Volume One: Femme Fatale Chapter 64: Xu Changfeng Defeated Once Again

Xu Changfeng, ranked second on the Dragon Gate Roll, asks for your guidance, Senior Brother!

Xu Changfeng gripped the Heaven-Breaking Sword tightly, the sword light shimmering as he stood ready for the challenge.

Junior Brother Xu, trust you have been well.

The Shadow nodded slightly, a trace of calm in his gaze. He stood facing Xu Changfeng, the air between them thick with a tense and fierce aura of confrontation.

The clash between the two experts was about to unfold, and the hearts of the onlookers rose in anticipation of this splendid duel.

Senior Brother, watch my sword!

With a crisp ringing of the blade, Xu Changfeng surged forward like a sudden gale. His sword momentum struck violently, the blade's light flashing under the sun and tracing graceful arcs as it bore down directly on the Shadow.

Xu Changfeng thought to himself that with his reputation on the Dragon Gate Roll, he must not be easily beaten back by this senior brother.

Faced with this scene, the Shadow's expression remained tranquil, as though everything were entirely within his grasp. In a flash, his figure became as light as a swallow, gracefully sidestepping Xu Changfeng's attack.

Following that, every swing of Xu Changfeng's sword was skillfully evaded, as if the sword light had never even brushed against the hem of his robe.

I simply refuse to believe this! Since our last battle, I have cultivated in bitter seclusion for so long!

Anxiety grew within Xu Changfeng; his sword momentum became increasingly fierce and his moves grew ever more varied. Yet the Shadow clung to him like a phantom, moving with effortless ease.

The Shadow's reactions were swift and precise, as though he could foresee every single movement of Xu Changfeng, effortlessly neutralizing every attack.

Gale Slash!

Xu Changfeng roared in anger, violently thrusting the sharp sword in his hand. In an instant, the sword light flashed like lightning, awakening a slumbering tempest that swept roaring toward the Shadow.

The sword momentum was like a rainbow, unstoppable and carrying an incomparable might as it pressed straight toward the Shadow, the air thick with the razor-sharp edge of sword Qi.

Faced with this technique, the Shadow's expression remained composed. He shifted slightly to the side, dancing with the gale and effortlessly dodging the blow. Though the sword force was fierce, it was like wispy clouds in the sky, failing to truly touch his figure.

To think that even after breaking through to the Spirit Sea Realm, I still cannot pose any threat to him.

Just as Xu Changfeng began to feel a sense of powerlessness, the Shadow finally made his move. With a light leap, his body as agile as a swallow, he instantly appeared at Xu Changfeng's flank, and then delivered a crisp, decisive palm strike.

Junior Brother Xu, it is time to end this.

That palm seemed to carry no force at all, yet it struck Xu Changfeng's flank like a thunderbolt, causing him to emit a muffled groan and instantly lose his balance.

Xu Changfeng's sword momentum shattered under that palm. His body flew backward like a withered leaf caught in a storm, crashing heavily to the ground with a look of astonishment and reluctance. This fellow... to think he is still this strong...

I can hardly believe it! Even Senior Brother Xu has been defeated!

Good heavens! It seems the rumors are true! Senior Brother Shadow's strength is simply terrifying!

Indeed! To be defeated by his hands is hardly a disgrace...

The surrounding disciples witnessed this scene in shock, marveling inwardly at the immense strength of the Shadow, which even an expert of Xu Changfeng's caliber—ranked second on the Dragon Gate Roll—could not withstand.

From the initial challenge by Liu Jiang to the battle with Xu Changfeng just now, the Shadow had never once drawn his spiritual weapon. In other words, up to this moment, no one had yet been able to force the Shadow to use his full strength.

It seemed that his power and footwork had surpassed the spiritual weapon itself, filling everyone present with awe for his mystery and might.

To be able to dodge Senior Brother Xu's Gale Slash with such ease, this Senior Brother Shadow is truly frighteningly strong!

Down below, Jiang Hao watched the battle intently. He had deep personal appreciation for Xu Changfeng's Gale Slash.

A month ago, Xu Changfeng had only been able to push that technique to the initial mastery stage, but just now, he had unleashed the Gale Slash to near perfection.

One must know that the perfected state of a Tier 3 spell possessed formidable might, yet even so, Xu Changfeng had suffered a miserable defeat!

