Wensiren lay wounded by Gao Han's hand, and victory belonged to Gao Han.
An elder of the Fire Cloud Manor atop the stands rushed down at once, only to find Wensiren collapsed on the arena, blood streaming ceaselessly from his right palm. Wensiren himself screamed hoarsely, clutching his injured hand tightly as he lay writhing on the ground.
Ma Liang's face blanched, trembling with terror as he scrambled to lift Wensiren, channeling a steady stream of his power into the young man's body to mend his injuries.
Wensiren's status within Fire Cloud Manor far exceeded that of a mere core disciple. His father was one of the influential inner-sect elders, and his grandfather, Wen Renhong—the Third Elder of Fire Cloud Manor—was a Spirit Fusion expert. The Wen clan wielded considerable authority within the manor, and Wensiren was Wen Renhong's only grandson. Should Wen Renhong learn that he had failed to protect his grandson, his own position as elder would be forfeit.
Though his cultivation at the ninth layer of True Essence was not insignificant, Fire Cloud Manor, a seven-star sect, counted hundreds of experts at this realm among its ranks. For Wen Renhong, the Third Elder, to have him killed would require nothing more than a single word, and countless assassins would answer the call.
Yet as Ma Liang poured more and more of his true essence into Wensiren's body, the young man's screams grew more frantic, until his voice faded entirely, blood seeping from his throat. Ma Liang's expression darkened further by the second.
The frigid ice energy had ravaged the meridians in Wensiren's right arm, leaving them brittle and fragile. They could not withstand the scorching heat of Ma Liang's true essence, and one by one, the meridians snapped into pieces.
Gao Han sighed helplessly. "Had you not forced your true essence into him, his condition would have mended on its own within a month. But now your power has shattered his meridians—his right arm is permanently crippled. Foolish man."
With that, Gao Han turned and leaped off the arena. Wensiren heard every word, his face draining of color. His right hand was ruined! He swore vengeance upon Gao Han, vowing to make him suffer a fate worse than death.
He then fixed a venomous glare upon Ma Liang, adding him to his list of enemies. Had the elder not recklessly channeled essence into his meridians, he would have recovered in a month's time. He resolved to tell his grandfather to strip Ma Liang of his elder's position at once.
Ma Liang remained oblivious to the doom looming over him, seething at Gao Han's final remark. Though he hated Gao Han with every fiber of his being, he dared not lay a hand on him. He had witnessed Duan Muhua's attempt to strike Gao Han blocked by Jian Wuxiang, and from the exchanges above, he knew Gao Han was backed by Li Changtian, Zheng Mufeng, Situ Wei, and others—powers he could never hope to oppose.
Still, he swore silently to kill Gao Han at the first opportunity, to quench the hatred burning in his heart.
The duel concluded, with Gao Han as the victor. Only three warriors remained.
Three figures in the stands were overcome with elation.
Li Changtian felt a surge of pride and triumph, his spirits soaring as he basked in the glory of the moment.
Zheng Mufeng congratulated himself for his discernment—he had known Gao Han was a prodigy all along. To reach the top three at just sixteen years old, with only the first layer of True Essence, was unheard of. He suspected that by the next tournament, Gao Han would claim the championship.
He did not doubt Gao Han's potential, but Jian Qingtian and Duan Qianchou were simply too formidable. Even a newly ascended fifth-layer True Essence expert would struggle to gain the upper hand against them.
The third overjoyed spectator was Situ Wei, who looked upon Gao Han with the fond pride of an elder, and a quiet satisfaction at his granddaughter's discerning eye.
You Canghai cleared his throat and announced loudly, "The top three finalists have been decided! Let the three champions step onto the arena!"
Three figures leaped onto the stage, forming a triangular formation, each gazing coldly at the other two.
They shone like three brilliant stars, their striking features capturing the gaze of every spectator.
Jian Qingtian was flawlessly handsome, with sharp sword-like brows, bright starry eyes, crimson lips, fair skin, and a straight nose—the epitome of perfect beauty. His frame stood rigid and unyielding, like a unsheathed sword, radiating a sharp, piercing aura.
Duan Qianchou possessed an arrogant handsomeness, exuding an air of haughty superiority and domineering grace. His presence was as heavy and imposing as a mountain, leaving those nearby breathless beneath its weight.
