Chapter 437: Bloody Battle

The expression on Hu Sha's face had grown increasingly grave.

Although Fantasy remained in an unyielding state, the fact was he was growing weaker by the moment. Hu Sha had long sensed his fingers could twitch slightly—the most telling proof that his opponent was gradually losing the battle of spiritual energy. This was the perfect opportunity to finish Fantasy off in one decisive move.

Yet despite Hu Sha's repeated surges of spiritual energy, he simply couldn't crush that guy completely. Fantasy was like a piece of tough rubber—easily stretched and flattened by Hu Sha, yet impossible to shatter into pieces. What terrifying resilience and resistance to pressure, far surpassing even his physical endurance... Wait, no!

Hu Sha's expression suddenly changed. Fantasy's previously unfocused pupils abruptly snapped shut.

This wasn't the sudden loss of consciousness—it felt more like...

Snap!

Fantasy's eyes snapped wide, incandescent as the midday sun, radiating astonishing brilliance. A force that seemed capable of sweeping across the entire arena erupted with volcanic force from his already exhausted body!

Tai Chi Tiger—the cycle of life and death! Yin gives birth to Yang!

In the VIP seats, Fu Changkong, who had been chatting and laughing moments ago, his brow darkened. Many of the dignitaries fell deathly silent at this moment.

The jeers and taunts from Zenith supporters, the cheers from the Rose side—all came to an abrupt halt in an instant.

Even before Fantasy's power fully erupted, Hu Sha's rich combat experience and life-or-death instincts made his every nerve scream warning the moment he saw those opened eyes.

This was... ghost level!

These were the eyes of a ghost-level warrior locking onto helpless prey!

Though his body showed no immediate changes, Hu Sha, whose spiritual energy was intertwined with Fantasy's, could clearly sense the qualitative metamorphosis in his opponent's spiritual energy in that instant—like swapping a dagger for a broadsword!

How was this possible?!

This was the breakthrough Hu Sha had sought for years but could never achieve, no matter how hard he tried. Yet the son of an ale monger? Ghost level? And breaking through in such a desperate situation?!

Shock, fury, envy—all surged through Hu Sha's heart in an instant. But just as quickly, the will forged through countless life-and-death battles pulled his emotions back on track.

He could feel Fantasy's spiritual energy undergoing metamorphosis, could foresee the world-shaking eruption in the next second. He didn't have the ability to break through to ghost level mid-battle—life, death, victory, defeat all hung on this single moment!

KABOOM!

Fantasy's spiritual energy did suddenly intensify in that instant, but at the very moment of its qualitative change, there was a split-second lull—like the pause between heartbeats. Hu Sha inhaled sharply, the golden patterns glowing across his body suddenly dimmed, except for his right arm, which blazed with golden light!

When spiritual powers are entangled, there's only one way to break free swiftly: abandon all resistance, open the soul gate wide, and let the opponent's destructive spiritual energy rush in unimpeded. But the price is heavy—only one outcome awaits: death.

Now, all of Hu Sha's power gathered in his arm blazing with golden fury. He knew full well that Fantasy had just broken through to ghost level and wasn't yet proficient in controlling this power—like a beggar stumbling upon a king's ransom, unsure how to best utilize his newfound wealth.

So while abandoning his defenses to await death, he also gained one second of bodily freedom.

Hu Sha's eyes held no trace of madness or despair, only a chilling, predator's focus. Completely ignoring the annihilating energy ravaging his meridians, he focused everything into his right arm and lashed forward like a striking viper.

A glowing sigil as wide as his torso instantly materialized, coiling about his forearm like a living thing, imbuing it with supreme power—a strike meant to pierce heaven itself into Fantasy's chest!

Celestial Tiger's Heart-Piercing Elbow!

Boom!

A terrifying muffled explosion erupted in the arena. The wild, overflowing spiritual energy surged like a raging tempest, scouring the arena floor bare. Within the billowing dust, two figures were catapulted in opposite directions simultaneously.

Thud! Thud!

Both figures crashed to the stones at the same time.

They were sent flying seventeen or eighteen meters, lying motionless on the ground. The jeers, taunts, and cheers all vanished in an instant, leaving the entire arena deathly silent...

