The Core Arena filled quickly as word spread that Li Hao would fight without relying on his beasts or team.
His opponent, a seasoned Rank 97 disciple, attacked immediately, hoping to seize the initiative. Steel clashed against ice as Li Hao drew the Ice Heavenly Sword, its aura chilling the entire arena. Without summoning his beasts, without activating any external advantage, he relied solely on his refined control.
One exchange.
Two.
Then the ground froze beneath his opponent's feet, locking movement for a fraction of a second—long enough.
The match ended cleanly.
Across the day, Wang Lei overwhelmed opponents with relentless speed, refining his dagger techniques into lethal close-range chains. Su Ling displayed elegant dominance, balancing offense and recovery with perfect timing. Lin Xue's battles were the most unsettling—her opponents often surrendered, unable to distinguish illusion from reality.
Each victory was decisive.
But more importantly—each revealed a different path to strength.