Wang Ruoxie lifted his foot and stepped onto the battle platform.

The two faced each other, a faint murderous intent permeating the air.

"Wang Ruoxie, I didn't expect you to actually dare to come up here."

Zheng Hong's cold gaze fell on Wang Ruoxie as he spoke, "However, if you're afraid, then just admit defeat and leave, to avoid embarrassing yourself."

"No need to provoke me. Rest assured, since I initiated the challenge against you, I will give you the chance for revenge."

Upon hearing Zheng Hong's words, Wang Ruoxie merely smiled indifferently and replied.

He naturally knew that Zheng Hong said this not because he truly wanted to spare him, but because he was afraid Wang Ruoxie would concede voluntarily and refuse to continue the fight.

"Very well."

Zheng Hong sneered, then spoke again, "I will make you understand that in the face of absolute strength, even the greatest talent counts for nothing."

In his view, even if Wang Ruoxie was a peerless genius with nine-star Swordsmanship Talent, he was absolutely no match for him.

For he was in the Element Transformation Realm, although only the First Layer, it was far beyond what the Energy-Introducing Realm could compare to, and the gap between realms was insurmountable.

In fact, the vast majority of those below were not optimistic about Wang Ruoxie.

Even Bing Ling and Song Qing were quite worried in their hearts, although they knew Wang Ruoxie's strength was formidable, even comparable to a true Element Transformation Realm, he had never truly fought against one.

Moreover, although Zheng Hong's cultivation was only at the First Layer of Element Transformation Realm, his strength far exceeded that of a typical martial cultivator in the same stage, because he not only possessed a six-star Swordsmanship Talent but also the bloodline power of Fifth Grade Profound Level.

"Best if he dies up there."

Leng Ao coldly sneered in his heart.

"Finished with the nonsense? If so, let's begin."

Wang Ruoxie's gaze fixed on Zheng Hong, as he calmly uttered an indifferent statement.

"Since you're in such a hurry to die, I will fulfill your wish."

Zheng Hong shouted coldly, then stepped forward and directly punched towards Wang Ruoxie.

Instantly, the fist wind howled, and fist seals formed by the condensation of True Qi surged towards Wang Ruoxie like a storm.

Being able to release True Qi and harm others from a distance is a technique only achievable after breaking through to the Element Transformation Realm.

Although Zheng Hong didn't believe Wang Ruoxie could contend with him, he didn't hold back either, since he sought revenge, it was a kill-with-one-blow approach, even if he couldn't kill Wang Ruoxie, he intended to cripple him.

At this moment, Wang Ruoxie's entire body seemed to be engulfed by endless fist seals.

"Is it over?"

Seeing this scene, everyone's expressions tensed.

Faced with such a terrifying assault, even someone at the First Layer of Element Transformation Realm might not be able to withstand it, let alone Wang Ruoxie who was only at the Eighth Layer of Energy-Introducing Realm.

Seeing his fist seals about to land on Wang Ruoxie, a cold smile appeared on Zheng Hong's face.

However, at this moment, a brilliant light shone from Wang Ruoxie's body.

In the next instant, a radiant sword light flashed, and the fist seals developed cracks, eventually disintegrating completely.

"Is this the strength you pride yourself on? It's nothing special."

A touch of mockery flashed in Wang Ruoxie's eyes as he taunted.

"Die."

Zheng Hong's expression turned grim, as he shouted and launched another punch towards Wang Ruoxie.

Violent True Qi transformed into a massive fist seal, carrying terrifying power, and charged towards Wang Ruoxie.

This punch could annihilate any practitioner of the Energy-Introducing Realm, and even someone at First Layer of Element Transformation Realm couldn't withstand it.

"Break."

Wang Ruoxie gave a light shout, then raised the sword in his hand, slashing directly at the massive fist seal.

"Crack."

Accompanied by a soft sound, an incomparably sharp sword light tore the massive fist seal apart, then shattered it into countless fragments, which dispersed in the wind.

