The Noble Battle

It was the next day and the day of the battle. Julong was sitting on the top of the mountain peak he had destroyed a few days earlier.

Naturally, Zi Xiao had originally intended to fix the damaged parts of the domain, but at Julong's request, she kept the mountain the way it was. It was a fairly valuable way of Cultivating the Minor Mythic Saint Body, something she had initially overlooked. Though with a few words from Julong her eyes were opened to its potential.

That boy was truly a wonder in her eyes.

He slowly opened his eyes, looking around him. His spirit was sharp right now, and he could feel himself slowly approaching the peak of the Qi Nourishing Stage. Perhaps he would have a breakthrough soon?

His focus shifted, however. This was because he could feel the presence of his Master approaching the mountain peak. Perhaps it was time for his match with Mushin Yuan?

She appeared behind him, looking over the beautiful view that the mountain provided inside of the Saint Domain.

"It's rather beautiful isn't it?"

"Yes. It is just another upside to this mountain."

Zi Xiao paused for a second.

"Make sure you don't lose today, not that I don't have faith in you. But if you lose, I will no doubt lose face when I announce that Mushin Yuan will not replace you."

"Don't worry, I have no doubt I will be able to defeat him."

His crossed legs slowly straightened and he stood up.

"Let's get going, shall we?"

Zixiao Region - Stadium Teleport Array

The match was scheduled for just after midday and was to be broadcast to everyone in the region, just like the press conference had been, only this time Zi Xiao would be doing it herself, as the battle would be taking place in a disposable domain so it could not be interrupted.

Both participants were standing in front of Zi Xiao who was readying a teleportation array. The three were currently inside of a stadium structure, where many people had gathered to watch. The fight was foretold to be extraordinary. This brought Zi Xiao to her current actions. She could easily tear open space for them, but this was a formal event, and so, they would do things the official way.

The current pre-match was already being broadcast by some Nascent Source experts around the arena, but once the fight started, Zi Xiao would take over. That was the other reason for the teleportation array. She needed to get them there safely while beginning the Technique to broadcast the fight across the region.

"Are both contestants ready?"

Her voice was indifferent, she couldn't show bias to two opponents.

"Yes, Supreme Sovereign."

"Yes, Master."

She nodded her head and flicked her wrist. When she did, the array erupted into a blinding light, swallowing the three.

When it died down, they were gone. Both Julong and Mushin Yuan were in the domain in which their battle would occur, and Zi Xiao was floating in the air above the arena gathering Qi.

The domain was a plain rocky domain with some mountains on the horizon. The sky was overcast with dark clouds, creating a very dark atmosphere around them.

"The contestants will commence their fight in 1 minute."

Zi Xiao's voice reverberated throughout the dark domain.

"So this is it?"

Mushin Yuan spoke abruptly, awakening Julong from his stupor.

"I guess it is."

He looked into Mushin Yuan's eyes softly.

"I don't have much to say, but I hope no matter the results of this fight, we can be friends afterwards."

"Do not worry. After what I heard you say yesterday, I cannot resent you, even if I were to lose."

"I hoped as much."

They were interrupted by Zi Xiao's voice once more.

"30 seconds remain."

Nodding to himself, he looked back to Mushin Yuan.

"Good luck."

"As to you."

20 seconds passed quickly, and the countdown started.

10...

9...

8...

7...

6...

Neither had moved until this point, where they both assumed stances.

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

"Begin!"

As those words rolled from Zi Xiao's tongue, the crowd roared awaiting the initial clash. But they both just stood there for a few seconds to the crowds' disappointment.

"I see."

Both of them were waiting for the opponent to make a move. It was a good way of learning about your opponent to take the upper hand. Because of this Julong resigned to taking the first strike.

It was a simple attack. He circulated Genesis Qi around his body, using the Minor Mythic Saint Body Technique and then focused some concentrated Qi onto his hand which had since become a fist.

A split second later he had appeared in front of Mushin Yuan. His punch was barrelling toward him, but right before it could hit, he formed a hand sign and a defensive Technique appeared. It was a simple dome of Genesis Qi made from Purple-Gold. Such colours indicated the Grade of his Qi Dwelling, which was extremely high, second to Gold itself.

The dome he had put up was weak, and it was obvious that it wasn't meant to block the power. It was most likely to test Julong's power.

The fist struck it with unmatched power, shattering it whilst sending a large torrent of explosive Genesis Qi behind Mushin Yuan.

The shield had managed to take most of the damage, but Mushin Yuan still found damage on his body regardless.

He jumped away hurriedly. He wasn't expecting him to shatter the dome so quickly. That's when he noticed it. The sheer amount of power in the Qi that buzzing around him. That wasn't Grade 5 Qi like his, that was Grade 6 Qi of a Gold Dwelling!

How monstrous.

The reactions on the outside of the battle were similar. Uproar echoed throughout the whole region. He was only 11 and possessed such powerful Qi. Many people were extremely jealous. Even without Zi Xiao's guidance, he would most likely become one of the most powerful practitioners in the Region. If he won and continued on with her guidance, he would no doubt even have a chance at reaching the Saint Stage. It was a ludicrous thought.

Despite these thoughts, there was still an underlying fear factor. Many genius's had faded into nothing more than ordinary people over the years. The same could happen to Julong if he lost. He was only at the Qi Nourishing Stage after all.

"Now I know why you were taken as Supreme Sovereign Zi Xiao's disciple. You are truly extraordinary. Possessing such powerful Qi at such an unprecedented age. You have a great future ahead of you whether you win or not."

"Thank you, but I won't dare say anything about you yet. I know that Qi was not your full capability."

Mushin Yuan smiled eagerly at this.

"Don't worry, Xiaoyao Julong. Our battle is only beginning. You will see it in due time. Just make sure to enjoy this noble battle as much as I will!"

Julong chuckled a small bit.

"Don't you worry. I have a feeling I will enjoy every second of this."