Chapter 132: The Final Battle

Fang Xian did not choose to overwhelm his opponent with raw cultivation. Instead, he tempered his power to match theirs, using the match as a training ground to refine his combat experience and master the Starlight Sword Technique. Having practiced diligently in recent days, he had experienced significant growth in both his cultivation and physical conditioning, making intense combat necessary to properly integrate these new strengths.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Although six matches were taking place simultaneously and every ring was filled with fierce fighting, the crowd’s attention was fixed on the duel between Fang Xian and Tong Zhaopeng. They were eager to see if Fang Xian could easily crush his peers. Fang Xian, however, was in no rush. It was rare to find such an opportunity for live combat, and he saw no point in finishing the match quickly when he could use it to sharpen his skills. He sparred with Tong Zhaopeng in a relaxed and measured pace.

"Boom!"

A massive sound echoed from a neighboring ring as a figure was sent flying off the stage, crashing heavily to the ground. It was Guo Shunsheng, defeated by Tang Yuyong. Soon after, the other seeded fighters began to secure their victories one by one. The "dark horse" contenders, who had fought their way up from the lower ranks, found their paths blocked by the strength of the seeds.

"Bang!"

After sparring for a dozen more rounds, Fang Xian saw that the other matches had concluded. He decided to end it, executing a decisive strike that sent Tong Zhaopeng’s blade flying. He pushed his opponent to the edge of the ring and held his long sword at the man’s throat.

"Brother Fang is formidable. I concede," Tong Zhaopeng said with a dejected expression before leaping off the stage.

"You are too kind. Your school’s techniques are truly exceptional," Fang Xian said sincerely. Had Tong Zhaopeng faced any of the other seeds instead of him, he might have stood a fighting chance.

Of the seven remaining fighters, one was a true dark horse who had enjoyed a bye in the previous round. However, his luck ran out when the drawing paired him directly against Fang Xian. Knowing defeat was inevitable, he launched a surprise attack the moment the match began, perhaps hoping to catch Fang Xian off guard.

"Boom!"

Fang Xian did not even draw his sword. With his left hand behind his back and his right hand balled into a fist, he engaged his opponent. Though the man was a first-rate expert, Fang Xian kept his own cultivation at the peak of the second-rate level, forcing his opponent into a frantic retreat with nothing but his bare hand.

After thirty rounds, Fang Xian sent the man flying off the ring. The opponent, feeling humiliated that Fang Xian hadn't even deigned to use his blade, glared at him while gasping for air.

In this round, Wang Dongzhu sat out due to a bye. The three who advanced were Fang Xian, Han Jiahong, and Gong Guoqiang. With Liu Dongsheng and Tang Yuyong defeated, only four remained.

"Brother Fang dared to take on three at once before. Do you dare to do it again in this match?" Han Jiahong demanded before the referee could even announce the draw.

"It makes no difference to me whether I fight one or three, but you should ask the other two," Fang Xian replied with a touch of arrogance—though by now, no one in the crowd viewed his words as mere bluster.

"Since Brother Fang is in such high spirits, we shall certainly oblige," Wang Dongzhu said coldly.

"Since you’ve all agreed, I suppose I must as well, lest you decide to beat me up later," Gong Guoqiang said with a sigh, realizing that teaming up was his only chance to best Fang Xian.

Without waiting for the referee, all four leaped onto the stage. Fang Xian stood alone on one side, while the other three lined up, wielding a sword, a blade, and a whip, respectively, all pointed at him.

"Boom!"

The fight erupted instantly. The three charged at Fang Xian, unleashing their most refined martial arts. Fang Xian’s long sword shimmered with pinpricks of starlight, his movements flowing like a celestial river as he parried their combined assault. Under the pressure, Fang Xian no longer looked as relaxed as before; he narrowly escaped several dangerous situations, leaving the audience to wonder if it was luck or sheer skill.

"It seems taking on three on foot is harder for Fang Xian," one fighter remarked.

"It doesn't look as easy as his mounted combat. Perhaps his footwork will be his downfall," another nodded.

"Have you forgotten that he had his blood-sweat horse helping him during the mounted combat? Without it, how could he possibly fight three at once? Does he really think he’s a Grandmaster of the Transformation Realm?" Guo Shunsheng sneered from the crowd.

"Still, Fang Xian is impressive. In a one-on-one, none of them could beat him, but he’s let his pride get the better of him by attempting this again," another said with regret.

"Just watch. I believe Brother Fang will win in the end. Guo Shunsheng, do you dare to bet again? Six thousand taels of silver?" Only Xia Zhenghong remained steadfast in his belief, challenging Guo Shunsheng once more.

"Hmph, I’m not betting with a degenerate gambler like you," Guo Shunsheng scoffed, his voice betraying a hint of fear. Having borrowed money from many to cover his previous loss, he had nothing left to wager.

On the commander's platform, Wu Qingluan covered her mouth to hide a smile. She knew Fang Xian was merely using these opponents for training; otherwise, he could have ended the fight in an instant with a burst of full power.

"Boom!"

The four on the stage roared, their clash of weapons sparking violent gusts of energy. To the observers, the fight was a dizzying blur of movement and the metallic ringing of steel.

After over a hundred rounds, a smile broke across Fang Xian’s face. He felt his control over his own strength becoming more precise; the same level of cultivation now yielded far greater power. His training was complete.

"Watch out, everyone!" Han Jiahong, positioned directly in front of him, noticed the smile and felt a sudden jolt of alarm.

"Bang!"

In a flash, Fang Xian turned into a shadow, darting past the attacks of Han Jiahong and Gong Guoqiang like a gust of wind. He slammed his body directly into Wang Dongzhu. Amidst a violent collision, Wang Dongzhu let out a cry; the force of the impact, as heavy as a charging warhorse, sent him flying backward.

"Bang!"

Wang Dongzhu crashed to the ground outside the ring, kicking up a cloud of dust. His face went pale with despair. He had been the first to be eliminated, though Fang Xian had shown mercy by merely knocking him away rather than inflicting grievous injury.

"Boom!"

Immediately after, Fang Xian activated his Starry Steps to evade Han Jiahong’s pursuit, simultaneously throwing a punch that met Gong Guoqiang’s strike, sending the man stumbling backward.