seized the opportunity to say.

Unlike other families, the Shen Family Head knows well the principle of ’a tree standing above the forest will be destroyed by the wind.’

He does not wish for his child to become the target of other families’ enmity because of being too outstanding, thereby leading to a series of tragic encounters.

Mu Qingge’s appearance diverts everyone’s gaze from Shen Bicheng to herself, which is a good thing for the Shen Family.

This is why, since the palace banquet began, the Shen Family has no ill will towards Mu Qingge and instead engages in flattery. It’s not because of their broad-mindedness but because Shen Bicheng’s excellence needs another more dazzling person to share the attention, ensuring Shen Bicheng’s and the Shen Family’s safety.

For these great families, there are no absolutely pure-hearted benevolences. Family interests are always paramount.

The conversation between Emperor Yuan and the three major families reached Jiang Li’s ears.

The more she listened, the more sarcasm appeared in her eyes. She could see through the calculations in the hearts of these old foxes but wasn’t inclined to join them.

Especially since the subject of their schemes was still Mu Qingge.

Even though their calculations did not cause any significant loss to Mu Qingge, it still annoyed her.

As their eyes met, Jiang Li briefly locked minds with Huangfu Huan. She ignored his earnestness and calmly looked away. Perhaps it was because of these politics and intrigues that left her unmoved by Huangfu Huan’s confession.

Jiang Li casually swept her gaze over Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie, finding nothing amiss at the moment.

Her brows furrowed tightly.

The tendency of these two drawing closer during this Holy Yuan Empire trip vaguely stirred unease in her heart, worrying about Mu Qingge’s safety.

Even though she admitted that guy was as formidable as a monster, a disaster the heavens wouldn’t accept, she still couldn’t ignore her heart’s worry. This was the real reason she proposed to enter the Trial Space with Mu Qingge for the third stage.

Perhaps staying by Mu Qingge’s side might alleviate her worries!

As if sensing Jiang Li’s gaze, Hei Mu and Lou Xuantie looked towards her at the same time.

When the three of them made eye contact, Jiang Li didn’t avert her gaze and instead stared at the two of them. Her clear eyes seemed to penetrate to the heart, discerning their true intentions.

Hei Mu grinned at Jiang Li, a smile meant to show friendliness but appearing sinister and ugly.

After the smile, Hei Mu restrained his expression and sent a secret message to Lou Xuantie: ’It seems that Empress Jiang has noticed us.’

’We’ve been meticulous in our actions, even if she is suspicious, without solid evidence, what can she do?’ Lou Xuantie replied with a cold sneer.

From his perspective, Jiang Li, who repeatedly sided with Mu Qingge, doesn’t count as a friend.

’With the major event imminent, we mustn’t make any mistakes. It’s wise to be cautious; let’s keep a low profile and avoid meeting in the next few days, and prevent raising any suspicions.’ Hei Mu warned vigilantly.

Though Lou Xuantie slightly disregarded this, he still agreed: ’Hmm, since those people have already been sent to the Lan Mansion, and details have been discussed with the Lan Family Head, we don’t need to meet again.’

Hei Mu nodded almost imperceptibly, and the two stopped their exchange, continuing to focus on the ongoing battle.

For them, the more intense this battle got, the better, as it would allow them to better understand Mu Qingge’s strength and then perfect their plan to strike a deadly blow!

The malice in their eyes escaped Jiang Li’s notice, nor did it catch Mu Qingge’s attention amidst the fierce fighting.

This battle began at dawn on the fifth day of the second round of the competition and had been going on for two days and two nights.

There was now only half an hour left until the competition time ended.

And yet, in the cage, Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng, seemingly tireless, still hadn’t decided the winner.

Outside the cage, other cage fights continued but failed to capture anyone’s interest. Those not engaged in combat surrounded the cage with cracked walls, speculating on who would be the last to walk out.

"Aren’t these two just insane? How much spiritual power must you have to fight for so long?" someone exclaimed.

Someone sighed and said, "Insane? This is monstrous! If we were in their place, even without using ultimate moves, we wouldn’t last long at all. It’s infuriating to compare oneself to others!"

"Comparing oneself to others? Don’t make me laugh! Putting ourselves up against freaks and maniacs is just asking for punishment, isn’t it?"

"I really want to see firsthand how the experts spar; it must be thrilling!"

"You can, just climb up there." the response came with a teasing tone, pointing to the mountain ridge corridor.

There, the great figures they looked up to their entire lives didn’t leave as before. Almost from the start of Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng’s fight, they sat there watching.

It seemed that for the entire second round of the Linchuan Conference, this was the only match worthy of their full attention.

