A max-level player in Jade Dynasty: Awakening the Innate Dao at the start.

The light swallowed everything.

That was not gentle light; it was tearing, burning, and destroying everything.

The crimson sword energy, fueled by the "Slaying Demons and Gods" technique, transformed in the air into a ferocious, menacing azure dragon.

With a fierce and malevolent will to annihilate demons and gods, it recklessly crashed into the silvery-white sea of ​​lightning drawn down by the "Divine Sword Thunder Control Technique"!

The lightning blazed fiercely, and electric snakes danced wildly, emitting a deafening roar, representing the majestic power of the heavens.

But in front of the Azure Dragon, that sea of ​​lightning seemed to become fragile.

"Boom—Crack!!!"

With a deafening roar, the Azure Dragon opened its enormous maw, seemingly capable of swallowing the heavens and earth.

It bit down hard on the very core of the Thunder Sword Qi!

Not to crush, not to neutralize, but... to crush!

Like an ancient ferocious beast pouncing on its prey, the moment the Azure Dragon's massive jaws snapped shut...

The seemingly devastating lightning bolts disintegrated instantly!

It transformed into countless tiny sparks of electricity, crackling futilely a few times in the air.

It vanished completely, as if it had never existed.

The aftershocks of the collision, like an invisible tide, spread rapidly in all directions!

Around the arena, dozens of elite disciples from various lineages, who had been waiting in full battle array, almost simultaneously shouted out and unleashed their respective magical treasures!

In an instant, various magical treasures lit up, hastily merging into one.

They barely managed to form a thick but violently fluctuating seven-colored light curtain, which narrowly blocked the devastating impact.

The surface of the light curtain twisted and trembled wildly, like a waterfall in a gale, as if it would shatter completely at any moment.

The arena itself wasn't so lucky.

The wide tabletop, made of hard white jade, first made a "crack" sound as it could no longer bear the weight, and countless spiderweb-like cracks instantly spread across it.

Immediately afterwards, the entire arena collapsed with a deep rumble!

Countless white jade fragments, large and small, shot out in all directions like a torrential rain.

It hit the protective light screen, making a series of muffled "thump-thump" sounds like drumming.

The billowing smoke and dust, mixed with the dissipated spiritual energy, obscured half of the square, making it impossible to see what was inside.

As the smoke and dust were dispersed by the wind, everyone eagerly looked towards the center of the now-ruined arena—

Lu Xueqi knelt on one knee on the shattered jade slab, the Tianya Divine Sword diagonally embedded beside her.

The brilliant lightning on the sword had long since faded, leaving only a dim azure.

Her face was as pale as paper, and a streak of bright red blood oozed from the corner of her mouth.

That pristine, moon-white Taoist robe was now torn in several places.

The tear vaguely revealed the blood-stained, snow-white skin beneath.

Zhang Xiaofan stood right in front of her, just three steps away.

He wasn't holding the blackened fire poker.

Instead, it hovered in mid-air, its tip emitting a chilling dark red glow.

It was less than three inches away from Lu Xueqi's smooth and delicate chest.

The crimson light, like the cold forked tongue of a venomous snake, flickered slightly.

It seemed as if a gentle touch could pierce her body at any moment.

To end this competition, or even more.

Lu Xueqi raised her head, her cool gaze meeting Zhang Xiaofan's.

Those beautiful eyes, which were always calm and undisturbed, held no fear at this moment.

There was no resentment, only a sense of calm and peace after the dust had settled.

She didn't even look at the deadly tip of the club that was so close at hand.

She simply glanced at Zhang Xiaofan, then slowly closed her eyes.

She was waiting.

Waiting for that final blow, waiting for my own defeat.

However, the anticipated attack did not occur.

That fire poker, spitting out a blood-red light and radiating a terrifying aura,

But at this moment, it suddenly withdrew all its malevolent aura.

The dark red patterns on the stick quickly faded and disappeared.

In the blink of an eye, it returned to its unremarkable, jet-black appearance.

Then it floated back lightly and landed in Zhang Xiaofan's outstretched palm.

He stepped forward.

It wasn't an attack, but rather an outstretched hand.

His left hand gently encircled Lu Xueqi's slender yet resilient waist, while his right hand steadily supported her back, which was stained with dust and blood.

