No one expected that Hong, who was often underestimated, would achieve a sudden breakthrough in the heat of battle, sensing the presence of a universal law. Although he hadn't fully crossed the threshold into understanding the original law, the difference between having this insight and lacking it was immense.
While Hong didn't immediately overpower his opponent, he began to incorporate his newfound understanding of the law into his martial style, merging it with his unique marksmanship. As the battle progressed, the thirty-kilometer combat arena gradually shrank, reducing to a one-meter diameter in just fifteen minutes. In this increasingly confined space, Hong's adversary, the spiritual master Awain, eventually fell to Hong, whose newfound strength eclipsed his earlier ranking.
Hong's victory made him an overnight sensation within the Ganwu universe. Even organizations and powerful figures who had previously overlooked him now extended invitations, acknowledging his substantial progress. His reputation skyrocketed; after all, it was rare for someone with a Stellar-level rank to gain insight into a universal law, with only a few hundred such individuals across the Ganwa Universe.
"Brother Hong!"
"Hong, congratulations on winning your first match!"
"That was incredible, Brother Hong!"
After his initial triumph, Hong emerged from the arena to be greeted by Wang Yi, Luo Feng, and others. Hong smiled modestly, admitting, "I didn't expect to have a breakthrough mid-battle. It was a surprise even for me."
Wang Yi, however, understood Hong's growth. Having journeyed across the universe with Master Luo, Hong's mental state and insight far exceeded his peers', making his breakthrough almost inevitable.
With each subsequent battle, Hong's new understanding of the law fueled his confidence, and he skillfully overcame two more formidable opponents. His momentum only halted in the fourth battle against a truly exceptional fighter with a refined command of the law. Yet, despite his defeat, Hong's ability to endure a prolonged fight against such a powerful adversary was impressive to onlookers, given he was still new to understanding the law.
Though Hong fell into the "loser's bracket," he still had a path to victory within the 9,000-round "Final Selection battle," where nearly 10,000 competitors would contend for a chance at redemption. Luo Feng and Wang Yi remained confident in Hong's progress, knowing that with each passing moment, his grasp on the law was strengthening.
Meanwhile, Luo Feng, also on a winning streak in his initial matches, prepared to face his most formidable opponent yet: the powerful "Savage" Rong Jun from the Golden Sword Empire. Their upcoming showdown on Arena Island #00001 was already generating a media frenzy, and debates raged over who was stronger—Luo Feng, the "Madman," or Rong Jun, the "Savage."
On July 26, 2066, Arena Island #00001 was packed with a roaring crowd. Supporters from both sides chanted passionately.
"Luo Feng!"
"Rong Jun!"
The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation. Among the spectators, Wang Yi, Thor, and Hong sat with their families, eagerly awaiting the epic duel.
As the host, a striking figure, introduced the match, both fighters—Luo Feng, a dark-haired young man with a golden staff strapped to his back, and the towering, wild-looking Rong Jun—stood at opposite ends, their intense gazes locked onto each other. Rong Jun, with an aura of natural dominance, seemed to claim the entire arena as his own, while Luo Feng's silent, brooding demeanor hinted at a barely contained storm of energy.
"Let the battle… begin!"
At the host's signal, Luo Feng's expression turned icy, his presence filling with a deadly, chilling intent, while Rong Jun's booming laughter broke free, echoing his boundless fighting spirit. Their auras clashed with explosive force, golden and earth-brown energy currents surging from each fighter, radiating across the battlefield.
In the fierce struggle that followed, Luo Feng's precision with his three golden phantom swords demonstrated his deep understanding of the law of origin for gold, outmatching Rong Jun's otherwise formidable sword techniques. The audience's excitement was palpable as the two fighters continued their dramatic duel, each move driving the crowd into further frenzy.
High above the Ganwa Continent in the virtual universe, powerful beings watched from thrones in towering buildings, each embodying various universal laws. They observed the battle with great interest.
"Luo Feng's strength has definitely surpassed his earlier bouts," one commented, observing how adeptly Luo Feng controlled his three golden phantom swords.
"Indeed. A Stellar level with such insight into the law of gold is quite remarkable," another agreed.
"Though I am impressed by Rong Jun as well," added one elder. "His swordsmanship seems self-developed, and his skill is immense. He has a promising future."
Back on the battlefield, a bloodied Rong Jun, now pushed to the ring's edge, threw aside his initial sword and drew a massive black blade. The giant sword radiated power, clearly larger and more imposing than his previous weapon.
"Luo Feng! You're stronger than I imagined. It's been a long time since I've needed my true strength!" Rong Jun declared, his voice thick with admiration as well as determination. His face set with fierce resolve, he charged forward, the ground trembling beneath him, cloaked in swirling earth energy.
"Go!" Luo Feng's voice rang out as he sent his three golden swords flying toward his opponent with a steely resolve.
Rong Jun, his laughter wild and unrestrained, unleashed three ghostly warriors alongside himself, each figure bursting with overwhelming force and intensity as they charged toward Luo Feng.
The spectacle left Luo Feng momentarily stunned, though he quickly regained his focus, ready to meet the new challenge head-on.