As the barrier shattered, a new surge of refined and powerful true energy instantly filled Xiao Wuchen's dantian.
He had successfully broken through to the mid-stage of the Meridian Establishment realm during the battle.
This breakthrough doubled the quantity of his true energy and achieved a qualitative leap. This new "Life-Generating Sword Intent" true energy contained a more harmonious and pure life-and-death power.
Gu Yuan's black iron staff was close at hand, but Xiao Wuchen smiled confidently.
He no longer dodged; instead, he gathered all the true energy he possessed in the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment realm and met the heavy blow head-on at lightning speed.
"Flower Blooms to Reveal Buddha—Perfection!"
This sword move was no longer a test or a drain, but an ultimate explosion! The sword tip erupted with dazzling light—no longer black and white, but a pure, vibrant azure. This light contained a boundless life force capable of transforming and dissolving everything.
"What?!" Gu Yuan sensed the incredible leap in true energy, his pupils shrinking sharply. He knew this was no ordinary breakthrough.
The staff and sword clashed, producing a deafening roar.
A massive surge of true energy swept across the entire training ground. Were it not for the protective array, the surrounding spectators would have been affected.
A miracle occurred.
Gu Yuan's renowned "Sea-Stabilizing Skill," known for accumulating true energy, was forcibly transformed and dissolved by the "vitality" power contained within Xiao Wuchen's newly generated true energy. That vitality seemed to be vying for control of the true energy, causing a momentary stagnation in Gu Yuan's internal energy flow.
Xiao Wuchen took advantage of the huge opening created in Gu Yuan's body when his true energy was dissolved. He used "Wind Shadow Without Form," moving like a ghost as he bypassed the black iron rod and thrust his sword toward Gu Yuan's shoulder.
He didn't aim for a fatal blow because he sought victory, not slaughter.
The sword tip rested on Gu Yuan's armor, its true energy penetrating it. His internal energy froze abruptly; Xiao Wuchen's "vitality sword intent" instantly suppressed the powerful accumulation of true energy.
The black iron rod in his hand fell limply to his side. He looked deeply at Xiao Wuchen, his eyes filled with shock, complexity, and admiration.
"I have lost. I was not defeated by you in technique, but in the realm of martial arts."
Gu Yuan, the "Sea-Stabilizing Needle," was defeated!
A moment of silence fell, followed by cheers louder than ever before.
The Hall Master of the Martial Saint Hall stepped onto the stage himself. Looking at Xiao Wuchen, whose true energy surged and whose aura remained steady, the Hall Master's face showed both satisfaction and admiration.
"Xiao Wuchen, despite being at the mid-stage of the Qi Condensation Realm, you defeated Gu Yuan, who was ranked 100th on the Heavenly Ranking. From this day forward, you will officially be ranked 100th!"
A new star has been born on the Heavenly Ranking!Xiao Wuchen successfully ascended to the Heavenly Ranking, enveloping the entire Martial Saint Hall in a tremendous roar of excitement. Countless spectators rushed forward, eager to befriend the rising star of the martial arts world who had achieved the remarkable feat of breaking through in battle and defeating a veteran Heavenly Ranking master.
The Hall Master of the Martial Saint Hall led Xiao Wuchen into the inner hall and poured him a cup of tea. His expression was full of admiration.
"You broke through your limits. This is not only a breakthrough in true qi, but also a perfection of the mind. At the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment realm, you are invincible against others in the same realm after defeating Gu Yuan. But remember, the Heavenly Ranking is not the end."
The Hall Master paused, his tone becoming serious. "I know you have secrets. Your swordsmanship contains the principles of the Heavenly Dao, but mortal martial arts have their limits. After ascending to the Heavenly Ranking, you will gain more authority and information. Go and find the Dao you seek."
These words were undoubtedly tacit approval and recognition of Xiao Wuchen as the number one on the Heavenly Ranking. The Hall Master did not press him about his secrets but pointed out his future direction: to transcend mortal martial arts.
"This junior will remember the Hall Master's teachings," Xiao Wuchen said respectfully.After bidding farewell to the Palace Master, Xiao Wuchen returned to his meditation room and immediately checked the system panel. This ranking achievement caused a far greater stir in the martial world and had a more positive impact than any previous action. System notification: The host has completed the ultimate mission, [Challenge the Heavenly Ranking]! Achievement reward: Ranking on the Heavenly Ranking, establishing your martial world status. Merit Point Reward: Basic Reward: 100,000 points! Martial World Influence Boost: Receive a massive merit point bonus! Total Merit Points Gained: 480,000 points! This was the largest sum Xiao Wuchen had ever acquired. Overjoyed, he immediately opened the system shop. Sure enough, with his advancement in cultivation and the accumulation of merit points, the shop unlocked new exchange options. Exchange Area Description: Price (Merit Points): Cultivation Fragment [Small Heavenly Cycle Guiding Technique - Fragment 1] (Introduction): Contains a method for guiding the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to temper the soul and open the embryonic form of true essence. 200,000 points for a top-grade Foundation Building and Spirit Nourishing Pill. Consolidates the mid-stage Foundation Building realm and nourishes the spirit. 30,000 points per pill
Top-tier movement technique: Nine Heavens Rainbow Transformation Technique - Fragment
A set of extraordinary movement techniques using light and shadow as a medium, far surpassing mortal martial arts. A set of extraordinary movement techniques that use light and shadow as a medium and far surpass mortal martial arts. 150,000 points
"A fragment of a cultivation manual!"
Xiao Wuchen's gaze fixed on the exchange option. This meant he could finally reach a higher realm beyond martial arts: cultivation. Not only would this grant him greater power to fight against the Xuan Yin Sect, but it would also mark the beginning of his path to martial immortality.
A strong impulse surged within him, and he immediately wanted to exchange it. However, he took a deep breath and realized that the Xuan Yin Sect leader and the imperial court were the two greatest threats at present.
"First, I must consolidate my realm and prepare for the impending upheaval in the martial world and the imperial court's attention." Xiao Wuchen calmed down. Instead of exchanging for the fragment immediately, he chose to purchase two Foundation Establishment and Spirit Nourishing Pills.
He knew that the real storm had only just begun.