As the hour of You arrived, today's promotion round reached its final match.
Under the watchful eyes of all the academies, Ning Tianchen from the Seven Treasures Academy team and Tai Long from Shrek Academy respectively ascended the stage from opposite contestant entrances.
Some spectators whispered among themselves: "I wonder who's stronger—the Hao Tian Hammer or the Seven Kill Sword?"
"It's simple. Ning Tianchen has higher soul power than Tang San, so obviously his Seven Kill Sword is stronger."
"Not necessarily. Ning Tianchen went first, but Shrek Academy didn't send out Tang San as their first contestant. Even if Tang San takes the stage in the next round, Ning Tianchen won't be at full strength."
"As the number one tool-type martial soul in the world, the Hao Tian Hammer is known for pulling off rank-defying battles. This match is far from predictable."
---
In the Seven Treasures Academy rest area, Ning Rongrong said angrily, "Brother Tianchen already issued a challenge to Tang San—how dare he avoid it?"
"Hmph, the reputation of the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul must be exaggerated," the members of the Seven Treasures Team sneered.
Ning Tianchen was somewhat surprised that Tang San hadn't accepted his challenge and instead sent Tai Long to take a beating.
But he wasn't too concerned. Shrek Academy could only field seven contestants—if they kept winning, Tang San would eventually take the stage.
"Come on then, let me see what you're capable of," Tai Long braced himself, ready to face death without flinching.
Ning Tianchen suddenly smiled, realizing Shrek Academy's strategy. "So you want Tai Long to drain my soul power? Hmph, Tang San, are you really that afraid of me?"
Finding it boring, Ning Tianchen ignored Tai Long taunts.
At the referee's signal, the match officially began.
"Third soul skill—Source of Strength!" Tai Long pounded his chest.
With the enhancement of his soul skill, his strength increased significantly, and his defense improved as well.
Tai Long's task was simple: trade blows with Ning Tianchen to deplete his soul power.
Below the stage, Tang San was feeling uneasy. "Teacher, can Tai Long hold back Ning Tianchen? The Seven Kill Sword martial soul is incredibly sharp—his body alone might not withstand it."
Yu Xiaogang was confident. "Xiao San, don't underestimate the defensive capabilities of the Strong Ape martial soul. Moreover, Tai Long's burly build and solid muscles will allow him to consume a lot of Ning Tianchen's soul power."
"Xiao San, there's something I forgot to tell you. Decades ago, the Seven Kill Sword was the continent's number one tool-type martial soul. It was only after an unparalleled expert emerged from the Hao Tian Sect that this title was taken away from the Seven Kill Sword."
"You and Ning Tianchen are of similar age and are inheritors of these two great martial souls. If you lose this duel, it's possible that voices will arise claiming that the Seven Kill Sword should replace the Hao Tian Hammer as the continent's top tool-type martial soul."
Tang San nodded solemnly.
Whether for himself or to defend the honor of the Hao Tian Hammer, this match was one he could only win, not lose.
---
On the stage
Tai Long didn't initiate an attack but stood firm in a defensive stance.
Ning Tianchen also didn't rush, pacing back and forth in front of him with his sword in hand.
"Why hasn't he attacked yet?" Tai Long kept his gaze fixed on him, not daring to relax for even a moment.
The match had no time limit, but the sun was gradually setting in the west.
There were no lights on the stage—once it grew dark, neither side would benefit.
"What's Big Brother doing?" Chen Huayu asked, puzzled.
Ke Jie explained, "He's looking for an opportunity to eliminate his opponent while using the least amount of soul power."
Tang San hadn't yet taken the stage, and expending too much soul power before that would affect subsequent matches.
After a short while, Ning Tianchen suddenly surged forward with a powerful step, holding his sword as if preparing to attack.
Tai Long didn't dare hesitate, quickly raising his arms to block in front of him, relying on his martial soul and physical toughness to withstand the incoming blow.
However, halfway through his charge, Ning Tianchen abruptly plunged the Dragon-Engraved Seven Kill Sword into the stage floor and stopped dead in his tracks.
After waiting a few seconds and feeling no pain, Tai Long lowered his arms to check what was happening.
A faint smile appeared on Ning Tianchen's lips. He swiftly yanked the Seven Kill Sword out and swung it upward in a slashing motion.
The sharp blade slashed across Tai Long's abdomen, all the way up to his chest. Had he not reacted in time, the Seven Kill Sword might have pierced his throat.
"What's Tai Long doing?!" Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but furrow his brow.
Ning Tianchen had already closed in on him—why had he dropped his guard to investigate?
Xiao Wu couldn't help but scold, "Tai Long's brain isn't functioning properly. Ning Tianchen just feinted, and he fell for it!"
Tai Long's injuries were severe—deep wounds exposing bone, with blood gushing out continuously.
Having sustained such serious injuries, his condition weakened significantly. How could he possibly resist Ning Tianchen's attacks?
The match continued for another minute.
After severely wounding Tai Long with a single sword strike, Ning Tianchen didn't use any more soul skills.
Relying solely on basic sword techniques and his close-combat prowess, he easily eliminated Tai Long.
Yu Xiaogang frowned deeply.
He had expected Tai Long to wear down Ning Tianchen's condition, but instead, he had been eliminated without achieving anything.
No matter how strong someone is, if they lack intelligence, their strength is wasted.
Tai Long had lost too much blood, and Flender immediately arranged for him to receive treatment.
Yu Xiaogang pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on Dai Mubai.
Tai Long lacked smarts, but Dai Mubai wouldn't make the same mistake. As long as they could drain Ning Tianchen's soul power and secure Tang San's victory, everything would be worth it.
"Teacher, let me go," Tang San said firmly. "Mubai isn't a match for Ning Tianchen—he'll eventually be eliminated if he goes on stage. The Seven Treasures Team doesn't just have Ning Tianchen; without Mubai, the pressure on everyone else will increase significantly."
"Besides, soul power and stamina are equally important. Ning Tianchen fought Tai Long for over a minute, so his stamina must have been depleted somewhat. Once I step onto the stage, I might still have a chance to win."
Yu Xiaogang thought for a moment, no longer hesitating. He patted Tang San's shoulder and said gravely, "The Hao Tian Hammer's attacks cover a wide range, while the Seven Kill Sword excels in precision. After the match begins, don't be too aggressive—avoid letting Ning Tianchen stab you."
"Additionally, the advantage of the Hao Tian Hammer lies in its power. Play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses."
Tang San acknowledged each point and quickly stepped onto the stage.
"I thought you'd be a coward, hiding until the last moment to take the stage," Ning Tianchen stood with his sword in hand, a faint smile on his face.
Tang San summoned his Hao Tian Hammer martial soul, placing it in front of him with his right foot resting on it. "Hmph, it doesn't matter when I take the stage—as long as I can defeat you, that's all that counts."
Below the stage, teachers and students from various academy teams stood up.
The fated duel between the Seven Kill Sword and the Hao Tian Hammer—this match was sure to be a spectacle.
Of course, not everyone knew the history between the Seven Kill Sword and the Hao Tian Hammer.
But as long as one person did, the story would spread among the academies.
Being able to witness a clash between the continent's two top-tier tool-type martial souls was undoubtedly a stroke of good fortune.
---
"The Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique is merely the introductory technique for the Hao Tian Hammer. The true essence lies in the Hao Tian Nine Absolutes. However, given Tang San's current situation, he likely hasn't earned the right to learn them," Ning Tianchen thought to himself.
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