"Now, proceed with the next battle."

Zhong Wuchang's gaze lingered on Wang Ruoxie for a moment, then he spoke to everyone.

As Zhong Wuchang's words fell, two figures flickered out from the crowd and directly arrived at the center of the square.

The two didn't say much and immediately started to fight.

Although both of these individuals ranked after a thousand on the Jade Disc, they both had cultivation at the Seventh Layer of the Essence Pill Realm, and their strength was also quite formidable among those of the same level.

One of them was named Fang Yu, and the other was named Shi Hong.

In just a few breaths, the two had clashed dozens of times. Although the victor was not yet determined, everyone could tell that Shi Hong was already showing signs of defeat.

Even though both were at the Seventh Layer of the Essence Pill Realm, Fang Yu's strength was evidently a notch higher than Shi Hong's.

Moreover, Fang Yu's weapon—a long spear—seemed to be an Upper Grade Earth Artifact, whereas Shi Hong's broadsword was merely a Mid Grade Earth Artifact.

The gap in their strength, coupled with the disparity in their weapons, almost predetermined the outcome of this battle.

As expected, it wasn't long before Fang Yu severely injured Shi Hong, winning the battle.

"Fang Yu wins, advances, Shi Hong, eliminated."

Zhong Wuchang announced the result of the battle, and everyone watched as Fang Yu's name on the Jade Disc advanced from 3,627th place to 3,213th place.

Meanwhile, Shi Hong's name vanished entirely from the Jade Disc.

At this moment, the expressions of everyone grew even more solemn. Although the rules of this ranking battle are straightforward—they can challenge anyone ranked above them at will—relatively speaking, each person almost only has one chance.

If the challenge is successful, the rank is promoted, but if the challenge fails, the person is directly eliminated.

For those challenged, it's the same: If they defeat their opponent, they maintain their rank, but if defeated, they too are directly eliminated.

In this moment, nearly everyone resolved to themselves that whether challenging or being challenged, they must hold nothing back, and even strike ruthlessly if necessary.

The battles carried on one after another.

Since no one held anything back, unleashing their full strength and showing no mercy, the defeated were left either dead or injured.

Especially towards the end, as the combatants' rankings climbed higher and their strength increased, the defeated party was almost certain to die.

Zhong Wuchang did not intervene. For him, it didn't matter whether these people lived or died.

However, those who had obtained warships from the Secret Realm drew considerable attention from him.

"Elder Zhong, although many acquired warships in that Secret Realm, and a few even obtained some at the Lower Grade Saint Tier level, yet it hasn't appeared. Could the rumors be false?"

A middle-aged man dressed in luxurious attire whispered to Zhong Wuchang.

"Though it's a rumor, the information came from that place, so it shouldn't be false. Is it possible that no one has discovered its existence?"

Zhong Wuchang furrowed his brows and said, "Regardless, these nearly a hundred Celestial Tier warships, along with several Lower Grade Saint Tier warships, are enough to buy the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty sufficient time on the Outer Battlefield."

"Besides, I vaguely feel that it might have already appeared, only we don't know who has obtained it."

Upon hearing Zhong Wuchang's words, the sumptuously dressed man nodded slightly and said, "Let's hope so. The situation on the Outer Battlefield is becoming increasingly dire, and the number of Evil Land soldiers is growing. Not long ago, I received news that a Purple Mansion Realm evil demon had appeared among the Evil Land army."

"If this continues, I'm afraid the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty will face an enormous crisis."

"Don't worry, once the trial tournament ends, I'll bring back all those with warships to the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty and have them join the Black Dragon Guard. Moreover, we'll send them to the Outer Battlefield as soon as possible to resist the Evil Land army."

Zhong Wuchang shifted his gaze towards those among the crowd with warships, speaking once more, "With the support of these warships, I believe the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty can maintain an undefeated position in the short term."

Meanwhile, Wang Ruoxie was about to face his second battle. His challenger was Wu Guangyuan, ranked 69th for the time being.

"Though your strength is formidable, I shall not lose this battle."

Wu Guangyuan looked at Wang Ruoxie and said.

He hailed from a top Sect of the Southern Domain and stood out among the younger generation there. Whether in aptitude or strength, he was considered one of the absolute top in his realm.

This battle he must win, and defeat was not an option for him.

"Buzz!"

With a slight tremor, a long halberd appeared in Wu Guangyuan's hands.

"Top Grade Earth Artifact."

Wang Ruoxie's eyes narrowed slightly, easily discerning that the long halberd in Wu Guangyuan's hands was a Top Grade Earth Artifact.

This person possessed Ninth Layer of Essence Pill Realm cultivation, wielding a Top Grade Earth Artifact, giving average Ninth Layer Essence Pill practitioners a difficult time to contend with.

However, for him, even if Wu Guangyuan wielded a Celestial Artifact, he feared nothing.

"Take this!"

At this moment, Wu Guangyuan shouted, and with a quiver of the long halberd in his hand, a terrifying force surged towards Wang Ruoxie.

"The weapon may be fine, but your strength is too weak."

Wang Ruoxie's voice resonated, and immediately, an Upper Grade Earth Artifact tier longsword appeared in his hand.

Without hesitation, he slashed out with a single sword strike, and instantly, endless Sword Qi burst forth, transforming into a blood-red Sword Shadow aiming at Wu Guangyuan.

"Boom..."

With a resounding explosion, under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Wu Guangyuan's body was sent flying before crashing to the ground.

"I lost."

Wu Guangyuan stood up, wiped the bloodstains at the corner of his mouth, and spoke to Wang Ruoxie.

He was well aware that with that last sword strike, Wang Ruoxie had shown mercy; otherwise, he would have been severely injured or even killed.

If he continued to fight, it would only lead to humiliation or even cost him his life, hence he chose to admit defeat.

"He won again, and with just a single strike, he defeated Wu Guangyuan, who wielded a Top Grade Earth Artifact. Such formidable strength."

"With the strength he's shown, there's a high chance he'll make it into the top ten, perhaps even breaking into the top three."

...

Voices of awe spread through the crowd.

"I don't believe that with just the Eighth Layer of Essence Pill Realm cultivation, your strength is truly that strong. I will challenge you."

Suddenly, a cold voice echoed from the crowd, and then a young man in a silver robe appeared before Wang Ruoxie.

"Who is this shameless guy daring to continuously challenge Wang Ruoxie?"

Someone said resentfully.

"Hush, do you have a death wish? That's Feng Yangyu."

The person next to him hurriedly said.

"What... He's Feng Yangyu..."

Upon hearing that, the person's face changed instantly, exclaiming in shock.

Those around also looked at the silver-robed youth with respectful eyes; it was clear they were all familiar with the name Feng Yangyu.

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