Defeating the Enemy with Three Axes, Repelling the Enemy with One Blade

Although the battles for the top eight were exhilarating, Zhuge Xiang and the others had no need to pay attention to them since they were not their opponents. Taking advantage of the ongoing fights, Zhuge Xiang and his companions used the time to regulate their breathing and ensure they could recover to their optimal state on the dueling platform.

The battles for the ninth to sixteenth place commenced, with four consecutive matches to determine the ninth to thirteenth place, followed by two more battles to decide the ninth and tenth positions. Finally, the ultimate showdown between the top two would take place, determining the ninth and tenth rankings. And just like that, the rankings were established. After the grand battles concluded, they would receive a reward provided by the sect.

Even though they had been eliminated in the top eight, achieving a place in the top ten was already an impressive accomplishment, considering the multitude of disciples—hundreds of thousands—beneath the stage. They didn't hesitate to shower them with warm applause.

Now that the ninth and tenth place had been decided, it was time for the real battle for the top eight. The first to go up was Lei Potian.

With a massive axe slung over his back, Lei Potian ascended the platform step by step. Despite being only 15 years old, he possessed a towering and robust figure, akin to Niu Geng. He appeared to be 17 or 18 years old, exuding a muscular physique that far surpassed that of weaker disciples. The sight of his colossal axe alone instilled immense pressure.

Lei Potian was indeed one of the most exceptional prodigies of the year. Even though he had secured a spot in the top eight, his opponent regarded him with a serious expression. Before the match began, he spoke, "Senior Lei, I know I'm no match for you. I simply want to see your true strength, to understand the gap between us."

In the Asura Sect, surrendering without a fight was the most humiliating act. It not only resulted in the disdain of fellow disciples but also earned the contempt of the sect. Such an incident would make it exceedingly difficult for the disciple to thrive within the sect in the future. Hence, even if this disciple believed he could not defeat Lei Potian, he had no choice but to continue fighting.

"You are quite strong too. You're at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage. If it weren't for my fortuitous encounter during my training, I might not have been able to defeat you." Lei Potian replied. The top eight contestants were all exceptional individuals who were familiar with each other. Lei Potian calmly gripped his colossal axe and continued, "However, since you wish to witness my full strength, I shall oblige. I'll show you just how vast the gap between us truly is."

As soon as Lei Potian finished speaking, a tremendous aura emanated from his body, sweeping across the entire arena. Blood-red Qi Force surged from his skin, and his long red hair fluttered despite the absence of wind. The crimson Qi Force transformed into spectral faces. Lei Potian, who already exuded tremendous pressure, seemed to morph into a humanoid beast after employing the Bloodthirst Technique.

In fact, many individuals closer to the dueling platform instinctively retreated. They gazed at Lei Potian's figure with fear.

The Bloodthirst Technique was at the advanced level. He had always known that Lei Potian had successfully cultivated the Bloodthirst Technique, but he had never seen Lei Potian use it. He had finally seen the battle of the top eight. Zhuge Xiang's eyes narrowed slightly. This Lei Potian made him feel unprecedented pressure. However, it also made Zhuge Xiang excited.

The stronger the opponent, the more excited Zhuge Xiang became. It meant a significant amount of EXP and a high drop rate of items.

The Bloodthirst Technique was at an advanced level, and Zhuge Xiang had no advantage in this regard. Although the Blood Thunder Slash of the Blood Refined Saber was powerful, it required a long time to accumulate power. Moreover, judging from Lei Potian's massive axe, it was evident that he pursued high attack power. Zhuge Xiang not only lacked an advantage but also found himself at a disadvantage. As for cultivation, with the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage against the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, Zhuge Xiang was once again at a disadvantage.

As soon as Lei Potian stepped onto the arena, he unleashed the Bloodthirst Technique. Coupled with his already impressive reputation, the first battle of the top eight had caused a commotion even before he made a move. Some were shocked, some were emotional, and many people cheered.

No one could evade the side effects of the Bloodthirst Technique. Naturally, Lei Potian couldn't activate it and stand on the dueling platform for others to observe. He charged forward like a crazed bull. Lei Potian's strength was enough to secure a place in the top eight. With all his attributes increased by 50%, how formidable would he become?

The blood-colored broad axe swung, displaying not only terrifying attack power but also astonishing speed. Although the disciple at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage attempted to block with his longsword, he was sent stumbling back seven or eight steps. His face turned pale, clearly indicating that the recoil from the blow had severely injured him.

