The moment Qin Heng's sword fell on Wang Ruoxie's body, he unexpectedly discovered that no matter how much force he exerted, the longsword could progress no further.

Then he realized that Wang Ruoxie had used two fingers to clamp his sword.

"What kind of technique is this?"

Witnessing this scene, everyone's gaze was fixed there.

It must be noted that the sword in Qin Heng's hand is a Middle Grade Spiritual Artifact. Its inherent power alone is enough to easily pierce through the body of someone at the Late Stage of the Element Transformation Realm or even Half-Step Innate. Moreover, the sword was infused with Qin Heng's True Qi, making its power several times stronger.

However, Wang Ruoxie managed to clamp Qin Heng's longsword with just two fingers, preventing it from advancing an inch further.

Furthermore, people saw that the place on Wang Ruoxie's body where the sword had struck, though his clothing was pierced, his skin bore no sign of injury, only a slight white mark.

"What a terrifying physique."

Everyone was deeply shaken. Although during the previous battles they had noticed Wang Ruoxie's physique seemed extraordinary, they never imagined it was this formidable.

Even a Middle Grade Spiritual Artifact could not breach his physical defense. Fearsome, even those at Half-Step Innate likely could not compare.

"Elder Zhou, it seems we've underestimated him."

On the city wall of the Royal Palace, Tang Xuanyi, seated on the dragon throne, spoke with a glimmer of surprise in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, it is not that we underestimated him, but that this little fellow is extremely adept at concealing himself. It seems not until the final moment will he reveal his full strength."

Elder Zhou laughed slightly and responded.

"People like this usually live longer, because no one knows where their limits lie, oftentimes leading to them being underestimated and resulting in defeat."

Tang Xuanyi nodded slightly and again spoke, "Perhaps with him there, entering the Ancient Ruins this time might lead to a different outcome, one never knows."

Indeed, Wang Ruoxie's ability to clamp Qin Heng's sword with just two fingers was not merely due to his formidable physique, but also because he had used the Star Shattering Finger.

After employing the Star Shattering Finger, his fingers became exceedingly hard, impervious to blade or sword, unaffected by water or fire.

If it weren't for the fact that Qin Heng's longsword was a Middle Grade Spiritual Artifact, he could easily have broken it with a single finger.

"Qin Heng, it's time to conclude our battle; however, the one who loses is you."

Wang Ruoxie spoke indifferently towards Qin Heng, then swiftly pointed a finger, striking him.

"Plah!"

A mouthful of fresh blood spewed from Qin Heng's mouth, then his body was seen flying off, landing directly below the battle platform.

"So much for the Ten Great Young Masters."

Wang Ruoxie slowly uttered a remark before turning to descend the battle platform.

"Plah..."

Upon hearing Wang Ruoxie's words, Qin Heng's surging Qi and blood again spurted from his mouth.

His gaze was fixed intently on Wang Ruoxie, filled with venomous resentment, today's humiliation would surely be washed away with Wang Ruoxie's blood someday.

Wang Ruoxie naturally sensed Qin Heng's gaze, but he paid no mind. The reason he injured Qin Heng was simply to collect some interest for that time he was ambushed.

If Qin Heng no longer dared to provoke him, it would be settled. But should he harbor murderous intent, Wang Ruoxie too would show no mercy.

In the subsequent battles, those ranked lower mostly opted to concede.

They knew clearly, even in battle it would be impossible to win.

Such as Tang Liren, Xiao Ningyue, Ruan Junhao, ranked within the top three; their strength was significantly above the others, none wanted to vie for rankings with them.

As for the three of them, having fought each other once, naturally, there was no need to continue battling.

In essence, the final rankings for this Hidden Dragon Assembly were pretty much completely decided.

Currently, only Wang Ruoxie remained with the strength to continue fighting.

His current rank temporarily sat at fifth, which meant his opponents were down to four: first place Tang Liren, second place Xiao Ningyue, third place Ruan Junhao, fourth place Qiu Yao.

Of course, he did not need to challenge each one; he only needed to challenge the strongest one he felt he could defeat.

This indicated that it might be his final battle, and also the ultimate showdown of this Hidden Dragon Assembly.

"Who do you think Wang Ruoxie will challenge?"

"It should be third place Ruan Junhao; second place Xiao Ningyue is too strong, and like Wang Ruoxie, she is from the Celestial Sword Sect. Most importantly, their relationship seems quite close, so Wang Ruoxie probably won't challenge her. As for first place Second Prince, already reached Half-Step Innate level, Wang Ruoxie likely wouldn't be foolish enough to challenge him."

"It seems Wang Ruoxie's final rank will probably be third place."

The crowd whispered among themselves, wondering who Wang Ruoxie would challenge.

But to most people, it seemed Wang Ruoxie's target should be Ruan Junhao, aiming for third place.

Ranking third on the Hidden Dragon List was already a tremendous honor.

"Ruoxie, if you challenge me, I will yield voluntarily."

Amidst the crowd, Xiao Ningyue whispered to Wang Ruoxie.

However, though Xiao Ningyue's voice was low, many around heard it clearly, and were unable to hide their surprise; they hadn't expected Xiao Ningyue to willingly yield second place to Wang Ruoxie.

It seemed, Xiao Ningyue's relationship with Wang Ruoxie was closer than they had imagined.

At this moment, Tang Liren's expression was exceedingly cold, having considered Xiao Ningyue his woman; yet now she treated another man like this, how could he not be angry?

In that moment, he suddenly wished fiercely that Wang Ruoxie would challenge him, so that he could annihilate Wang Ruoxie in front of everyone, making Xiao Ningyue understand how worthless she had been besotted with.

"No need."

Wang Ruoxie smiled toward Xiao Ningyue, shaking his head.

After speaking, he lifted his steps, walked onto the battle platform, sweeping his gaze across the crowd below.

"Second Prince, come up."

Just as many were speculating who Wang Ruoxie would challenge, he slowly uttered these words.

At his words, the crowd erupted in astonishment.

"He actually challenged the Second Prince, could he have lost his mind?"

"The Second Prince's strength is top-tier among Half-Step Innate, with nobody below Innate able to withstand a single move from him; Wang Ruoxie challenging him is simply asking for humiliation."

"Were his cultivation similar to the Second Prince, he might stand a slim chance; now, defeat is certain."

...

The crowd looked at Wang Ruoxie with peculiar eyes, thinking he was too unwise for directly challenging the top-ranked Second Prince Tang Liren.

Even if the Second Prince were magnanimous enough not to kill Wang Ruoxie, he might still be injured, affecting his subsequent battles and his ranking could no longer improve.

Upon Wang Ruoxie's challenge, Tang Liren first paused slightly, then his eyes revealed a chilling smile.

If Wang Ruoxie did not challenge him, he indeed could not act readily, especially given his status as the Second Prince and his father being present.

But now, since Wang Ruoxie sought his own demise, he could not be blamed.

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