His gaze swept across the viewing stands, finally settling on the Li Fire Institute’s section. He announced in a clear voice, "Junior Brother Li Wang of the Li Fire Institute, I have long heard of your exquisite Tribulation Flame Sky-Splitting Saber. On this grand occasion, I wonder if you would offer me some guidance?"

The moment he spoke, all eyes in the arena instantly focused on Li Wang.

Yan Yaoyang had taken the initiative to issue a challenge, and his opponent was another Chief Disciple. This was undoubtedly the most anticipated duel of the ceremony so far.

The experts from the other three great sects also looked over, eager to see the strength of the most outstanding disciples from the Wutai Sect’s younger generation.

Li Wang’s expression was serene.

He knew full well how formidable Yan Yaoyang was, but as the Chief Disciple of the Li Fire Institute, how could he shrink from a challenge?

Besides, Li Wang had never truly displayed his strength in front of a crowd since becoming the Chief Disciple. Today was the perfect opportunity.

He rose, gave a slight nod to Hong Yuandong beside him, and then strode toward the fighting ring. The scarlet long saber at his waist hummed as it left its scabbard. His Li Huo True Qi erupted, shrouding his body in what felt like an invisible, scorching force field.

"Since Senior Brother Yan has invited me, how could I refuse? Please!"

Li Wang cupped his fist, his voice steady and strong.

"Please!"

With no more words, their auras instantly locked onto each other.

Geng Metal True Qi flowed around Yan Yaoyang, and an unstoppable, razor-sharp aura emanated from him.

Li Wang, in contrast, was like a volcano on the verge of eruption, his scorching Saber Intent coiled and ready to strike.

With a gliding step, Yan Yaoyang threw a punch at Li Wang.

BOOM!

Before the fist even arrived, the sheer force of its crushing momentum was enough to take one’s breath away. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

The Geng Metal True Qi was incomparably sharp, and the gale from the attack carried a palpable killing intent, one that could easily sway the Heart and Spirit of the weak-willed.

His Vajra Armor-Breaking Fist had shockingly reached the Great Success Realm.

The scarlet long saber in Li Wang’s hand transformed into a roaring torrent of flame. Waves of intense heat rolled out in the wake of the blade’s light.

CLANG—!!!

Fist and saber clashed, and the deafening ring of metal echoed throughout the arena!

A violent, almost tangible shockwave erupted outward, making the robes of the disciples in the front rows flap wildly.

Sparks and sharp metallic qi flew everywhere!

Li Wang rapidly altered his saber’s path, attempting to use the continuous Fire Force of his Tribulation Flame Saber Technique to deflect the power and entangle his opponent.

However, Yan Yaoyang’s Vajra Armor-Breaking Fist was incomparably fierce and powerful. His movements were grand and sweeping, and every punch carried immense weight, forcing Li Wang to meet them head-on.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

On the stage, their figures blurred as scarlet saber light clashed violently with golden fist shadows. Each impact unleashed a wave of True Qi.

Li Wang’s Saber Technique was exquisite and his Fire Force was scorching, fully displaying the tyrannical nature of his Li Huo True Qi.

But Yan Yaoyang’s Fist Momentum was heavier, fiercer, and more stable!

His Vajra Armor-Breaking Fist at the Great Success Realm, combined with the dense Geng Metal True Qi from his Ten Orthodox Meridians, filled every strike with terrifying Power.

Li Wang gritted his teeth, pushing his Tribulation Flame Saber Technique to its absolute limit. The light from his saber flowed like a waterfall as he desperately searched for a flaw in Yan Yaoyang’s form.

But Yan Yaoyang’s stance was as firm as a mountain, his offense and defense a seamless whole.

After several dozen exchanges, Li Wang’s breathing had grown ragged. His True Qi was severely depleted, and the light from his saber no longer held its initial ferocity.

In contrast, Yan Yaoyang’s breathing remained deep and steady, and his Fist Momentum grew ever heavier.

"Break!"

A sharp glint flashed in Yan Yaoyang’s eyes. Seizing upon a minuscule opening from Li Wang, he ferociously threw the right fist he had been building power in. It shot out like a golden meteor!

This punch concentrated all the Geng Metal True Qi in his body. In its wake, the air compressed into a visible white cone!

Li Wang’s pupils contracted violently. He hastily brought his saber up to block, frantically pouring his Li Huo True Qi into the blade.

BOOM—!!!

An earth-shattering roar, far louder than before!

Li Wang felt an overwhelming Power, like a toppling mountain or a surging sea, crash into him. The Fist Force was so immense it shook the scorching blade from his grasp, sending it flying!

He felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His Protective True Qi shattered instantly. With a muffled groan, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, he staggered back more than a dozen steps until he barely stopped himself at the edge of the ring, his face a deathly white.

The victor had been decided!

Seeing this, a trace of satisfaction crossed He Yueting’s face. "This Yan Yaoyang is truly worthy of his title as one of the Seven Talents. In my opinion, he has a great chance of breaking through to the Astral Force realm."

Beside him, a peculiar glint flashed through He Xinlan’s eyes as well.

Granny Ling Shuang turned to Ye Qingyi beside her and asked, "Well?"

Ye Qingyi furrowed her delicate brows slightly and answered, "This Li Wang is too weak. It seems he couldn’t even force Yan Yaoyang to reveal his full power. He does have some genuine skill, though."

Granny Ling Shuang nodded slightly. "If you face this man in the future, remember not to be careless."

As one of the Seven Talents, Yan Yaoyang was a leader of the younger generation, destined to become a pillar of the Wutai Sect.

They would inevitably have to deal with him in the future.

Ye Qingyi replied respectfully, "Yes, I will keep it in mind."

Yan Yaoyang withdrew his fist and stood tall, cupping his fist at Li Wang. "Junior Brother Li, thank you for the match."

Li Wang suppressed the churning qi and blood within him and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. Though he felt a sting of unwillingness, he was utterly convinced of his defeat. He returned the cupped-fist salute. "Senior Brother Yan’s Fist Technique is sublime. I am in awe!"

Li Wang returned to the Li Fire Institute’s section and approached Hong Yuandong. With a look of shame, he cupped his fist and bowed. "Master, my skills were lacking. I have disappointed you."

Hong Yuandong looked at Li Wang’s pale face. Although his heart still ached for the loss of Xiao Ruize, he knew that today’s defeat was not for lack of trying.

He waved his hand dismissively, his tone calm and free of blame. "Don’t take it to heart. Yan Yaoyang has opened all Ten Orthodox Meridians, and his Vajra Fist has reached Great Success. Even your Senior Brother Xiao, when he was still with us, might not have been guaranteed a victory against him. There is no shame in losing to a prodigy of his caliber. Rest well and recover. You have a long road ahead of you."

Meanwhile, a satisfied smile touched Tan Yang’s lips, and he gave a slight nod.

This battle by Yan Yaoyang had earned the Geng Metal Institute a great deal of face.

Just then, the gaze of Li Lei, the Chief Disciple of the Kun Earth Institute, traveled across the crowd to land on Chen Qing, who was in the Cyan Wood Institute’s section.

He had previously heard his master mention Chen Qing, praising his Spear Technique as quite remarkable, especially for a disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute.