Substantial changes emerged, and the Title Douluo watching from the sidelines were shocked. Chen Xin had been stuck at his current bottleneck for many years; now that his Soul Power had surged, it meant the barrier had been shattered, and the path to breaking through was right before his eyes.
Seeing that Chen Xin was truly about to break through, Yun Ming was equally expectant.
'Snap--'
A sound that touched the soul awakened Chen Xin from his state of Sword Dao enlightenment. There was no great commotion; the bottleneck that had plagued Chen Xin for many years was broken just like that.
Seeing Chen Xin awaken, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong hurried forward.
"How are you, Sword Uncle?" Ning Fengzhi asked, his voice filled with excitement and trepidation.
Chen Xin felt the more surging Soul Power within his body and nodded slowly. He had sought the opportunity to break through for many years, and now that his wish had been granted, his heart was filled with deep emotion.
Ning Fengzhi was overjoyed to see this, never expecting to encounter such a happy event today. He turned to look at Yun Ming and said solemnly.
"Nephew, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect thanks you for this great kindness!"
Even if they hadn't experienced it firsthand, they knew that Yun Ming's clearly unusual spear technique must have been closely related to Chen Xin's breakthrough. This was yet another great favor!
Yun Ming waved his hand and said.
"Senior Chen was able to break through because of his own deep accumulation; I merely gave him a push."
The two sides had a deep friendship, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had often helped the Breaking Clan, so helping out was just a matter of course for Yun Ming, who didn't take it to heart.
Ning Fengzhi replied.
"Nephew is too modest. For us Soul Masters, that final push is sometimes the most critical."
Ning Fengzhi could not simply believe Yun Ming's words. It was true that Chen Xin had a deep foundation, but without Yun Ming's final spark, who knew how long it would have taken to break through, or if he ever would have? After all, such things were common in the Soul Master World.
Yun Ming did not deny this, but he did not want to dwell on it further, so he responded.
"Uncle Ning, there is no need to say such things; there is no need for that between us. Compared to this."
Yun Ming turned his head to look at Chen Xin and continued.
"I am now more curious about what changes have occurred in Senior Chen's sword. Senior, let us have a proper bout!"
As he spoke, the Atlas Divine Spear was raised, and the Spear Intent on Yun Ming's body grew increasingly intense.
With Yun Ming issuing another challenge, Chen Xin naturally would not decline.
"Then I shall ask for your guidance once more, young friend."
Seeing the two about to begin a second round, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong were just about to step back when Yun Ming stopped them.
"Uncle Ning, please assist us as well!"
Ning Fengzhi hesitated.
"This..."
Chen Xin was no ordinary Title Douluo, and he had just broken through—yet Yun Ming dared to ask for his assistance?!
However, while Ning Fengzhi hesitated, Chen Xin agreed.
"Fengzhi, let's begin!"
Chen Xin turned to look at Yun Ming, his eyes filled with both gratitude and awe. He was grateful for Yun Ming's help and awed by Yun Ming's realm. Only after his breakthrough could he slightly perceive the gap in realm between himself and Yun Ming; it was truly the difference between clouds and mud. His own Soul Power cultivation was high, but Yun Ming's was equally bizarre. Without Ning Fengzhi's assistance, he had no confidence in defeating the freakishly high-leveled Yun Ming.
Seeing that even a proud man like Chen Xin had spoken, Ning Fengzhi realized that Yun Ming might be even more powerful than he had imagined. He stopped refusing and said to Yun Ming.
"In that case, Nephew, be careful."
Brilliant seven-colored light was instantly released from his body. Where the seven-colored light converged, a seven-colored pagoda, over a foot tall, shimmering with treasure light and exuding an air of nobility, appeared in the palm of Ning Fengzhi's right hand.
With his Martial Soul released, Ning Fengzhi did not stop, and his seven Spirit Rings lit up in unison.
First, he activated the Seven Treasure Avatar, using the effect of this spirit skill to reduce his burden (halving the Soul Power consumption of all amplification skills). Then, six beams of light—Power, Speed, Soul, Defense, Attack, and Increase—were cast upon Chen Xin simultaneously.
With all attributes increased by eighty percent, Chen Xin found himself unable to control his aura for a moment. A powerful pressure, far exceeding what he had displayed before, covered the entire Pope Mountain. The audience on the Viewing Platform felt this pressure, their breathing became labored, and their legs trembled uncontrollably, as if disaster were imminent.
Dugu Bo felt the Soul Power fluctuations of Chen Xin, which had reached their peak, and couldn't help but compare Chen Xin to the strongest people he had seen before. He realized... well, he realized nothing. The strongest person he had seen before was also Chen Xin; he simply couldn't judge the strength of the currently buffed Chen Xin.
The only ones present who could clearly judge the situation were the experienced Title Douluo of Martial Soul Hall and Yun Ming.
Bibi Dong waved her fair hand, and a barrier of Soul Power appeared in front of the Viewing Platform, blocking the pressure for the others while she murmured.
"What a Sword Dao Chen Xin! What a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!"
Chen Xin had only just broken through, yet under the buff of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, he could now barely touch the realm of a level 98. It was truly formidable.
It wasn't just Bibi Dong; the same realization arose in the hearts of others who could understand the situation.
Watching Chen Xin, whose aura was surging once again, Yun Ming also marveled at the unreasonableness of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. A Soul Saint being able to assist a mid-level Super Douluo with an eighty percent increase in all attributes—no matter the era, Yun Ming felt it was somewhat absurd!
Fortunately, Ning Fengzhi did not look relaxed either, otherwise, he would have doubted the true strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
After Chen Xin slightly adapted to this terrifying cultivation level that far exceeded anything he had experienced before, he looked at Yun Ming and said.
"Young friend, what do you think of this now?"
Bearing the pressure exerted by Chen Xin, Yun Ming channeled his Dual Soul Cores, forcibly carving out a space within Chen Xin's Soul Power field, and replied.
"Very strong, and very exciting."
"However, Soul Power is just Soul Power. Let me see your true strength now, Senior!"
As the words fell, Yun Ming transformed into a streak of golden light, appearing before Chen Xin, and thrust out the indestructible Atlas Divine Spear.
Regarding the comprehension of intent, Chen Xin was somewhat lacking due to the limitations of his era, but in terms of technique, he had watched Yun Ming's movements earlier and thought they looked quite good, so he wanted to try them out.
Facing the invitation to a duel of techniques issued by Yun Ming, Chen Xin naturally would not back down. He raised his greatsword, Soul Power erupted beneath his feet, and he launched a direct thrust of his own.
Platinum and white colors streaked like flowing light, rapidly intersecting in the arena as the Atlas Divine Spear and the Seven Kill Sword collided once more.
"Ding—"
The spear tip met the sword tip, emitting a crisp sound. In this direct collision, with the defensive amplification from Ning Fengzhi, the Seven Kill Sword performed slightly better, though it was still somewhat strained. Sensing the fear emanating from his martial spirit, Chen Xin had no choice but to change his stance.
Chen Xin flipped his wrist and executed an upward lift, intending to deflect the Atlas Spear before seizing the opportunity to strike.
However, Yun Ming clearly would not allow Chen Xin to have his way. Leveraging the momentum of the clash, he took a slight step back to evade the lift of the Seven Kill Sword, then, seizing the moment, he unleashed his blood energy and performed a two-stage lunge, pointing his spear toward Chen Xin's chest and abdomen.
Seeing Yun Ming change his moves so rapidly, Chen Xin marveled at the flexibility of his opponent's spearwork while simultaneously changing his own tactics. Pushing off the ground, he leaped into the air, dodging the direct thrust while bringing his sword down in a mighty cleaving strike, as if splitting Mount Hua.
Sensing the sharp edge of the Seven Kill Sword descending from behind, Yun Ming stopped and turned, executing a Skyward Thrust to meet the falling blade.
"Ding—"
Spear and sword collided again, and both parties tacitly separated upon contact.
Yun Ming looked at Chen Xin not far away, his interest growing even higher. His previous judgment was correct; Chen Xin's swordsmanship was indeed excellent, making him a worthy opponent, so he decided to increase the intensity.
"Senior, be careful."
As the words fell, Yun Ming turned into a blur, charging violently toward Chen Xin. The Atlas Divine Spear in his hand multiplied into thousands, thrusting toward Chen Xin from every angle. Seeing the spear tips approaching from all directions, Chen Xin's eyes flashed; he swung the Seven Kill Sword to create afterimages, meeting the assault head-on.
"Ding ding ding ding ding!"
The subsequent exchange was too fast for ordinary spectators to follow. All they could see were two streaks of light—one gold and one white—rapidly intersecting, separating, and colliding again, accompanied only by the constant appearance of new cracks on the plaza floor.
The two fought with speed against speed, trading five hundred blows back and forth, but that was as far as it went.
Through the rapid exchange, Yun Ming grasped the general pattern of Chen Xin's style. He predicted one of Chen Xin's moves and, taking advantage of the moment Chen Xin retracted his strike, shifted his rhythm and lunged fiercely.
Chen Xin was caught off guard by Yun Ming's sudden change in speed. Facing the incoming Atlas Spear, he sighed helplessly and activated his Third Soul Ring; two sword wings transformed into a shield, slashing toward the Atlas Spear.
However, using a soul skill meant he had lost the duel of techniques.
The outcome decided, silver light flashed on Yun Ming's body as he retreated a hundred meters away.
"Senior, you concede."
Chen Xin retracted his soul skill, shook his head, and smiled bitterly.
"Little friend, you are too modest. Your technique is indeed a cut above."
Five hundred moves might seem like a lot, but for people at their level, it was nothing. Yet, this had allowed Yun Ming to achieve a breakthrough, which surprised him. He looked at Yun Ming's still-youthful face with a sense of melancholy. However, thinking that he had lost in both technique and intent, he felt truly unwilling; could it be that he was going to lose in every single aspect?
Chen Xin locked his gaze onto Yun Ming, his consciousness sinking into the Seven Kill Sword to ignite the Sword Soul he had just comprehended. A tragic, desolate aura suddenly expanded from his body.
"Little friend, it's time for the main course!"
"Very well."
Seeing Chen Xin take the initiative, Yun Ming responded casually. Golden light erupted from his entire body, and at the same time, the spear light of the Atlas Divine Spear in his hand grew intense. He transformed into a swimming dragon, and a golden dragon, even more wild and ferocious than before, roared out with claws and fangs, charging straight toward his opponent.
Yun Ming felt as if he had been instantly plunged into a battlefield, where everything around him was filled with deathly silence, accompanied only by boundless killing intent and skeletons. For Yun Ming, who had invaded his domain, the killing intent began to condense once more into a giant sword of slaughter. But this time, unlike before, under the infusion of Soul Power, the volume of this giant sword increased dozens of times, descending from the sky and instantly shrouding Yun Ming's spear light.
Before that giant sword, the Atlas Divine Spear appeared so insignificant. Moreover, beyond the size, the most important thing was that the Sword Intent had sublimated.
Yun Ming could see exactly where the mystery of Chen Xin's Sword Intent lay. If Chen Xin's previous Sword Intent was still somewhat superficial—a "nothing it cannot cut" that only severed the body—then now, it was cutting through both inside and out, harming both the body and the spirit.
This made Yun Ming's eyes light up. He had thought it would be good enough if Chen Xin could learn something from the two types of Sword Intent to strengthen himself, but he hadn't expected that Chen Xin had chosen the path of using two other great Sword Daos to temper his own!
Chen Xin had always longed to surpass his father and defeat Qian Daoliu. However, the Soul Hunting Operation in the original timeline had cost him an arm, leaving him with no hope of dueling Qian Daoliu in this life. This sudden change had dashed his goals, and he had become more silent, as if he were dust settled into the invisible. He never expected that this extreme transformation would unexpectedly allow him to comprehend a path to progress further.
The ruthless and affectionate Sword Intents that Yun Ming had allowed Chen Xin to perceive were also closely related to emotions and state of mind. Although Chen Xin had gone astray due to different experiences and states of mind, it was reasonable for him to achieve an alternative breakthrough through analogy.
Yun Ming was pleasantly surprised. Therefore, he would respond accordingly.
His movements paused slightly, and then, the Atlas Divine Spear in Yun Ming's hand vibrated violently. Countless golden spear lights burst forth, soaring upward, moving forward without hesitation, and striking toward the giant sword of killing intent!
Atlas 'Royal Power'!
Wasn't Chen Xin's sword now capable of cutting through both inside and out? Then Yun Ming would test whether it could cut through his will. Thousands of spear lights erupted, blocking the massive power of the Sword Soul outside. When the countless spear lights converged into a single point, they struck the giant sword.
"Hum—"
The entire world of the Sword Soul trembled violently, and then it began to crumble inch by inch. Countless golden spear lights turned into golden lightning, rampaging and destroying the white Sword Intent.
In the eyes of the spectators, they saw Chen Xin's Sixth Soul Ring light up, followed by a single sword strike that turned the entire competition stage white. The Seven Kill Sword instantly grew countless times larger, shrouding Yun Ming within it.
Meanwhile, the Atlas Divine Spear in Yun Ming's hand suddenly erupted with unprecedented, brilliant radiance, as if it had instantly transformed into a massive golden light sphere, blooming outward.
The collision of white and gold caused the terrifying Sword Soul to tremble and shatter. However, all the golden electric arcs released by the Atlas Divine Spear were also swallowed by the white Sword Intent.
The result was a draw, settling into silence, but in truth, Chen Xin knew that he had only used his slightly stronger cultivation to break the structure of Yun Ming's spear art; in the end, he still could not cut through Yun Ming's will.
