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At this moment, on the crimson battlefield, the final step of the Orish King's selection was unfolding as the incumbent and the aspiring Lion Kings engaged in a life-or-death duel. The God of War had no use for cowardly kings. Once one set foot on this field of life and death, they must have an unwavering resolve to witness the path of a king. Without the willingness to lay down one's life, one had no right to receive the favor of the God of War.

On the northern side stood an aged warrior with silver mane, Carter "Battlefang" Rein, the Orish King who had led the Alliance for two decades and had seen countless battles. On the southern side was the new challenger, a young lion expert – Shandara "Ripfang" Rein. After an hour of fierce combat, the young challenger was covered in wounds, while the elder warrior bore only a shallow scar on his left shoulder.

Contrary to their injuries, the expressions of the two duelists were inversely proportional. Shandara's golden eyes shimmered with excitement, seemingly oblivious to the bloodstains on his body. In contrast, the seasoned Lion King, despite his advantageous position, wore a solemn expression.

Shandara shook his golden mane and grinned, "Great King Carter, why have you ceased your assault? Weren't you almost done killing me just now? Have your hands grown weak, or are your legs trembling? Do you need time to rest, perhaps?"

The old Lion King's eyes narrowed, and he said in a cold voice, "Young one, there's no need to probe your opponent with words; it only reveals your cowardice. It's a well-known fact that my strength has passed its peak. But if you believe you can secure victory through such meaningless tactics, I'll sever your head before you have the chance."

"I acknowledge your strength, King Carter," Shaman Dara said with a serious expression, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. His entire body radiated a fiery battle intent like a blazing inferno. "Even though your vitality has waned, your martial skills have become more powerful and flawless. The scars on my body bear witness to that. But, King Carter, you didn't deliver the fatal blow when you were at your prime. What can you do now?"

He slowly raised his massive and heavy battle blade, Dragon-Splitting Lion Bite, wielding it as effortlessly as a twig. The young challenger demonstrated to his aged opponent that his stamina remained at its peak. With his golden eyes locked onto the silver-haired king, he roared confidently, "From the first blow I struck, it signaled the end of your era. You'll only continue to weaken, while I will grow stronger. King Carter, let me usher in my new era with your blood."

The old Lion King took a deep breath, dismissing the challenge with a cold snort, but inwardly, he felt a chill. He had become king in his prime and was now in his twilight years. Years of ruling, both mentally and physically exhausting, had naturally led to a decline in his abilities. Although his martial arts had become increasingly refined through constant practice, facing the seemingly inexhaustible energy of his young adversary and his resilient physique, despite numerous wounds, left him feeling powerless.

If possible, the old Lion King would have willingly abdicated his throne. However, over the decades, his family had grown prosperous and influential, amassing great wealth and power in the Flower-Speaking Plain and Lion Heart City, attracting envy and enmity. If he fought bravely, regardless of the outcome, the War God Temple's shamans would strive to protect his family, following the alliance's tradition. Should he show cowardice, the temple would view him as a coward, and without the throne or the temple's support, the fate awaiting his family would be grim.

Initially, the old Lion King harbored hope that he could defeat his formidable foe swiftly with his martial skills. But his opponent's strength exceeded his expectations. Despite being on the defensive, he could only leave insignificant scars on his adversary. As his vitality dwindled, his foe seized the opportunity to exchange injuries, mounting a successful counterattack. He knew Shaman Dara was right; if the young challenger persisted in this strategy, he would inevitably fall. Moreover, the old Lion King could sense his opponent's martial skills improving with each passing moment in combat.

"Indeed, is battle the swiftest path to martial prowess for warriors?"

With matters at this point, the aged Lion King, who had ruled for twenty years and never hesitated in wielding authority, made no further delay. "Let me bask in my final glory, honoring the might of His Majesty, the God of War!" Summoning all his strength, he raised his massive black war axe, and the silver-haired monarch was enveloped in a radiant golden aura that outshone the sun. His entire body transformed into a bolt of lightning, charging towards his opponent.

"Boom~" The indomitable young challenger also burst forth with dazzling radiance, meeting him head-on. The clash of blade and axe, two divine weapons each weighing over a hundred pounds, reverberated like thunder, leaving even those watching from the distant stands momentarily dazed. However, the two warriors in close proximity remained unfazed. Blade flashes and axe shadows intertwined unceasingly, accompanied by dazzling auras, sparks, and deafening crashes. This brief exchange was more intense than the entirety of the preceding hour-long battle.

Eventually, the two figures stumbled apart, their auras dimmed, and blood splattered. Both the elder and young warrior bore numerous grievous wounds. Yet, everyone knew the outcome was decided.

"Father~" Amidst the thunderous war drums and the tidal wave of cheers, the Lion King's ears caught a startled cry. Turning his gaze to the noble viewing platform on the west, the king spotted a pair of concerned eyes amidst the crowd – those of his beloved daughter, Catherine. His three sons, now grown, were idle and consumed by intrigue amidst Lion Heart City's opulence. Only this daughter, born late in his life, brought solace to his heart. Whether he chose to face this mortal combat for the sake of his family or to spare his five-year-old daughter, Catherine, from being tainted as the offspring of a coward, even he could not say.

Struggling to mask his pain with a smile for his daughter, the aged Lion King turned back to his adversary and let out a deafening roar. Once more, his massive black battle-axe swung towards his opponent. The young Shamantha couldn't help but show a hint of respect as she countered with her Dragon-Splitting Lion Bite Blade, meeting the war axe head-on.

With a clash, the young challenger was further marked with a deep, bone-exposing wound, while the silver-haired Lion King's head soared into the sky.