The Clear Sky Hammer smashed directly toward Gu Yi without any finesse, relying solely on its immense power. The air itself seemed to explode under the force of the hammer, creating a strong wind pressure even before it reached Gu Yi, showcasing the overwhelming strength behind Tang Hao's strike.
Gu Yi, however, was no novice.
A sword is typically a light and agile weapon, favoring quick and versatile movements. But that's only under normal circumstances. When one delves deeply into the path of the sword, it becomes clear that swordsmanship can also be domineering and overpowering, capable of subduing opponents through sheer force.
Gu Yi may not possess the same innate talent in swordsmanship as Chen Xin, but in terms of understanding and theoretical knowledge of the sword, he surpassed everyone on the Douluo Continent. In his past life, swordsmanship theories were as abundant as paper, fluttering everywhere. Gu Yi didn't need to comprehend them independently like Chen Xin; standing on the shoulders of giants, he could see further and could freely choose a direction to specialize in.
Gu Yi was equally unyielding. He gripped his sword with both hands and swung it downward.
All his strength converged into this one slash, imbued with the will of martial arts, fully displaying the domineering nature of the sword.
Tang Hao, with a look of disdain, swung the Clear Sky Hammer. The Clear Sky Hammer was known as the most powerful offensive weapon spirit in the world. Tang Hao had taken the path of sheer force and, with the addition of the Great Sumeru Hammer, a divine skill passed down from his ancestors, his strength was unmatched. Even the 99th-level Qian Daoliu wouldn't dare to confront him head-on.
Tang Hao had previously been troubled by Qian Daoliu following Qian Xunji's death. Due to various reasons, Qian Daoliu had ultimately chose to spare Tang Hao. This incident had bolstered Tang Hao's confidence, believing that with the Great Sumeru Hammer, he could fight Qian Daoliu to a standstill. Let alone Gu Yi, a mere junior.
The collision of the sword and the Clear Sky Hammer triggered an earth-shattering explosion, with powerful shockwaves spreading in all directions. The sword energy sliced through branches more cleanly and efficiently than the best lumberjacks.
Gu Yi grunted, the force of Tang Hao's hammer exceeding his expectations. He was sent flying backward, his hands numb from the impact.
Tang Hao was surprised to see Gu Yi only knocked back. The force of his hammer should have severely injured any spirit master below the 95th level. Gu Yi had certainly not been this strong before.
"Die!"
In an instant, Tang Hao understood. Gu Yi's power surge must be due to Ah Yin's spirit bone. The hundred-thousand-year spirit ring had significantly boosted his combat abilities, and Ah Yin's equally precious hundred-thousand-year spirit bone must have also greatly enhanced Gu Yi's strength.
Tang Hao regretted not killing this kid at Shrek Academy. But today, he would correct that mistake. Determined to end Gu Yi, Tang Hao's killing intent intensified. No matter what, Gu Yi had to die here today.
Gu Yi realized that without using the Devouring Heaven Technique, he was at a disadvantage in terms of strength against Tang Hao. But before he could activate the technique, Tang Hao's second hammer strike was upon him.
Tang Hao used the Great Sumeru Hammer technique in conjunction with the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer method, continuously amplifying his strength. No one could withstand the relentless assault of the Clear Sky Hammer.
Gu Yi met the attack head-on, knowing that defense was futile. Only by breaking Tang Hao's offensive rhythm could he turn the tide.
"You're bold to counterattack," Tang Hao sneered. His hammer's power increased further, reaching its peak. He had unleashed all his abilities, except for the self-destructive ring technique.
Gu Yi's eyes were resolute. This was the first time since becoming a spirit master that he faced a life-threatening battle.
Tang Hao's relentless attacks left him no time to use the Devouring Heaven Technique, but Gu Yi felt his blood boiling and his spirit soaring.
Fight, fight fiercely.
Before integrating with the Blue Silver Empress's spirit bone, such a battle would have overwhelmed his meridians. But now, he remained unscathed. The spirit bone continually nourished and protected his meridians. The Blue Silver Emperor's life attribute was incredibly powerful, almost making him an inexhaustible engine of vitality.
As the battle raged on, both fighters grew stronger, their momentum increasing with each clash. They fought from the sky to the ground and back again.
Both were in rough shape, especially Gu Yi. Each collision inflicted some damage on his body. Despite the spirit bone's healing, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Tang Hao fared better, with no visible injuries.
"Next time, don't provoke someone you can't handle," Tang Hao warned, standing in mid-air with his hammer ready for the final blow.
"Can't handle? Are you talking about yourself?" Gu Yi retorted disdainfully. If he was at his peak, he might indeed struggle against Tang Hao. But his current form wasn't enough to defeat him.
From the start, Gu Yi had concealed a hidden power: his mental strength. Since arriving on the Douluo Continent, Gu Yi had mastered martial arts and created techniques without much harm, except in the realm of mental strength. Even now, it was still influenced by malevolent forces, but the results were remarkable.
If he couldn't block the hammer, he'd prevent Tang Hao from striking.
Gu Yi's pupils turned gray, and a vast surge of mental power erupted from his eyes.
"Mental shock!"
"Not good," Tang Hao realized, sensing the formidable mental attack. He tried to dodge but was too late. The mental assault hit him, causing a brief pause in his hammer strike.
Gu Yi seized the moment, crossing the distance in an instant and striking with his sword. But it was slightly too late.
Tang Hao's mental strength wasn't weak. He had resisted the Killing God Domain and its killing intent, proving his resilience. He blocked the sword with his hammer just in time, but the hurried defense lacked strength, causing Tang Hao to be pushed back for the first time.
This boy must not be allowed to live. Tang Hao's eyes flashed with resolve. Having his Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique interrupted made it difficult to restart. He had to use his last resort.
Tang Hao's nine spirit rings reappeared, his aura slightly weakened.
Seeing this, Gu Yi became even more cautious. Tang Hao was about to risk everything.
"Ring Explosion."
Tang Hao detonated his first four spirit rings, his aura rapidly rising.
Gu Yi didn't hesitate, quickly activating the Devouring Heaven Technique. The upcoming battle would be without reservation, at their absolute peak.
(End Of Chapter)