Gazing at the mountain ridge corridor, Feng Yufei said to Zhao Nanxing with some worry in her eyes, "To attract such attention in the Holy Yuan Empire, who knows if it’s good or bad for Lord Mu."

Zhao Nanxing could hear the concern in her words.

Since ancient times, many geniuses existed, but countless died prematurely.

Mu Qingge coming from a third-class country, no matter how excellent, is a glory to the third-class country. But her brilliance might be unwelcome to second-class and first-class countries.

These authorities would also worry about an exceptional genius emerging, disrupting the current Linchuan structure, causing all powers to be reshuffled.

Even if Mu Qingge swore not to harbor such ambitions, they wouldn’t fully believe it and would only become more vigilant. To them, an overly outstanding genius like Mu Qingge meeting an untimely end would be the best outcome.

Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, having been born in the royal family, saw more clearly the darkness beneath the power than Mu Qingge did. Hence, they were concerned about Mu Qingge’s future.

In response to Feng Yufei’s words, Zhao Nanxing was silent for a while before saying, "I believe with Qingge’s intelligence and talent, no matter how the road ahead is, she can break through and stand at a height where none dare to have harmful intentions, looking down on all beings."

Feng Yufei turned to look at him, seeing the immense confidence in his gentle, jade-like eyes.

Seemingly infected by this confidence, she nodded as well.

As the smoke cleared, Mu Qingge and Shen Bicheng were still standing in their original positions, as if they hadn’t moved an inch in these two days and nights.

However, the crisscrossing spear and saber marks on the once smooth walls testified to their activities over these two days and nights.

The two-day and two-night battle, countless rounds of engagements had passed between them.

The outcome was unseen to outsiders but was clear in both their hearts.

Although their clothes were now disheveled, with tears and rips, and their hair was messy, and complexions pale, their eyes still burned with fiery battle spirit and unyielding arrogance.

The pursuit of power was something they both shared.

And under each other’s encouragement, this pursuit was magnified.

Mu Qingge carried her spear, the tip pointing to the ground. Shen Bicheng held the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber upright, the blade forming a cold gleam. The two faced each other, lips sealed in silence.

After a moment, Shen Bicheng spoke first, "I only have enough spiritual power left to release one ultimate technique. This is a combat skill I devised myself. It’s never before been displayed to anyone."

A combat skill devised by himself?

A gleam appeared in Mu Qingge’s eyes, with a subtle hint of anticipation within.

"My spiritual power is only enough for one strike," Mu Qingge said calmly.

"In that case, that’s fine," Shen Bicheng replied indifferently.

Mu Qingge shifted her steps slightly and gently rotated her grip on the gun’s shaft.

"Then, let’s decide the outcome with one move!" Shen Bicheng said in a deep voice.

With both hands gripping the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber, he swung it in front of his chest, unleashing his self-created combat skill—

"Fiery Fire Sun Recognition—! Burn for me!"

With Shen Bicheng’s shout, the limited spiritual power within him surged out, transforming into flames through a special method.

Layers of flames appeared behind him like ocean waves, overwhelming the sky and engulfing the arena, turning it into a sea of fire. The flames, transformed from spiritual energy, ascended into the sky, covering the heavens, concealing the sun, moon, and stars.

Mu Qingge stood on the spot, her eyes wide open, staring at this combat skill of Shen Bicheng’s.

She was utterly shocked!

Shen Bicheng was able to create such a combat skill, its power likely exceeding the high ranks of the Earth Level. He was still so young, yet capable of this; his talent was truly remarkable!

The flames, born from spiritual power, continued to burn, swarming toward Mu Qingge.

The flames seemed to ignite Mu Qingge’s spiritual power within her, depleting her strength.

If she continued to remain silent, there would be only one result for Mu Qingge. That was spiritual power and physical strength exhaustion to death. This Shen Bicheng, truly a madman.

Despite it being merely a competition, he recklessly used such a move, utterly unconcerned about potentially endangering Mu Qingge’s life.

Or perhaps, he had complete trust in Mu Qingge.

He believed she absolutely wouldn’t die under such a move!

’Innate Fire Spirit Root!’ Suddenly, a surprised voice from Mengmeng flashed through Mu Qingge’s mind.

However, she couldn’t understand.

She frowned and asked, "What is Innate Fire Spirit Root?"

Yet, Mengmeng fell silent, as though never having appeared.

...

The sky above the arena was concealed by flames, making it impossible to see the truth inside.

Shen Bicheng’s use of this move surprised not only Mu Qingge but also everyone on the mountain corridor.

