Faced with such a vast and overwhelming assault, Modin's Vacuum Domain, though astonishing in defense, began to show cracks under the relentless barrage of lightning. Worse still, the vacuum state itself started to collapse. Air seeped back into the sphere, disrupting its perfect balance.
"That's impossible!" Modin stared in disbelief as his ultimate technique was gradually dismantled.
At the center of the battlefield, the Thunder God stood motionless, his hands maintaining a precise series of seals. His entire focus was devoted to controlling the lightning's trajectory and power. He had no intention of killing his opponent, but an attack of this level was dangerous. Even the slightest loss of control could cause severe injury.
At last, when the ninth bolt of lightning struck, the Vacuum Domain shattered completely. It broke apart into countless streams of air that scattered into the atmosphere. The shockwave hurled Modin off his platform. He nearly fell into the blue mist below. At the last possible moment, he used his wind abilities to stabilize himself and landed on a lower platform.
But he was already heavily wounded. His combat suit was scorched in many places, exposing burned skin beneath. His long silver hair had been charred and blackened. He looked utterly exhausted and battered.
"I surrender!" Modin raised a trembling hand, signaling defeat.
"Victory: Thunder God!" the system announced, its voice echoing throughout the arena.
The audience erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. The battle had far exceeded everyone's expectations. The Thunder God's final strike, which had seemed capable of tearing apart heaven and earth, left an unforgettable impression.
The Thunder God slowly withdrew his Lightning Domain. The electric radiance around him gradually faded. He took a deep breath to calm the turbulent energy within his body, then pulled his lightning warblade from the ground and returned it to its sheath.
Walking to the edge of the platform, he called down, "Do you need help?"
Modin shook his head and forced himself to stand. "No. I can still move." He looked up at his opponent. Though there was unwillingness in his eyes, admiration shone even brighter. "The title Thunder God suits you perfectly. After today's battle, I accept my defeat wholeheartedly."
The Thunder God grinned. "The Windwalker is a powerful opponent. If I hadn't just mastered that move, Thunder God Descends, the result might have been very different."
Modin nodded. "If there is another chance, I hope we can fight again."
"Anytime," the Thunder God replied readily.
They exchanged smiles. Though they had been enemies moments ago, mutual respect now filled the space between them.
Soon, the system activated the teleportation sequence and returned both fighters to the resting area. The moment the Thunder God appeared, Luo Feng rushed forward and embraced him tightly.
"That was incredible! Thunder God! That last move was unbelievable!" Luo Feng shouted, completely forgetting that his own injuries had not fully healed.
The Thunder God laughed loudly and patted his shoulder. "Calm down, calm down. Be careful with your wounds."
Rowan and Hong approached as well. Rowan smiled. "When did you master Thunder God Descends? I've never seen you use it before."
The Thunder God scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "I've been secretly practicing for a while. Today was the first time I used it in real combat. To be honest, I wasn't even sure it would work."
"No wonder Modin's Vacuum Domain collapsed," Rowan said with a nod. "Thunder God Descends draws upon the lightning of heaven and earth, not just your own energy. This level of power surpasses ordinary law application. It is approaching the origin of the Lightning Law itself."
The Thunder God blinked in surprise. "Is it really that powerful? I just thought it looked cool. I didn't think that deeply."
Rowan, Luo Feng, and Hong exchanged amused glances. That was the Thunder God. Always straightforward and sincere.
"All right," Rowan said, gesturing toward the seats. "Let's sit and rest. Recover your strength. There are still several matches in this round. We can watch them together."
The four of them found a comfortable place to sit. Staff members soon brought recovery potions and energy drinks. The Thunder God tilted his head back and drained an entire bottle of blue recovery liquid in one gulp, then let out a satisfied sigh.
"By the way," he suddenly said, "did you notice? There are two spectators with extremely powerful auras. They look like they're from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire."
Rowan nodded. "I noticed. They are said to be princes of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. The Second Prince, Belut, and the Seventh Prince, Imo. Recently, they've shown a great deal of interest in the Virtual Universe Company's challenge tournament."
"Princes?" Luo Feng's eyes widened. "What are they doing here?"
"Observation," Hong answered briefly. "Searching for talent or threats."
