Mid-air, I dared not linger an instant, pouring my Dou Qi into another set of combined sword strikes! My intent was clear: to exploit the gap in Luo Yan's defense and land back on the ground. But Luo Yan wouldn't let me have my way so easily!

As soon as I unleashed those seven Wànlǐ Zhuīhún (Ten Thousand Li Soul Chasing) strikes, a dense wave of Dou Qi erupted around Luo Yan. Clearly, he intended to use his protective aura to tank my attacks while simultaneously launching seven crescent-shaped sword energies that shot toward me in mid-air like lightning.

Ah! Suspended in the air, I had nowhere to brace myself! I could even hear gasps echoing around the arena!

But just then! A sharp glint suddenly flashed beneath my feet! It was one of the two Dragon Shadows, drawn by my control, appearing in the most opportune location! The instant the Dragon Shadow materialized, I tapped lightly with my Diànbù (Lightning Step)! I landed a foot onto the Dragon Shadow! Executing an aerial directional change where it should have been impossible to gain leverage, I swooped back toward the ground.

Swish swish!! The seven crescent sword strikes missed completely, whistling past and soaring into the sky!

...........................

The onlookers outside the arena had forgotten to even gasp. This duel had far surpassed their comprehension; it was a true reversal of fortune. Regardless of who won or lost, the outcome would no longer be surprising.

White Tiger Luo Yan was a near-legendary figure in the Ranger world. Since the death of the previous generation's Azure Dragon—who was the current Azure Dragon's grandfather—Luo Yan had been recognized as the foremost master on the Demonic Dragon Continent. No one could have imagined that the little-known youth, Bing He, could force him into such a stalemate. Whether he won or lost this fight, this youth named Bing He would certainly become famous across the continent.

Indeed, even the Blue Lightning Star—who had risen like a comet a year ago—could not compare to this level of engagement. Everyone present was intensely excited, sensing they were about to witness another legend forged before their very eyes. Perhaps this youth would die here, or perhaps his brilliance would only flare momentarily before vanishing. After all, his opponent was Luo Yan. Even death in this contest would not be unexpected.

However, one thing was certain: no matter how many years passed, when people recounted this earth-shattering duel, they would mention this mysterious Heavenly Demon youth.

"He! He!" Many young Lightning Rangers murmured, gazing at the blue silhouette in the arena. "He should be even stronger than Blue Lightning."

"Heavens, what kind of monster is that kid?" One of them was the very youth who had delivered a letter to Bing He that morning. "When did Brother Yun become friends with someone so formidable?"

On the field!

The battle of life and death raged on!

The instant I used the Dragon Shadow to propel myself back to the ground! A golden light flashed behind Luo Yan—it was my other Dragon Shadow! It zipped toward Luo Yan's back like lightning!

Roar! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Having blocked my seven Wànlǐ Zhuīhún strikes head-on, Luo Yan sensed the Dragon Shadow behind him but it was too late to properly defend.

Impressive Luo Yan! Against all odds, he managed a slight sidestep!

Whoosh! The sneak-attacking Dragon Shadow whistled past! Drawing a streak of crimson shadow!

Although Luo Yan dodged a vital spot, the Dragon Shadow grazed his shoulder. Moreover, the hard God of War armor was pierced with a hole wide enough for two fingers! Blood slowly seeped along the edges of the armor! Dripping onto the ground!

And by now, I had already retreated thirty meters away!

"Lóng Yǐng Jiàn Fǎ (Dragon Shadow Sword Technique)," Luo Yan said, his usually grim expression showing surprise for the first time. He touched his bleeding shoulder and stated in a deep voice, "Who exactly are you, to master both Thunder Dou Qi and the Dragon Shadow Sword Technique simultaneously?"

".........Hah!" Taking advantage of this rare opening, I swiftly adjusted my breathing, trying to recover more stamina. In the end, it was the Dragon Shadow that pulled me back from crisis at the critical moment—it was truly a narrow escape! From now on, I absolutely could not let him close within twenty meters, forcing me into his sword energy range!

As for me! Relying on the two Dragon Shadows, I could firmly keep him pinned down. After all, the attack range of the Dragon Shadows was thirty meters, comparable to Wànlǐ Zhuīhún! Under the intensity of the Fifth Layer Thunder Dou Qi, although my body was difficult to control perfectly, if I only focused on maintaining distance rather than engaging in close-quarters combat, I was confident I could manage it.

Furthermore, with my current Dou Qi strength, it seemed I wasn't far behind Luo Yan's cultivation level.

This was the monstrous advantage of the Demonic Dragon Royal Family's Divine Bestowment Body Protection! It was hard to believe that with my cultivation, I could still hold out in a direct Dou Qi clash against Luo Yan. Even I found it surprising.

"Hah! Scared now, old man?" I gasped with a slight smile. "I know more than just these two skills."

Luo Yan’s previously calm breathing also grew ragged. Clearly, the old fellow had not found it easy, and taking a hit from my Dragon Shadow, even if it wasn't a fatal blow, must feel awful! The second exchange seemed to be a draw, which significantly bolstered my courage.

Neither Luo Yan nor I intended to immediately launch the next round of confrontation. We used the lull to exchange a few words.

"Not bad," Luo Yan said with a grave expression. "I can feel that you still have reserves. Perhaps your power can be elevated further, but it seems you hold back! This power is not entirely within your control, am I correct?"

"Heh heh." I couldn't help but admire Luo Yan's insight. "Sharp eyes. The power is too great for me to fully command, but at the current level, it should be more than enough to deal with you."

"Hahahaha, young man, you are impressive," Luo Yan conceded calmly. "To possess such astonishing cultivation at your age—there should be no one in the entire Mafa Continent among the younger generation who can match you." Luo Yan continued, "Wielding the Dragon Shadow Sword Technique, your control over the Dragon Shadow has reached the realm of 'Dragon Transformation'! You must be a disciple of the Dragon Shadow Manor!" Luo Yan sighed deeply. "As expected of Jian Li! To cultivate talent like you. I had thought the Dragon Shadow Manor would decline with this generation, but I didn't expect him to have one last card hidden!" Luo Yan sounded somewhat nostalgic, but then curiosity surfaced. "However, you also simultaneously mastered the Thunder Dou Qi of the Cang Yue Feng Family. That is truly unexpected. To my knowledge, the Feng Family's Thunder Dou Qi is never taught outside of their lineage." At this point, Luo Yan's gaze sharpened like blades, locking onto me. "But there is one exception. I am correct, am I not—Blue Lightning."

"........" I was momentarily stunned! This old fellow had guessed correctly on the first try. "You guessed it."

"What, Blue Lightning?" Everyone present was shocked. But more people showed expressions of sudden realization!

"He! He is Blue Lightning!" All the Lightning Rangers present were ecstatic. "I should have guessed long ago! Who else could possess such ability besides Blue Lightning?"

"Good heavens, what did I do this morning?" The leading youth almost went mad. "I didn't even tell him my name! Damn it, I'm furious!"

"That's great," a few other Lightning Rangers exclaimed excitedly. "Now I don't have to switch idols!"

"Tell me about it. Blue Lightning was already incredible, but this Bing He is also amazing. I don't know who to choose anymore," one female fan gushed, eyes sparkling. "Now it’s perfect; the two have become one."

"Blue Lightning."

"Thunder Mage."

"Star, go!"

"Bing He, go!"

"Blue Star, go!"

.............................

Countless cheers roared through the arena like thunder, yet they were all cries from young Rangers from Bi Qi, Cang Yue, and the Demonic Dragon Continent, all wildly rooting for Star. By the names they shouted, it was easy to discern their origins and affiliations.

Star had used different aliases across the three continents—Bi Qi, Cang Yue, and Demonic Dragon—to minimize unnecessary trouble and maintain a low profile. Yet, every alias he adopted somehow managed to become a miracle that shook the continent.