Emperor Yuan Huangfu Haotian, after his shock, sighed, "Shen Third Young Master’s talent is truly..."

He only spoke half a sentence, leaving the latter half open to infinite imagination.

It was unclear whether he did it intentionally or unintentionally.

The Shen Family Head felt a chill in his heart, pursed his lips silently. However, his right thumb kept turning the ring on it, his thoughts unknown.

Flames, all flames...

Mu Qingge’s clear eyes were already taken over by the blazing fire.

Suddenly, she moved.

She twirled her wrist and raised the Shadow Gun in her hand.

An invisible wind blew from the tip of the gun, forcing back the surrounding flames, crashing into the already weakened walls.

Crack—! Crack—!

Indistinct cracking sounds came from the walls, some cracks crumbled, revealing faint flames outside.

"Thousand Army... Break!" Mu Qingge shouted in a low voice.

Thousand Army Break was also one of the spear techniques of the Linglong Gun.

The martial arts Mu Qingge mastered were very few. Compared to those massive combat skills, she focused more on honing her spear techniques.

Thousand Army Break was a killing move from the inherent techniques of the Linglong Gun.

When Mu Qingge shouted the name of this move, the Shadow Gun in her hand seemed to resonate with the sound of a battlefield raging like a tsunami.

At that moment, it felt as if thousands of troops and horses appeared behind Mu Qingge, riding war horses, wielding weapons, charging toward the surrounding flames.

And she stood like an undefeated general on the battlefield, her dark purple spiritual power forming armor, enveloping her whole body, only revealing those clear and calm eyes.

"Kill—!"

Mu Qingge roared in a low voice.

Thousands of troops and horses all raised their heads and roared, bearing a fearless spirit of sacrificing themselves, rushing into the surrounding flames.

And she herself, raised the Shadow Gun, leaping into the air, thrusting toward Shen Bicheng’s face.

This strike carried the weight of a thousand pounds, the might of thunder, sweeping invincibly! The powerful force of the move had already caused fine cracks to appear on the shaft of the Shadow Gun. It was entirely maintained by Mu Qingge’s spiritual power to prevent it from breaking apart.

This was a spear technique belonging to a divine artifact that no treasure artifact could comprehend.

Forcing the execution required a price!

Mu Qingge’s aggressive move made Shen Bicheng’s eyes narrow sharply. He immediately lifted the Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber in his hand to meet the assault.

Clang—!

Shen Bicheng’s Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber was flicked up by the Shadow Gun, spinning into the air.

The surrounding flames were mostly extinguished by Mu Qingge’s spiritual power, leaving only the flames above concealing everyone’s sight. And it seemed, that was Mu Qingge’s intention.

Even with the weapon knocked away, Shen Bicheng was not at all flustered.

He shouted loudly, directly using both palms to strike at the incoming gun tip.

Mu Qingge’s eyes widened, shocked internally: ’This guy actually plans to catch the blade with bare hands!’

Still, even so, she had no intention of stopping. At this moment, her clear eyes burned with the same madness as Shen Bicheng’s.

"Ah—!"

The Shadow Gun grazed past Shen Bicheng’s palms, scorching the flesh in his palms.

Previously, Mu Qingge had introduced that the Shadow Gun had a blood-drinking auxiliary ability, and now, as it pierced through Shen Bicheng’s palms, the blood flowing from Shen Bicheng’s hands was completely absorbed by it.

The cracks on the gun shaft consequently gleamed with a strange red color.

Shen Bicheng was forced to retreat continuously by Mu Qingge’s unstoppable thrust.

His Azure Dragon Roaring Moon Saber fell from the air to the ground, embedding into the earth.

This scene made Shen Bicheng’s eyes brighten, as if seeing a glimmer of hope for a counterattack.

Yet, at that very moment, he felt a sudden, fierce blow to his chest, his internal organs churning turbulently, a mouthful of clotted blood surged from his mouth, directly spurting out.

He looked down and saw that Mu Qingge’s Shadow Gun had somehow already reached his chest.

Just now, that was the sensation of being struck by the gun tip.

He widened his eyes, the sharp gun tip pressing firmly against his chest, only to shatter into pieces.

Looking up in shock, he saw Mu Qingge had already relaxed her grip on the gun. Yet, the entire Shadow Gun shattered in his sight into fragments, scattering all over the ground, leaving only a faint mark and wound on his chest at the vital point.

The flames dissipated, the illusion barriers retreated.

The scenery revealed to everyone on the mountain corridor was still the two of them standing confrontationally in the arena...

In the end, who won and who lost?