The figure, languid in demeanor as always, carried an air of utter nonchalance that immediately drew the gaze of tens of thousands of spectators, contrasting sharply with any sign of fighting spirit. Xue Tian’s smile held the same lazy quality.

His Iai-sword, still sheathed, gently scraped against the bridge of his nose a few times as he turned to Qin Fen. “Old Qin, up for a wager?

How long do you think it will take me to beat him?” Qin Fen looked momentarily stunned. Xue Tian was the most inscrutable of these new recruits.

If someone else were fighting Brooks, it would be easier to guess, but Xue Tian’s actual strength remained an absolute mystery—was he high or low? “Old Qin, I’m betting on myself to finish this in three moves.” Xue Tian raised the arm holding up three fingers high above his head, a strange smile playing on his lips, making it impossible to tell if he was joking or merely bluffing.

A flicker of surprised light danced in Qin Fen’s pupils. Brooks was no weakling in this tournament; he was a genuine peak Seven-Star contender, capable of breaking through to Eight-Star at any moment.

Even if Qin Fen fought him personally, if Brooks was determined to stall, it wouldn't be a one-move victory. Three moves?

Qin Fen scrutinized Xue Tian again. This would require at least Eight-Star strength, coupled with incredibly precise control!

“Three moves?” Brooks’ handsome face, usually set in an expression bordering on sleepiness, now curled into a proud smile. Even Qin Fen himself wouldn't dare guarantee a win within three moves if he were the one fighting.

A string of cold, mechanical, and utterly emotionless words issued from the loudspeaker: “Please welcome Brooks from the Americas to the stage…” As the sound still echoed across the vast arena, Brooks spun on his heel. He swiftly drew a battle saber from the waist of the American recruit standing nearby.

He stomped heavily on the ground, and his body launched forward like a projectile from a high-tension spring. He traversed the martial field in a few graceful bounds, landing squarely in the center of the arena.

He raised the saber behind him, holding it vertically. The gleaming blade reflected the sunlight, shooting a sharp beam directly into Xue Tian’s eyes.

Brooks stood proudly in the center of the field, giving the impression that the man was the blade, and the blade was the man. In the martial arts world, there was the concept of Man-Sword Unity (), and similarly, Man-Saber Unity () or Man-Spear Unity.

At this moment, Brooks’ display reminded the audience of those common platitudes frequently uttered by weapon-wielding martial artists. The audience was dumbfounded.

Brooks was also a weapon-wielding martial artist! People had long been predisposed by the sight of Brooks’ hands—smooth, unmarred by calluses from gripping a blade, looking like those of a pianist—to assume he was a hand-to-hand combat expert who never used weapons.

Only when Brooks held the weapon did they realize their error! He was a Sabre Master!

The battle saber in his hand seemed to be linked to him by an intrinsic bloodline; this was clearly his primary weapon, not something borrowed on a whim. A glimmer of excitement began to shine in the eyes of the spectators.

A truly successful sabre master isn't one whose identity is obvious at a glance. A true master should excel at hiding himself; only when drawing the blade does the master emerge; otherwise, he appears as just an ordinary person.

More people started looking up at the replay on the projection screens. From activation to entering the arena, Brooks had propelled himself off the ground several times.

Each launch seemed grand and forceful, yet the replay showed that the ground beneath his feet sustained absolutely no damage. “Truly worthy of being one of the Twin Stars of the American new recruits!” “Indeed!

Look at his imposing aura; there aren't even cracks or damage where his feet struck the ground. It seems he has mastered the separation of Force () and Power ().” “It’s a pity he hasn’t reached Eight-Star yet.

Otherwise, Qin Fen wouldn’t have the right to claim the title of the top new recruit.” “Heh, even Qin Fen might not necessarily win against Brooks if they fought now.” “That’s true. Brooks is already at the peak of Seven-Star.

If he fought Qin Fen, perhaps feeling the pressure, he might suddenly break through. If that happens, Qin Fen would be in real trouble.” The three commentators spoke one after another, and many in the audience who hadn't grasped the true extent of Brooks’ might finally understood his power.

Simultaneously, many spectators turned their curiosity toward Xue Tian. Was it because Xue Tian knew Brooks was so powerful—so powerful that perhaps no one in the Seven-Star bracket could defeat him—that he had preemptively placed a bet on himself losing?

Not because he wanted to lose, but because he knew he couldn't truly win? Bai Sheng’s gaze on Brooks held a measure of appreciation.

This young recruit had improved again! And his progress was rapid; he was separated from Eight-Star strength by only a thin film of paper.

A slight push, and that barrier would surely shatter. Entering Eight-Star strength?

Bai Sheng smiled confidently. It wouldn't be surprising if Brooks broke through in the very next second.

Brooks was qualified to challenge Qin Fen for the championship! Bai Sheng was deeply convinced of this.

