C17 Fifth Round of the Competition

The competition kicked off swiftly. To start, Deacon Lee invited the final five contestants to the stage for a lottery draw.

Among the quintet, four were the top-ranked contenders from Wang Mingxuan's list: Wang Shuo, Woo Yuming, Tian Yu, and Che Zhiming.

Yang Ying had emerged as the most surprising underdog of the Trial Assembly thus far, having ousted the sixth, eighth, and eighteenth-ranked challengers on the list.

While the other four were acquainted, none had crossed paths with Yang Ying before. They scrutinized him with keen interest.

Yang Ying extended a friendly greeting, "Hello, everyone!"

The four competitors responded with courteous nods and greetings in turn.

Once Deacon Lee sensed they were sufficiently acquainted, he instructed, "Next, you'll draw lots to determine the order of your matches."

"In the first round, you'll pair off for duels, with the odd one out sitting out the competition. Yang Ying drew number five, exempting him from the first round."

Yang Ying chose not to leave the main stage; instead, he found a spot in the corner to casually observe the ongoing battles.

Positioned at the forefront of the two arenas, he had a clear, simultaneous view of both duels.

In the opening round, Wang Shuo faced off against Che Zhiming, while Woo Yuming took on Tian Yu. Yang Ying focused intently on the clash between Wang Shuo and Che Zhiming.

Wang Shuo unleashed the Thirteen Swords of Green Cloud as soon as he stepped onto the stage, enveloping Che Zhiming's upper body in a flurry of swordplay.

Che Zhiming countered with the Dragon Art, a body tempering technique that significantly hardens the body and enhances strength. Yet, he struggled to match Wang Shuo's pace and was forced to withstand the sword attacks.

Wang Shuo's strikes consistently targeted the same spot on Che Zhiming's right arm, quickly penetrating his defenses and securing his defeat.

Half an hour later, the match between Woo Yuming and Tian Yu concluded, with Woo Yuming emerging victorious.

Throughout the matches, Yang Ying watched with a strategic eye, envisioning himself in the fray and contemplating how he would handle each of these formidable opponents.

In the second round, Yang Ying squared off against Che Zhiming.

From the previous matches and the contestant roster, Yang Ying knew that Che Zhiming practiced the Dragon Art. Once activated, Che Zhiming's defense was formidable; it had taken Wang Shuo several strikes to the same spot to defeat him.

Yang Ying pondered his strategy. Relying on the Gale Sword Arts might not be enough to harm Che Zhiming.

"In that case, I'll resort to the Thunder Collapsing Sword Arts," Yang Ying resolved quietly to himself.

The match commenced swiftly. As Yang Ying stepped onto the platform, he sized up Che Zhiming, who stood eight feet tall with a burly physique.

Yang Ying advanced a step and greeted, "Hello!"

Che Zhiming returned the greeting with a robust laugh, "Hello!"

He continued, smiling, "I notice you wield a swift sword. Yours is the fastest I've encountered. However, the sword technique you employ lacks sufficient power. You won't be able to hurt me! Why not concede defeat now?"

With those words, Che Zhiming channeled the Dragon Art, his muscles bulging instantly. "What do you think?" he challenged.

Yang Ying responded with a smile, "Senior Brother Che, your skills are truly remarkable! I hold great admiration for you! But I'd still like to give it a shot!"

Upon hearing this, Che Zhiming replied, "Well then, let's get started."

He lunged forward, unleashing a series of bare-hand capture techniques, his hands reaching for Yang Ying with the force of a thousand kilograms behind them.

Yang Ying, seeing the attack, swiftly employed the Soaring Movement Arts to sidestep, drawing his long sword and executing the Thunder Collapsing Sword Arts. The blade cleaved through the air towards Che Zhiming.

Che Zhiming, taken aback by the ferocity of the strike, hastily sidestepped.

Seizing the moment, Yang Ying pressed on, unleashing the Thunder Collapsing Sword Arts once more, his sword arcing upwards. Che Zhiming managed to dodge again, but his large stature and slower movements were no match for Yang Ying's agility.

Yang Ying executed his Soaring Movement Arts, advancing swiftly.

Che Zhiming realized he couldn't evade the incoming strike and raised his arm in defense. A sharp sound rang out, followed by a jolt of pain in his arm as blood trickled down. He staggered backward several steps.

Regaining his footing, he stood at a distance, slightly dazed by the unfolding scene.

His arm was protected by a medium-grade magic armguard. Yet, upon contact with Yang Ying's long sword, not only had the armguard shattered, but he was also driven back!

As Yang Ying's long sword lunged for another strike, Che Zhiming pushed aside his shock and pushed his body tempering technique to its peak, his figure seeming to swell in size.

This time, he countered with his fist technique, empowered by a top-grade magic weapon glove, to engage Yang Ying in combat.

Abruptly, Yang Ying appeared behind Che Zhiming, thrusting his sword. Che Zhiming, unable to dodge, disregarded the blow and aimed a punch at Yang Ying's chest.

Yang Ying's sword found its mark on Che Zhiming, but as he twisted his body, Che Zhiming's punch landed on Yang Ying's left hand.

Seizing the moment, Yang Ying thrust his sword once more. With a flash of the blade, it was poised at Che Zhiming's throat.

Yang Ying sheathed his sword and bowed respectfully, "Senior Brother Che, thank you for granting me this victory!" Che Zhiming returned the gesture with difficulty and descended from the platform to tend to his injuries.

Woo Yuming had advanced automatically due to the absence of an opponent. Observing Yang Ying leave the platform, he gestured for him to approach.

Yang Ying stepped closer, and Woo Yuming nodded before inquiring, "Junior Brother Yang, how would you rate Wang Shuo's swordsmanship?"

Yang Ying turned his gaze to the arena. On platform No. 1, Wang Shuo's duel with Tian Yu was nearing its conclusion.

Wang Shuo's swordplay bathed Tian Yu in a cascade of light, a blend of illusion and reality that left Tian Yu struggling to mount a defense.

Tian Yu channeled his True Qi, managing to fend off several blows, but it wasn't long before he was defeated.

Yang Ying grinned and complimented, "Senior Brother Wang's swordsmanship is truly impressive!"

Woo Yuming glanced at Yang Ying and offered his praise, "Junior Brother Yang, I've taken note of your swordplay as well. Your Gale Sword Arts are incredibly swift, striking with the speed of the wind. And the technique you wielded earlier, with such forceful Sword Qi, was as stunning as thunder itself."

"Junior Brother Yang, to have mastered two entirely distinct styles of swordsmanship to this level is remarkable. Your prowess with the blade is commendable—I'm genuinely in awe!"

Yang Ying chuckled in response, "Brother Wu, you flatter me! I just got lucky with my training!"

Before Woo Yuming could reply, a distant voice announced, "Next up, we'll commence the third round of the top five matches!"

With that, Yang Ying and Woo Yuming exchanged goodbyes and headed off to their respective stages.