What made the Hao Tian Hammer the continent's number one tool-type martial soul were two cultivation techniques.
The first was the Hao Tian Nine Absolutes Techniques, and the second was the Great Sumeru Hammer, mastered by only two people.
These two techniques corresponded to the Seven Kill Sword Manual and the "Kill" Word Sword Technique.
However, the Great Sumeru Hammer was clearly stronger than the "Kill" Word Sword Technique. But in this match, neither side had fully mastered these techniques, so they were roughly on the same starting line.
With Tang San and Ning Tianchen stepping onto the stage together, the referee didn't need to think twice—this stage would undoubtedly be destroyed by their battle.
After the match, they'd have to work overtime to repair the stage.
---
The match began.
Tang San swung his Hao Tian Hammer but didn't rush to attack. Instead, he began moving around the stage, positioning himself strategically.
Ning Tianchen stood still with his sword, eyes locked on Tang San, making no unnecessary movements.
"First soul skill—Hao Tian Power."
The purple soul ring beneath Tang San's feet lit up, and his arm muscles slightly bulged as his strength increased.
Swinging the Hao Tian Hammer in his hand, he leaped into the air, aiming a powerful strike at Ning Tianchen.
The Seven Kill Sword wasn't designed for head-on collisions—it would take a fool to clash directly with the Hao Tian Hammer.
Ning Tianchen planted the Dragon-Engraved Seven Kill Sword in front of him, channeling his soul power to form thousands of spiritual swords that created a protective barrier of sword qi around him.
When the Hao Tian Hammer struck the barrier, a loud crash echoed, but the barrier remained unbroken.
Landing back on the ground, Tang San once again swung the Hao Tian Hammer, using the 'Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon' technique to wield it with great force, creating a fierce wind.
The heavy hammer smashed down, shattering the sword qi barrier.
Ning Tianchen didn't hold back. He pulled the Seven Kill Sword from the ground and unleashed a sharp sword qi.
The sword qi surged forward along the stage floor, leaving a deep crack wherever it passed.
Without hesitation, Tang San raised the Hao Tian Hammer and forcefully struck the incoming sword qi.
Though the sword qi was deflected, Tang San appeared somewhat disheveled.
After the first exchange, Tang San found himself at a disadvantage.
---
"Xiaogang, is it too much to have Xiao San face Ning Tianchen?" Flender couldn't help but ask.
Although Tang San's Hao Tian Hammer soul ring configuration was decent, there was still a significant gap between him and a Soul King—a gap that wouldn't easily be bridged.
Yu Xiaogang confidently replied, "The Hao Tian Hammer martial soul specializes in creating miracles. Don't forget, back then, Tang San's father, right after breaking through to level ninety, defeated multiple Title Douluos from the Spirit Hall. The same applies to Xiao San."
But it seemed he had forgotten something.
Tang Hao had displayed extraordinary talent from a young age and received personal guidance from Tang Chen. His strength was far from ordinary. He had mastered all the inherited cultivation techniques of the Hao Tian Sect.
On the other hand, Tang San couldn't even wield the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique proficiently.
Up on the high platform, Gu Rong said with a relaxed expression, "As expected, Tang San should be the top disciple of this generation in the Hao Tian Sect, while Tianchen is the inheritor of the Seven Kill Sword. In the future, the outcome of their battles will determine which martial soul becomes the continent's number one tool-type martial soul."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled in response, "Uncle Gu, it seems you're quite optimistic about Tianchen. But can Tang San truly represent the Hao Tian Sect?"
Gu Rong shrugged. "Though I don't want to admit it, that kid Tang Hao was indeed formidable. In our previous encounter, if I hadn't been a level higher in soul power and if he hadn't been injured, I doubt I could've defeated him."
Tang Hao would eventually return to the Hao Tian Sect. He had once been the young master of the sect, but due to past events, he lost the chance to become its leader.
However, Tang San was more than capable. With his twin martial souls, as long as the Hao Tian Sect wasn't foolish, they would surely designate him as the successor.
