The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2682 - 2657: Fame with a Single Battle!

The assembled warriors held their collective breath, their gazes fixed upon the ongoing martial arts competition. Lin Bai had already secured two successive victories, and the Ghost Messenger had similarly demonstrated formidable combat ability in his initial bout. Consequently, all eyes were now eagerly anticipating the clash between these two.

Madam Yang, observing from the Elegant Pavilion, had particularly high expectations, as the Ghost Messenger was her personal selection for the Fighting Arena, designated as the Undefeated General. She placed immense confidence in his martial prowess.

"Please." From behind his mask, Lin Bai's icy gaze met the Ghost Messenger's, his voice level. Yet, surprisingly, the eyes beneath the Ghost Messenger's mask conveyed an even greater indifference than Lin Bai's own.

Upon perceiving those eyes, Lin Bai experienced a peculiar sensation, as if the Ghost Messenger viewed him not as a fellow combatant, but as mere livestock awaiting slaughter. In that moment, without uttering a superfluous word, the Ghost Messenger launched forward. His form blurred into a succession of shadows that surged toward Lin Bai with astonishing speed, reaching him in the blink of an eye.

"So fast!" Lin Bai's pupils dilated in shock.

Simultaneously, the Ghost Messenger formed his fingers into a claw, targeting Lin Bai's throat. A direct hit would undoubtedly result in instant annihilation.

Lin Bai hastily retreated. While the Ghost Messenger possessed extraordinary speed, Lin Bai was by no means slow.

Observing Lin Bai's evasion, a flicker of surprise crossed the Ghost Messenger's eyes before quickly reverting to his characteristic indifference. He shifted his stance and propelled himself once more toward Lin Bai. Swiftly, the Fighting Arena became obscured by a multitude of 'Waning Shadows,' all emanating from the Ghost Messenger!

These spectral forms converged upon Lin Bai from every conceivable direction, forming an inescapable encirclement. Lin Bai glanced upwards, downwards, forwards, and behind; the entire space was filled with the Ghost Messenger's terrifying black phantoms!

Concurrently, each shadow brandished a short black sword, poised to strike at Lin Bai.

"An assassin!" Lin Bai's eyes widened.

Recognizing the peculiar movement technique and the signature black short sword, Lin Bai immediately deduced that his opponent was a high-ranking assassin from a clandestine organization.

"With such skill, he must be considered among the elite assassins of the Northern Continent," Lin Bai mused. "But why would an assassin of this caliber return to the Fighting Arena in Black Water City?" A sliver of doubt pierced his thoughts.

Nevertheless, the encroaching shadows reached him. Countless swords, gleaming with lethal sharpness, descended, compelling Lin Bai to employ his evasive techniques to withdraw.

As Lin Bai disengaged, the spiritual power coursing through his entire being vibrated in unison, concentrating into his fist. With a ferocious expression, Lin Bai unleashed a punch into the empty air before him.

"Shatter!"

The potent spiritual power erupted, manifesting as waves of radiating energy. These ripples collided with the spectral shadows, and with a deafening roar, each shadow dissolved into nothingness upon contact with the surging energy. Thousands of these phantom figures were obliterated by Lin Bai's single, decisive punch.

In that instant, Lin Bai pinpointed the Ghost Messenger's true form.

"Kill!" Having located his adversary, Lin Bai surged forward, raining a barrage of punches—fist-light cascading like raindrops—upon the Ghost Messenger.

In turn, the Ghost Messenger deployed his unique and elusive movement technique, expertly dodging Lin Bai's relentless onslaught. The two combatants engaged in a fierce exchange, creating a tense stalemate within the Fighting Arena.

The epic duel raged for thousands of rounds, yet neither a clear victor nor a vanquished foe emerged.

"Magnificent!"

"This paired battle is incredibly fierce!"

"Spectacular, truly on par with a match between seasoned ten-win fighters!"

"Incredible! It's a shame this is a newcomer assessment; otherwise, I'd certainly wager on the Ghost Messenger. He's bound to win!"

"Perhaps not. I have more confidence in Sword Demon!"

The warriors in the stands erupted in excited exclamations.

Within the Elegant Pavilion.

