Xu Zhixiong and the others were dumbstruck.
They knew Zhao Mu was strong, but in every previous fight he had relied on his powerful physique and quick wits.
Only this time did he fully unleash his combat technique!
It was like fighting someone's razor-sharp blade with nothing but a twig!
Yet, somehow, Young Master Jin never once got the chance to bring out the might of the silver sword!
The scene looked like an adult toying with a baby that happened to be holding a blade!
The gap in combat technique was simply on another level.
The Seven Kills Battle Method was basic, and Zhao Mu's mastery sat at 162 points—far beyond full proficiency.
He had even surpassed Bu Yanhuan herself at the same stage.
So how could Young Master Jin possibly compare?
Liu Weiguo Liu's eyes glimmered with a mysterious light.
"The Valkyrie of the Demon Sealing Army, who swept across countless battlefields, has actually recruited such an outstanding soldier! Zhao Mu is simply born for war!"
Everyone around the arena watched the fight from afar, mouths agape.
It was like dancing under the scythe of the Reaper; they all knew how terrifying the ember remains' edge could be!
Yet Zhao Mu's face showed no fear—he even counter-attacked with room to spare!
In the control room, Shao Han's jaw dropped; he couldn't find a word to say.
He had always believed that as the perennial runner-up, the gap between him and Zhao Mu wasn't that big.
Only now did he finally understand.
For twelve years at Yuwu No. 2 Middle School, whenever Zhao Mu sparred between classes, he had never used his true strength!
Shen Moran's eyes showed a trace of bewilderment; she realized she had never really known Zhao Mu.
The Zhao Mu on the battlefield was the real one—strong, steady, radiating an invincible Aura!
Young Master Jin had thought that holding the ember remains gave him an overwhelming advantage and he could crush Zhao Mu easily.
But the longer they fought, the more alarmed he became.
Zhao Mu was too fast—his sword tip couldn't catch up! And whenever Zhao Mu counter-attacked, he was left in utter disarray!
No, no, no, no!
This wasn't how it was supposed to be—everything had been part of his plan!
He had played everyone for fools, gathered so many idiots to serve him; then he was supposed to display his wisdom and courage, defeat the mighty foe, and claim first place in the Martial Trial!
That was the script, so why had someone appeared to tear that script to shreds!
Clang!
Young Master Jin's attacks grew frantic; he gritted his teeth and lunged at Zhao Mu, actually planning to take a hit just so he could trade injuries!
With Combat Level 5 spiritual energy protecting his body, even a clean blow from Zhao Mu wouldn't kill him.
But if he got just one chance—just one—for the silver sword to land on Zhao Mu, it would all be over!
Ideals are lovely; reality is cruel.
His sword was fast, but Zhao Mu simply stepped back half a pace, spun the halberd, slipped past the blade, and whipped the shaft full-circle into his arm!
It happened in an instant; his wrist was struck and the silver sword flew from his grip!
Nooo!!!
Terror filled Young Master Jin's eyes as he desperately tried to retrieve the ember remains he treasured like life itself!
What met him was the heavenly halberd swinging straight at his face!
Zhao Mu showed no mercy; the heavy halberd smashed solidly into his body!
Young Master Jin flew off like a sack, coughing up mouthfuls of blood!
Zhao Mu looked at the fallen Jin and said calmly, "You lose."
He silently thanked Wu Gang in his heart.
Had he not seen Wu Gang's corpse, he might not have dared to attack before confirming which ember remains Young Master Jin possessed.
Jin struggled, but he could no longer stand; he could only kneel on one knee.
His eyes weren't on Zhao Mu—they were fixed on the silver sword stuck in the ground nearby.
Zhao Mu noticed his gaze and glanced over as well.
But Young Master Jin suddenly shouted in fury, "Zhao Mu, don't you dare take it! That belongs to the Jin Family of Lujiang City—if you dare, the Jin Family will never let you go!"
A priceless treasure worth 60 million xuanfeng coins.
Zhao Mu's parents had died on the front lines; he could only collect 60,000 in annual compensation until he turned eighteen.
In other words, this single sword of Young Master Jin was enough to cover Zhao Mu's living expenses for a thousand years.
When Zhao Mu heard that, a playful smile tugged at his lips.
"Then what if I trade it for your life? Which is worth more—your life or an ember remains?"
Though he smiled, his tone was icy.
Young Master Jin had hunted him at someone's behest, even using Zhao Mu's classmates' lives to force him to show up.
By now Zhao Mu's anger was roused; he wouldn't mind killing Jin right here!
Jin froze, then lowered his head in a daze.
"No, I can't die! I have to live—only by living is there hope."
As he spoke, he suddenly pounded the ground with his fists in anguish.
"Zhao Mu, I admit defeat! Take the ember remains—just spare my life."
Head down, a strange gleam flickered in his eyes.
Zhao Mu curled his lip, walked over to the ember remains, and grasped the silver sword's hilt.
At that exact moment, Shao Han in the control room burst into wild joy!
"You fool—you fell for it!"
Instructor Xu Zhixiong and the others looked on in regret.
"As expected, a kid from an ordinary family doesn't know enough, huh?"
The instant Zhao Mu gripped the hilt, a terrifying will assailed him.
It was like seeing a silver wolf standing atop a snowy peak, looking down at him!
Blood gushing from his mouth, Young Master Jin threw his head back and laughed crazily, "Fool, you actually dared to take the ember remains! Did you think just anyone could use something like that?"
Shen Moran stared in shock; the moment Zhao Mu held the sword his whole person seemed to fall into a trance, eyes vacant.
"What... is happening?"
Shao Han kindly explained to Shen Moran, who came from a commoner background.
"ember remains are forged from the corpses—or even living bodies—of powerful Dark Races and strange beasts. Part of those creatures' will is retained as the basis for their mighty spirit energy."
"So not everyone can control ember remains. Those without the ability can't use a powerful ember remains at all; they may even be devoured by its lingering will!"
Shao Han watched the screen with a grin as Zhao Mu's eyes turned hollow.
"He who travels a hundred li has gone ninety in vain. Zhao Mu, don't you even understand such a simple truth?"
The smile on his face gradually turned twisted.
"Heh, hahaha! Taste the fall from Heaven to Hell! For the rest of your life you'll regret your arrogance today!"
On the Trial Ground, Young Master Jin struggled to his feet; he wore armor and could still move.
He pulled a dagger from his waist and staggered toward Zhao Mu.
"It's all over! Did you think my ember remains could be taken so easily? How naive!"
But just then, Zhao Mu's familiar voice sounded beside his ear again.
"Oh, really?"
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)