Thus, if Ning Tianchen could defeat him publicly, it would carry significant weight. Who knows? Perhaps the Seven Kill Sword might reclaim its former glory in the future.
Beside them, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue) couldn't resist interjecting, "I sincerely hope Brother Tianchen can defeat Tang San. In the future, when their powers grow stronger, if Tianchen can still defeat Tang San, I will use the resources of the Tian Dou Empire to boost his reputation."
This wasn't just empty talk—it was Xue Qinghe's heartfelt wish.
For her, Tang Hao was the murderer of her father, so she naturally didn't want the Hao Tian Sect to continue growing stronger.
"In that case, on behalf of Tianchen, I thank you, Your Highness," Ning Fengzhi responded.
---
The situation on the stage was overwhelmingly one-sided, with Ning Tianchen firmly suppressing Tang San.
It seemed Ning Tianchen was conserving his soul power, as he didn't unleash any powerful soul skills to end the match prematurely.
The spectators from various academies couldn't help but discuss among themselves.
"Tang San has relied on the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul to dominate the promotion round, yet now he's being suppressed by Ning Tianchen's Seven Kill Sword. Does this mean the Seven Kill Sword surpasses the Hao Tian Hammer?"
"But Tang San merely possesses the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul. He doesn't represent the entire Hao Tian Sect in determining the superiority of martial souls."
Dragon Duke Meng Shu patted Meng Yiran's shoulder. "Yiran, after all these days of competition, no one has lasted as many moves against Ning Tianchen as Tang San has. This alone proves Tang San's strength."
"It's just that he's too young, and his techniques aren't fully matured. In a few more years, relying on the inherent power of the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul, perhaps he'll be able to overpower Ning Tianchen."
Meng Shu had already decided to side with the Hao Tian Sect, so naturally, he spoke favorably of them.
As for Meng Yiran, she had gradually let go of her feelings for Ning Tianchen, but suddenly asking her to like Tang San was impossible.
Snake Grandmother Chao Tianxiang also chimed in, "Yiran, Tang San's appearance isn't bad either. You two could make a fine pair. After the promotion round ends, try to spend more time with him."
For the sake of her family, Meng Yiran had no choice but to nod in agreement.
On the stage, Ning Tianchen raised his sword and unleashed n 'Azure Dragon' sword qi.
This time, the first soul ring beneath his feet did not light up.
Tang San immediately realized that Ning Tianchen wasn't using a soul ring skill but rather a self-created soul technique. The difference in power between the two was incomparable.
"Third soul skill—Hao Tian Shield."
The Hao Tian Hammer stood before him, rapidly deploying a barrier of soul power.
"A ten-thousand-year defensive soul skill, huh?" A faint smile curled Ning Tianchen's lips.
Could a ten-thousand-year defensive soul skill truly withstand the Canglong Breakthrough?
Keep in mind, the attacks of the Seven Kill Sword were concentrated on a single point. Ordinary defensive soul skills couldn't possibly block it.
Ka-chak! Crack!
The sound of shattering rang out—Tang San's defensive soul skill failed to stop Ning Tianchen's sword qi.
However, weakened by the defensive barrier, the sword qi's power was significantly diminished. Tang San reacted quickly and soon neutralized it.
"The gap in our soul power levels is huge. If this continues, I'm sure to lose," Tang San thought urgently.
Suddenly, gritting his teeth, he began swinging the Hao Tian Hammer at high speed.
"Hao Tian Hammer—Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer!"
He hadn't fully mastered the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique, and wielding the extremely heavy Hao Tian Hammer clearly left him struggling.
"Seven Kill Sword Manual—Swift Sword Form."
Ning Tianchen moved his sword like the wind, swift as lightning.
Every swing of Tang San's Hao Tian Hammer was effortlessly blocked by him.
Due to his lack of proficiency, the power of the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique could only stack to about twenty layers. Under Ning Tianchen's interference, there was no room for further amplification of its power.
Having only achieved this much, he was no match for Ning Tianchen!
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