Fortunately I was clever and decisively chose to surrender. Nangong Yingying breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, glancing up at Jiang Hao with hesitation: Should I tell Jiang Hao the true identity of the Shadow so he can give up this pipe dream?

However, Jiang Hao remained unaware of Nangong Yingying's internal struggle, his gaze fixed entirely on Senior Brother Shadow.

Vice Dean Sun, it seems none of the disciples on the Dragon Gate Roll can successfully challenge him this year, just like every previous year. Nangong Xue said calmly.

Since the beginning of the duels, Nangong Xue's expression had remained steadfast, as if she had long anticipated the outcome of this assessment.

Sun Ping smiled awkwardly and explained, Replying to Your Majesty, this cannot entirely be blamed on the disciples of the Dragon Gate Roll. Commander Zhang's strength is like an insurmountable chasm to them.

Before Sun Ping's voice had even faded, Elder Lin Feng stepped forward to remind him, Vice Dean Sun, there is still one disciple who has yet to step up to challenge. To draw such a conclusion now is premature.

Jiang Hao? Sun Ping and Nangong Xue both turned to look in that direction.

Suddenly recalling something, Sun Ping slapped his forehead and said respectfully, Replying to Your Majesty, earlier Lin Feng reported that Jiang Hao and Xu Changfeng fought to a draw. Originally, this old subject intended to seek an audience with Your Majesty to report this matter, but I forgot due to being busy. Please Your Majesty, forgive this transgression!

Oh? Such a thing happened? Nangong Xue frowned slightly and asked, Jiang Hao is merely at the initial stage of the Spirit Spring Realm, yet he could fight to a draw with Xu Changfeng, who is at the initial stage of the Spirit Sea Realm?

Before Sun Ping could reply, Elder Lin Feng stepped forward first to report, Replying to Your Majesty, that is indeed true! However, at that time Xu Changfeng had not yet broken through to the Spirit Sea Realm, so strictly speaking, Jiang Hao fought to a draw with Xu Changfeng when the latter was at the Great Circle of the Spirit Spring Realm.

Even so, this is still rather curious. Hearing this, a trace of curiosity flickered in Nangong Xue's gaze as she looked at Jiang Hao.

Indeed, Your Majesty. Sun Ping nodded in agreement, then stroked his beard and mused, However, right now, although Jiang Hao's cultivation talent is outstanding, challenging Commander Zhang with a cultivation at the initial stage of the Spirit Spring Realm is as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

Mm. Nangong Xue uttered a soft acknowledgment and said no more.

Junior Brother, shall we fight?

At that moment, the Shadow on the arena suddenly turned to Jiang Hao and initiated a challenge.

Jiang Hao furrowed his brows, resting his chin in his hand as he pondered: This fellow's figure always feels vaguely familiar, yet this voice is entirely unfamiliar to me...

After a moment of thought, Jiang Hao stepped forward onto the combat arena, cupped his fists toward the Shadow, and said, I am Jiang Hao, and I request Senior Brother's guidance!

Jiang Hao, surrender quickly! You cannot beat him!

As soon as Jiang Hao's words fell, Nangong Yingying's anxious cry came from below the stage.

Nangong Yingying, I have no desire to be a coward! Jiang Hao smiled faintly, his gaze once more locking onto the Shadow.

Jiang Hao! If you refuse to listen to my advice, you deserve to suffer a beating! Down below, Nangong Yingying turned purple with anger and stamped her foot.

Seeing this, Nangong Xue smiled knowingly, turned to Sun Ping, and said, Vice Dean Sun, tell me, what on earth has transpired between Her Royal Highness and Jiang Hao this past month? In all the years she has grown up, this is the first time We have ever seen Yingying care so much about someone.

This... Sun Ping wore a troubled expression and hurriedly motioned to Lin Feng beside him, Elder Lin, why don't you explain it to Her Majesty.

Vice Dean Sun, this... Lin Feng hesitated, looking as though he had more to say.

Speak. Her Majesty will not blame you. Urged on by Sun Ping, Lin Feng relented.

Understood! Lin Feng responded respectfully, lowered his voice, and said, Replying to Your Majesty, the truth is that this past month, Her Royal Highness has...