C18 He Had Awed the Entire Audience

Yan Chen, sitting on the steps, was equally shocked. He could gauge Chen Dutian's strength, but he never imagined this guy had mastered such a powerful skill.

Wang Yuntian, seated in a chair, trembled, his mouth agape in disbelief as he stared at Chen Dutian on the stage. The scene of Chen Dutian defeating Chen Huaien at the entrance of the Crimson Moon flashed through his mind.

"When did this guy become so strong?"

Wang Yuntian had never considered Chen Dutian a rival before—a nobody without any Power Node, destined to live under his shadow. But at the Crimson Moon entrance, for the first time, Wang Yuntian sensed a change in Chen Dutian: decisive and formidable! A so-called waste transformed overnight, and a hint of worry crept into Wang Yuntian's heart.

The palace guard on the stage, at the Third Heaven of the Spirit Convergence, was equally stunned. His five subordinates, all at the Ninth Heaven of Awakening, couldn't even block a single strike from Chen Dutian. A sudden premonition hit him... he might not survive the day!

"People say the palace guard is strong, but you don't seem that impressive!" Chen Dutian sneered as he slowly landed on the stage, his three-foot sword still gleaming coldly. He had only used the first move of the Starfall Sword technique.

The "Starfall Sword" technique is incredibly powerful. Even though Chen Dutian is only at the Sixth Heaven of Spirit Convergence, no one below the Astral Wandering level can match him. When he uses the "Starfall Sword," he stands a good chance against even a First Heaven Astral Wandering warrior, let alone the palace guards in front of him.

"Hmph, let's see what you've got!" one of the palace guards at the Third Heaven of Spirit Convergence scoffed, as energy began to flow from within him.

When a warrior at the Awakening level makes a move, their energy can envelop their body. However, a Spirit Convergence warrior can channel energy into their weapon to cause harm. The longswords in their hands gleamed brightly, and a tense atmosphere filled the arena.

"Overestimating yourself!"

Chen Dutian shook his head with a cold smile, and the longsword in his hand began to vibrate, emitting a low hum.

The palace guard at the Third Heaven of Spirit Convergence aimed to strike first. With a flick of his longsword, he lunged at Chen Dutian's chest, energy swirling around the blade, reaching Chen Dutian in an instant.

"Sword Shatters the Void!"

Chen Dutian leaped over three feet into the air, his longsword seemingly alive with energy. He thrust three times in quick succession, and over a dozen sword lights materialized instantly.

"Snap!"

In the face of overwhelming power, the palace guard at the Third Heaven of Spirit Convergence didn't even have a chance to defend. Under the flash of the sword, several bloody marks appeared on his body, and his longsword shattered. He spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to his knees on the platform.

The remaining four palace guards couldn't escape the fierce sword light either, all having their chests pierced through.

The entire arena fell silent. The palace guard, still kneeling on the platform, slowly lifted his head, staring at Chen Dutian in disbelief. His purple armor was soaked in blood, and he knew he no longer had the strength to fight back.

"You're too weak!" Chen Dutian reined in his fierce aura, walking slowly toward the guard with his longsword in hand.

"I... I lost!"

Chen Dutian smiled and looked up at the Minister of Rituals on the steps. Xu Hansheng couldn't help but shiver, quickly announcing in a loud voice, "Chen Dutian, the Lord Protector's Heir, advances!"

Casually tossing the longsword aside, Chen Dutian walked off the platform. An attendant brought a chair to the front of the steps, and Chen Dutian sat down with a casual air, glancing with a half-smile at the visibly tense Wang Yuntian.

"You seemed to win more easily than I did!"

By now, Wang Yuntian's forehead was covered in sweat. Under Chen Dutian's piercing gaze, he quickly looked away, not daring to engage in conversation.

In the upcoming matches, both Ling Zechuan, the son of General Wei Yuan, and Jiang Daochen, the son of the Minister of Military Affairs, successfully advanced. These two are staunch supporters of the Crown Prince, and for Chen Dutian to win, he must defeat one of them.

"The martial competition continues. Next up are Ling Zechuan and Wang Yuntian!" After a short break, the Minister of Rituals, under Yan Chen's direction, loudly announced their names.

Ling Zechuan and Wang Yuntian both stood up, with Ling Zechuan taking the lead as they stepped onto the stage. Chen Dutian's lips curled into an amused smile as he turned to the serious-looking Jiang Daochen beside him and asked, "Who do you think will be my opponent?"

"Mr. Chen, do you think you've already won?" Jiang Daochen responded coldly, catching the implication in Chen Dutian's words.

"I don't really see you as a threat," Chen Dutian shrugged, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed demeanor.

Jiang Daochen was indeed strong, ranking at least in the top five among the younger generation. However, Chen Dutian's current strength easily surpassed his, not to mention his mastery of skills.

"Don't think you're the only one who's trained in skills. Let's see who comes out on top in the ring," Jiang Daochen retorted with a snort, turning away from Chen Dutian.

On the stage, Ling Zechuan and Wang Yuntian had already begun their bout. The gap in their abilities was evident, and Wang Yuntian seemed inclined to let Ling Zechuan win. Neither of them even used their skills, and in just a few moments, Wang Yuntian voluntarily stepped down, conceding defeat.

Chen Dutian wasn't surprised at all; Wang Yuntian was no match for him and would only face humiliation if he stepped up. Ling Zechuan, with his Fifth Heaven Spirit Convergence level, might put up a decent fight. If Jiang Daochen could buy him some time, Chen Dutian wouldn't find victory so easily.

"Step up; I'll take you down in one move!" Chen Dutian declared, standing before the Minister of Rituals could even speak.

Jiang Daochen scoffed, replying, "You're full of yourself. I just need to hold out until your energy is spent. No matter how strong you are, you won't stand a chance against Ling Zechuan then!"

As the two ascended the platform, Yan Beichen couldn't help but feel tense. Jiang Daochen was undoubtedly the top among these young contenders, having reached the pinnacle of the Fifth Heaven Spirit Convergence at such a young age. His talent promised a bright future.

Ling Zechuan was no slouch either. In his earlier bout with Wang Yuntian, he hadn't even used his skills, clearly conserving his strength. While Chen Dutian was formidable, taking on both in succession would be challenging. Yan Beichen, frowning, stood and bowed to Yan Chen, seated on the throne, saying, "Father, these young men have fought several rounds already. Could they rest for a moment?"

Yan Chen glanced at Yan Beichen without a word, but Yan Nantian sneered, "Father is choosing the leader for the Tiger Army from these contenders. If they can't endure multiple rounds now, how will they lead troops in the future?"