The sword, sharp beyond compare, was uncompromising and unstoppable.

"Swordsmanship at the Following the Heart Perfection level."

Zheng Hong's expression darkened, his gaze fixated on Wang Ruoxie.

"No wonder he's a peerless genius with nine-star Swordsmanship Talent, to have mastered swordsmanship at the Following the Heart Perfection level while still in the Energy-Introducing Realm."

Everyone let out a gasp of amazement.

Many couldn't help but lament in their hearts, as they realized Wang Ruoxie's bloodline was only Third Grade Yellow Level, meaning his future achievements would be limited.

Ouyang Ling also shook his head secretly, the stronger Wang Ruoxie exhibited his prowess, the more regretful it seemed, unless Wang Ruoxie encountered great fortune and changed his bloodline, his achievements would halt at the Element Transformation Realm.

"Spirit Snake Nine Swords."

At this moment, Zheng Hong also drew out a top-grade Treasure Artifact longsword.

His sword seemed like a snake, twisting and swirling, with a terrifying tongue flicking, lunging at Wang Ruoxie.

In that instant, Wang Ruoxie felt as if he was being targeted by a venomous snake.

"Oh my, it's actually the Spirit Snake Nine Swords, a mid-grade Profound Level Martial Technique."

"I didn't expect Zheng Hong to train in a mid-grade Profound Level Martial Technique, this spells trouble for Wang Ruoxie."

Exclamations of astonishment emerged from the crowd, many showing expressions of surprise.

Evidently, they recognized the swordplay Zheng Hong was utilizing and knew its terrifying nature.

The Spirit Snake Nine Swords, a mid-grade Profound Level Martial Technique, is a closely guarded secret of the Zheng Family, one of the Six Great Clans of the Royal City. Even direct descendants of the Zheng Family were not qualified to train in it without sufficient aptitude and potential.

Most importantly, one can only begin training in a mid-grade Profound Level Martial Technique like Spirit Snake Nine Swords after breaking through to the Element Transformation Realm, otherwise, forcing the practice would not allow one to unleash its true power.

At this moment, Wang Ruoxie stood calmly where he was, understanding that while a mid-grade Profound Level Martial Technique might be exceptionally powerful for others, it still wasn't enough in front of him.

Of course, he was also well aware that someone of Zheng Hong's background had access to cultivation resources far surpassing ordinary martial cultivators.

Whether it be Cultivation and Martial Techniques, Weapons and Treasures, or Pills and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, he could acquire them easily.

Additionally, Zheng Hong could count as a true genius, his strength undoubtedly far exceeding those of the same stage.

"Cloud Emergence Technique."

At this point, Wang Ruoxie also made his move, his longsword transforming into a brilliant sword light, meeting the incoming longsword with incredible speed.

"Clang!"

Then, accompanied by the sound of metal clashing, the two's longswords collided in an instant.

In the next moment, both of their bodies simultaneously stepped back a few paces, this sword clash appearing to be evenly matched.

"Still too low in cultivation."

Stabilizing his posture, Wang Ruoxie's brows knitted slightly.

Although the True Qi within him far exceeded that of others at the same level, even surpassing those at the Ninth Layer of Energy-Introducing Realm, facing Zheng Hong, who was at the First Layer of Element Transformation Realm, still seemed a bit lacking.

Otherwise, this sword strike could have easily defeated the opponent.

To the others, however, this was already an unbelievable result, as someone at the Eighth Layer of Energy-Introducing Realm fighting to a stalemate with a genius warrior at the First Layer of Element Transformation Realm was practically unheard of.

At this moment, Zheng Hong's face was extremely unsightly, with his cultivation at the First Layer of Element Transformation Realm, exerting his full strength and using his trump card Spirit Snake Nine Swords, yet still unable to defeat an Energy-Introducing Realm Eighth Layer individual.

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