I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 590: Battle of the Twin Stones
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Chapter 590: Battle of the Twin Stones
The Jiuding Secret Realm was alive with the intensity of the Ten Saints Grand Competition.
Throughout the initial two days, the disciples under Chu Feng from Wendao Academy had remained observers, making no moves to join the fray.
However, as the sun rose on the third day, a refined young man emerged from the ranks of the Northern Yuan Sacred Dynasty.
Gripping a long sword, he directed a thunderous shout toward the Wendao Academy pavilion: "Shi Xuan, I have arrived! Do you have the courage to face me?"
This bold declaration drew the focus of the massive crowd instantly.
Curiosity flickered across the faces of the spectators as they realized the challenge was aimed specifically at a disciple of Wendao Academy.
Within the gathering, whispers began to circulate: "Shi Xuan... that name rings a bell. Where have I heard it before?"
"Shi Xuan is the disciple of the Qiankun Great Sage. Don't you remember? The Qiankun Great Sage once suppressed two saints right here in the Northern Yuan Sacred Dynasty just to protect that disciple. The event is etched in my mind."
"Hiss..."
The surrounding cultivators gasped in shock at the revelation.
A personal disciple of a Saint occupied a realm of talent far beyond that of ordinary geniuses.
Even the Saint Sons of various major holy lands rarely received direct, personal instruction from a Saint.
"This youth is incredibly bold to challenge a Saint’s personal follower."
"Indeed, he has nerves of steel."
Upon the Wendao Academy viewing deck, Chu Feng and his group turned their collective gaze toward Shi Xuan as the scene unfolded.
Cao Youqian said playfully, "Little junior brother, the seeds you planted in the past have finally ripened today."
Shi Xuan chuckled softly. "Isn't this exactly what we wanted? I was actually worried this fellow might lack the guts to show up."
Rising to his feet, he offered a respectful bow to Chu Feng. "Master, your disciple shall head out first."
"Mm."
Chu Feng gave a slight nod. He was keen to witness if his disciple—destined to be a major villain—could overcome the Shi family’s destined son.
With a single stride, Shi Xuan ascended into the air, looking down at Shi Hao from his high vantage point.
"Shi Hao, you’ve finally shown your face," he remarked. "This seat has been waiting for this moment for a long time."
The weight of his words signaled to everyone present that there was a deep, underlying history between the two.
Speculation broke out among the onlookers.
"Is there a blood feud between them?"
"Judging by the tension, it’s clearly no small grievance."
The chatter of the masses failed to distract the two rivals. Shi Hao slowly unsheathed his blade, his eyes cold.
"Shi Xuan, our grudge ends here today. Win or lose, live or die, this conflict stays between us and will not touch our families. Do you dare to fight?"
"Why would I refuse?"
Shi Xuan smiled thinly. "It is the perfect chance to see what sword techniques you’ve mastered at the Sacred Dao Academy over the last decade. Let's see if they justify your courage to stand before me."
"Go ahead, make your move. If I strike first, you might not even get the chance to retaliate."
Arrogant! Utterly arrogant!
Hearing such claims, many in the crowd felt an urge to take Shi Hao’s place just to test Shi Xuan’s limits.
Yet, Shi Xuan had the pedigree to back his pride. Who wouldn't be prideful after being personally selected by a Saint? In truth, someone as low-profile as Shi Xuan was the exception among his peers.
Within the Northern Yuan Sacred Dynasty’s camp, many eyes were locked on Shi Xuan. Although he had previously renounced his claim to the Northern Wasteland throne, the dynasty had no desire to see a Saint rise from the Northern Wasteland’s lineage.
To the dynasty's leaders, the ideal outcome was for both Shi Xuan and Shi Hao to be crippled in this fight, ending their hopes of reaching the Saint realm. At least then, the Sacred Dao Academy’s investment in Shi Hao wouldn't be entirely wasted.
Meanwhile, a lone, beautiful silhouette watched Shi Hao’s back, her fingers interlaced in a silent plea: Brother Shi Hao, you must prevail. You must return to me alive.
Shi Hao’s expression darkened at Shi Xuan’s taunt, and his aura erupted with explosive force.
The overwhelming pressure of the Unity Realm surged outward, covering dozens of miles and locking onto Shi Xuan, making escape impossible.
"Shi Xuan, do you want to know what I despise most about you?"
"By all means, enlighten me," Shi Xuan replied calmly, showing no sign of distress.
"I hate that condescending, aloof gaze—as if everything I have achieved was merely a gift from you."
As Shi Hao spoke, his presence intensified. A beam of Saint Light descended upon him, manifesting into a black dragon dharma image that loomed behind him.
"Saint Body Great Completion!"
The experts watching from the sidelines recognized his state immediately. Achieving Saint Body Great Completion meant that upon reaching the Nirvana Realm, Shi Hao would certainly awaken a divine body. With enough luck, an immortal body was even within reach.
"At least you possess some self-awareness," Shi Xuan remarked, his voice as steady as if they were discussing the weather.
"Hmph!" Shi Hao snorted coldly. "Today, I will drag you down from your pedestal and rip away that mask of hypocrisy!"
"If you have the skill, feel free to try. But if you think a mere Saint Body Great Completion is enough to stop me, you are mistaken."
As Shi Xuan spoke, a brilliant divine light radiated from his pores. His own Unity Realm aura surged forth, instantly shattering the pressure Shi Hao had placed upon him.
The contrast was stark; the difference in their foundations was clear to all.
The crowd went silent, their respect for Shi Xuan climbing significantly. The elders of the Northern Yuan Sacred Dynasty looked on with grim expressions. Shi Xuan was growing far faster than they had anticipated. How exactly was the Qiankun Great Sage training his disciples?
The young girl watching felt her heart sink, her face turning pale. But a moment later, she frowned in confusion. Shi Xuan’s aura felt strangely familiar, as if she had encountered it somewhere before.
Shi Hao, however, didn't flinch. Instead, a look of fierce excitement crossed his face. The stronger Shi Xuan was, the more meaningful his victory would be.
Clang!
Shi Hao leveled his precious sword at his opponent. "Draw your weapon. Even a cultivator in the Nirvana Realm would struggle to survive the strike I am about to unleash."
Shi Xuan smiled leisurely. "You aren't seriously comparing me, a follower of a Saint, to those common Nirvana cultivators of the mortal world, are you?"
"Still talking big? Witness my blade!"
Shi Hao lunged, thrusting his sword toward Shi Xuan with terrifying precision.
"Dragon Roar in the Nine Heavens!"
Clang!
As the blade moved, a true dragon manifested! Shi Hao’s sword intent took the form of a soaring dragon, hurtling toward Shi Xuan. The fusion of sword might and draconic aura left the spectators breathless.
"Sword Intent Great Perfection!"
"Finally, on the third day, a disciple with Great Perfection in Sword Intent has appeared!"
"The Northern Yuan Sacred Dynasty has found a true monster. To reach Great Perfection in Sword Intent right after entering the Unity Realm... he is destined to become a Great Sage!"
The leaders of the Northern Yuan Sacred Dynasty nodded, pleased with the display. In their minds, no matter how strong Shi Xuan was, he would inevitably suffer under such a strike.
"Is this the limit of your power?"
With those words, Shi Xuan casually unsheathed his own sword, meeting the oncoming sword-intent dragon with a relaxed, effortless wave of his hand...