But to their surprise, Qi Chen didn't move.
He simply stood there, calm as still water, while the roaring flames of The Phoenix Unleashed descended upon him.
The spectators gasped. "He's not defending! He's going to be burnt to ashes!"
Just as the blazing bird struck, Qi Chen lifted his hand. His silver eyes gleamed faintly. A thin streak of light shot from his palm—barely visible, yet sharp enough to split the air itself.
A deafening explosion followed. The flames vanished, torn apart by the light. A shockwave rippled across the barrier, and the stands trembled.
Lin Jing narrowed his eyes. "You cut through the Phoenix spell…?"
Qi Chen's lips curved into a faint smile. "You think power alone determines victory?"
The crowd fell silent. Even the referee swallowed hard.
Qi Chen stepped forward, the ground beneath his boots cracking slightly with each step. A dark mist coiled around his arm like a living serpent.
"Shadow Breaker Technique—First Form."
The next instant, he vanished.
Lin Jing's pupils dilated. He spun around just in time to raise a barrier, but Qi Chen's blade had already appeared behind him, grazing his robe and drawing blood.
The spectators erupted in awe.
"Did you see that? He disappeared!"
"No—he moved faster than light!"
Lin Jing touched the blood on his cheek and smiled.
"Impressive. It's been a while since anyone made me bleed."
He raised both hands, his aura flaring crimson, shaking the very stage.
"Then I'll show you what five thousand years of cultivation truly means."
The sky darkened. Crimson clouds swirled above as countless fiery runes appeared, forming the shape of a colossal phoenix spreading its wings across the heavens.
Qi Chen looked up, his smile fading.
"So this is the true form of The Phoenix Unleashed..."