The breakthrough to ghost level had qualitatively transformed Fantexi's spiritual energy, but the advancement of his physical body required time to settle. A ghost-level soul, a Tiger Peak body—yet it had to endure Hu Sha's strongest strike at close range, right at a vital spot! At this moment, a terrifying dent remained on Fantexi's chest, unable to recover, his ribcage visibly caved in, his face purplish-gold, and even his breathing seemed to have stopped.

On the opposite side, Hu Sha's condition was even worse. The ghost-level spiritual energy that had invaded his body caused destruction at the most fundamental level. Blood vessels burst all over his body, his skin almost entirely torn apart, like a blood-soaked cadaver on a dissection slab!

Everyone held their breath, mouths agape.

Fantexi, already at death’s brink, beyond hope of victory, had actually broken through—ghost level, an absolute suppression over Tiger Peak, especially during a soul clash. Yet, unexpectedly, Hu Sha had seized the only sliver of opportunity in this life-or-death moment, forcing a mutual demise.

There was no room for retreat—only through embracing death could life be grasped. A single step back meant certain doom.

It was too brutal. No one had expected such an outcome.

The three referees were on the field, checking the conditions of both fighters. Fantexi seemed to still have a flicker of breath, but Hu Sha—that man whose blood vessels had burst all over, with not a single patch of intact skin—was somehow still alive!

The head referee, An Nanxi, crossed her arms and signaled a draw to the surroundings. Only then did the deathly silent stands exhale a collective breath.

A draw—an exceedingly rare occurrence in the Heroic Tournament.

"Ah Xi!"

"Third Brother!"

From Old Wang Squad, Wang Feng dashed forward in an instant, followed closely by the other four without hesitation. Meanwhile, two figures rushed out from the Zenith side—Flame Kun Amogan and Shen Luan Tian Wu Lan. The three had long been an ironclad trio, and after years of life-and-death battles alongside Jin Ganghu, their bond was even stronger than that of siblings. The anxiety and worry on their faces were no less than Wang Feng and his group's. On the Rose faction’s stands, Mo Tong and several Temple disciples were about to jump down but were fortunately stopped.

Over there, Amogan produced an array of costly-looking vials and jars, hastily administering internal and external treatments to Hu Sha.

Old Wang quickly poured life-saving elixir down Fantexi's throat. His time on Darkmoon Island hadn’t been wasted—how could he not prepare plenty of good things?

"Brother Tianzhe, aren't you worried about Hu Sha's injuries?" Ye Dun glanced at him.

"Fated to die, none shall live; fated to live, none shall die." Tianzhe Yifeng smiled faintly. His years as a bounty hunter had long numbed him to many things, life and death included. He patted Ye Dun's shoulder lightly. "It seems Rose arrives with malice in their hearts!"

This battle had set the stakes—neither Rose nor Zenith had any retreat left. It was a fight not just for victory, but for life and death!

Both sides were carried off the field, their injuries severe. Even with emergency treatment, their conditions still looked dire. Neither Fantexi nor Hu Sha showed the slightest sign of waking.

Famier, Yin Fu, Mo Tong, Chai Jing, and others had already rushed down from the stands. Seeing Fantexi being carried by Old Wang and Wu Di into the competitors' rest passage, they knew he would need care now. With Old Wang and the others still needing to compete, their help would be invaluable. Besides, at this moment, sitting in the stands without seeing Fantexi's condition firsthand was impossible for them.

The match was briefly suspended, the stands abuzz with hushed voices.

This was only a brief calm. Though people whispered among themselves, the bloodied arena suddenly seemed to carry an even heavier air of solemnity.

The first match had been so brutal—it felt like a warning, a preview for all those eager for spectacle.

Everyone could imagine that, whether for Zenith Holy Sanctuary or Rose, today's matches would not be easy. Rose had clearly come prepared to fight to the death, but Zenith Holy Sanctuary would also defend its supreme glory with their lives.

After about five minutes of rest, the remaining members from both sides reappeared at the field's edge. Head referee An Nanxi announced the start of the second match.

This time, Zenith Holy Sanctuary ceded the first move. The murmurs in the arena quieted slightly as many turned their eyes toward Zenith's team, wondering who would step forward next. Flame Kun Amogan and Shen Luan Tian Wu Lan were both likely candidates—their strength was no less than Jin Ganghu's, and they stood a good chance against any of Rose's fighters.

