The sword was like the cold moon.

Luo Qingxuan's sword possessed both an imposing dominance and an elusive subtlety, unpredictable in its changes.

Each clash with her felt like walking on the edge of a cliff, a single misstep could lead to utter destruction.

Fortunately, Wang Junze's understanding of Chess Swordsmanship was growing deeper, and his sword techniques could adapt to the opponent's attacks. Although he couldn't claim to foresee the enemy's moves, he could unleash well-planned sword techniques that were just as impenetrable defensively.

Moreover, as time passed and through continuous battling, Wang Junze gradually became familiar with his opponent's sword techniques and sword momentum, thus alleviating the pressure on him.

In fact, this was the most terrifying aspect of Chess Swordsmanship.

With the same opponent, the longer the engagement, the more familiar you become with the attacks, allowing for adjustments and the anticipation of a counter-strike at the right moment.

However, Wang Junze was well aware that his ability to gradually adapt to the opponent's attacks was because this was merely an array-conjured avatar, not the real Luo Qingxuan. Otherwise, amid the ever-changing exchanges, her moves wouldn't remain constant and she would likely have burst forth with full power from the start, defeating him before he could even get accustomed to her sword techniques.

It was for this reason that Wang Junze was even more determined that if he continued to fight, he could definitely defeat the opponent and pass this trial.

But... time might not be on his side.

In fact, while Wang Junze was fighting Luo Qingxuan's avatar, on the other side, Luo Qingxuan had similarly shattered the sword intent of all the Yijian Sect disciples, only to face another trial of an array-formed Wang Junze!

It had to be said, this array was indeed extremely powerful.

Although Wang Junze was merely Condensing Truth, the array-created avatar's strength was forcibly elevated to the Heaven-Stepping Realm.

During their ascent of Sword Mountain, while sparring with the Yijian Sect disciples, the array recorded all of their sword techniques and sword intent, using it as a basis to form avatars. Regardless of whether their strengths were elevated or suppressed to any level, it was able to perfectly simulate the strongest state.

Thus, though Luo Qingxuan still managed to hold the upper hand, it was very difficult to defeat Wang Junze's avatar in a short period of time.

The battle in both places was incredibly close, the difference between victory and defeat was marginal.

Until the very last moment, no one knew who would ultimately emerge victorious.

...

"Commandery Princess!"

Erupting from the water passage beneath the Ice Cave, Wang Xin swiftly located the position of the palace and rushed in.

Seeing Su Yuwei from afar, he urgently asked, "Where's my brother?"

"Xin'er?"

Hearing Wang Xin's voice, Su Yuwei slowly opened her eyes and asked with some surprise, "What's happened?"

"Commandery Princess, where's my brother? Is he alright?" Wang Xin asked again.

"He's deep within the palace competing with Luo Qingxuan for the legacy of the ruins. Although it's unknown if he can triumph over Luo Qingxuan, he shouldn't be in too much danger," Su Yuwei softly explained.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xin let out a sigh of relief and then explained, "Commandery Princess, we were previously trapped in an Ice Cave... Just now, Jing Yuan came with Deserters' Heaven-Stepping Powerhouses and found us."

Without elaborating, Wang Xin quickly recounted the entire situation.

"I don't know what Jing Yuan is planning, but... I figured his goal isn't murder, so I came to inform you, so you and my brother can prepare in advance."

Her eyelids twitching slightly and after quick contemplation, Su Yuwei vaguely grasped Jing Yuan's intent, her expression turning incredibly grim.

Jing Yuan's scheme wasn't particularly hard to fathom, and in some sense, it was an open plot, unconcerned if Su Yuwei or Wang Junze saw through it.

How many among these people betrayed the Human Race was irrelevant, what mattered was that even knowing some had betrayed us, it was impossible to handle them all.

After all, you couldn't just kill them all, could you?

The crux was...

"This matter cannot be handled by your brother."

With a slight twitch of her eyelids, Su Yuwei spoke decisively: "Especially your Wang Family... Xin'er, do you think your father and second uncle would betray the Human Race under Jing Yuan's threat?"

"..."

This question was difficult to answer, causing a hint of hesitation in Wang Xin's eyes.

This was not only because she couldn't predict her father's choice but because she clearly understood the implications behind the question!

If the Wang Family truly betrayed the Human Race, then what was Wang Junze to do?

No matter how Wang Junze chose, it would leave behind enormous hidden dangers!

Therefore, the final choice was not to let Wang Junze handle it.

Gritting her teeth, a determined look flashed in Wang Xin's eyes, and she spoke resolutely, "Commandery Princess, I understand, I will handle the Wang Family's affairs!"

Wang Junze could not act, and Su Yuwei's status made it inappropriate for her to intervene, which meant that the only suitable person left was indeed Wang Xin.

But this would inevitably mean that Wang Xin would bear a heavy infamy, and if it came to the worst scenario, she might find it difficult to stand in the Northern Domain in the future.

"If it does come to the worst, I can take you back to the capital!"

Looking deeply at Wang Xin, Su Yuwei said softly.

...

"Buzz!"

As time went on, Wang Junze finally completely grasped Luo Qingxuan's sword momentum, without hesitation, he shifted his sword techniques from layout to strangulation, a desperate strike!

Tremendous sword light exploded, colliding with Luo Qingxuan in an instant, weaving a terrifying sword net!

Only advance, never retreat!

At this moment, Wang Junze no longer hesitated, seizing the opportunity to throw caution to the wind, striving for that slim lead.

At this stage, Wang Junze naturally understood that there was no suspense in the outcome of this fight, the only difference was how long it would take him to defeat the opponent!

What was being contested was not just the power of both sides, but more so a test of their potential and courage!

In terms of talent and potential, Wang Junze was also exceptional, certainly not inferior to Luo Qingxuan, but having talent alone was not enough.

To end the fight as quickly as possible, one must act before full certainty, risking the chance of perishing here, to forcefully slaughter the opponent.

Whether one dared to take the risk of death and forcefully deliver this life-risking strike was indeed the key to victory in this battle.

Understanding this, Wang Junze, without hesitation, chose to bet his life.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.