Then, with an almost cautious, gentle force, as if afraid of breaking some precious item,

He lifted her up from the cold, broken ground.

Lu Xueqi's long eyelashes fluttered, and she suddenly opened her eyes.

What came into view was Zhang Xiaofan's face, which was very close to his.

At this moment, the usual cynical smile on his face disappeared, and his eyes showed an unusual seriousness and focus.

Her pale and slightly disheveled reflection was clearly seen in his bright pupils.

Her body trembled almost imperceptibly.

On the high platform, Master Shuiyue's fingers almost crushed the hard armrest of the chair.

She stared intently at the arena, at the black-clad youth who was holding his most prized and cherished disciple.

The emotions in his eyes were churning and extremely complex.

If it were according to her usual temperament, seeing this scene,

I should have drawn my sword and charged down long ago, and chopped that bastard into eight pieces.

We need to remove his "unruly" hands first.

But at that moment, she managed to hold back.

Because she saw it clearly and plainly.

That final blow from Zhang Xiaofan, "Slaying Ghosts and Gods," completely shattered Xueqi's "Divine Sword Thunder Control Technique."

If he really wanted to be ruthless, he could have severely injured Xueqi in that instant.

They even directly crippled her cultivation, rendering her no longer a threat.

But at the most crucial and fatal moment, he cleanly and decisively stopped.

A hug... is much better than having your meridians damaged and your cultivation regressed, right?

The thought popped up uncontrollably, even surprising Shuiyue Zhenren himself.

When did she start... to think about that brat?

Beside him, Tian Buyi was also watching the arena.

He twirled his precious few whiskers, his face full of undisguised satisfaction.

The apprentice won, won cleanly and decisively, and won without any controversy.

What's even more commendable is that he wins with discretion and knows when to advance and retreat.

It neither harmed the harmony among fellow disciples nor created any deadly enmity. Very good, excellent.

But... isn't this brat a little too good at "knowing his limits"?

Under the watchful eyes of everyone… he secretly glanced at the fluctuating breath of Master Shuiyue beside him.

He thought to himself: "They really know how to pick their timing to get this advantage."

Below the stage, Tian Ling'er stood in the crowded throng.

Her once bright and lively eyes now seemed somewhat dim.

She looked at the two embracing on the stage, at Zhang Xiaofan carefully holding Lu Xueqi.

Looking at Lu Xueqi's pale face and weak silhouette leaning against his shoulder...

It felt like a wad of soaking wet cotton had suddenly been stuffed into my heart.

It felt heavy and suffocating, making it hard for her to breathe.

She subconsciously lowered her head and quickly glanced at the still somewhat immature curves of her chest.

He couldn't help but look up at Lu Xueqi's figure, whose breathtaking curves were still undeniable even though her Taoist robe was torn.

She gently bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth, and a thought surfaced with crystal clarity:

I need to grow up faster... much faster.

Otherwise, Xiao Fan... might really be snatched away by someone else.

The reactions of the other disciples around them were much more straightforward and lively.

"He hugged her?! He actually hugged Junior Sister Lu!"

"My God... I'm going to kill him! Right now!"

"Save your breath. What are you going to use to kill him? Could you have taken that blow from that stick?"

"I...I'll go back and cultivate in seclusion for a hundred years! I'll definitely kill him after a hundred years!"

"Okay, then good luck. We'll be waiting to see your splendor a hundred years from now."

"Damn it! Why wasn't it me...?"

"Because you can't even get into the ring."

The sounds of discussion, exclamations, wails, and gnashing teeth mingled together in a cacophony.

It almost reignited the square that had just calmed down.

Jealousy, envy, indignation, resentment, and a deep-seated sense of powerlessness.

It permeated the hearts of thousands of young disciples.

The gap in strength has become so vast that even pure jealousy seems so pale and laughable.

Just then, the deep and majestic voice of Master Zeng Shuchang rang out at the opportune moment.

Like a rock calming the sea, it instantly suppressed all the noise in the arena:

"The outcome of this battle is decided! The winner is Zhang Xiaofan from Dazhufeng! He advances to the final match!"

An hour later, Qi Hao from Dragon Head Peak will determine the champion of this year's Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament!

