All Realms and Worlds: The Lost Home

Chapter 266 Blood Sun Victory

As soon as he finished speaking, Xue Yang's eyes flashed with killing intent, and the crimson spiritual power around him surged to its limit. Like a volcanic eruption, rolling heat waves swept across the entire martial arts arena, and flames roared on his longsword, more dazzling and hotter than ever before.

He gripped his longsword, stomped his foot, and charged towards Li Hu like an arrow released from a bow. His sword strike was fierce and unstoppable, carrying immense power as he slashed down at Li Hu!

This strike, imbued with Xue Yang's full spiritual power and fighting spirit, was fierce, domineering, and unmatched. Crimson flames enveloped the longsword, making it resemble a fire dragon that devoured everything around it, even igniting the air and emitting a sizzling sound.

Li Hu's expression changed drastically, and his pupils shrank. He knew that he couldn't block this attack at all, but he still didn't back down. He gripped the triangular military dagger in his hand, and all the black spiritual power around him burst out. He thrust it fiercely towards Xue Yang's longsword, trying to make a final stand!

"clang--!"

With a final, deafening roar, a massive shockwave erupted from the point of impact, shattering the bluestone slabs of the training platform. Debris flew everywhere, and dust filled the air, engulfing the entire platform.

Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the dust billowing from the center of the arena, their hearts pounding, wondering what the final outcome of this fierce duel would be.

As the smoke and dust gradually dissipated, two figures appeared in everyone's sight.

Xueyang remained standing in the same spot, his figure upright, holding a long sword. Crimson spiritual energy still surrounded him. Although his breathing was a little rapid and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, his eyes remained arrogant and resolute, without the slightest damage.

Li Hu, however, was kneeling on one knee. The triangular military dagger in his hand had been bent and deformed by Xue Yang's longsword. His arm was burned by the crimson flames, and blood was flowing freely. His face was as pale as paper, and his breathing was rapid. He had lost his previous composure and sharpness.

He raised his head, looking at Xue Yang with no trace of resentment in his eyes, but rather a smile of admiration. He slowly said, "I lost, Senior Brother Xue Yang. You are stronger than me!"

He accepted his defeat wholeheartedly, not because of a lack of skill, but because of a lack of fundamental understanding, a lack of composure and ferocity from Xueyang. He knew that there was still a significant gap between himself and Xueyang.

Xue Yang laughed heartily, sheathed his longsword, and the crimson spiritual energy around him gradually dissipated. He walked up to Li Hu, extended his hand, and said in a cheerful tone, "Hahaha, Junior Brother Li Hu, don't be discouraged!"

"Your assassination skills are exceptional—fast, accurate, and ruthless. If you can hone your foundation properly, you will undoubtedly become a peerless master in the future, perhaps even surpassing me!"

Looking at Xue Yang's outstretched hand, Li Hu's eyes flashed with emotion. He grasped Xue Yang's hand, and with Xue Yang's strength, slowly stood up. He solemnly cupped his hands in thanks to Xue Yang: "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Xue Yang. I will remember it well and will definitely work hard to hone my foundation in the future, living up to your expectations!"

"Good! Well done!" Xue Yang patted Li Hu on the shoulder, his tone appreciative. "Having this spirit is enough. There are no shortcuts on the path of cultivation; only by taking steady and solid steps can one go further!"

A thunderous cheer and applause erupted from the audience, more exciting than ever before. Everyone stood up to applaud the two, cheering for Xueyang's victory and applauding Li Hu's perseverance.

"Senior Brother Xueyang! Awesome!"

"Senior Brother Xueyang, victory is assured!"

"Junior Brother Li Hu was also fantastic! Although he lost, he's still incredibly skilled and deserves our respect!"

"That was spectacular! This is true, fierce combat! This is what disciples of the Lingxu Sect should be like!"

Han Xuanxuan jumped up happily, a bright smile spreading across her face, and shouted, "Senior Brother Xueyang, you won! You're amazing!"

Xia Gui also shouted, "Senior Brother Xueyang, that's awesome! We knew you could win!"

Wei Yu and Xuan Qing also showed relieved smiles. Wei Yu slowly said, "Brother Xueyang, you really didn't disappoint us. Steady and methodical, powerful yet restrained—that's what a true expert is!"

Xuan Qing nodded, his face full of admiration: "Yes, Senior Brother Xueyang is amazing! Junior Brother Li Hu's attacks were so dense and fierce, yet he handled them all calmly and even won the match. He's incredible!"

On the high platform, the sect leader and elders all wore satisfied smiles. The sect leader stroked his beard and exclaimed loudly, "Excellent! Excellent Xueyang! Excellent Li Hu!"

"Blood Sun, with a solid foundation, a calm temperament, and a balanced approach to power, has lived up to the expectations of my Spirit Void Sect. In this round, Blood Sun wins!"

"Li Hu, your assassination skills are superb, and your will is unwavering. Though you were defeated, you are still honorable. From now on, you are promoted to inner disciple. Hone your foundation well, and you will surely become a pillar of our Lingxu Sect in the future!"

As soon as he finished speaking, cheers erupted again from below the stage. Everyone was happy for Li Hu—though he lost, he was still honorable. He had won the recognition of the sect leader and elders with his own strength and was promoted to an inner disciple. This was the greatest affirmation for him.

Li Hu solemnly cupped his hands in greeting to the sect leader and elders on the high platform, his tone respectful: "Thank you, sect leader, thank you, elders. I will certainly hone my foundation and cultivate diligently to live up to the sect's expectations!"

Xue Yang also cupped his hands in thanks to the sect leader and elders on the high platform, his tone hearty: "Thank you, sect leader, thank you, elders!"

Afterwards, Li Hu dragged his injured body and slowly walked down from the martial arts stage. Along the way, disciples kept coming up to express their admiration and congratulations, and he responded to each one with a gratified smile on his face.

Although he lost the match, he had no regrets. On the contrary, he gained a lot. He not only gained the recognition of the sect leader and elders and was promoted to an inner disciple, but also understood the importance of a solid foundation and got to know a strong person like Xue Yang. For him, this was more precious than winning the match.

Xue Yang stood on the martial arts stage, receiving cheers and applause from everyone. His face still wore an arrogant smile, but his eyes held a newfound calmness and determination.

He knew he had won the match, but this was just the beginning. More powerful opponents and more intense matches awaited him.

He also understood even more clearly that there are no shortcuts on the path of cultivation. Only by taking steady steps and building a solid foundation can one remain invincible, go further, protect those one wants to protect, and safeguard the Lingxu Sect.

"Who else?" Xueyang gripped his longsword and shouted at the crowd below, his tone arrogant and full of fighting spirit. "Who else dares to challenge me? I, Xueyang, will fight to the bitter end!"

The audience fell silent instantly. Everyone looked at each other, no one daring to go up on stage easily—even a master like Li Hu had been defeated by Xue Yang, who would dare to go up and die?

A few seconds later, a figure slowly raised his hand from the crowd, his voice booming: "I'll do it!"