“Please welcome Xue Tian from the East Asian Military Region…” Xue Tian slung his Iai-sword over his shoulder. He used no special movement technique, walking as if strolling, leisurely entering the center of the arena.

He stood loosely before Brooks, continuing to stretch his arms languidly. Many in the crowd chuckled.

Both these new recruits were famous in the tournament for their indolence. If the competition were about laziness, Xue Tian had already won.

But today, they weren't competing over languor; they were fighting for real! Some began to wonder if, the moment the starting bell sounded, Xue Tian would immediately drop his weapon and declare surrender.

After all, upon reaching the final sixteen, Xue Tian had done something utterly baffling under the watchful eyes of everyone: he had openly revealed his ultimate move. “Director, give the camera to Qin Fen.

As the current provisional leader among the new recruits, what are your thoughts? What are Xue Tian’s chances of winning?” … Qin Fen shook his head without answering.

Brooks was already at the true apex of Seven-Star; it wouldn't be strange if he reached Eight-Star after this fight. “Heh, since he won't speak, let’s just look forward to the match about to unfold.” “Let’s hope no one dies; swords and blades have no eyes.” “Exactly!

Look at the blade in Brooks’ hand; it’s definitely a fine weapon.” Xue Tian assessed Brooks and the saber in his hand—a Damascus blade, two fingers wide, three feet long, covered entirely in a Cloud Ladder pattern. A glance at the long edge sent an instinctive, suffocating desire to evade its sharpness through one’s core.

A first-rate blade wielded by a first-rate man. Brooks had a military background, yet his temperament carried a contradictory sharpness typical of a soldier.

The man who stepped onto the stage was completely different from the one standing outside the arena. At this moment, he showed no fatigue; the fighting spirit hidden within his bones and skin radiated outward through his battle saber!

Brooks, too, focused on Xue Tian’s Iai-sword. The most terrifying aspect of such a sword lies in the instant it is drawn!

As long as it remains sheathed, it is a hidden viper, demanding constant, absolute vigilance. The starting bell suddenly rang.

Brooks leaned forward, and his crisp military uniform instantly flared as True Qi erupted, making a snapping sound from the friction generated by his high-speed movement. In an instant!

His first step annihilated the twenty-meter distance between them! Almost like teleportation, he appeared before Xue Tian, demonstrating the prowess expected of a peak Seven-Star martial artist.

He lowered his stance further! He struck, executing an underhand upward sweep!

The blade left a long, silver arc of light slicing through the air. Qin Fen’s lips parted slightly—such speed!

He covered twenty meters in only two steps, but to many observers, it looked like a single step due to the sheer velocity! It was so fast that many lower-starred martial artists couldn't distinguish two steps from one.

These two steps, while not matching the brute-force eruption of Qin Fen’s Giant Elephant Power, still represented strength that no Seven-Star martial artist could afford to underestimate. Most terrifying was Brooks’ mental state.

At the very onset of the battle, he seemed transformed into a frenzied Asura from the Asura realm; his oppressive aura surged dramatically, generating power sufficient to easily slay the Scaly Ape Qin Fen had killed that day. “The Netherworld Demon Transformation Saber Technique’s () Asura Path Break?

Oh? And he’s even integrated the Iaijutsu of Western sabers?

Hmm, there’s even the blade intention from the Spring and Autumn Blade Art’s blade division within the great sabers?” Xue Tian’s eyes blazed with surprise, instantly perceiving, from the posture of Brooks’ hand, body, and leg, that this single strike incorporated the intents of three different blade arts. Absorbing the strengths of various schools and merging them into a technique best suited for himself—this already placed it in the category of a newly self-created martial art, much like Qin Fen’s Martial Emperor Dragon Fist.

A look of deep surprise flashed in Bai Sheng’s eyes. Although Brooks’ strike was not the pinnacle realization of sabre technique, it was certainly top-tier among Seven-Stars, and it was his own creation—this young man had boundless potential.

As the strike unfurled, Brooks’ spirit reached an unprecedented state. Before the blade even landed, he could almost feel the terror on Xue Tian’s face as he was defeated by this single blow.

Yang Lie’s pupils suddenly contracted to pinpricks, his gaze filled with apprehension mixed with a touch of admiration—this was the origin of Brooks’ nickname. Sky Cleaver ()!

The name of Brooks’ strike was the very source of his moniker. Sky Cleaver!

Brooks believed that as long as his True Qi and strength grew strong enough, one day this single strike would genuinely be able to split the sky itself! He led with his strongest ultimate move!

Battles are not games or jokes. When two fighters of comparable strength meet, they do not start with 30% power, then move to 50%, and only when losing switch to 70% or 90% in some melodramatic fashion.