However, Chen Xin was not discouraged. Since one sword strike wasn't enough, he would continue to strike. He further channeled his Soul Power, and under his terrifyingly peerless Sword Intent, countless sword marks appeared on the plaza floor, and the clouds in the sky were also slashed into pieces. Looking at it, there was not a single intact place in heaven or on earth, except where Gu Rong stood.
Chen Xin was having a great time venting, but Gu Rong was the one suffering! He didn't want to stay, but Ning Fengzhi was currently helping Chen Xin with support and wasn't too far away, still within the range of the Sword Intent's encroachment, so he had to help block it! He hadn't blocked Yun Ming's spear, but instead had to block Chen Xin's sword, which left him feeling quite depressed.
However, Chen Xin had no time to worry about his old friend. The Seven Kill Sword in his hand did not pause; the Seventh Soul Ring flickered, and the Seven Kill Sword paused slightly in the air before changing abruptly. The soul ring and Chen Xin both disappeared, and all that remained was a cold, gleaming Seven Kill Avatar!
Seventh Soul Skill, Spirit Avatar, Seven Kill!
The giant sword rose once again, the stars formed by the Ninth Soul Skill on the blade flickering. This time, the surrounding space turned completely bleak and purely white, as if a massive white vortex had appeared.
What presented itself before Yun Ming was no longer the giant sword formed by killing intent from before, but a terrifying sword of slaughter hundreds of zhang long, seemingly filling the heavens and earth. On the blade were nine shining stars of varying yellow, purple, and black colors, a complete, magnified version of the Seven Kill Sword. Moreover, the skeletons and broken weapons beneath the killing sword carried a more peculiar charm than before.
Chen Xin's Ninth Soul Skill, God Demon Dual Slash!
Watching that killing sword, which seemed capable of splitting the heavens and earth, descend rapidly, even Yun Ming felt a degree of pressure.
Compared to before, this strike not only contained a more violent killing intent from the Spirit, but Chen Xin's true Sword Soul essence was also amplified to the limit, even taking on a hint of his own Spear Intent.
At this moment, Yun Ming could wait no longer; his entire consciousness was fully immersed in the visualization of the Atlas Divine Spear.
Behind him, a pair of Sun Moon Phantom images emerged, the prelude to his Yin Yang Complementary Dual Soul Core erupting at full power. Strange light patterns spread outward, the air began to distort, and countless amounts of heaven and earth spiritual energy were frantically devoured by the soul core.
Simultaneously, behind Yun Ming, a massive golden light figure holding a spear in one hand appeared. It was clearly Yun Ming, though compared to his flesh-and-blood form, the light figure possessed many multicolored patterns—the very same ones that had appeared on his body when he previously fused his soul cores.
The terrifying suction force of the two soul cores spread across the entire arena.
Every spectator could feel their own Soul Power being affected, with a faint sensation that it was about to be pulled out of their bodies, though they didn't know why it hadn't happened yet. Their intuition was correct; under normal circumstances, their Soul Power might have been forcibly extracted by the dual soul cores, but wasn't there the Soul Power barrier provided by Bibi Dong? The Pope, forced to sacrifice himself for the sake of others, was shielding them from the disaster.
Intense energy fluctuations erupted in the air, and an energy storm swept in, surging into the Sun Moon Phantom.
Yun Ming raised his head, his eyes already completely influenced by the soul core, turning into shades of crimson gold and violet gold, while the energy fluctuations on his body rose geometrically and frantically.
Although he had not yet used his Spirit Avatar, relying on the heaven-swallowing and earth-devouring Yin Yang Complementary Dual Soul Core, his own cultivation base was surging wildly.
The Atlas Divine Spear thrust out, Atlas 'Sun Shooting'!
Boundless golden light gushed forth from the Atlas Divine Spear, as if a second sun had appeared on the plaza.
The radiance of the Spear Art was so blinding that everyone instinctively turned their heads or raised their hands to shield their eyes, completely losing sight of the arena.
In an instant, the entire plaza seemed to be segmented, with countless shattered fissures crisscrossing every corner of the competition stage. The fractured textures raged, spiraling and swirling around the white giant sword descending from the sky.
Strangely, there was no sound of collision, yet the entire plaza seemed to collapse in that very instant. The energy barrier originally protecting the plaza shattered instantly.
The spectators watching the great battle were no longer cheering, but gasping in shock. It was over; their dreams had come true, and they were about to personally experience the battle between two top-tier powerhouses.
Centered on the point where the two had originally clashed, a massive Light Sphere appeared, and the terrifying sound of explosions continued to vibrate and detonate.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: DaoistReader