Lei Potian's opponent launched a sword technique with an unprecedented level of seriousness in his eyes. The attack was swift and fierce, but Lei Potian's massive axe descended, transforming into a blood-colored waterfall. He employed strength to break the skill, followed by another axe strike that pushed the opponent further back. With the momentum gained, he showed no mercy. The third axe strike came down with invincible force. Three consecutive terrifying and rapid axe strikes sent the opponent flying, landing outside the dueling platform.

Silence enveloped the arena. Lei Potian's dominance had shocked everyone. After activating the Bloodthirst Technique, he had swiftly dispatched his opponent with three consecutive axe strikes, launching them out of the arena. This method and display of dominance deeply affected everyone. From the beginning to the end of the duel, it had taken only three breaths.

It was not that his opponent was too weak, but that Lei Potian was too strong. After all, who could enter the top eight? Who would be mediocre?

Lei Potian was bold and resourceful. Facing the opponents in the top eight, he knew that if he didn't use the Bloodthirst Technique, the battle would likely drag on, exhausting him further. Instead of that, he chose to activate the Bloodthirst Technique and swiftly conclude the fight. This way, he would not only showcase his strength but also intimidate his opponent, preserving his combat prowess. The aftereffects of the Bloodthirst Technique for the short duration of three breaths were manageable. As the first to fight in the top eight, he would have time to regulate.

This was Lei Potian. Before leaving the arena, Lei Potian pointed his axe at Zhuge Xiang below the arena and made a throat-slitting gesture. The provocation and threat were self-evident. Many people turned to look at Zhuge Xiang, only to see that Zhuge Xiang did not seem to be afraid at all. Instead, his face was filled with excitement and desire to fight…

"As expected of a battle-type genius. His unmatched desire to fight sets him apart," many people exclaimed, feeling energized and inspired by Zhuge Xiang's reaction. Lei Potian's opponent, who had been sent flying, realized they lacked the same fighting spirit in the presence of Lei Potian. Zhuge Xiang, despite being at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage and seriously injured, exhibited such determination, making them feel inferior.

Following Lei Potian's departure, it was now Ling Wufeng's turn to battle. With Lei Potian's presence, anticipation filled the air for the upcoming fights. However, this particular duel disappointed everyone.

It was not because the duel was boring, but rather because it ended too quickly. A flash of the flying dagger, and Ling Wufeng's opponent was seriously injured before they could even react.

Observing the flying dagger embedded in his opponent's shoulder, Ling Wufeng's opponent realized that he had been shown mercy. The speed of the flying dagger had surpassed his reaction time. If it had been aimed at his heart or throat, he would have been dead already. Recognizing the futility of persisting, he retreated without pestering further. It seemed that Ling Wufeng's victory had been secured with a single throw of the flying dagger.

Previously, Lei Potian had sent his opponent flying out of the arena with three strikes of his axe. Now, Ling Wufeng had made his opponent retreat with a flying dagger. The question of who was stronger between the two remained a topic of secret discussions among the spectators, yet no conclusion could be reached.

Lei Potian's strength had left a deep impression on everyone. As for Ling Wufeng, his battles had consistently involved the use of flying daggers, making his true capabilities unknown and mysterious.

"In the third round of the quarterfinals, Lu Yuling versus Hua Nongying," the host announced after Ling Wufeng's victory.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Xiang's expression became much more serious. Lei Potian and Ling Wufeng were indeed as powerful as Zhuge Xiang had expected. Then what about Hua Nongying and Lu Yuling? Which of them was stronger?

Zhuge Xiang was not the only one who was serious. Everyone else was equally focused. Lu Yuling was a genius not inferior to Lei Potian, capturing the attention of all disciples with her beauty and temperament.

Hua Nongying was not bad either. Although her appearance was slightly inferior to Lu Yuling's, she possessed a lively and spirited personality, resembling a lark. Her unique temperament had its own charm. Moreover, she was the only one among the 100,000 disciples who had mastered martial arts cultivation. Her understanding of martial arts was beyond the reach of others. As the third round of the top eight commenced, the battle between two beautiful disciples naturally drew significant attention.

Her white dress fluttered as she approached the field. Lu Yuling stood there quietly, emanating a serene and icy aura that deterred others from getting too close. Just as Lu Yuling appeared, a ghostly shadow materialized in front of her without warning, resembling an actual ghost.

Dressed in a light green dress, Hua Nongying had a lively smile on her face. "Hehe, Senior Lu Yuling, I've wanted to spar with you for a long time. I finally have the chance today. Don't give in to me."