The final duel in the Lingxiao Secret Realm was unquestionably the highlight of the entire gathering. The showdown between Gu Sheng and Jiang Yichen had already ignited endless anticipation in people’s hearts.
Jiang Yichen, the ethereal young man dressed in flowing white robes, possessed cultivation as deep as an abyss. The Outdust Sword in his hand was said to be capable of splitting mountains and cutting through the heavens. Meanwhile, Gu Sheng, with his Sixth Realm Marrow Refining cultivation, dared to challenge what seemed to be an impossible duel. He possessed the Ancient Sacred Body, the Gale Nine Swords, and the unpredictable Red Vine Demon Soul.
In the dueling arena, the two stood facing each other, the tension thick enough to spark flames.
"Gu Sheng, do you truly wish to oppose me?" Jiang Yichen asked casually, his eyes flashing with an indescribable gleam.
Gu Sheng nodded resolutely. "Brother Jiang, your cultivation is indeed unfathomable, but I, Gu Sheng, am not one to give up easily. Today, let us measure our strengths in this dueling arena!"
Before his words even finished, Gu Sheng moved, charging toward Jiang Yichen. His speed was astonishing, like a lightning bolt streaking across the sky. Meanwhile, Jiang Yichen remained calm and composed, lightly waving the Outdust Sword in his hand to effortlessly block Gu Sheng’s fierce attack.
The two engaged in an intense battle within the arena. Gu Sheng’s techniques seemed endless; the Gale Nine Swords, Shadow Concealment Skill, and Carefree Ascension Step were performed one after another, dazzling the spectators. Jiang Yichen, however, countered each move with serene precision, effortlessly defusing Gu Sheng’s offensives.
Outside the dueling arena, the onlookers watched with fervent excitement, their murmurs rising incessantly.
"Gu Sheng is so powerful! His techniques are truly incredible!"
"Indeed! I never thought he could fight Jiang Yichen to such a standstill."
"But I still favor Jiang Yichen. His cultivation, after all, is unfathomable."
As the duel reached its most heated phase, both Gu Sheng and Jiang Yichen had exerted every ounce of their strength. Their bodies were covered in wounds, yet their gazes remained unyielding and resolute.
At that moment, an unexpected turn of events unfolded in the dueling arena. A surge of powerful dark energy descended from the heavens, instantly enveloping the entire arena. This energy, seemingly sentient, all poured into Jiang Yichen.
Jiang Yichen’s strength surged dramatically. The Outdust Sword in his hand radiated blinding brilliance. With a single strike, he forced Gu Sheng back several steps.
Gu Sheng spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes flashing with a trace of shock. He hadn’t expected Jiang Yichen to have such a hidden card.
"Hahaha! Gu Sheng, you’ve lost!" Jiang Yichen laughed triumphantly, as if victory was firmly within his grasp.
Gu Sheng showed no sign of giving up. Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he stood once more and said, "It’s not over yet!"
He then activated the Red Vine Demon Soul, unleashing a corrosive force toward Jiang Yichen. But just then, the dark energy surrounding Jiang Yichen flared up again, completely devouring the Red Vine Demon Soul.
Gu Sheng’s heart sank. He realized that he was now at an overwhelming disadvantage in this duel. Yet, instead of retreating, he attacked even more tenaciously. Latest content published on novel_fіre.net
Sadly, under the dark energy’s enhancement, Jiang Yichen’s strength had reached an oppressive level. Each of his moves exerted immense pressure on Gu Sheng.
Finally, during a fierce exchange, Jiang Yichen’s sword struck Gu Sheng’s chest, sending him heavily crashing to the ground.
"I concede..." Gu Sheng gasped, his eyes filled with reluctance and helplessness.
Jiang Yichen sheathed the Outdust Sword, walked to Gu Sheng’s side, and extended a hand to help him up. "Gu Sheng, you’re powerful, but unfortunately, you crossed paths with me."
Gu Sheng said nothing. He merely nodded silently and then turned to leave the arena. He knew he had fought to his limit, and the result could no longer be changed.
Outside the dueling arena, the onlookers erupted into discussions once more:
"That was spectacular! This duel truly got my blood pumping!"
"Indeed! Who would’ve thought Jiang Yichen had such a hidden weapon? He’s just too strong!"
"But Gu Sheng is really impressive, too. To fight Jiang Yichen to this extent is already quite an achievement."
With Gu Sheng’s defeat, the dueling portion of the gathering came to an end. However, the excitement and fervor in people’s hearts lingered for a long time...
After the duel, peace returned to the Lingxiao Secret Realm. Yet, the battle became a favorite topic of conversation, remembered long afterward.
From that day forth, the title of "Number One Talented Youth" no longer belonged to Gu Sheng but to Jiang Yichen.
Gu Sheng also recognized his own shortcomings. He didn’t shy away but confronted them head-on. Accepting his defeat, he trained even harder.
For Gu Sheng, this was, in a way, a liberation. Carrying the title of "Number One Talented Youth" was not all that beneficial.
Instead, it attracted endless challenges and trouble, with many self-proclaimed Martial Artists seeking him out for duels.
Upon returning to the Turquoise Pool, Gu Sheng’s mindset had already shifted. That defeat was like a key, unlocking the desire for victory deep in his heart. He understood that only through secluded cultivation could he reclaim his brilliance. Thus, he entered his cave abode, set up a barrier, and isolated himself from the world to begin a prolonged journey of self-improvement.
The Holy Daughter Su Yao often stood outside his cave, gazing at the tightly shut stone doors, her heart filled with both worry and hope. She understood Gu Sheng’s pride and resilience and firmly believed that this young man would return even more dazzling.
The sun rose and the moon set, and time flowed like water. Gu Sheng had been in secluded cultivation for over a month. During this time, the Turquoise Pool remained tranquil, yet everyone knew that beneath this calm, a brewing storm was imminent.