After the announcement was finished, Master Zeng Shuchang's gaze also fell on the arena.

Seeing that Zhang Xiaofan was still holding Lu Xueqi tightly, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

On the stage, Lu Xueqi was startled awake by the resounding announcement that echoed throughout the arena.

A faint blush swept across her pale cheeks.

She frowned and tried to break free again: "Put me down."

Zhang Xiaofan's arm remained motionless, with a perfectly valid reason: "I'm afraid your legs will give way and you won't be able to stand steadily."

"I can stand firm." Lu Xueqi's tone returned to its usual cool and aloofness.

Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head, looking at her face so close to his.

He suddenly laughed, a laugh tinged with a roguish charm:

"Since you've asked this question... then I have to say, I think you can't stand up straight."

Lu Xueqi: "..."

Once again, she learned firsthand what "shamelessness" truly meant.

Left with no other choice, she could only secretly gather her inner energy and mobilize the remaining spiritual power within her body.

With a sudden twist of her waist, she finally broke free from Zhang Xiaofan's seemingly casual but actually firm embrace.

When I landed, my steps were indeed unsteady for a moment.

She staggered half a step, but quickly regained her balance and straightened her back.

This time, Zhang Xiaofan didn't insist. He obediently let go of her hand, took a step back, and gave her some space.

The two looked at each other again, three steps apart.

Lu Xueqi's face was still pale, but her eyes had regained their usual clarity and calmness, like stars polished by snow.

She looked at Zhang Xiaofan and finally asked the question that had been lingering in her mind for a while:

"You could have delivered that final blow... why did you stop?"

"We've already won," Zhang Xiaofan replied matter-of-factly, "there's no need to hurt you anymore."

"Just because of that?" Lu Xueqi clearly didn't believe it, or rather, she felt that the reason wasn't enough.

Zhang Xiaofan found it amusing to see her earnest questioning.

He moved a little closer and could almost smell the faint scent of blood mixed with the crisp, clear scent of snow emanating from her.

He lowered his voice, speaking in a volume only the two of them could hear, and said with a smile:

"And also... you're so beautiful, you'll definitely be my wife someday."

What if I hadn't stopped myself and it left you with some serious injury or unsightly scar?

"Won't I be the one who suffers in the future?"

Lu Xueqi's pretty face flushed bright red in an instant!

This wasn't a shy blush, but pure embarrassment; the blush spread all the way down to her fair neck.

Almost instinctively and frantically, she looked up towards the high platform.

She was met with her master, Master Shuiyue, whose stern gaze was almost spitting fire, and she quickly looked away in fright.

My heart was beating faster for no apparent reason, and I even stumbled over my words.

"Who, who wants to be your wife! You...you stop talking nonsense! Go find your junior sister Tian Ling'er!"

Having said that, she dared not linger any longer, disregarding her injuries.

The moon-white figure, like a startled crane, lightly touched the ruins with its toes.

With a few light leaps, she quickly disappeared into the still dense crowd.

At that speed, there was no trace of weakness from having just gone through a life-or-death battle.

Zhang Xiaofan watched her retreating figure, which was almost like a "fleeing mess," and couldn't help but smile.

Finally, he broke into a broad, hearty smile.

Teasing this always aloof Junior Sister Lu... is indeed endlessly fun.

"Xiao Fan!"

A clear call came, and Tian Ling'er, like a dancing flame, struggled to squeeze through the crowd.

She tilted her little face up, her eyes sparkling.

The gloom from before seemed to have been forcibly suppressed, leaving only pure excitement:

"You're in the top two! That's amazing! Win one more match and you'll be number one! The champion of the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament!"

Zhang Xiaofan reached out and habitually ruffled her soft hair, smiling, "Mmm."

Zeng Shushu also sneakily approached, circling Zhang Xiaofan twice, clicking his tongue in amazement:

"Senior Brother Zhang, I'm completely convinced of your abilities, I'm utterly impressed! But..."

He puffed out his chest, struck what he thought was a dashing pose, and tried to make amends.

"In terms of strength, I admit defeat, but in terms of handsome looks and dashing charm, I think I have a slight edge..."

Zhang Xiaofan glanced at him, said nothing, but suddenly reached out his hand.

