Chapter 456: Fixed Bayonets

The contestants' area was also buzzing as if they'd been injected with adrenaline. Dita held A Youyou's hand, feeling a bit nervous; it was too thrilling. It's just that this kid Li Hao was too nostalgic and didn't act like a young person—wouldn't it be better to use a Punishment Mech?

"Huh, A Youyou, why aren't you nervous at all?"

"Why should I be nervous?" A Youyou smiled slightly.

"I can't understand this kid Li Hao, and I don't know where he gets the confidence to dare to use an Armor Tiger," Su Yu couldn't help but say. She was also nervous and felt a bit of a rush. Although it was an amateur match, she knew that an Armor Tiger was not something that could be brought onto the field, especially when facing Maxis.

Dita felt a bit unconvinced by the calmness and certainty in A Youyou's eyes. Deep down, this pair really was a bit alike. Suddenly, she understood: she always subconsciously thought of A Youyou as a singer, as that little girl from childhood who was always chasing after her to sing. But she was now an S-Tournament Champion team leader; what kind of big scenes hadn't she seen?

Thinking of this, Dita couldn't help but curl her lip. Why did all the good things take the initiative to go to her? She was unconvinced.

Or perhaps, Li Hao would stumble, letting her taste the hardships of the world too?

The Hailong Team side was very excited. Among the other contestants, only this battle between Maxis and Li Hao was useful to them; the rest were trash.

"The Armor Tiger can indeed go head-to-head with the War God Gaze, but why not choose something better?"

"Li Mo's mysterious confidence is annoying. He unknowingly pressures his opponent and establishes a psychological advantage."

"He's d-doing it on purpose," Davalishi stammered.

"Boss, interpret it for us. What is Li Mo's true intention?" Anlita laughed.

It was clear that Xilian was in a very good mood. "Because it doesn't matter."

Anlita and the others looked confused. It doesn't matter?

On the battlefield, the clash of momentum between the two sides had reached its peak. Between heaven and earth, only two opponents remained.

Boom, boom.

Both Mobile Suits moved at the same time. The War God Gaze was a mecha built specifically for Maxis's technical characteristics; it could be called the super of supers. As a pilot, this was the ultimate honor and the ultimate combat power. Amidst the charge, the War God Gaze spread its wings and immediately took to the air, gripping the massive K23 Titan Heavy Sword with both hands, looking just like a War God.

The Armor Tiger's Tyrant Spear met it without any fancy tricks. The Titan Heavy Sword and the Tyrant Spear clashed head-on.

Boom.

A heaven-shaking explosion erupted on the battlefield. Neither side held back from the start. The immense power caused the mechas to undergo visible distortion. Although the War God Gaze was a medium-weight unit, its performance in all aspects was truly terrifying. The heavy-armored Armor Tiger was forced back half a step. The Titan Heavy Sword performed a dragging sword maneuver, swiftly slashing upward.

Heavenly Heart Style, Heavenly Ascent!

The Tyrant Spear went horizontal. It had been cool to block that Super Laser Cannon, but it meant the important defensive weapon had been discarded. Now, the Armor Tiger was effectively wide open; besides the Titan Spear, it had no other choice.

The War God's heavy sword struck the Tyrant Spear, and the Armor Tiger was knocked aside again. The moment the Armor Tiger was still sliding, the War God Gaze had already closed in. This was the War God Gaze's wing system, which further shortened the mecha's limit transition time. As long as the pilot's body could withstand it, they could perform faster and more coherent movements. This was also a detail that allowed Maxis to earn the title of War God. In high-level confrontations, competing for those fractions of a second in reaction time was extremely fatal, and the Armor Tiger appeared too clumsy.

Advancing, rotating, the heavy sword reversed and thrust toward the Armor Tiger in one fluid motion. The Armor Tiger's left hand pushed out violently, and with a loud explosion, it parried the blow. The War God Gaze stomped on the spot, the ground emitting a dull thud. The K23 Yuansu on the heavy sword was instantly ignited. As the heavy sword swung, a golden light tore through Space Ability.

Heavenly Heart Style, Void Slash!