Anyone who holds back power usually ends up either hospitalized or in a permanent grave. There is only one chance to win, but infinite chances to lose; no one would employ the foolishness of using 30% power, allowing the opponent a swift counterattack.

Unless one’s strength vastly overwhelms the opponent—that would be a different story. “Interesting!” Xue Tian’s lips curled upwards.

Brooks’ peak mental state was suddenly assailed by an instinctual chill, like being stripped naked and thrown into the Antarctic! Cold!

A chilling frost instantly shattered Brooks’ unprecedented state of pure clarity! Bai Sheng’s eyes flashed with regret; if he could have held that state for even a fraction of a second longer, Brooks might have completed his transition to the Eight-Star realm.

Facing the full force of Brooks’ Sky Cleaver, Xue Tian did not evade. A sudden radiance bloomed from the sheath of his black Iai-sword, and accompanying the black light was a swirling fissure, like the black water churned up when a fierce dragon bursts from the depths—it collided head-on with Brooks’ Sky Cleaver.

CLANG! A high-pitched, grating metallic collision tore through the air.

The sound, amplified by the microphone and loudspeaker system, caused a ringing in many spectators’ ears, and the impact seemed to vibrate their very chests, churning their blood. Brooks’ wrist jolted, numb and sore.

Xue Tian had struck the exact spot on Sky Cleaver that was least capable of receiving force! Every saber technique has a point that is inherently the weakest in terms of applied force!

This is common knowledge among blade users. However, superior blade techniques always hide this point deeply!

And even if someone discovered it, striking it accurately was incredibly difficult. The more sophisticated the blade art, the smaller that stress point becomes!

Brooks was confident that the stress point of Sky Cleaver was not only well-hidden but minuscule. To prevent detection, Sky Cleaver had been significantly adjusted in terms of speed; he was confident that even if the stress point were discovered, an opponent could only notice it, not actually strike it.

His master, Mike Lizehao, a Saber Martial Arts Master from the Americas, had once said that it was nearly impossible for any Seven-Star martial artist to strike this point, and even for an Eight-Star martial artist, it remained exceptionally difficult. Yet, here and now, Brooks stared in astonishment as Xue Tian, displaying only Seven-Star strength, struck the weak point with unerring precision!

Brooks’ wrist numbed, and his feet rapidly retreated backward. To hide the weak point and ensure it couldn't be hit even if discovered, his Sky Cleaver had sacrificed something else.

Mike Lizehao had once warned that if Sky Cleaver were broken by an opponent striking its weak point, the user of Sky Cleaver would be in danger! “Watch me—A Thousand Slashes Never Cease to Break Mountains and Rivers!” Xue Tian moved like a shadow, following Brooks.

A low roar erupted from his throat as his Iai-sword unleashed a storm of flashing light in combat mode. A flicker of excitement crossed Brooks’ eyes as he retreated.

Sky Cleaver did have a flaw if broken! But what kind of martial artist fails to address the weaknesses in his ultimate move?

This technique was originally intended as a surprise for Qin Fen, should he ever meet him later, but now… His rapidly retreating ankles suddenly twisted in opposite directions. Brooks became like a spinning top, his body swaying rapidly as if multiplying into several forms, each afterimage looking startlingly real.

His Damascus saber flicked out, the blade seeming to arc like electricity, dancing through Xue Tian’s Thousand Slashes Never Cease to Break Mountains and Rivers, aiming straight for Xue Tian’s eyes. Yang Lie’s hands suddenly gripped the handles of his chair, causing the plastic handles to twist and shatter.

This was it! It was rumored that Brooks had only ever spoken of the second form of the Sky Cleaver Saber Art, Sky Pierce (); he had actually executed it!

Unlike the fierce first form, Sky Pierce was like a slippery eel, changing angles with cunning unpredictability, finding and exploiting every available gap. Xue Tian showed only delight, not alarm.

The hundred blades of light generated by his Thousand Slashes Never Cease to Break Mountains and Rivers suddenly contracted, as if iron meeting a massive magnet, all drawing back into the Iai-sword. The myriad shifting blades condensed into a single black streak, like a meteor plunging earthward, completely enveloping the trapped eel in the mud.

The wet swamp instantly boiled away its moisture under intense heat, turning dry, and the eel-like Sky Pierce was finally fully exposed! Without its tricky, variable angles and its ability to slip through every seam, the eel… lost all its lethality.

Brooks’ heart seized. He couldn’t dodge now; it was too late to withdraw his saber.

The unsupported point on his Damascus blade was struck again. A powerful impact, like high-voltage current, surged up his arm, shocking his grip!

He stumbled backward like lightning, only to see a sheet of black light descending from above. It was too late… Brooks closed his eyes.

The sharp blade energy left a faint, cool sting on his forehead. When he opened his eyes, he saw that Xue Tian’s wrist had pivoted, and the Iai-sword was already back in its sheath.