Gao Han was the least ostentatious of the three. His youthful face was etched with unrelenting coldness, like ice that had lain frozen for ten thousand years. His white robes only amplified his frosty demeanor. Though he released no discernible aura, the imposing presences of Jian Qingtian and Duan Qianchou failed to affect him in the slightest.
Only Jian Qingtian and Duan Qianchou sensed the endless chill emanating from Gao Han's body. The sharp sword aura and mountainous weight of their own energies froze and dissipated the moment they touched his frost-laden presence.
Their extraordinary good looks drove the women in the stands into a frenzy of screams and adoration.
"Jian Qingtian, you are the most handsome! Fight on, you will claim the championship! The others are nothing beside you!"
"Nonsense! Duan Qianchou is the fairest, and he will be the victor! Look at his proud, noble face—how could anyone not be captivated?"
"Jian Qingtian is the most handsome! Duan Qianchou's arrogance is nothing but tiresome!"
A young woman spoke up softly, "I think Gao Han is the most beautiful. His cold, aloof demeanor is enchanting, and his white robes make him look utterly elegant. He is the youngest of the three, and his future knows no bounds."
The stands erupted into chaos, while the men watching could only smile wryly at the three youths' overwhelming charm. The trio themselves, however, appeared entirely indifferent to the commotion.
In truth, they saw nothing but their rivals, oblivious to the world around them.
In an unassuming corner of the stands, Situ Jian, Situ Yan, Zheng Ling, and Zheng Kong sat together.
Situ Jian turned to Zheng Ling. "Brother Ling, who do you think will claim the championship?"
Before Zheng Ling could reply, Zheng Kong exclaimed, "Cousin, how could you even ask? It will definitely be Brother Han! Won't it, cousin?"
Situ Yan murmured a vague agreement, her eyes never leaving Gao Han on the arena, her gaze soft with affection, worry, and quiet adoration.
Situ Jian and Zheng Ling exchanged helpless glances. Clearly, if asked whether Gao Han was the greatest under heaven, Situ Yan would agree without hesitation.
In truth, Situ Yan cared little whether Gao Han won the championship. All she wished was for him to remain unharmed.
Gao Han had no idea that the sword strike he had delivered long ago had captured her heart, forging an unspoken bond between them.
You Canghai had stood by silently, watching as the three young men's gazes clashed with fiery intensity.
Jian Qingtian's eyes blazed with sword light, Duan Qianchou burned with unbridled rage, and Gao Han's battle intent surged ever higher. The frosty aura surrounding him ceased to be contained, pressing relentlessly against the auras of his two opponents.
Having spent time with Gao Han, You Canghai knew his temperament well. For all his cold exterior, Gao Han was a battle fanatic. If he did not intervene at once, Gao Han would launch an attack, and nothing could stop him.
With a casual wave of his hand, You Canghai dispersed the clashing auras between the three. But it was already too late—Gao Han's battle frenzy had reached an unimaginable pitch.
Gao Han sensed the immense power of Duan Qianchou and Jian Qingtian, igniting a burning desire to fight them. The warrior's blood in his veins roared to life, and he slipped into a state of utter frenzy, his consciousness fading into a strange, golden realm.
Within this golden world, countless shadowy figures clashed ceaselessly, locked in eternal combat. Gao Han felt himself drawn into the fray, his opponent a shadowy figure with iron-black hands.
In the physical world, Gao Han's battle intent erupted toward the heavens, his eyes glowing with a golden light. His hair stood on end, snapping the white ribbon binding it, and streamed wildly around his head. Layers of ice formed over his hands, encasing them completely.
"FIGHT!"
Gao Han roared and struck out, sending massive waves of ice surging forward—not at Duan Qianchou or Jian Qingtian, but at You Canghai himself.
You Canghai froze for a moment, then smiled bitterly. He had only meant to let the three youths assess one another before announcing the rules for the final round. Yet their youthful pride had sparked a clash of auras, and a raging battle intent.
He had not anticipated reacting too late, and that Gao Han would lose all control, seeing him as an obstacle to his fight and launching an attack.
Facing the oncoming tide of ice, You Canghai raised his right hand and slashed downward in a simple, unassuming motion. A wave of dark energy formed a colossal fist shadow forty feet long, tearing the ice waves to shreds in an instant. The shattered ice scattered across the arena, some shards embedding themselves deep into the stone.
