The arena erupted into thunderous cheers as the barrier slowly dissolved, signaling the end of the battle.
"Azure Cloud Sect—victorious!"
The announcement echoed across the battlefield, drawing attention from every sect present.
Li Hao stood calmly at the center, his breathing steady despite the intense fight. Around him, faint traces of frost still lingered in the air, slowly dissipating. Wang Lei stretched his arms, grinning as if the battle had only warmed him up, while Su Ling quietly checked her remaining pills, already calculating their next moves. Lin Xue's illusions faded gently, her silver eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet caution.
But while the crowd celebrated, the atmosphere among the true elites remained tense.
From the elevated platform of the Golden Crown Sect, Zhao Kun observed everything with cold indifference. His massive Xuanwu phantom flickered faintly behind him, as if reacting to his mood.
"They defeated Iron Blood Hall faster than expected," one disciple muttered.
Zhao Kun remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Raw strength… decent coordination…" his voice was low, but carried a chilling weight. "But they lack absolute dominance."
Beside him, Xu Mei stood quietly, her phoenix flames dim but steady. Her gaze lingered on Li Hao for a brief moment longer than necessary.
Zhao Kun noticed.
His expression darkened slightly.
"You're still looking at him," he said.
Xu Mei didn't answer.
That silence alone was enough.
A faint killing intent flickered in Zhao Kun's eyes.
"It doesn't matter," he continued coldly. "In the end, he'll kneel."
Back on the battlefield, Li Hao suddenly felt a heavy pressure descend upon him.
He raised his head.
Their eyes met.
No words were exchanged.
But the message was clear.
A challenge.
A warning.
And an inevitable clash.
Li Hao's expression didn't change.
But deep within—
His killing intent stirred.