Those from Bi Qi roared loudly: "Blue Lightning, Blue Star, go!" In Bi Qi, Blue Lightning’s name was Blue Star. Although it was an alias, this name held astonishing shock value and appeal in the Bi Qi Ranger world, especially among the younger generation, who regarded him as a god. Since he favored the color blue and his name had to contain 'Star,' his title even incorporated 'Lightning.'

Blue light armor, blue hair and eyes, a Lightning Blade sheathed on his left back, and a Lightning Sword on his right hip had become the universally recognized 'coolest and handsomest' gear among all young Rangers. As a result, the senior Rangers in the Ranger world nicknamed this new generation of Rangers the 'Lightning Rangers.'

"Star! Victory! Star for Victory!"

"Thunder Mage! Thunder Mage!"

The cheers on this side were equally earth-shattering, coming from a group of Rangers from Cang Yue who were shouting with fervor.

In Cang Yue, the name Star had also created another legend because he killed the Yellow Springs Sect Master. While the credit wasn't solely his, no one dared deny that without him, no one could have killed the Yellow Springs Sect Master. Because of him, the Ranger world of Cang Yue managed to preserve its elite generation. If Blue Lightning belonged to the legend of Bi Qi Continent, then Thunder Mage was the miracle of Cang Yue Continent. In Cang Yue, Thunder Mage's fame was no less than Blue Lightning’s in Bi Qi.

"Heavenly Demon Bing He! Bing He for Victory!"

"Heavenly Demon Bing He! Heavenly Demon Bing He!"

But the loudest voices came from another faction, led by the youth who had delivered the letter to Star that morning. Behind him stood a sea of uniform blue Lightning Rangers! They cheered frantically; over a thousand people shouting in unison created a deafening roar!

Now, the youth using the alias Bing He on the Demonic Dragon Continent had created yet another precedent for eternal fame: becoming a Heavenly Demon Warrior in his early twenties and challenging the highly renowned, grandmaster-level expert who represented the pinnacle of the Ranger world. Although this was his first public appearance, it did nothing to diminish the worship and frenzy of the younger generation of Rangers from the Demonic Dragon Continent!

If Blue Lightning and Thunder Mage were the pride of the Ranger worlds of Bi Qi and Cang Yue, then Heavenly Demon Bing He was the pride of the young Rangers of the Demonic Dragon Continent—their very own pride—because this youth had created a legend born on the Demonic Dragon Continent.

He would be the youngest Heavenly Demon Warrior in history. Supporters of Blue Lightning, Thunder Mage, and Heavenly Demon Bing He all knew one crucial fact: this miraculous youth was not yet eighteen.

Which one was his real name no longer mattered. What mattered was that he was creating miracles, and everyone present was a witness to this miracle, which was enough to send everyone into a frenzy.

At this moment, the stage no longer belonged solely to Bing He, but to a shared dream for all young Rangers.

Rules could be broken; authority could be challenged; tradition could be subverted.

This miraculous youth once again proved with his actions that age was not an issue, and strength was not a barrier. Only with steadfast belief and persistent courage could miracles be created!

This time would be no exception! Everyone believed that this youth, who symbolized miracles, would surely achieve victory!

This was the unanimous sentiment of all young Rangers! Young people are full of passion, courage, and easily ignited ***. The saying, "A newborn calf fears no tiger," was perfectly illustrated. Seeing their idol duel the continent-renowned White Tiger Luo Yan in the arena, the Lightning Rangers present feared nothing, even standing on the White Tiger Alliance's turf. They opened their throats and cheered wildly.

The cheering factions outside the arena were clearly divided.

Those from Bi Qi shouted: "Blue Star for Victory! Luo Yan must die."

Those from Cang Yue shouted: "Star for Victory! White Tiger be defeated."

The local Demonic Dragon Continent youths were equally vocal: "Bing He, go! Kill Luo Yan."

