The logic behind this is quite simple; think about it yourselves. The more people there are, the more variables can throw a wrench into the final configuration. Therefore, while the last battle can be strategically arranged, the kind of dramatic reversal seen in the Ring simply won't be possible. This forces us into a direct confrontation—strength against strength—when facing the strongest Demon Squad. Although we can leverage the power of the Celestial Team, we must remain cautious and aware of their movements as well. So... "We might as well gamble on a fifty-fifty chance. While the current situation suggests that you, Zheng Zha, might not be able to defeat your clone, based on the data I've acquired, unless the Demon Squad possesses one or two more overwhelmingly powerful individuals, victory is certain based on the personnel you currently know. In that scenario, we can then become your support in the fight... The outcome of the King versus King match will decide the life or death of both teams. Similarly, our victory against the other members of the Demon Squad can influence the result of the King versus King duel. Therefore, Zheng Zha, what you need is to defeat your clone. If you cannot defeat him, then at least stall him until we have settled our own fights. This is the only way to possibly overcome the Demon Squad."

Everyone listened intently to Chu Xuan’s words, except for Xiao Honglü, who was tugging at his hair with a frown. After a moment of thought, he suddenly spoke up, "That’s right. This plan is indeed the only way to defeat the Demon Squad. Even though the probability of failure is higher, I would still choose this method over complete defeat. However... Don't forget, the Demon Squad also has your clone. If you were in the Demon Squad, would you allow such a situation to arise?" "Indeed."

Chu Xuan nodded affirmatively. "Precisely because of that, your value becomes apparent... This is your mission for the final battle: ensuring the King versus King plan proceeds smoothly. Since neither my clone nor I have broken through our inner demons... having you as an extra is the critical factor for a tactical victory. I hope you remember this—the success of a strategic battle is judged not by the process, but by the result..." "Oh? King versus King? Does that mean the members of the Central Continent Team and the Demon Team could also have related individuals facing off against each other?" As Chu Xuan spoke calmly with Xiao Honglü, Zhao Yingkong, previously composed, suddenly broke into a bright, mischievous smile. This woman instantly transformed from an icy assassin beauty into a playful young woman. She laughed, glancing at the character data on the chart, "Zhao Zhuikong... someone who has unlocked the fourth level of the Genetic Lock—his strength rating is only 200? That seems a bit low, doesn't it?" "No, to be precise, it might even be less than 200..." Chu Xuan shook his head. "The figures I calculated in this table represent the strength a person can exert within their current team in the final battle. If Zhao Zhuikong were in a different team, given his true power, this figure would be between 700 and 1000. But within the Demon Reincarnation Squad, his number is this low. Likewise, several members of our Central Continent Team—myself, Zero Point, Zhang Heng—if we were in a standalone team, any one of us could easily exceed 500. And you, in your current mental state, could reach the same 700 to 1000 mark as Zhao Zhuikong. However, within the Central Continent Team, overshadowed by Zheng Zha’s brilliance, the number you can manifest will not surpass Zhao Zhuikong's..." "This figure is less a measure of 'strength' and more a measure of 'functional contribution' within a team. The collective contribution of everyone in the Central Continent Team right now totals 3700 points, far below the Demon Squad's 5500 points..." After hearing Chu Xuan, Zhao Yingkong giggled and tapped her lips with her finger. The gesture, combined with her somewhat androgynous beautiful face, appeared remarkably seductive. The young woman said with a playful grin, "I'm super unhappy with the number I received... Oh yes, Chu Xuan, do you truly know my current strength? I mean, in this exact state. How about I spar with Zheng Zha? As long as Zheng Zha doesn't use Honghuang or Heaven and Earth Splitting, I won't fear any of his other techniques. Come on, come on..." By the end, her voice carried a charming allure that left Cheng Xiao, sitting nearby, utterly transfixed.

