I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 597: Consecutive Victories

Cao Youqian and Yi Xi stood suspended in the firmament, facing one another across the void.

Their physical forms appeared untouched, yet the Dharma Manifestations forged from their Great Dao True Meaning were riddled with fractures.

The previous clash had resulted in a complete stalemate between the two.

Rubbing his nose with a thumb, Cao Youqian flashed a grin. He remarked: "That was satisfying, truly satisfying. It makes sense why you’re bold enough to seek out my Senior Brother; you do possess a fragment of capability. However, if this represents the limit of your skill, you are utterly unworthy of a match with my Senior Brother."

A flicker of zeal ignited in the eyes of Holy Son Yi Xi. He replied: "The Unmatched Domineering Fist truly lives up to its reputation. You have earned the right to face my sword."

"Is that so?"

Cao Youqian’s interest peaked instantly: "Then let me witness exactly how formidable your sword truly is."

"As you wish."

As Holy Son Yi Xi spoke, he began to lift the precious sword in his grip. His movements were deliberate and slow, yet as the blade ascended above his head, his aura surged to its absolute peak. The pressure radiating from him intensified far beyond its previous levels.

"Destroy the World!"

With those words, Yi Xi swung the blade downward.

Boom...

The descent of the sword caused the heavens to buckle and the ground to split. Once more, the entire Nine Tripods Secret Realm trembled violently.

That strike carried the weight of planetary annihilation. In the path of the sword’s edge, all existence was reduced to nothingness.

"Unmatched!!!"

Cao Youqian let out a thunderous roar, unleashing both fists simultaneously. Two streaks of fist energy, one pitch black and one pure white, tore through the air.

These strikes embodied the fists of Ultimate Yin and Ultimate Yang. The two energies merged in mid-air, fusing into a solitary, unified blow.

On the surface, the fist appeared unremarkable and plain. Yet, those watching felt a supreme Great Dao True Meaning radiating from it.

It was as if this single strike contained the heart of every fist technique under the heavens. More accurately, it seemed as though all fist techniques in existence had originated from this one move.

What manner of fist technique could this be?

While the crowd puzzled over it, the sword and fist collided in the sky. Rumble! A massive mushroom cloud erupted with a deafening blast, consuming both figures within the aerial chaos.

As the roar of the explosion faded, the various phenomena vanished. Only a thick shroud of smoke and dust remained, veiling the sky.

Whoosh...

A sudden breeze swept through. The haze cleared, revealing the two combatants to the spectators once more.

Cao Youqian remained standing in his original position, looking completely unharmed. There was no indication that he had just engaged in such a brutal struggle.

In stark contrast, Holy Son Yi Xi appeared ravaged. The mask covering his face was half-shattered, exposing a portion of his scarred features. Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth, and his frame began to tremble uncontrollably.

Despite his state, Holy Son Yi Xi leaned on his sword to remain upright in the air, refusing to collapse.

Whoosh...

Another gust of wind passed by. Yi Xi faltered, nearly toppled by the breeze, as a fresh spray of blood erupted from his lips.

Wiping the crimson from his mouth, he inquired: "Dao friend, what Emperor Technique is that fist of yours?"

Cao Youqian smiled and replied: "It isn't an Emperor Technique. It is the Unmatched Fist I developed after spending decades listening to my Master's lectures. Throughout the world, nothing can rival this fist of mine."

"A truly Unmatched Fist. Yi Xi accepts this defeat completely. My only regret is that I will not witness the grace of the Invincible Sword."

Having spoken, Yi Xi turned away and vanished from the spot.

Cao Youqian offered a slight cupped-hand salute toward the departing figure; he maintained a level of respect for such a powerful opponent. However, a boastful grin soon returned to his face: "Next."

Hiss...

The observers let out a collective gasp at his words.

At this point, "strong" was an understatement for Cao Youqian. To battle two Holy Son-level Heavenly Prides back-to-back and still demand more—his power was nothing short of monstrous.

The Heavenly Prides from the remaining seven Holy Lands began to waver. The prowess shown by Holy Son Yi Xi was equal to, if not greater than, their own.

They lacked the confidence to defeat Cao Youqian. If a single person managed to overcome the geniuses of all Nine Great Holy Lands, their reputations would be utterly destroyed.

While the cultivators of the Holy Lands hesitated over whether to step forward, a new figure approached through the air.

Upon the newcomer's arrival, Cao Youqian’s face lit up with excitement: "State your name. This Holy Son does not duel with the nameless."

"Wuming."

The figure spoke the two syllables calmly.

"Are you the Heavenly Pride Wuming, the one the Divine Sword Holy Land invited from the Heaven Continent?"

Hearing the name, Cao Youqian began to inspect him closely.

The man before him looked entirely ordinary, lacking any remarkable traits. He was the sort of person who would disappear instantly in a crowd.

Furthermore, he lacked the sharp aura typically associated with a Sword Cultivator. He gave off the impression of a simple bystander.

"I am, and I am not."

Wuming paused briefly before clarifying: "A friend of mine returned from the Sword Continent and claimed that Xiao Chen is the premier sword under the Great Sage. I came to see this Invincible Sword Xiao Chen for myself, to determine who truly holds that title."

"That friend wouldn't happen to be you, would it?"

Cao Youqian asked instinctively.

Wuming slowly gripped his sword: "I do not tell lies."

"If it’s not you, then it’s not. There's no need to get worked up. The rule remains: if you want a shot at my Senior Brother, you must get through me first," Cao Youqian stated dismissively.

"Very well."

As Wuming finished speaking, he began to unsheathe his precious blade.

The moment the sword was drawn, his entire presence underwent a radical transformation.

The man who previously seemed unremarkable now appeared to the world as a peerlessly sharp sword piercing the heavens.

Human and Sword as One!

The realization struck everyone the moment they looked at him.

Wuming didn't even need to exert his pressure. Simply by standing there with his weapon, he caused the Sword Hearts of many Sword Cultivators to waver before a single blow was even struck.

The older cultivators watched the youth with heavy sighs of admiration.

"This young man is truly something else. It's no wonder he has the guts to challenge Holy Son Xiao."

"I wonder if he has what it takes to bring down Holy Son Cao."

"..."

Within the Asking Dao Academy's area, Xiao Chen watched Wuming. His hand twitched with the sudden urge to join the fray.

This subtle reaction didn't escape Chu Feng’s notice. He chuckled and joked: "You can't hold yourself back, can you?"

Xiao Chen nodded: "Indeed. A worthy opponent has finally arrived. I wish to see his swordplay."

Chu Feng smiled: "Xiao Chen, isn't it better to let Da Qian test the waters for you? One doesn't always need to fight to understand a sword technique. In fact, because your sword is so dominant, he might not be able to show his full skill against you."

Xiao Chen looked thoughtful for a moment before smiling: "I appreciate the guidance, Master."

Up in the sky, Cao Youqian noticed the change in Wuming, and his eyes brightened. He gave a playful smirk: "You are quite extraordinary. Among those of my generation, I’ve only seen this level of Sword Cultivator presence from my Senior Brother."

"Begin."

Wuming offered no further reply, only speaking a single command.

"Fine."

As Cao Youqian spoke, his momentum exploded. An epic clash was about to commence...