From this, it can be seen how big a gamble Celestial River Zhenren is taking.

But wasn’t it said that Celestial River Zhenren is already bankrupt? Where did he get Upper Grade Spirit Stones?

Prince Heng’s heart grew suspicious, while on the other side, Prince Dexin’s expression suddenly turned serious.

Even for a powerful family like that of a prince, twenty Upper Grade Spirit Stones are an astronomical sum. It could nearly be enough to nurture a Celestial Pride from the Qi Refining Realm to the Purple Mansion Realm.

However, this seriousness only lasted a few breaths, and Prince Dexin made a decision: "Celestial River Old Ghost, since you want to give this prince money, how could this prince not accept? Twenty Upper Spirits, this prince accepts."

At the same time, his voice penetrated the Isolation Array and reached Wu Zhixing’s ears on the platform: "Zhixing, give it your all. Victory is the only option. Wang Liyao’s arrival in the Upper Capital during the Struggle of the Imperial Sons is likely for another purpose—remain vigilant."

And Wang Liyao also received Celestial River Zhenren’s transmission: "Yaoo’Er, your teacher borrowed twenty Upper Grade Spirit Stones to gamble with the Old Ghost Dexin, just to gain some funds for retirement. For this battle, you must win face and honor for your teacher."

With sound transmissions from their elders behind them, the originally somewhat harmonious two Great Celestial Prides suddenly had their gazes turn sharp and stern.

"Miss Liyao, please~"

Wu Zhixing released his foot from "Qianqiu", summoned it into his hand with a gesture, then flicked his wrist, spinning the sword into a flower, taking a starting stance akin to an Azure Dragon pouncing on a rabbit.

Clearly, the swordsmanship he has long practiced is the prestigious, signature Top-grade Swordsmanship of the Imperial Family—"Azure Dragon Swordsmanship".

"Junior Prince, please."

Wang Liyao’s "Xian Ge" unsheathed, her slender hand lightly gripping the hilt, the sword pointing, leaving a faint water trail—this is the opening move of "Celestial One True Water Swordsmanship".

Celestial River Zhenren is nicknamed "Celestial River" because the Heavenly Dao Divine Techniques he comprehended is "Celestial River", and he hails from one of the Nine Sacred Veins, the Celestial One True Water Lineage. His main cultivation technique is the Top-grade Technique "Celestial One True Water", a true skill passed down through generations, reaching its Great Success can directly point to the Divine Power Realm.

Then.

Their eyes locked, and simultaneously they struck.

One’s sword moved like an Azure Dragon flying through the sky, with ferocious Qi Force, swift as the wind.

The other’s sword momentum was soft like water, akin to a deer hanging on a corner, hiding lethal intent; both had excellent swordsmanship and profound sword intent.

"Clang clang clang!"

Their Spirit Treasure Level Treasure Swords flowed with Spirit Light, occasionally clashing and striking, at times emitting Sword Aura and Sword Qi flashing, crossing the entire arena.

Even the arena paved with Obsidian Iron was carved with ravines by the crisscrossing Sword Qi.

The Defense Array on the arena fully activated, desperately fending off the stray Sword Qi, causing ripples to spread out.

As Great Celestial Prides in the Celestial Human Realm, both of them have now awakened the Fifth Layer Bloodline, possessing a Dao Body typically only obtained in the Purple Mansion Realm, each of their moves subtly carried hints of the Heavenly Dao.

Moreover, their use of Spirit Treasure Level swords greatly enhanced the power of their sword arts, making them undeniably formidable; a casual strike could unleash astonishing sword intent.

"Hehehe~~~!" Qianqiu, who had held back for a long time, finally seized the opportunity to start trash-talking, "Awesome, so awesome. Little girl on the other side, why don’t you surrender quickly and become one of my master’s million harem?"

In such a fierce battle, he didn’t believe Wu Zhixing would dare to obliterate him, the Artifact Spirit.

Sure enough, although Wu Zhixing was gritting his teeth with anger, he was helpless. Ancestor Dexin said victory is the only option. He could only brace himself and turn a deaf ear.

On the other hand, Wang Liyao was as calm as still waters, seemingly undisturbed by the trash-talking.

But "Xian Ge" was infuriated.

She couldn’t help but curse, "You disgusting and dirty old lecher, and that hypocritical gentleman Wu Zhixing, truly people and their swords are well-matched. This girl will represent the moon in eliminating filthy scum like you!" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

It was evident that even though Xian Ge’s voice sounded like a little girl, the birth of any Artifact Spirit required a long accumulation—it couldn’t be an immature young girl.

The result was that while Wu Zhixing and Wang Liyao were engaged in fierce combat, their Artifact Spirits also started arguing, throwing trash talk back and forth.

Such a scene was an eye-opener for the onlookers.

A battle between Great Celestial Prides was already extremely rare, and a battle involving young Great Celestial Prides each possessing Spirit Treasure Level weapons might not occur even in a millennium. The masters’ fight was spectacular, and the Artifact Spirits’ exchange of insults was equally thrilling.

"Xian Ge little girl, if you obediently give me a kiss, I’ll spare you a bit."

"Qianqiu old dog, with your useless barking, even if this girl **, you’re only worthy of eternally being unchallenged."

"Little girl, you truly are stubborn; your and your master’s fate ultimately aligns with becoming my master’s ** subjects."

"Looking at your pathetic master’s dog-like appearance, even kneeling at my young lady’s feet would contaminate her."

As the quarrel between the two Sword Spirits became more outrageous, Wang Liyao and Wu Zhixing gradually started losing their mental balance, not because they were affected by the opponent’s Artifact Spirit’s trash talk, but rather because the trash being spewed by their own Artifact Spirits was truly too shameful~

This caused them both to feel overwhelmingly embarrassed.

In this, Wang Liyao was the most shocked.