Chapter 807
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Chapter 807: Top 16!
The young man dressed in white experienced a drastic shift in his expression. He swiftly retreated, summoning a protective energy shield around himself. He applied every skill he had mastered to narrowly evade the incoming attack.
“Swoosh…”
Before the claw could land, a fierce gust of wind grazed his neck, leaving a stinging sensation on his skin. A few strands of his hair were severed, and bloody streaks emerged on his neck, with crimson droplets trickling down.
“You’re defeated!”
Just as the young man in white believed he had successfully dodged another strike, a faint voice whispered in his ear. The claw mark, in a bizarre turn, spun abruptly and pressed downward, emanating a misty white glow. Like a dragon’s talon, it descended, striking his shoulder directly.
“Sizzle…”
Deep claw marks carved into his flesh, and an immense force bore down on him, leaving the young man in white utterly subdued. His body slackened as a cracking sound echoed, with blood flowing freely from his shoulder. His energy was forcefully suppressed.
“Boom!”
The young man in white was hurled from the golden boulder. Before he could stabilize himself, he crashed heavily onto the ground below.
“Defeated!”
Within the Qingyun Sect, an elder’s face darkened. Their fists clenched tightly as they wore a grim expression. Their top disciple had suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of an unknown contender. With their sharp insight, they discerned that the opponent hadn’t even exerted their full strength. This loss was nothing short of humiliating.
“That Xu Chen… a mysterious figure, truly a dark horse!”
Elder Suyun’s face remained composed, their eyes brimming with intrigue as they observed Xu Chen.
—
“Boom!”
“Clang!”
A thunderous collision of energy rang out as Flame Scale surged forward, his fist encased in black scales. The force sent the graceful woman’s sword flying from her grip.
Her expression shifted drastically. Before she could react, Flame Scale was already upon her. His fist transformed into an open palm, radiating a dark, ominous glow. The sheer power of his strike generated a gale-like wind, tearing through the air as it descended fiercely upon her.
The graceful woman steadied her gaze. Qi surged beneath her feet, and with an uncanny twist of her lithe body, she narrowly avoided Flame Scale’s attack.
“You can’t escape now!”
Flame Scale’s voice rang out as his arm suddenly trembled. The palm strike, initially evaded, arced impossibly through the air like a serpent, completing a half-circle. His arm shifted abruptly, landing a decisive blow on the woman’s shoulder.
“Bang!”
Blood sprayed from her mouth as her fragile frame was sent hurtling backward, crashing heavily in the distance.
—
“What?!”
The crowd watching the duel between Flame Scale and the graceful woman was left stunned. Flame Scale’s peculiar attack amazed many. How could his arm extend and bend in such a way? It was otherworldly.
“That’s the half-demon physique—it must be a natural ability!”
Among the spectators, seasoned cultivators discerned the truth. The young man with a distorted face was part human, part beast. His strange abilities likely stemmed from his demon lineage.
“Can hybrids participate in the Saint Martial Assembly?”
A younger disciple was astonished. Half-humans, the offspring of humans and demons, were typically shunned by both races.
“Such unions are forbidden, but over time, humans and demons have grown to tolerate their existence. Though considered taboo, many sects secretly harbor powerful individuals with half-demon physiques.”
Someone enlightened the younger generation. Though the blending of humans and demons remained a sensitive subject, it was no longer entirely prohibited. Many sects quietly accepted these hybrids, though their lives were often tragic.
—
“This one’s powerful!”
Watching Flame Scale’s triumph, Su Yi nodded in approval. He hadn’t anticipated such strength from Flame Scale. Appearances could indeed be deceptive.
As the round drew to a close, cheers erupted, reverberating through the heavens. From the massive golden boulders, only sixteen figures remained.
“Incredible!”
The gathered crowd buzzed with awe. These sixteen individuals were destined for renown across the Central Region, their potential limitless. They were the elite among elites.
Su Yi scanned the scene. The remaining contenders were mostly as he had expected. Among them were: Nanan Ruyu from Sacred Mountain, Chi Tianxuan from the Fire God Sect, Gong Qianxing of the Tianxuan Sect, Li Qingwei from Qingyun Sect, Feng Qingnong of the Sanyuan School, Lin Fan of Qingxu Gate, Cheng Yanhuan from Qiantian Sect, and Shao Sijun of the Beast Emperor Sect. Others included Mu Yao of the Divine Sword School, Jian Wuque, the young leader of Yutian Palace, along with Xu Chen, Flame Scale, and two other youths. One was a muscular individual bearing the emblem of the Beast Emperor Sect, while the other, the oldest-looking among them, exuded a commanding presence as a Qiantian Sect disciple.
The various factions reacted differently. Some were elated, while others were left disappointed. For Sacred Mountain, the outcome was especially bitter, as only Nanan Ruyu had advanced. By contrast, sects like the Divine Sword School, Qiantian Sect, and Beast Emperor Sect had each secured two spots in the top sixteen. Additionally, several independent cultivators had risen to prominence.
—
“Buzz!”
The clear toll of a bell reverberated through the air.
“Congratulations on advancing to the next stage. The rules remain unchanged—no intentional killing, and no external tools aside from the Soul Controlling Killing Talisman. Your matchups will be left to chance.”
Ouyang Yuanfeng appeared once more, his gaze lingering momentarily on Su Yi, Xu Chen, and Flame Scale. His expression was layered with complexity.
—
“Boom!”
As Ouyang Yuanfeng finished speaking, the golden boulders trembled once more, releasing a dazzling radiance. Holy energy enveloped them as they began to spin and shift, seemingly alive.
“Rumble!”
The ground quaked, the void roared, and golden beams shot skyward.
“We’re entering the top eight now—it’s only going to get more intense!”
“This is the true clash of champions, where only the best remain!”
The audience erupted in exhilaration. The upcoming battles would decide the strongest among the gifted—this was the pinnacle of the Saint Martial Assembly!
