…… Regardless of how the outside world convulsed or how much clamor arose, what was destined to come would invariably arrive. This day was the day of the final decisive battle. The vast Zhaixing Peak summit had already been leveled by the mighty experts of the Yinsha Sect, creating a combat arena spanning dozens of li. Do not underestimate this mere arena; it was steeped in profound knowledge. When cultivators of the Nascent Soul stage fought peers, their pursuit and evasion often covered thousands or even tens of thousands of li.

However, in a formalized duel, the two combatants could not be allowed to cause such exaggerated destruction. Because of this necessity, various exquisite arrays were layered onto the dueling grounds. Under the enhancement of these formations, the rocky floor became extraordinarily resilient, making it difficult even for Nascent Soul cultivators to shatter.

Beyond the arena's perimeter, a restriction field, similar to a mountain-protecting grand array, was erected. With the formation fully activated, a Nascent Soul cultivator would require a full hour of relentless bombardment to hope to break through.

Consequently, the two duelists were contained within an environment spanning several dozen li in diameter. As for the spectators, they could not directly witness the battle; instead, they could only view simulations projected before them via a special array in the form of a Shuimu Tianhua (Water Screen Heavenly Radiance).

Yet, even viewing this Shuimu Tianhua was not open to everyone. Only those with Golden Core cultivation were qualified to bring two Foundation Establishment cultivators as guests. The massive viewing hall resembled a cinema in Lei Dong's past life, completely filled with seats. Those Golden Core Ancestors, usually holding positions of lofty authority, now sat obediently in the crowded tiers, much like schoolchildren.

They couldn't help but be obedient, for above them, suspended elegantly, were the private boxes occupied by Nascent Soul cultivators—figures rarely seen, powerful and terrifying.

This duel, which practically involved the entirety of Kangzhou, was too crucial. Even the Nascent Soul Ancestors, who often paid little heed to worldly affairs, could not ignore this contest. Firstly, the outcome dictated the Supreme Sect's stance toward Kangzhou; secondly, a life-and-death battle between two mid-stage Nascent Soul experts was a rare chance for most Nascent Soul cultivators to gain experience. Perhaps they could seize the moment to gain insight, which might prove critical for their own advancement.

At this moment, Lei Dong sat calmly within the grand box allocated to the Blood Demon, surrounded by several individuals. Present were not only his wife, Ding Wanyan, but also Dongfang Fu and Qi Feifei. The Blood Demon, who had once held tyrannical sway over Kangzhou, sat dutifully next to Lei Dong.

As for Lei Dong's core subordinates, such as Qing Niangzi, they were seated in the Golden Core tiers. Fortunately, the Golden Core qualification allowed them to bring Foundation Establishment guests, enabling a sizable audience.

In the sky, the hundred-zhang wide Shuimu Tianhua meticulously displayed the arena to all present. Inside the grounds, everything was quiet and empty; clearly, the duel had not yet begun. Yet, not a single person showed any sign of impatience.

After waiting for about an hour, Yinsha Demon Venerable, representing the Yinsha Sect, and Xuanzhenzi of the Supreme Sect finally appeared in the arena. Behind them followed Tianmo and Fan Quqing, respectively.

At this time, Tianmo was clad in a black robe that concealed her exquisite figure, surrounded by swirling black energy, making her difficult to discern clearly. Fan Quqing, however, carried a long sword, her flowing robes lending her an aura of noble transcendence.

"Wow."

Fan Quqing's appearance elicited an audible stir from the Golden Core tiers. The name Fan Quqing had been cursed by countless people in Kangzhou over the last six months, yet the majority had never seen her face. Seeing her now, many felt a sense of genuine astonishment. Her outstanding bearing, celestial grace, and exceptional looks were indeed worthy of the Supreme Sect's reputation.

In truth, this emphasis on appearance was a consistent style of the Supreme Sect. Those emerging from the sect—men handsome and dashing, women noble and elegant—possessed a certain air of superiority that often misled lower-level cultivators. Among truly high-level experts, however, such matters were often taken with a grain of salt. Nascent Soul cultivators understood that while completely altering one's appearance was nearly impossible at their level, refining it to look fairer, younger, and more dignified was achievable, though it demanded considerable time and effort. Imagine a Nascent Soul cultivator vying against Heaven for longevity; who had ample time to lavish on mere looks? Consequently, those Nascent Soul experts focused purely on strength generally paid little attention to their appearance, especially maintaining a youthful look required significant exertion. Even some venerable masters of the Righteous Path merely strove for a look of youthful vigor mixed with venerable age and refined demeanor.

On the dueling grounds, Yinsha Demon Venerable, Ding Wanyan’s nominal master, began the opening remarks in his ethereal voice. The content itself was irrelevant—standard rhetoric to rally support among Kangzhou figures and subtly assert unity against outsiders. He also publicly declared that if either combatant suffered injury, neither side would pursue retaliation.

Of course, this was mere nonsense. Lei Dong could guarantee that if Tianmo killed Fan Quqing, the Supreme Sect would never let it go; they would merely seek revenge with whatever degrees of shamelessness they deemed necessary. Strength was the true sovereign rule. Lei Dong knew clearly that should Tianmo meet with any accident, he, too, would disregard that pointless agreement of non-retaliation.

Thus, these were simply pleasantries for the sake of appearance.

Xuanzhenzi, the Supreme Sect's representative, also delivered a brief speech with his own set of pleasantries, before both he and Yinsha Demon Venerable departed, leaving the protagonists—Tianmo and Fan Quqing—alone.

Once only the two remained, the tension instantly sharpened. Separated by mere tens of zhang, the distance could not obscure the mutual enmity blazing in their eyes.

"Tianmo, in this battle, I will show you the meaning of true disparity." Knowing she dared not generalize insults before the multitude of Kangzhou people, Fan Quqing focused solely on Tianmo. Her gaze at Tianmo was filled with haughty confidence.

"Enough chatter. Bring forth whatever methods you possess; let us settle this by the skill of our hands," Tianmo retorted coolly, whereupon the demonic energy surrounding her surged, and she advanced directly toward Fan Quqing. The atmosphere immediately grew fierce.

All preliminary arrangements had been concluded; at this point, nothing remained but for the two sides to determine victory or defeat.

Fan Quqing responded without yielding, letting out a cold sneer. A powerful radiance emanated from her body, faintly tinged with gold amid the soft white light, subtly projecting a formidable pressure that stood firmly against Tianmo’s demonic aura. It was clear she cultivated a powerful and refined technique. Given her lineage from the Supreme Sect, such deep resources were to be expected.

Since the duel had commenced, Tianmo ceased speaking. With a casual lift of her slender arm, she launched a punch across the distance. Furious and pure demonic energy erupted from her seemingly delicate body, coalescing into a colossal black fist, carrying a sense of brutal, all-consuming aggression.

The Great Heavenly Demon Fist was renowned for its overbearing power; a single strike was capable of leveling a mountain peak.

Lei Dong felt his spirit lift. He could see that Tianmo’s cultivation had advanced significantly. This punch was vastly more potent than before.

Even for someone as arrogant as Fan Quqing, daring to meet this punch head-on was unthinkable. Her form drifted momentarily, and the crystalline long sword on her back unsheathed itself. Amidst sounds resembling dragon roars, white light flared, materializing into streaks of sharp brilliance that pierced directly at the fist. Dozens, even hundreds, of sharp beams met the force of the punch, resulting in mutual dissipation.

The first exchange ended in a stalemate, the two facing each other across the distance.

But everyone knew this was merely the prelude—a test of strength. Duels between peers at the Nascent Soul stage, absent an overwhelming advantage, usually lasted a considerable time.

"Take a sword strike from me as well." Under Fan Quqing's sharp cry, the long sword glowed intensely, unleashing terrifying energy. As she swung, a fissure actually tore open in the very fabric of space.

Tianmo snorted, but a hint of seriousness entered her eyes. With a beckoning gesture, the ancestral Tianmo Sword, wreathed in black flames, materialized out of thin air. As the black flames blazed fiercely, it met the attack without yielding. Her Tianmo Sword had been passed down through successive generations of Heavenly Demons, refined by each user; though it hadn't reached the level of a Primordial Spiritual Treasure, its might far surpassed that of ordinary Spirit Treasures.

Even when Tianmo was impoverished from financing Lei Dong, this single sword alone allowed her to hold her own.

"Boom!" Massive shockwaves rolled outward as the twin swords collided, surging like giant waves and causing ripples to spread across the space. Under such force, cultivators of lower Golden Core rank would likely be unable to hold on for more than a few breaths before their essence and spirit were annihilated.

Many early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators were visibly shaken, muttering that these two seemed overly powerful.

The battle on the stage continued. The two deployed their various skills, the fight growing more intense. Supported by the heritage of their sect and the resources from their peers, Fan Quqing utilized numerous talismans, each transforming into formidable magical arts.

But Tianmo also had sect backing. The consumption talismans she possessed, each easily valued in the millions of spirit stones, were just as plentiful as Fan Quqing's.

A duel between cultivators of the same rank often devolved into a war of attrition and resources. A battle at this level was unsustainable for poorer Nascent Soul cultivators. Consider the cost: one top-grade talisman might erase millions; swallowing one pill might cost tens of millions. Any talisman or elixir significant enough to be involved in a Nascent Soul contest was astronomically priced.

In an instant, both sides had likely expended resources totaling hundreds of millions. Seeing that Tianmo could still match her blow for blow, showing no sign of falling behind despite such expenditure, Fan Quqing's expression soured slightly. She swiftly executed a hand seal, and a beast-shaped puppet, radiating intense energy, materialized out of thin air. After casting a vivid glance toward Tianmo, it shot forward, leaving streaks of afterimages in its aggressive charge.

A Nascent Soul level puppet? Many Nascent Soul cultivators gasped involuntarily.