The air grew tense as Wang Renshu’s sword intent spread across the arena. His once calm demeanor was gone—now, his gaze was sharp, his aura oppressive.

  Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes. This is trouble.

  The Outer Sect disciples watching the duel felt their breaths become heavy. Some even took a step back. Wang Renshu’s strength wasn’t just for show.

  Wang Renshu gripped his sword. With a simple step, he vanished.

  CLANG!

  Lin Xuan barely managed to block the incoming strike, his arms trembling from the force. Wang Renshu was no longer holding back.

  Zhao Feng clenched his fists. "Damn, he’s using real sword techniques now!"

  Lin Xuan was fast, but Wang Renshu was like a storm—every attack flowed seamlessly into the next, leaving no opening.

  Lin Xuan dodged left. A sword slash cut past his shoulder.

  He leaped back. Another strike grazed his side.

  Blood trickled down his robe. He couldn’t keep up.

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  Lin Xuan’s mind raced. If he kept defending, he would lose. He needed to fight back.

  His golden inheritance energy flared.

  He channeled the power into his palm and struck forward.

  BOOM!

  The attack landed, but Wang Renshu didn’t even flinch. His sword qi had blocked most of the damage.

  Lin Xuan’s pupils shrank. He predicted my move?!

  Before he could react—

  SLASH!

  A sword strike cut across his chest.

  Lin Xuan staggered back, blood spilling from the wound. It was deep.

  Wang Renshu smirked. "This is over."

  He raised his sword, gathering all his qi into a single final strike.

  Lin Xuan’s vision blurred. His body screamed in pain, but… deep inside, he felt something awakening.

  His golden inheritance energy surged wildly. Something beyond his control.

  His heartbeat slowed. His mind cleared.

  For the first time, he felt everything around him.

  The wind, the sword qi, the energy in the air—he could see it all.

  Something clicked.

  As Wang Renshu’s blade fell—

  Lin Xuan moved.

  He twisted his body at the perfect angle, dodging by a hair’s breadth.

  His palm glowed with golden runes as he struck forward.

  BOOM!

  A shockwave erupted.

  Wang Renshu’s sword shattered into pieces.

  The entire arena fell silent.

  Wang Renshu coughed up blood, falling to one knee. His face was pale. "Impossible…"

  Lin Xuan stood tall, golden energy flickering around him. His breathing was ragged, but his eyes were sharp.

  He had won.