Chapter 17

As Zhuge Xiang faced Ji Wuxue, the two had just stepped onto the dueling platform, attracting the attention of many people.

Ji Wuxue, who needs no introduction, is a genius disciple who had already comprehended the Qi Force five months ago, not far behind Lu Yuling. Moreover, he possesses a strong spirit of adventure, and for almost these five months, he has been slaughtering demonic beasts in the Endless Mountains, rarely returning to the sect.

No one knows to what extent Ji Wuxue's strength has reached after five months of slaughter. However, several months ago, his successful cultivation of the Bloodthirsty Technique made him famous. The Bloodthirsty Technique is well-known to all disciples who have comprehended the Qi Force, but only a few dozen have the courage to cultivate it. Among them, over eighty died during cultivation, and Ji Wuxue is one of the few successful cultivators, numbering only two or three.

From his appearance, it is clear that Ji Wuxue has successfully cultivated the Bloodthirsty Technique and has also mastered a sharp sword technique. The combination of these two is not as simple as one plus one. One could say that Ji Wuxue is one of the candidates with a good chance of winning the grand tournament.

However, Ji Wuxue is strong, but Zhuge Xiang is not weak. Although he has faced disciples at the first level of the Qi Cultivation Realm for three consecutive matches, everyone remembers his first duel with Zhao Feiyun. The burst of strength at that moment, the dramatic reversal in a critical situation, and the fleeting appearance of the Bloodthirsty Technique—no one can guarantee that he had unleashed his full strength at that time. Moreover, Ji Wuxue's words confirmed everyone's thoughts; it was indeed the Bloodthirsty Technique, and it had reached the advanced stage.

At this moment, almost everyone's attention was drawn to the duel between the two. Although this was only in the middle to late stage of one of the dueling platforms, the quality of this battle was no less than the top eight competition. A third-level Qi Cultivation Realm disciple with an initial understanding of the Bloodthirsty Technique facing a second-level Qi Cultivation Realm disciple with an advanced understanding of the Bloodthirsty Technique—how powerful is this technique, which is said to be useful throughout the entire Essence Refinement and Qi Transformation stage? Everyone was watching with bated breath...

Ding...

Under the enhancement of the Bloodthirsty Technique, Ji Wuxue's swift and decisive sword strike was quick, but Zhuge Xiang's speed was not slow either. The Bloodthirsty Technique activated in an instant, boosting all attributes by 50%. The Blood-Refined Saber was swung horizontally, blocking Ji Wuxue's sword. The clash of the sword and saber produced a clear metallic sound.

As the saying goes, the sword is known for its agility, and the saber for its strength. This indicates that the sword is famous for its attack speed, while the saber is known for its powerful force. However, with the advanced stage of the Bloodthirsty Technique, which increases attack speed by 50%, Zhuge Xiang's saber not only possessed the characteristic of powerful force but also had a very fast attack speed. Disciples at the Qi Cultivation Realm could still see clearly, but those who had not comprehended the essence could only see a flash of bloody saber light.

Knowing that Zhuge Xiang's Bloodthirsty Technique had reached the advanced stage, Ji Wuxue naturally did not lack preparation. His black long sword also blocked Zhuge Xiang's attack. After a mutual test, the two retreated a few steps in unison.

All was quiet, and everyone held their breath, staring intently at the two on the dueling platform. Especially those with ambitions to win the grand tournament, their eyes did not blink, as they wanted to clearly see the strength of their formidable opponents, regardless of who won.

Although it was just a mutual test, the danger was evident. Ignoring the attack power for a moment, the incredible attack speed of the two was enough to make people's hearts race. Many people asked themselves, if they were to step up, whether it would be the sharp sword techniques or the terrifying saber light, they would not be able to block them.

"Shall we decide the winner in three moves?" After retreating a few steps, Ji Wuxue's expression remained cold, but a hint of seriousness could be seen in his eyes as he looked at Zhuge Xiang and said coldly.

Three moves to decide the winner? Ji Wuxue's proposal was met with a nod from Zhuge Xiang, who agreed.

Although the Bloodthirsty Technique is powerful, it has its weak period. After the mutual test, both realized that their attack power and speed were evenly matched. If they continued to fight, the prolonged activation of the Bloodthirsty Technique would greatly affect the subsequent battles, regardless of who won. Therefore, deciding the winner in three moves would allow the victor to be in better condition for the next duel.

By making such a suggestion, Ji Wuxue acknowledged Zhuge Xiang's strength, knowing that he could not win quickly. On the other hand, Zhuge Xiang had to have enough confidence to agree.

The agreement to decide the winner in three moves made everyone even more tense. Although for those who wanted to win the championship, it was a pity that they did not both suffer injuries, the agreement to decide the winner in three moves clearly meant that both would unleash their strongest abilities. This was a moment that could not be missed.

"Three moves?" Lu Yuling's lips curled into a smile, and his eyes looked at Zhuge Xiang with a hint of anticipation. Could he win against Ji Wuxue? With only half a month of comprehending the Qi Force, if he could win this battle, he would surely make a name for himself in the Asura Sect.