Zheng Zha quickly shook his head. "No, no, regardless of your strength, the Zhao Zhuikong within the Demon Reincarnation Squad will be reserved for you. A battle between us is truly unnecessary..." "Idiot..." Chu Xuan scoffed from the side. "This fight is certainly unnecessary for her, but it is quite important for you... You yourself admitted you are terrible at combat techniques, and she is an expert in that field. Do you understand? She is helping you. If you truly want to challenge your clone, since you cannot surpass him in conviction, you must at least not lose to him by too large a margin in terms of sheer power. Both strength and technique are equally vital for you. Since the final showdown is set as King versus King, you must become powerful—stronger, incomparably strong—until you can match your clone. Before that, you cannot avoid any fight!" Zheng Zha blinked, then looked again at Zhao Yingkong. The young girl was gazing at him with a radiant smile, a hint of unstated tenderness woven within it... "Since this is a spar, there is no need to fight to the death. Therefore, you cannot use Honghuang or Heaven and Earth Splitting. As for Explosion and Destruction, those are not included, provided your body can endure the side effects of Destruction. Of course, as the weaker party, I can freely use all my strength, as long as I don't kill you, right?" Zhao Yingkong said with a playful smile toward Zheng Zha.

This location was a vast open space within the basement of Zheng Zha's house. Since each person’s basement could alter its size and terrain based on the owner’s imagination, Zheng Zha had reconfigured this space into a massive plaza for this match. He and Zhao Yingkong stood facing each other at the center, while the members of the Central Continent Team sat watching from the far reaches. This was the first time Zhao Yingkong’s primary personality was fighting in front of everyone, so compared to the well-known Zheng Zha, the others were more interested in her... especially Cheng Xiao.

Qianlong Transformation—this was the greatest power Zheng Zha gained after overcoming his inner demon, capable of elevating his power a tier above the 'Destruction' level, while simultaneously boosting his resistance to Destruction's side effects significantly. If he couldn't use Qianlong Transformation, purely in terms of strength, his level would only be comparable to Zhao Yingkong's, and she possessed numerous assassination skills he hadn't yet witnessed... "If that's the case, isn't Zhao Yingkong guaranteed to win?" Zhang Heng asked, listening to Xiao Honglü’s analysis.

Xiao Honglü shook his head. "That’s not certain. There are too many variables in a fight; that's the first point. Secondly... Zheng Zha has his own unique set of combat skills. Although he hasn't undergone systematic technical training, he clawed his way back from countless life-or-death battlefields. From the first horror movie world he entered until now, how many battles has he fought, large and small? Even an ordinary person would have long since become a seasoned warrior, let alone someone with 'Destruction' backing him up... I suspect Zhao Yingkong intends to teach Zheng Zha her assassination skills, or perhaps she has her own agenda." As he spoke, the two in the center had already engaged. Initially, neither used their full power. Zheng Zha simply raised his Hu Po Blade and lunged with a slash. Zhao Yingkong, meanwhile, reverted from her primary personality to her negative persona, meeting the attack with her bare hands.

With a clang of metal meeting metal, the Zhao Yingkong in the ring was forced rapidly backward, while Zheng Zha seemed entirely unaffected. He pushed off the ground and pursued with even greater speed, raising the Hu Po Blade high above his head for another downward strike.

Zhao Yingkong gripped the Sword of Victory and Vow—a great two-handed sword invisible to the naked eye, its sharpness matching the Hu Po Blade. However, compared to Zheng Zha's overwhelming physical strength and constitution, the wielder of this sword was much weaker; at least... this personality of Zhao Yingkong was far inferior to Zheng Zha in strength.

Another sharp collision of metal rang out. This time, Zhao Yingkong fared much worse. The web between her thumb and forefinger cracked open, and the transparent greatsword was violently knocked away. In the next second, Zheng Zha pressed the Hu Po Blade against her throat.

"...You lost."

Zheng Zha let out a breath, but his nerves remained tightly strung, as he had already guessed the true purpose of the primary Zhao Yingkong. It wasn't just to let him witness assassin combat skills... it was also to train this negative personality of hers! "Understand now? As an assassin, what matters isn't the weapon you hold, but having one very simple objective... Kill the enemy!" Under the Hu Po Blade, the Zhao Yingkong suddenly giggled. She slapped the side of the blade with one hand while simultaneously rolling away in the opposite direction of the blade’s swing. Before Zheng Zha could react, she had already rolled out of the attack radius. Simultaneously, she slapped the ground with her other hand, pushing herself upright while closing the distance toward Zheng Zha's waist... Jumping to the next moment...