"Not good!"
Seeing his two prized artifacts trapped, Lin Mocheng's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly unleashed a divine ability.
The Lin family's divine ability was called Earth Element Divine Thunder, one of the famed Five Element Divine Thunder techniques.
Legend had it that if a cultivator could simultaneously master the five pure yang divine thunder techniques—Wood Element Divine Thunder, Metal Element Divine Thunder, Fire Element Divine Thunder, Water Element Divine Thunder, and Earth Element Divine Thunder—they might gain insight into the unparalleled supreme technique Great Five Element Pure Yang Divine Thunder, a skill that could shake the world.
Even in the vast and boundless Purple Cloud Realm, the Great Five Element Pure Yang Divine Thunder ranked among the top three offensive supreme techniques. In the endless ages past, those who mastered this technique were peerless figures whose might reverberated through history.
Unfortunately, only cultivators with all five spiritual roots could simultaneously master the five types of divine thunder. In the current era, where spiritual energy was scarce, high-level cultivators with five spiritual roots were nearly extinct, and it had been many years since anyone performed this supreme technique.
Though the Earth Element Divine Thunder was far from the level of Great Five Element Pure Yang Divine Thunder, it was still a true divine ability and possessed extraordinary power.
Lin Mocheng raised his hand, and under the bright sunlight atop Qingyuan Mountain, a bolt of earth-yellow lightning descended from the clear sky, transforming into a bead of Earth Element Divine Thunder that hurtled toward its target.
"Not good."
The old patriarch's eyes narrowed sharply. If the Earth Element Divine Thunder struck, it could destabilize the Blazing Fire Divine Array, allowing the two top-grade second-tier artifacts to escape.
At the critical moment, the old patriarch summoned the Heavenly Flame Sword Art.
Clang—
A golden sword light streaked across the sky. The most potent offensive divine ability in Yu County reappeared atop Qingyuan Mountain, intercepting the Earth Element Divine Thunder in a breathtaking display of speed.
The resulting clash filled the heavens with deafening roars. Golden light and thunderous flames surged, creating shockwaves that dispersed clouds for hundreds of meters.
Buzz…
Having neutralized the Earth Element Divine Thunder, Lin Mocheng's face turned slightly pale, his means exhausted and unable to threaten the Blazing Fire Divine Array further.
Moments later, the Blazing Fire Divine Array burned the two top-grade second-tier artifacts within it. The raging fire dimmed their radiance, and they fell lifelessly to the ground.
Without his two powerful artifacts, Lin Mocheng was like a tiger without fangs, no match for Chen Changxuan.
The old patriarch laughed heartily, commanding the Blazing Fire Divine Array to ensnare Lin Mocheng himself this time.
No matter how formidable the Kunwu Earth Bell was, it couldn't withstand the overwhelming flames of the Blazing Fire Divine Array. Within less than a quarter-hour, Lin Mocheng's spiritual energy was nearly depleted.
Helpless, he clung to his dimming natal artifact and pleaded, "Friend Chen, your cultivation is profound; I am ashamed of my inadequacy. Please spare me."
"Ha-ha, I accept your concession."
The old patriarch laughed and waved his sleeve, flinging Lin Mocheng out of the array along with the flags.
A flicker of hatred passed through Lin Mocheng's eyes before he suppressed it, forcing a stiff expression.
"Friend Chen, your artifact is truly formidable. I admit my inferiority."
"However, without mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, the Chen family may still lose this duel."
"It's too early to say," Chen Changxuan replied with a wave of his sleeve. "The final result will only be clear after the next bout."
Both returned to their respective seats. The old patriarch glanced at Elian, his expression serious.
"Do you have confidence?"
Elian nodded confidently.
"Don't worry. As long as the opponent isn't a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, I can fight them."
"Even so, the Lin family has come prepared. You must not underestimate them."
The old patriarch spoke earnestly, then sighed.
"It's a pity we don't have enough Five Elemental Essence. If your Fiery Void Sword had advanced to mid-grade second-tier, this battle would have been much easier."
Meanwhile, Lin Mocheng landed among the Lin family members with a dark expression. Seeing his mood, Lin Baixi quickly stepped forward to console him.
"Patriarch, there's no need for anger. The outcome of this bout was expected."
"The Chen family, with that old man, has already earned the right to challenge us." Lin Mocheng's tone was icy as he looked at Lin Baixi and secretly transmitted, "I've entrusted you with that thing. Don't disappoint me."
"Rest assured, Patriarch." Lin Baixi nodded.
"I will defeat that young cultivator from the Chen family."
"Defeat alone isn't enough." A glint of killing intent flashed in Lin Mocheng's eyes as he continued, "During the duel, divine abilities and artifacts can be uncontrollable. If someone is injured and left with a debilitating wound, it's not unexpected, is it?"
Lin Baixi's face showed a faint smile.
"Understood."
After a brief exchange, the second round of the duel began.
The Chen family knew that Chen Qingwan and Chen Qinghao, having just recently reached Foundation Establishment, were weak in both spiritual energy and artifacts. They had no chance against the Lin family's Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Thus, the Chen family skipped the third round altogether, putting Elian forward to win decisively and secure back-to-back victories over the Lin family.
The Lin family understood this as well. They knew that defeating Elian, who had achieved Foundation Establishment on his own, would make the third bout a guaranteed victory. So, they sent out Lin Baixi.
Lin Baixi was a rising star of the Lin family. Although younger than Lin Moqin, his cultivation was superior, reaching the fifth level of Foundation Establishment.
This level of cultivation was on par with the former patriarch of the Zuo family, Zuo Mingxu.
The two opponents ascended into the sky. Lin Baixi smiled at Elian, confident of victory.
"Friend Chen, though you've established your foundation on your own, you're only at the first level of Foundation Establishment. You can't possibly be my match."
"My sword doesn't distinguish friend from foe. To avoid serious injury, I advise you to surrender."
Elian's eyes glimmered slightly as he calmly replied, "Thank you for your concern, but if my poor skills accidentally injure you, I ask for your forgiveness."
"Then let's begin."
Lin Baixi immediately summoned a flying sword that slashed toward Elian. The sword radiated a pale green glow—it was a mid-grade second-tier flying sword.
Elian responded with his Mingxu Sword, which was originally Zuo Mingxu's famed weapon.
This sword was crafted from millennium cold iron and refined with the essence of Water and Metal elements. Its power rivaled even the old patriarch's Crimson Flame Spirit Blade.
The greatest advantage of having all five spiritual roots was the ability to fully harness the power of weapons with any attribute.
Though the sword was no longer wielded by Zuo Mingxu, in Elian's hands, it remained among the finest mid-grade second-tier flying swords, holding its own against Lin Baixi's Azure Flying Sword.
Lin Baixi was not surprised. He knew a single mid-grade second-tier sword wouldn't suffice to defeat Elian.
With a flick of his hand, he unleashed a beam of silver light—a slender spike artifact aimed directly at Elian.
...
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