Inside the classroom, as Ji Juechen's firm, rock-solid voice fell, the atmosphere instantly turned sharp and oppressive.
Almost at the same moment, a crisp electronic sound exploded within Liu Yuan's Sea of Consciousness.
[Ding! Intense Battle Intent detected. Congratulations to the Host for triggering a limited-time mission: Defeat the "Sword Maniac" Ji Juechen!]
[Mission Description: Engage in a direct spar and completely subdue this generation's sword-dao prodigy.]
[Mission Reward: Random Pokémon Item ×1!]
Liu Yuan was momentarily stunned, his eyebrows twitching upward.
Even this can trigger a mission? he muttered inwardly.
Looks like the System really doesn't want me getting too comfortable—won't even let a friendly spar slide.
But now that a reward had been delivered straight to his doorstep, the meaning of this duel changed entirely.
If earlier he'd had little interest in fighting Ji Juechen…
Now, with the System mission in place, this battle was no longer optional.
After all, the System's rewards were never disappointing. Letting one slip by would be a waste.
"Fine," Liu Yuan said calmly as he rose to his feet, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his lips.
"I accept."
The moment his words fell, the previously quiet advanced class exploded like a powder keg ignited by a spark.
"Holy crap! His Grace the Duke agreed!"
"Quick, quick! To the trial grounds! His Grace is fighting that lunatic Ji Juechen!"
The news spread like wildfire.
Although Liu Yuan's championship victory had long been recorded in the academy's history, the final battles had taken place in faraway Star Luo City. Most teachers and students only knew of his strength through reports and rumors.
Divine-grade Spirit… one-versus-seven… crushing Shrek…
All of it sounded terrifying on paper, but none of it compared to witnessing a duel with their own eyes.
By the time Liu Yuan reached the trial grounds, the crowd had already surged forward like a tide.
Even teachers who had been busy moments earlier set aside their work, "coincidentally" making their way toward the arena.
"Liu Yuan… just how strong are you now?" Tang Ya followed close behind him, curiosity and anticipation filling her eyes.
Although she had once seen Liu Yuan instantly kill an Evil Soul Master, it had happened too fast to truly grasp.
This battle, she felt, would finally give her a clear answer.
"Let's go, let's go…"
"Perfect timing."
"I really want to see what level Liu Yuan's reached."
Ju Zi and Ke Ke also put down their experimental tools, whispering to each other as they squeezed into the crowd.
"Ke Ke, how many moves do you think Ji Juechen can last against Liu Yuan?" Ju Zi adjusted her black-rimmed glasses, her eyes flickering thoughtfully.
"I'm not sure," Ke Ke replied, frowning slightly. "That madman Ji Juechen recently comprehended Sword Intent. I heard even ordinary six-ring Soul Emperors can't last ten exchanges with him."
Nearby, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen exchanged glances, identical mischievous smiles appearing on their faces.
"Just watch," Xiao Hongchen said lazily, arms crossed. "Ju Zi, Ke Ke—and you too, Tang Ya. Keep your eyes wide open."
"In a moment," he added with a grin, "your jaws are guaranteed to hit the ground."
…
At the center of the trial grounds.
This specially constructed arena, capable of withstanding Spirit Douluo-level impacts, looked vast and empty under the clear sky.
Liu Yuan stood calmly with his hands behind his back, his dark-blue academy uniform snapping loudly in the wind.
He didn't activate his Spirit.
His aura was tranquil, like still water, as though the upcoming battle had nothing to do with him at all.
Across from him, Ji Juechen had already drawn the Meteoric Iron Sword from his back.
The blade was pitch black, utterly unadorned, yet it radiated a deathly stillness that made one's scalp tingle.
"Liu Yuan," Ji Juechen said, his voice dry but intense. His once-lifeless eyes now burned with unprecedented brilliance.
"This strike… I've nurtured it for half a year."
Liu Yuan raised a hand slightly, his tone casual.
"Since you've waited that long, don't hold back. I'll give you the first move. Use whatever trump cards you have."
"Good."
Ji Juechen didn't hesitate.
As a swordsman, he had no need for empty courtesies.
Boom!
The ground beneath his feet shattered violently.
Two yellow, two purple, two black—six perfectly matched spirit rings surged upward. Though his spirit power wasn't particularly thick, the Sword Qi he released was so pure it resonated with heaven and earth.
"Sword, named Meteoric Iron!"
"First Soul Skill—Sharpness!"
"Second Soul Skill—Extinction!"
His aura skyrocketed.
Behind him, a massive sword shadow faintly formed, heralding the manifestation of Sword Intent.
Without the slightest probing or hesitation, Ji Juechen transformed into a gray afterimage, the black blade carving a profound arc through the air.
The strike was terrifyingly pure.
No dazzling elements. No flashy visuals.
Only absolute speed and an unyielding will.
Wherever the Sword Qi passed, the reinforced arena floor split open, deep fissures tearing through it. The surrounding air seemed completely drained, forming a deadly vacuum.
"Not bad," Liu Yuan murmured, his eyes lighting up.
Facing a strike that could drive same-rank Soul Emperors into despair, he didn't retreat.
Instead, he moved.
In an instant, Liu Yuan activated the Mega Rayquaza Martial Soul Possession.
His body transformed into a half-human, half-dragon form, overwhelming pressure surging outward.
Then, at the exact moment Ji Juechen's strike reached him—
Extreme Speed.
Swish!
A sharp sound rang out.
In the blink of an eye, Liu Yuan vanished from everyone's sight.
When he reappeared, he was already behind Ji Juechen.
The devastating sword strike cut through nothing but empty air.
A hand gently landed on Ji Juechen's shoulder from behind, accompanied by a faint chuckle.
"I'm over here…"
Shock filled Ji Juechen's eyes.
He twisted around instantly, swinging his sword in a reflexive slash—
—but once again, he struck nothing.
At the same time, Liu Yuan's clawed hand pressed lightly against Ji Juechen's chest, right over his heart.
Liu Yuan's calm voice echoed beside his ear.
"I think… there's no need to continue this spar."