Chapter 253: The Showdown Begins

Li Yilan and Ye Xiaoji each stood on their own platforms, looking calmly at Wang Shuang and Zuo Xinghe before them.

Their expressions were as calm as water.

The reputations of Wang Shuang and Zuo Xinghe had long been like thunder in Qingzhou.

As acknowledged prodigy disciples, though only a year older than them, they had already entered the Spirit Sea Realm, their strength extraordinary.

Ordinary prodigy disciples would hardly stand a chance against them.

That being the case, for Ye Xiaoji and Li Yilan, such a gap might once have filled them with fear.

But now, everything is different.

Not long ago, they achieved a breakthrough in their inexplicable cultivation process.

They likewise stepped into the Spirit Sea Realm.

Since everyone is at the same realm, what remains to be compared is combat power and magical treasures.

To this, they felt no fear.

Li Yilan and Ye Xiaoji exchanged a glance, their eyes conveying determination and tacit understanding.

Afterwards, they spoke in unison: "What do we have to fear? Let's fight!"

With that command, Li Yilan faced Wang Shuang.

Ye Xiaoji went to meet Zuo Xinghe.

The two thrilling duels began instantly under everyone's gaze.

Wang Shuang and Zuo Xinghe naturally had seen the two's extraordinary abilities, so they held nothing back.

They struck with their full strength from the outset.

At this moment, Wang Shuang was surrounded by phantom mountain shadows, her aura immensely mighty.

She fixed her gaze on Li Yilan, her lips parting slightly as she spoke with a hint of arrogance: "Disciple of Qingyun Sect, today I will let you truly experience the supreme prestige of the Fist Sect!"

As soon as her words fell, she stepped forward fiercely.

The ground beneath her feet boomed and trembled; the mountain shadows instantly solidified into a colossal fist that blotted out the sky.

That fist, wrapped in howling wind, came crashing down hard upon Li Yilan.

This move, "Initial Mountain Shock," was Wang Shuang's probing strike.

However, a prodigy disciple of this caliber had already displayed astonishing power.

Wherever the fist wind passed, the air emitted a piercing explosion, and the spiritual energy along the way was thoroughly disrupted.

Li Yilan's expression remained unchanged; a glint of sharpness flashed in her beautiful eyes as her Unparalleled Imperial Sword trembled slightly in her hand.

The sword blade instantly burst forth with brilliant golden light, like a blazing sun in her grasp.

She lightly swung, and a sword qi condensed to the utmost met the massive fist.

With a clear "ding,"

The sword qi and fist collided, erupting in dazzling light; a powerful shockwave spread wildly from the point of impact.

The protective formations around the platform rippled, as if they might be breached at any moment by this force.

Seeing this, the crowd likewise kept retreating, staring in fear at what unfolded before them and murmuring among themselves.

"Li Yilan actually managed to block one of Immortal Wang Shuang's moves—she's got some real skill!"

A middle-aged cultivator in gray robes widened his eyes, his face full of surprise.

"Hmph, it was just luck to dodge a single blow; Immortal Wang Shuang is no trash like Big Tiger and Second Tiger—she hasn't even unleashed her true power yet."

A hotheaded young disciple of the Fist Sect scoffed loudly and retorted.

Hearing those words, the crowd collectively sucked in a breath of cold air.

"You say Immortal Wang Shuang hasn't yet exerted her true power?"

"Good heavens, just how strong is Immortal Wang Shuang?"

The crowd was utterly shocked.

Yet that hotheaded young disciple replied, "That's only natural."

"You'll see her look good later!"

Meanwhile, someone who disliked that hotheaded young disciple said, "Maybe this Qingyun Sect disciple actually has some real ability."

"Yeah, it looks like this showdown will be worth watching!"

A white-haired old man stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming with excitement, and he too voiced his agreement.

The crowd also found it reasonable, and fixed their gazes tightly on the platform.

……………………

Meanwhile, on the other platform, Zuo Xinghe arrived riding the river, the power of the Holy River suffusing the surroundings.

The spiritual energy in the entire space instantly grew so dense it nearly became substance, making breathing extraordinarily smooth.

He looked at Ye Xiaoji, his eyes carrying a hint of contempt, and said lightly: "Your invisibility technique is of no use in my Holy River."

After all, he had seen Ye Xiaoji's invisibility technique before, and his Holy River is akin to his domain.

Within his domain, everything is as he says.

Ye Xiaoji looked at Zuo Xinghe, smiled faintly, and said: "Are you really that sure?"

Zuo Xinghe nodded: "Not only am I certain, I can even foresee that you will die shortly."

The instant his words fell, the Holy River surged violently.

The river water, as if summoned by some mysterious power, transformed into countless sharp water blades that shot forth toward Ye Xiaoji.

"Holy River Initial Assault."

Zuo Xinghe spoke calmly and lightly.

Facing the incoming water blades, Ye Xiaoji's form flickered and she instantly vanished from her spot.

Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh!

The water blade that came rushing forward struck empty air.

Ye appeared elsewhere, glanced lightly at the scene before him, and said, "Is that all your strength?"

"This strength can't kill my Ao."

Immediately, Ye Xiaoye didn't continue to waste words with him.

The assassination technique was activated.

His whole body seemed to merge into the void.

However, upon seeing Ye Xiaoye begin to act,

Zuoxinghe, however, remained calm and untroubled.

Because, as Ye Xiaoye disappeared, the water in the Holy River immediately rippled with fine waves.

Zuoxinghe's mouth curled up, revealing a confident smile.

He quickly formed hand seals with both hands, and those water blades, as if gaining their own consciousness, changed direction and continued to attack Ye Xiaoye's approximate position.

Ye Xiaoye was slightly startled, never expecting the water could actually find his position.

She was quick-handed and quick-eyed, so she had to become invisible again.

However, no matter how many times she entered the invisible state, Zuoxinghe could still find her position.

Seeing Ye Xiaoye's embarrassment, Zuoxinghe lightly laughed and said, "You see? Your invisibility technique is utterly worthless before me."

"No matter where you go, I can find your position."

Ye Xiaoye reappeared.

She also realized Zuoxinghe's words were not empty threats; she truly had nowhere to hide.

However, she quickly settled on an attack strategy.

Since there is no escape.

Then attack.

The assassin's blade in her hand swiftly danced, leaving afterimages, blocking each incoming water blade one by one.

Each collision between the water blades and the assassin's blade sent out sparks, and the crisp impact echoed on the arena.

However, Zuoxinghe's water blades were simply too numerous.