Rowan nodded. "The Black Dragon Mountain Empire has always recruited geniuses. They also eliminate potential dangers. The fact that princes personally came suggests they are targeting someone."
The Thunder God scratched his head. "I hope it isn't us. I don't want an empire watching me."
Rowan smiled but did not answer directly. A hint of caution flickered in his eyes.
Not long after, a notification from the Virtual Universe Company appeared before them.
"Contestant Hong. Your third-round match will begin in one hour. Please prepare."
Hong gave a slight nod. Unlike the Thunder God's excitement, he remained calm and composed. His medium build, sharp features, and short hair gave him a clean and disciplined appearance. His deep eyes carried a maturity beyond his years.
"It's your turn," Luo Feng said, patting his shoulder. "Who's your opponent?"
"Turk of Sandstorm Planet," Hong replied calmly. "An Earth Law practitioner."
Rowan frowned slightly. "I've heard of him. He has cultivated the Earth Law to the late entry stage, close to minor mastery. One of the greatest talents on his home world."
The Thunder God nearly spat out his drink. "That strong? Hong, are you confident?"
Hong did not answer immediately. Instead, he took out his weapon from his spatial storage. It was a pair of seemingly ordinary metal rods, about thirty centimeters long. Their silver-white surfaces were engraved with intricate patterns. This weapon was known as the Twin Light Spears, a rare telekinetic weapon aligned with the Light Law.
"Light versus Earth," Hong said. "In theory, I have the advantage."
Rowan nodded. "The Light Law can restrain the Earth Law to some extent. But Turk's strength cannot be underestimated. His Earth Force can neutralize part of your attacks."
"I know," Hong replied calmly. "I studied his battle recordings."
"When?" Luo Feng asked in surprise.
"During Thunder God's match."
That was Hong. Even while watching his companion's fight, he had been gathering intelligence for his own.
The Thunder God laughed. "As expected of you. Always calm. But this time, don't hold back. I've never seen your full strength."
Hong's lips curved slightly, almost a smile. "I will treat every battle seriously."
Time passed quickly. After resting and preparing, Hong stood and headed toward the battlefield.
"We'll be cheering for you!" Luo Feng shouted.
"Be careful of his Earth Sink Formation," Rowan warned.
Hong nodded and stepped into the teleportation zone.
The third arena of the Virtual Universe Company resembled a miniature desert. Yellow-brown sand, scattered rocks, and uneven hills created a harsh terrain. Clearly, it favored Earth Law users.
Rowan, Luo Feng, and the Thunder God sat in the audience, watching closely.
"This terrain gives Turk a huge advantage," Luo Feng said with concern.
Rowan nodded. "Yes, but Hong's Light Law is unique. If used correctly, terrain matters less."
The Thunder God clenched his fists in anticipation. "Finally, we'll see his full power."
In the arena, beams of light descended. Hong appeared, dressed in a simple white combat suit and a silver-gray robe. His calm presence resembled a blade still in its sheath.
Opposite him, Turk appeared. Nearly two meters tall and as solid as a mountain, his arms were covered in rock-like armor. At his waist hung a massive hammer known as Earth Crusher.
"Hong of the Xia Universe Nation," Turk said in a deep voice. "I've heard much about you. Let us speak with weapons."
The countdown began.
When the match started, Turk stomped the ground. The arena trembled.
"Earth Force. Fusion!"
Sand and stone gathered around him, forming a thick shield. His skin turned into stone patterns. This was his signature ability.
Hong remained calm and observed.
"Earth Spears!" Turk roared.
Dozens of sharp earthen spears shot toward Hong at incredible speed.
Hong raised his right hand.
"Eye of Light. Activate."
His right eye turned pure gold. A beam of light swept across the air, shattering every spear.
"Interesting," Turk said.
Hong lifted his left hand.
"Radiance."
The arena suddenly became blindingly bright. Most spectators closed their eyes.
"This interferes with vision and strengthens his Light Law," Rowan explained.
Turk roared angrily. "A despicable trick!"
He formed a wall of earth, but the light pierced through the cracks.
At that moment, Hong finally drew his Twin Light Spears. Two one-meter light blades extended from them.
"Light Shadow Step."
His figure blurred and merged with the light itself. In an instant, he passed through Turk's defenses. The twin spears aimed directly at his throat.