A beam of golden light detached from the great sword and slashed toward the retreating Armor Tiger. This was Wuzang and Weijia's signature move, but it looked too easy when Maxis used it. Everyone watched the clumsy Armor Tiger, not knowing why Li Hao chose this. The tonnage couldn't suppress the opponent, the movements couldn't keep up, and the shield was lost. This...

At this moment, the Armor Tiger had no way to dodge. The diameter of the Void Slash's semi-arc was over ten meters, and its cross-section was right at the Armor Tiger's midsection. Jumping up or down, or shifting left or right, was all a waste of effort. The Armor Tiger could only swing its Tyrant Spear.

Po.

The Tyrant Spear swept out casually, striking the Void Slash directly. The light flames dissipated, and the Armor Tiger slid more than ten meters before stopping. The long spear pulled back, golden light flames condensed, and the Tyrant Spear thrust out violently, a beam of golden light instantly blasting out.

The War God Gaze took to the air instantly, but just as it reached mid-air, another Void Slash with a twenty-meter diameter arrived. Maxis didn't dodge, and the heavy sword slashed directly at it.

Boom.

The War God Gaze was sent flying dozens of meters and fell from the sky. At this moment, the Titan Spear performed another ground-level slash.

The ground was torn apart directly by the golden light, rushing straight at the War God Gaze. Maxis knelt on one knee, thrusting the heavy sword directly into the ground.

Boom.

Gravel filled the air, and the mecha emitted a creaking sound. The War God Gaze was forced back another five or six meters before it finally stood steady.

777.

What the hell is this?

How is this person so fierce!

He didn't take Maxis seriously at all. Even the average audience could see the ease and grace of the Armor Tiger; there was even a hint of teasing in the attacks.

In the livestream room, Huonan's mouth twitched a few times. It was over; the thing he feared most had happened.

For countless nights, Huonan had been reflecting on what on earth this Mu Jiang was, and where his power limit lay. After defeating one opponent after another, he could still remain calm and act like a goofball. Based on Huonan's many years of professional experience, there was only one conclusion: this person must have once stood at the peak to possess such a level and mindset, and now that his power was still at its peak, while having sufficient understanding of his opponents, he could be this reckless.

In other words, he could toy with these opponents?

Huonan hadn't slept all night, having downed two whole bottles of his own prized whiskey before passing out in heartache. After waking up, he forced himself to forget.

But these three strikes directly awakened his memory. Why choose the Armor Tiger?

Was it for fun? To find the joy of battle?

Damn it.

"Haha, I've waited a long time for this day. Second Brother, show your hand, stop pretending. Everyone here is trash!" Luo Bi, still in a "disabled" state, roared. The Hailong team members in front looked back, their faces clearly showing a bit of annoyance, but only a bit.

"This Golden Zone proficiency is crushing Maxis. Was he always this strong?!"

"Otherwise? Why do you think so many strong teams specified those tactics earlier? It was just to avoid getting into a team fight with him. This is the Mawang's deterrent power!"

"The output is also suppressed. You think Li Mo is joking with you!"

"What Mawang? What Li Mo?"

"I don't know. I saw it on the EMP forum. It seems everyone calls him that."

"Yeah, I also heard a piece of gossip saying that Li Hao used to be a top-tier expert, the kind who could toy with everyone. It's said that this nickname was given by Basta and that group of people."

"Right, right, I saw that too. I've watched all of the Puppet God's matches. Many top-tier contestants knew him from when he first debuted. The earliest one was Gang Tai..."

The bullet comments in various livestream rooms exploded. It was incredible enough for such a person to appear out of nowhere, but for someone who was supposed to be unknown to be recognized by so many people from other federations, and even respected by his opponents?

On the other side of the battlefield, Wuzang and Weijia had also reached a fever pitch. Weijia led the attack, and Wuzang was trapped in a full defensive stance. Facing a disadvantage was exactly when the resilience of Ancient Martial Arts came into play.