"Brother Tianzhe, this one's mine!" Flame Kun Amogan said coldly. He and Tian Wu Lan had just settled Hu Sha. Frankly, the situation was dire—not only were his meridians shattered entirely, but even his soul root was destroyed. Even if he survived, he would be a cripple, unable to cultivate, his limbs stiffened, worse off than an ordinary person.

"Big Brother, let me take this one!" Tian Wu Lan was also seething with rage. They had thought this would be a simple return to their alma mater, crushing a few insolent novices. After all, years ago, the three of them had already been all but peerless in the Holy Sanctuary. Who’d have thought...!

Tianzhe Yifeng smiled faintly, his gaze flicked to Ye Dun at his side, who then stepped forward.

"Senior Brother, Senior Sister, first, steady your hearts." He looked at the two, their anger blazing, and spoke calmly. "This bout—leave it to me."

To be honest, the last match was truly a pity. Even though Fan Texi broke through to the Ghost Level mid-battle, a freshly advanced state couldn't unleash much combat power. If the two hadn't been locked in a contest of spirit power, Hu Sha might not have lost—in fact, his chances of winning were still quite high!

But unfortunately, there are no "ifs."

Ye Dun glanced at the main seat on the VIP platform. His grandfather, Fu Changkong, still wore that faint smile as he conversed with the Canglan Duke, the Saint, and others seated beside him, seemingly unbothered by the first match's draw. But Ye Dun, who knew him all too well, understood—his grandfather was displeased. In the old man's mind, assembling such a lineup was meant to crush the Rose team with a clean 3-0 sweep. Yet the opening had faltered, so this second match had to be secured at all costs.

This match was crucial—it could determine the momentum and morale of the entire battle. If Fan Texi's strength was used to gauge the Rose team, then Huo Kun and Tianwu might not be enough. Moreover, Hu Sha's severe injuries had left the two emotionally unstable, and recklessly sending them in could lead to unforeseen consequences.

As for Tianzhe Yifeng, though he appeared obedient, his rebellious nature made him difficult to command. That left only one option—Ye Dun had to step in himself.

Seeing Ye Dun take the stage, Fu Changkong's smile relaxed slightly. Outsiders might not understand this grandson of his, but as the elder who had witnessed every step of his growth, Fu Changkong knew—once Ye Dun made his move, victory was assured.

After a brief silence, the stands erupted into thunderous cheers. No matter how formidable Tianzhe Yifeng and the Iron Triangle had once been, this era belonged to Ye Dun. This stage was his, and at this moment, he was the undisputed star of the tournament.

"Top of the Summit! Glory of the Zenith!"

"With Ye Dun in play, the Holy Sanctuary prevails!"

Amid the unified chants, Ye Dun stood firm in the arena, his gaze locking onto Wang Feng—a silent challenge.

But Old Wang did not rise to the bait. Instead, he said solemnly, "Mapeier, it's up to you."

His target was Tianzhe Yifeng. If he didn't face him, no one else in Old Wang Squad could. But every remaining match would be a bloody struggle—there was no room for retreat. Otherwise, Old Wang might not even get the chance to confront Tianzhe Yifeng.

Mapeier nodded, sensing Wang Feng's burning desire for battle. Without wasting words, she flipped her hands, the twin X-shaped golden rings spinning briefly before she leaped high and landed lightly before Ye Dun.

Ye Dun vs. Mapeier!

Truth be told, Mapeier's reputation was nothing to scoff at. After the Xifeng Holy Sanctuary battle, her "Indomitable X-Gold Rings" had become legendary—blending agility and power, endurance and assault. Even the evolved Zhao Ziyue had fallen to their might, solidifying her place among the Holy Sanctuary's newly ranked top ten masters. Many considered her the strongest in Old Wang Squad now.

But today, she faced the undisputed champion of the Holy Sanctuary leaderboards. Against the brute force of Zhao Ziyue, Mapeier could rely on her spider silk's dual nature—flexibility and resilience—to wear him down. But against Ye Dun, a master of agility? Against an elite assassin, would she even get the chance to stall?

All eyes were glued to the arena.

Ye Dun looked relaxed. So did Mapeier. Neither was the flamboyant, domineering type. Standing six or seven meters apart, their spirit power restrained and gazes level, the scene seemed calm. Yet only they could sense the undercurrent of killing intent in each other's eyes.