Madam Yang’s brow furrowed as she observed the arena with a peculiar expression. Meanwhile, the young male attendants beside her exclaimed, "Wow, who would have imagined Sword Demon possesses such strength, to fight the Ghost Messenger to a draw!"

"Indeed, remarkably strong!"

"The Ghost Messenger was trained as an assassin from a young age; surviving his attacks is no easy feat, yet Sword Demon is currently matching him!"

The attendants harbored hidden hopes in their hearts, fervently wishing for Lin Bai to vanquish the Ghost Messenger right then and there.

Back in the arena.

The situation had once again reached a complete impasse.

Lin Bai shattered a phantom of the Ghost Messenger with a single punch, while his true self retreated a hundred meters, observing him with cold eyes.

Through the mask, Lin Bai's frigid gaze locked onto the Ghost Messenger. He spoke with icy disdain, "Do you realize there's a fatal flaw in your assassin organization's cultivation techniques?"

This marked the first time Lin Bai had spoken since their intense battle, which had already spanned thousands of exchanges.

The Ghost Messenger remained silent, his attention fixed solely on Lin Bai.

Lin Bai continued, "That flaw lies in how all cultivation skills your assassin organization practices concentrate on a single, decisive sword strike. It instills fear in warriors like no other, yet it is also your greatest weakness!"

"Should that ultimate killing move fail to fell your opponent, you are left with no recourse but to temporarily withdraw."

A cold sneer twisted Lin Bai's lips.

"Now, dispense with those flashy illusions!" Lin Bai's gaze intensified as he looked at the Ghost Messenger, a powerful killing intent radiating from his eyes. He declared coldly, "It is time to bring this to a close!"

Suddenly!

Lin Bai surged forward, closing the distance to the Ghost Messenger.

His fist rocketed towards the very crown of the Ghost Messenger's head.

A flicker of surprise crossed the Ghost Messenger's eyes at that moment, quickly followed by an overwhelming wave of fear and apprehension.

In a flash, the Ghost Messenger appeared to make a momentous decision.

Gritting his teeth, he brandished his short sword and lunged, driving it towards Lin Bai!

"Instant-kill Sword!"

The Ghost Messenger cried out internally.

This was the sacred instant-kill sword, the very foundation of the assassin organization's prowess.

This sword strike, once unleashed, was guaranteed to claim the opponent's life!

Swish—

Lin Bai and the Ghost Messenger hurtled towards each other. At the apex of their convergence, Lin Bai's fist descended with brutal force, striking the Ghost Messenger squarely in the heart.

Simultaneously, the Ghost Messenger's short sword plunged into Lin Bai's abdomen, sending crimson blood splattering!

With a resounding thud!

Both Lin Bai and the Ghost Messenger were flung backward by the impact!

Lin Bai landed a hundred meters away, his black robes now stained crimson. Yet, moments later, he pushed himself up from the ground.

Meanwhile, the Ghost Messenger crashed to the earth hundreds of meters distant, his body broken, clinging to his last breaths. The light in his eyes dimmed as he whispered, "I have lost... Forgive me, Madam Yang!"

With those final words, the Ghost Messenger's eyes fluttered closed, and he perished.

"Magnificent!" High above, Ning Zheng exclaimed, his admiration for Lin Bai evident in his gaze. He smiled and declared, "Such courage, such audacity, are undeniable proofs of your strength."

"Sword Demon, you are truly formidable!"

Ning Zheng regarded Lin Bai, offering his praise.

Lin Bai's face was deathly pale as he looked down at the gaping wound on his abdomen, a lingering anticipation still stirring within his heart!

From the spectator stands, numerous warriors who had witnessed the exchange turned their attention to Lin Bai, murmuring, "What an absolutely breathtaking martial arts display!"

"Indeed, this Sword Demon is no ordinary opponent!"

"The Sword Demon possesses immense power!"

"Seniors, what are you discussing? I don't quite grasp it!"

"The Sword Demon and the Ghost Messenger exchanged blows, a pure contest of strength. Why do you all suggest the Sword Demon's abilities far surpass the Ghost Messenger's?"

Many onlookers were perplexed, their brows furrowed in confusion as they posed their questions.