As the Vice Captain and second core, Weijia knew the overall situation. Jie Jie being entangled by Zhou Naiyi was a very unfavorable situation. Zhou Naiyi could neutralize Fire Poison and would likely be able to break his ice ability; it was good enough just to hold steady against the Yaoying Athena. Zuo Xiaotang and Taichen were also evenly matched; it had been estimated before the match that it was hard to say who would win against Zuo Xiaotang. The only advantage was on his side, and he had to go support Maxis. As members of the Apocalypse, how could they forget the terror of Li Mo? The Team Leader had been clashing with Li Mo for a while; the lack of movement wasn't a good sign.

Weijia's Abyssal Fire Demon Soul Origin had already been released. The mobility of the Thunder Fire Mech could definitely keep up with the Black Night Saber, so it was unlikely for Wuzang to escape. Weijia had to fight for his life; even if he got injured, he had to take down Wuzang. Time was not on their side.

The Thunder Blade slashed crazily at Wuzang. Wuzang defended with all his might. This pressure was even more intense than Taichen's, and his own Zone was being dragged down by the opponent's Fire Poison. He had to be on guard at all times for the opponent's Blast.

Boom.

Raging fire burned across the battlefield, completely enveloping the two Mobile Suits. Weijia was also fighting with his life on the line; at this moment, even if Zhou Naiyi were here, she could not resolve such Fire Poison. For this S Tournament, Galaxy Team had also poured out everything—for the championship!

The flames scorched, the Mecha's temperature soared, and the Fire Poison continuously eroded Wuzang's body. The occasional Sky-Breaking Slash also made it impossible for Wuzang to guard against everything. If it were anyone else, feelings of agitation would have spread. The Feng Yinneng appeared particularly troublesome; the wind fueled the fire, providing no help to Wuzang at all.

But at this moment, the words of Wuxun once spoken became exceptionally clear in his heart, word for word:

In the Martial Arts, stillness is the foundation. Stillness gathers Qi; the sinews, bones, and Qi meridians flow unobstructed. Keep the spirit poised and the crown of the head upright, lead Qi with intent, drive the technique with Qi, coordinate hands, eyes, body, methods, and steps, let essence, Qi, and spirit achieve the feat, unify body and mind, and only then will internal force erupt, entering the Martial Arts Heart Flow.

In an instant, the movements of the Black Night Saber became nimble; it was no longer passively following Weijia's rhythm. Let the waves surge and the currents rage, I remain as immovable as a boulder.

Weijia also sensed Wuzang's transformation. As a master of the Heavenly Heart Style, he naturally knew the realms of Ancient Martial Arts. This stubborn kid was actually breaking through on the battlefield; he knew that if he didn't risk his life, it wouldn't work.

The flames on the battlefield condensed in an instant, and the Thunder Blade roared. The Thunder Blade was slowly drawn, carrying immense power as it pointed at the Black Night Saber. One force can overcome ten techniques; his Golden Zone equivalent suppressed Wuzang, and he did not believe that technique could withstand it!

The Black Night Saber did not evade. Wuzang's eyes were already closed, his mind and spirit expanding. A unique power surged from his heart. That stunning blade strike, which had once been blurry and impossible for Li Hao to understand, suddenly became clear. Blood Moon was slowly sheathed.

Roar.

Both pilots had resolute gazes; they both possessed the conviction of certain victory.

Heavenly Heart Style—Purgatory Flame Blade!

A Flame Sky-Breaking Slash over thirty meters in diameter swept out, slashing through everything under heaven!

Suddenly, Wuzang opened his eyes, and the Black Night Saber stepped forward.

Undying Draw Technique—Gale Two-Directional Dimensional Slash!

A ten-meter Dimensional Slash struck toward the opponent. Boom.

The light and flames exploded, debris filled the sky, and the already charred battlefield was directly pulverized by the shockwave.

When the light and flames scattered, the two Mechas were revealed. The surface of the Black Night Saber was charred black, while the Thunder Fire Zeus on the other side looked slightly better.

The wind rose.

Crack, crack, crack.

Sparks flew everywhere, and the Thunder Fire Zeus was cut in two, becoming part of the ruins amidst the explosion. However, before the Earth audience could cheer, the alarm sounded in the Black Night Saber; Wuzang had been knocked unconscious by the detonation of the Fire Poison.

A mutual destruction.

In the Cockpit, Weijia, though uninjured, held his head in his hands.

In this battle, there was no retreat.