If one didn't know better, they would assume these three factions were opposing cheer squads, yet they were shouting for the same person! This scene stunned many senior Rangers present!

Some bolder individuals even began cursing outright: "Star, go! Kill Luo Yan."

"Star wins, Lightning wins, Bing He wins, Blue Star wins."

"White Tiger must die, White Tiger must die."

"...................." The situation had undergone a complete reversal. Those unaware might think this was Star's home ground.

It was truly the fearlessness of youth. Such slogans would have invited terrible retribution in the past, but here, today, all the young Rangers cheered for their idol regardless of the consequences, not even fearing the wrath of the fearsome White Tiger Alliance.

This was the power of adoration; this was the power of the fans!

Some older Rangers seemed to see these young people around them for the first time. While impressed by their spirit, they also worried deeply about the future fate of these youths.

The White Tiger Alliance was, after all, the second-largest faction on the Demonic Dragon Continent, known for its ruthless and decisive methods, willing to stop at nothing to achieve its goals. No one wanted to provoke such a terrifying organization, yet today, someone dared to openly challenge them—and it was a group of impudent youngsters.

Everyone from the White Tiger Alliance present turned green with anger but could do nothing. With the Azure Dragon Gang and Yun Family armies massing outside the city, these young people, though their cultivation might be average, constituted a significant portion of the crowd. More importantly, they were flanked by older Ranger seniors whose expressions were equally grim.

Clearly, Blue Lightning’s fans were not exclusive to the younger generation of Rangers. Many of the older generation were also self-proclaimed Lightning Rangers, and their reverence for Blue Lightning was no less than that of the young fans.

This was especially true for some Rangers from Cang Yue! After all, many of them had participated in that famous Yellow Springs Battle. Without Star, none of them would have escaped alive. Their devotion to Blue Lightning even surpassed that of the younger generation. In the Cang Yue Ranger world, Star’s supporters were undoubtedly the most numerous and the most steadfast, for they were comrades who had once shared life and death.

Even Azure Dragon and Tong Lei watched this scene dumbfounded.

"My heavens!" Azure Dragon murmured. "So that kid is the Blue Lightning and Thunder Mage that everyone in Cang Yue and Bi Qi has been buzzing about."

"Heh, surprised?" Tong Lei seemed unsurprised.

"Did you know his identity long ago?" Azure Dragon stared blankly at Tong Lei.

"I only suspected it; I wasn't certain," Tong Lei replied. "I met him a year ago when he was heading to the Demonic Dragon World for training. Perhaps he was hiding his strength then, so although I guessed, I couldn't be sure. To see him a year later, transformed beyond recognition—it’s truly unbelievable." Tong Lei mused, "Just one year..."

"........" However, neither Azure Dragon's nor Tong Lei's shock compared to Lu Zhaoxin's internal upheaval. Lu Zhaoxin knew Star's background better than anyone. After all, Star had gone from an ordinary youth to a Heavenly Demon Warrior in just four years.

The tiny figure four years ago, the youthful face, and the sword skills—though proficient, lacking in finesse—still flickered in his mind, yet he could never reconcile them with the blue figure currently on the field.

It was still that baby face, the temperament unchanged. If there was any difference, it was that the formerly small frame was now taller.

"Who exactly is he?" Lu Zhaoxin murmured to himself. To become this terrifying in just four years... if he were given another four years, how far would he grow? Lu Zhaoxin dared not imagine.

"Blue Lightning—Thunder Mage—Blue Star—Star—Bing He—and ever-changing appearances." Luo Yan grew annoyed by the earth-shattering cheers and curses surrounding them. "You certainly have a lot of names."

"Can't be helped, I don't like trouble," I replied with a bitter smile. "Famous people attract trouble, just like fat pigs. I already have enough trouble."

"Hahahaha, interesting," Luo Yan mused. "But you seem fated to attract trouble."

"You provoked me first," I said solemnly.

"This time, let's decide life or death!" Luo Yan roared and lunged forward again!