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...No, this won’t work. I never imagined there could be someone with such sublime swordsmanship in this world. Compared to him, even "Battle Saint" Leimen or "Sniper Arrow God" Karin Ling seem like second-rate figures. This level of swordsmanship has surpassed "art nearing the Way"—it is simply "the sword is the Way itself." Otherwise, how could it be so miraculous as to transcend the boundaries of power? How can I defeat him...

...In terms of swordsmanship, it’s impossible. Who knows how he cultivated such unnatural swordsmanship? The only way is to wield even greater power—power so overwhelming that no technique can counter it...

...Greater power, something stronger than what I have now. That can only be the power of the Saint Realm...

In truth, the path to the Saint Realm was something Chen Xuanfeng had long understood perfectly. By forcibly merging the two pinnacle Sword Emperor rank battle auras within his body, he could open an energy cycle with the "Stellar Nether Sea" and ascend to the Saint Realm. However, this process was perilous beyond measure. Even with the harmonizing effect of his Nine Yin True Energy, the chance of his body exploding and perishing exceeded fifty percent. Thus, he had never attempted it, instead continuously refining both battle auras, hoping that in a few years they would naturally synchronize, minimizing the risk.

But now, he could wait no longer. Though Old Lion Leimen had once warned him never to attempt touching Saint Realm power unprepared, hadn’t Leinster himself broken through mid-battle in ancient times? Chen Xuanfeng refused to believe he was inferior to that ancient figure in both skill and power.

...Heh, taking this step might kill me, but not taking it means certain death. So why hesitate? Holy Grail battle aura, Nine-Headed Dragon combat energy—merge for me!

With this thought, the two vast battle auras within Chen Xuanfeng’s body immediately began churning. Outside, the white light representing the "Holy Grail" and the black mist of the "Nine-Headed Dragon" intertwined. In an instant, two diametrically opposed forces collided violently—white light surged skyward, black clouds blotted out the sun, and at their convergence, waves of savage tremors erupted, accompanied by thunderclaps that tore through the air.

This spectacle naturally drew Leinster’s attention, but he showed no surprise, only croaking, "Trying to emulate my breakthrough to the Saint Realm mid-battle? Too... naive. History, after all, is filled with absurdities and lies, isn’t it?"

Chen Xuanfeng, however, heard none of his enemy’s words, for his entire spirit was now consumed by the maelstrom of energy.

The external explosions were nothing. Even the internal clash of battle auras didn’t trouble him. The true, unforeseen catastrophe came from the energy channel—or rather, the energy cycle—connecting to the "Stellar Nether Sea."

Long ago, Chen Xuanfeng had touched the energy channel of the Stellar Nether Sea at the Sword Emperor rank. Back then, however, the energy flow had been one-way, like drawing water from a well—use as much as you take. Thus, he had never felt the pressure of that vast power. Now, with the merging of two Emperor-level battle auras, the two channels linked, transforming from a tranquil ancient well into a roaring geyser—or rather, a colossal waterfall at the rapids of a great river. Both in quantity and quality, the change was world-shaking. The slightest leakage of this power could tear Chen Xuanfeng apart. And he himself was like a frog accustomed to drifting in still well water, suddenly thrown into a raging torrent. Not only did he have to survive this cataclysmic shift, but he also had to attempt to harness this overwhelming force. The difficulty and peril far exceeded any mental preparation he could have made.

As the sensation of the boundless cosmos pouring into his body overwhelmed him, Chen Xuanfeng’s panic could no longer be suppressed. The immense power surging through him shattered his capillaries, blood streaming from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Yet the violent energy only grew fiercer, skyrocketing until his bones creaked under the strain.

...H-how is this possible? Such vast, turbulent power converging—it’s already a hundred, a thousand times greater than my original strength! So this is the power Sword Saints wield in battle? Even channeling a fraction could topple mountains and part seas. But stabilizing and cycling this energy is no quick feat—no wonder Leimen once said that even after grasping the Saint Realm’s key in battle, he still needed years in secluded training to safely control it...

...Mastering this power’s mutation would take years in secluded practice. How can I possibly calm it now, locked in a life-or-death struggle...

...But didn’t they say Leinster also forcibly attained the Saint Realm mid-battle and defeated his enemy? Could it be that not only is my martial talent worlds apart from his, but even my battle aura cultivation falls hopelessly short...

Horrified to find the situation utterly unlike his expectations—where he thought there was a fifty percent chance of success, it was now certain death—Chen Xuanfeng nearly succumbed to despair. Leinster, seeing his opponent’s inevitable demise, ceased his assault, sighing faintly as he sheathed his sword and stepped back, quietly awaiting the moment the young warrior’s body would explode.

The colossal pillars of black and white battle aura shredded the clouds, allowing the bleak sunlight to spill down, as if bearing witness to the legendary werewolf’s end.

Just then, a voice both alien and ephemeral echoed from the depths of Chen Xuanfeng’s heart.

...Foolish soul, do you seek to attempt what even gods cannot achieve...

"What?" Even in his dire straits, Chen Xuanfeng reacted to the inexplicable voice in his mind.

...The gods in heaven, the demons in hell, even dragons and elves—none dare claim to tame the chaotic fury of the Stellar Nether Sea. What makes you think you can...

"You—then what should I do?" At death’s door, Chen Xuanfeng wasted no time on questions like "Who are you?" or "What do you want?" Instinct told him this voice intended to aid him, and he pressed for an answer without hesitation.