The raging storm had instantly reverted to clear skies. Brooks stared blankly at Xue Tian, who was already turning to leave, and called out hoarsely, “You knew I was luring you in?” Xue Tian paused and turned back, looking at him strangely.

“Of course. Anyone can see that sort of forced performance.” … Hearing this, Brooks felt a pain deeper than being struck by a heavy hammer—his ultimate technique had been seen through by his opponent.

“Then…” Brooks asked with lingering unwillingness, “What was that move you just used called? Is that your ultimate technique?” “That?

Just a small trick. I call it Thousand Slashes Return to Origin, One Slash Cleaves the Void (，).” Xue Tian carried his Iai-sword over his shoulder.

“Ultimate technique? Don’t make me laugh.” “Rage Slash… it’s actually that strong…” Brooks muttered to himself as he watched Xue Tian’s retreating back.

The words were picked up by the microphone and broadcast to everyone. A wry smile spread across Yang Lie’s face.

Rage Slash? When was Xue Tian enraged?

Xue Tian, who was smiling gently, how could he be called Rage Slash? The Xue Tian now was not Rage Slash Xue Tian; he was simply Xue Tian the Iai-sword wielder.

Brooks was defeated? Bai Sheng was more shocked than anyone.

What was happening with this generation of young people? Yesterday he witnessed the monster Qin Fen, and today he sees a genius like Xue Tian!

Yes! A genius!

Bai Sheng blinked hard, staring at Xue Tian. This young man was different from Qin Fen!

In terms of martial talent and innate aptitude, he far surpassed Qin Fen. Of course, talent wasn't everything; martial intuition and understanding were equally vital.

But… Bai Sheng slowly closed his eyes. The sheer talent this young man possessed might be number one in the entire Federation!

Even the Holy Martial Hall had never seen anyone with such innate creative genius! Even the martial artists holding Divine Beast titles had never possessed it!

The immense stadium fell into an unprecedented silence; even the commentators forgot to speak. The people could not believe that Brooks, the Sky Cleaver, had been defeated by Xue Tian, who was also only Seven-Star, and defeated so swiftly.

In the blink of an eye, the battle was over. Even the Eight-Star Qin Fen could have dispatched Brooks in the time it took to yawn.

This could no longer be described as a crushing defeat; it was a total annihilation! Bai Sheng opened his eyes again, looking at Xue Tian’s retreating figure, and stated with certainty, “He… still had energy left…” “The new recruit from the East Asia region, Xue Tian, is victorious…” The referees finally remembered their duties and hurriedly announced the winner and loser in loud voices.

Brooks didn't notice that a thin line had been cut into the skin of his forehead by the blade energy, from which bright red blood slowly trickled down. He simply stood still, watching Xue Tian leave.

“Heh heh…” A bitter smile touched the corner of Brooks’ lips. “All this time, I thought we would be the ones challenging Qin Fen.

I realize now… hehe… the person truly qualified to fight Qin Fen has always been here. Xue Tian… Rage Slash Xue Tian…” “Xue Tian… Rage Slash Xue Tian…” Caesar’s eyes were locked onto Xue Tian.

He had expected the final battle for a finals slot to be between Brooks and Qin Fen, but an East Asian dark horse had suddenly emerged—no, a Black Dragon! “Xue Tian…” Yang Lie slowly relaxed his hands that had crushed the plastic chair handle.

“This time, I must fight you personally! I must experience your Rage Slash!” Xue Tian returned to his pre-match laziness, collapsing heavily onto the seat beside Qin Fen, slapping his arms, shoulders, and thighs repeatedly.

“So tiring, so tiring.” Qin Fen kept his eyes closed, his mind replaying every frame of the recent fight. He wasn't watching the slow-motion replay on the big screen; those replays were external observations.

Only by closing his eyes and sinking into his own world could he gain the truest feeling. “Sigh,” Xue Tian looked at Qin Fen’s focused expression, shaking his head with a weary smile again.

“You truly are a martial arts fanatic. If I studied as intensely as you, I would have gone mad long ago.”

The other young masters, one by one, also closed their eyes. The shock from moments ago was simply too profound. Although closing one's eyes to immerse oneself in one's own world for simulation isn't one hundred percent accurate, it at least allows them to grasp a fraction of that feeling.

In a mere few seconds, beads of cold sweat had already broken out on the foreheads of several young masters. When they reopened their eyes to look at Xue Tian again, it was as if they were staring at a true monster.

Qin Fen slowly opened his eyes. He didn't look at Xue Tian; his expression betrayed neither sorrow nor joy. No one could truly know whether he had managed to defeat Xue Tian within his own mental landscape, or if he, like the others, had been forced to fully comprehend just how terrifying Xue Tian truly was.