He precisely grabbed Zeng Shushu's belt with one hand, while his other hand clenched into a fist.

He gestured lightly in front of one of his genitals.

Zeng Shushu's face turned deathly pale in an instant, and he swiftly covered his lower body with both hands.

With a strange howl, it stumbled back three large steps, almost falling flat on its backside.

He repeatedly begged for forgiveness: "You're handsome! You're the most handsome man in the world! I didn't say anything!"

A burst of unrestrained laughter erupted around them, dispelling the somber atmosphere left by the previous earth-shattering duel.

Senior Brother Song Daren also came over, and forcefully patted Zhang Xiaofan's shoulder with his large, fan-like hand.

His eyes were full of emotion, and a hint of regret:

"Xiao Fan, you've really... grown up."

He recalled the junior apprentice who needed his help when he first arrived on the mountain seven years ago.

Then look at Zhang Xiaofan before you, who effortlessly defeated powerful enemies and was now able to rival the top geniuses of the Qingyun Sect.

My heart was filled with mixed feelings, a feeling that I couldn't quite describe.

"Senior Brother." Zhang Xiaofan looked at him with a sincere smile.

"Take a break," Song Daren said seriously, putting away his sighs.

"The final is in an hour, so hurry up and recover."

Don't worry, we'll protect you and ensure no one disturbs you.

The other senior brothers also gathered around.

He Dazhi silently handed over a water bag filled with spring water;

Lu Daxin sheepishly pulled out a faded handkerchief—

Although Zhang Xiaofan didn't break a sweat;

Zheng Dali and Wu Dayi stood on either side of each other in tacit agreement, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings, resembling two dutiful door gods.

Tian Ling'er stood close to Zhang Xiaofan, her little fists clenched.

He lowered his voice, with a hint of gritted teeth:

"Xiao Fan, we're going to face that freak Qi Hao later."

You must win, and win spectacularly! Make Dazhufeng proud!

Zhang Xiaofan looked at the senior brothers and sisters who surrounded him tightly, and saw the unreserved concern and support in their eyes.

My heart felt as if it had been soaked in warm water, and a long-lost warmth welled up inside me.

He didn't say anything more, and did as instructed in the center of the arena ruins.

He found a relatively flat piece of broken jade, sat down cross-legged,

He closed his eyes and pretended to regulate his breathing.

In fact, with his cultivation foundation at the Upper Clarity Realm, the amount of energy he had just consumed was negligible.

But he had to accept the simple and sincere sentiments of his senior brothers and sisters.

With my eyes closed, all the sounds from the outside world came into my ears even more clearly.

The disciples whispered among themselves about the duel they had just witnessed and about his "world-shaking embrace";

The senior students were talking in hushed tones.

Shouts and the sounds of magical weapons clashing could be heard from several other arenas in the distance where the matches were still ongoing;

And when the mountain wind blows across this broken arena, it weaves through the cracks and rubble, making a low, mournful sound.

The final match will begin in one hour.

The opponent is Qi Hao.

In Zhang Xiaofan's mind, that face, always wearing a gentle and polite smile, and seemingly flawless, clearly appeared.

Every time Tian Ling'er mentioned him, she would grit her teeth and call him a "perverted bastard."

There is also the secret rivalry and competition between Longshou Peak and Dazhu Peak that has lasted for countless years.

It's time to settle some scores.

He suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze calm yet sharp as he looked toward the area where the disciples of Dragon Head Peak were gathered.

As if by telepathy, there stood Qi Hao, dressed in a green robe, looking remarkably elegant.

Just then, he turned his head, his gaze piercing through the crowd, looking into the distance.

Their gazes met silently in mid-air.

There were no intense sparks, nor any deliberate provocation.

There was only a cold, almost indifferent calm.

A signature, gentle smile, as warm and comforting as a spring breeze, slowly spread across Qi Hao's face.

He even nodded very politely and very slightly in Zhang Xiaofan's direction.

It was as if they were congratulating him on advancing, and also as if they were saying: I'm waiting for you.

Zhang Xiaofan also smiled, but the smile was faint and its meaning was unclear.

Then, he closed his eyes again.

It's not about regulating your breathing, it's just about calming your mind.

An hour later, this long-awaited duel will truly begin.