"Yanma Sword Technique, Fangya Thrust," Ji Wuxue, undoubtedly a qualified swordsman, seeing Zhuge Xiang agree, did not waste time and moved. A black sword light, like a black lightning bolt, flashed past, with a chilling sword intent directly pointing at Zhuge Xiang's forehead. Even before the sword arrived, Zhuge Xiang felt a faint pain in his forehead.

Fangya Thrust, this sword technique had no tricky angles or profound sword methods, just a direct thrust. However, this one thrust was extremely fast, so fast that it was difficult to react.

It seemed like an instant, and the cold sword tip was already in front of Zhuge Xiang's eyes. His pupils contracted sharply. Zhuge Xiang had never seen such a fast attack, such a fast sword. By proposing to decide the winner in three moves, Ji Wuxue clearly had something to rely on.

With the advanced stage of the Bloodthirsty Technique, a 50% speed boost, and a pair of boots that provided an additional 30% speed boost, Zhuge Xiang, at the critical moment, twisted his waist and turned his head. Although he could not dodge the sword, he avoided the vital areas. A pain in his forehead, and Ji Wuxue's sword cut through his skin, blood flowing down...

"Reverse Style, Swallow Return," after wounding the enemy, Ji Wuxue and Zhuge Xiang passed each other. Almost simultaneously, a cold voice sounded, and a chilling sword aura locked onto Zhuge Xiang's heart.

Turning his body, the black sword light, entwined with the blood-colored Qi Force of the Bloodthirsty Technique, appeared like a ghost. After the super-high-speed movement, Ji Wuxue not only stopped his momentum but also launched a rapid attack, no less than the thrust, in an impossible situation...

This sword was unexpected. According to common sense, after a high-speed thrust, one would have to move forward a certain distance before stopping and attacking. However, Ji Wuxue's Swallow Return seemed to ignore the laws of inertia.

Blood splattered, and although the vital area of the heart was avoided, the sword pierced through Zhuge Xiang's chest, exiting through his back, passing through his body. Even though the vital area of the heart was avoided, this sword severely injured Zhuge Xiang, reducing his combat ability by more than half. The chances of turning the tide were extremely slim...

By agreeing to the three-move rule, Ji Wuxue clearly had something to rely on. Although it was a three-move rule, Zhuge Xiang, under the sharp sword techniques of Ji Wuxue, had no chance to counterattack. After two moves, he was severely injured, almost to the point of death. This battle was unprecedentedly dangerous for Zhuge Xiang.

"Ji Wuxue has won..." Seeing this, many people made their judgments. Indeed, although the two were evenly matched in strength, with Zhuge Xiang's combat ability reduced by more than half, the chances of turning the tide were extremely slim.

Even Lu Yuling's brows furrowed slightly. Although she had confidence in Zhuge Xiang, at this moment, she could not think of any way for him to turn the tide.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but Zhuge Xiang paid no attention. His blood-red eyes stared intently at Ji Wuxue. He knew that if he did not act, he would have no chance to counterattack under the sharp sword techniques. The Blood-Refined Saber swung, directly aiming for Ji Wuxue's arm.

This was a desperate move. If Ji Wuxue wanted to twist his wrist and kill Zhuge Xiang, his arm would inevitably be cut off. For a swordsman, losing an arm meant a significant loss. Therefore, Ji Wuxue had to retreat.

Ji Wuxue perceived Zhuge Xiang's ruthlessness, not only towards his enemies but also towards himself. When his life was threatened, Zhuge Xiang's first reaction was not to retreat for self-preservation but to fight desperately.

The saying "placed in a desperate situation, one will fight to survive" applies here. If he had retreated, Ji Wuxue would have pressed forward, and with his severe injuries, Zhuge Xiang would have had no chance to turn the tide. However, by fighting desperately, he gained a sliver of opportunity.

Seeing Ji Wuxue retreat, Zhuge Xiang did not pursue. His body slightly lowered, like a leopard ready to pounce, the surging Qi Force in his body infused the Blood-Refined Saber, forming a terrifying ghost face.

Originally, the Blood Thunder Slash required seven to eight breaths to charge, but with Zhuge Xiang's breakthrough to the second level of the Qi Cultivation Realm, his Qi Force was more substantial, requiring only four to five breaths. With the advanced stage of the Bloodthirsty Technique, his Qi Force was even more substantial, and his attack speed increased by 50%, so now it only required two breaths.

The Blood Thunder Slash was charged, and an unprecedentedly fierce saber intent emanated from Zhuge Xiang. Everyone knew this was his offensive technique.

Locked by Zhuge Xiang's terrifying saber intent, Ji Wuxue's face changed. Zhuge Xiang's attack was already high, and this saber intent, combined with the charging, clearly indicated a devastating attack. Stopping his retreat, Ji Wuxue decisively charged back at Zhuge Xiang, determined to interrupt his move.

Ji Wuxue's decision was swift, but would Zhuge Xiang let him interrupt? Staring at Ji Wuxue's charging figure like a leopard, Zhuge Xiang let out a low cry, activating the effect of the Frost Headband. An invisible force spread, reducing Ji Wuxue's speed by 20%.

Ignoring Ji Wuxue's shocked expression, seeing him charge to his front, Zhuge Xiang let out a roar, kicked the ground, and charged forward—Blood Thunder Slash!

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