Referee An Nanxi swung her hands—the match began.

Swish—

Almost the instant An Nanxi gave the signal, two streaks of golden light flashed across the arena, capturing the crowd's gaze as they shot toward Ye Dun from left and right. But before they could strike, half the spectators gasped—Ye Dun and Mapeier had vanished simultaneously!

The buzzing crowd fell silent.

"Look, over there!" someone in the stands shouted.

They hadn't truly disappeared—their speed was simply too fast for ordinary eyes to track.

Heads swiveled just in time to catch two shadowy figures darting silently on the arena's left side. A crescent of cold light slashed horizontally, seemingly striking a spider silk thread connected to one of the golden rings.

The deflected ring arced through the air, but in the next instant, both combatants vanished again.

Tap-tap-tap-tap—

A staccato rhythm of footsteps echoed across the arena, shifting unpredictably from left to right. The blurring speed left ordinary spectators dizzy.

Fast—too fast! Never had Holy Sanctuary disciples witnessed such velocity!

The Holy Sanctuary taught five mainstream combat professions: martial artists, wizards, exorcists, marksmen, and Spirit Beastmasters. But The League of Blades recognized another formidable path—one the Holy Sanctuary didn't teach: the way of the assassin.

Professional matters should be left to professionals, and this is exactly the case. A place like the Holy Sanctuary, drenched in 'sunlight,' is hardly suitable for nurturing assassins who operate in the shadows. Within the League of Blades, the true experts in training assassins are undoubtedly the brothers Li Xuan Yuan and Li Fu Su in the stands—especially the fourth brother Li Fu Su, the chief instructor of the Li family's eight thousand assassins. With his sharp insight and formidable strength, he was the first among the eight brothers to reach the peak of Ghost Peak.

"Their speed can only be considered decent," Li Xuan Yuan remarked with some interest. Compared to the brutal showdown in the previous match, this technical battle was far more pleasing to his eyes. Though their speed hadn't yet surpassed the Tiger Peak level, they managed to frequently 'lose' the gaze of tens of thousands in the audience—an impressive feat. "But their concealment and deception are excellent. For Holy Sanctuary disciples who’ve never undergone assassin training, this is quite rare. With a bit of guidance, they could absolutely become top-tier assassin material."

Beside him, Li Fu Su chuckled. "Third Brother, you’re overthinking it. The young master of the Ye family probably wouldn’t lower himself to become an assassin. As for that girl… I suspect she’s had professional assassin training. Some subtle details in her movements give it away—normal people wouldn’t have those habits."

Li Xuan Yuan’s brow lifted slightly as he glanced at his younger brother. When it came to assessing assassins, Li Fu Su’s judgment was beyond doubt—he was undeniably the strongest in the family. "Are you suggesting… we should keep an eye on her?"

"She’s with that Wang Feng, after all, and has gotten too close to Little Sister. We can’t afford to be careless."

"Fourth Brother, aren’t you being overly sensitive? You still don’t trust Wang Feng?"

"For us, origins don’t matter…" Li Fu Su shook his head with a smile. "I know the old man has already intervened. Wang Feng passed the Limores evaluation from the intelligence division with a high score—he should be trustworthy. Otherwise, the old man wouldn’t have let Little Sister follow him to Dragon City. But his background is still murky, and the company he keeps is too complicated…"

He trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid. Li Xuan Yuan nodded. "Then let Seventh Brother investigate. He’s more familiar with matters related to the Nine Gods."

Meanwhile, back in the arena, two dazzling golden wheels once again captured the crowd’s attention before their targets vanished mid-air.

*Clang!*

A sharp, bone-jarring clash—the silver crescent blade met a dagger, the violent collision of spirit energy forcing both combatants out of their high-speed movement. They landed a dozen meters apart, facing each other.

*Whoosh!*

The golden wheels spun rapidly in Mapeier’s hands, accumulating formidable spirit energy with each rotation. The surging air currents kicked up dust from the ground, hinting at their latent power—though still far from the energy required to unleash *Sunset Samsara*.

Now standing firm, both combatants were speed-specialized fighters of the same type. Though this had only been a probing exchange, the match appeared dead even—for the moment.