Gao Han's figure blurred and vanished, reappearing behind You Canghai in a flash of light, leaving no trace on the ground. Unconsciously, he had pushed Phantom Stride to its ultimate limit, mastering the first layer of Phantom Crossing—Phantom Stride.
His speed astonished even You Canghai, who struck backward with his elbow.
In the golden realm, the battle unfolded exactly as it did in reality, the shadowy figure's movements and power mirroring You Canghai's perfectly.
Gao Han's hairs stood on end as the dark fist shadow closed in, its aura overwhelmingly terrifying. He knew only the Drawing Sword Strike could shatter it.
As the fist shadow rushed toward him, Gao Han's mind raced for a solution. Suddenly, he remembered the half-formed character within his soul—he had yet to tap into its power. He suspected it was the embryonic form of Shadow Intent.
The half-character in his soul blazed to life, and Gao Han comprehended the true nature of shadow, his understanding deepening profoundly. He activated Phantom Stride, moving at impossible speed, vanishing and reappearing behind the shadowy figure.
The shadow reacted with lightning swiftness, its elbow slamming toward Gao Han's face the moment he materialized.
An unbreakable, steel-hard aura pressed down on Gao Han, leaving him feeling utterly helpless, a mortal facing an unstoppable force of iron.
"Drawing Sword Strike!"
Without hesitation, Gao Han unleashed the Drawing Sword Strike, a brilliant flash of sword light slicing through the air. This strike was far more powerful than the one he had used against Duan Lang.
In that earlier battle, he had not woven Sword Momentum into the strike, relying solely on true essence. Though devastating, its destructive force paled in comparison. Had he used Sword Momentum then, Duan Lang would have been cleaved in two instantly.
CLANG!
Gao Han staggered back ten steps, each footstep carving a clear imprint into the steel arena.
The right sleeve of You Canghai's robe was split clean down the middle, fluttering away in the wind to reveal his sturdy arm. A long, pale mark marred his skin, bordered by a thin layer of ice that spread over his flesh.
The frigid cold seeped into his meridians, sending a sharp, stinging pain through his very soul.
You Canghai's heart jolted. This ice energy could harm the soul—though its power was too weak to affect him, a Spirit Fusion expert who wielded soul power himself. A single tremor of his soul dispersed the frost, clearing it from his meridians.
Even so, he stared at Gao Han in stunned disbelief. The youth's ice power was monstrously formidable. If word of this got out, Gao Han would be killed without mercy.
He had only used one-tenth of his power, yet that fraction was enough to defeat a newly ascended fifth-layer True Essence expert—and Gao Han had not only withstood it, but counterattacked.
For his ice to wound the soul of a Spirit Fusion expert was unthinkable. If petty, power-hungry experts learned of this, they would destroy Gao Han at once.
Gao Han held his sword behind him, pointing toward the sky. In the next instant, the Steelpoint Sword shattered into pieces, the broken shards flying like bullets in all directions.
The crowd in the stands erupted into pandemonium.
"What is happening? Why is Gao Han fighting Iron-Armed Dragon You Canghai?"
"Did You Canghai insult him? He dispersed their auras a moment ago—could he have harmed Gao Han in that instant?"
"No one knows, but Gao Han is attacking with everything he has. This is no small matter!"
"Gao Han is unbelievably powerful! Is this his full strength? Those massive ice waves would tear me to shreds in an instant!"
"His speed is like light itself! I could never hope to match it!"
High in the stands, Jian Wuxiang frowned deeply. "Is this the legendary Selfless Realm? It does not quite fit…"
The Selfless Realm was a mythical state in which every strike was one's full power, and reaction and agility were amplified exponentially. It was a state only warriors with profound martial enlightenment could attain, and even then, rarely.
Jian Wuxiang and his peers had never reached it, so they watched Gao Han with intense curiosity.
Duan Qianchou, however, wore a look of delight. Gao Han was exposing his trump cards one by one, making his own path to victory all the more certain.
You Canghai sensed this too. He had grown fond of Gao Han, and the youth's display had sparked a desire to nurture his talent. He blurred and vanished from sight.
In the same instant, a strong arm struck the back of Gao Han's neck, and Gao Han collapsed into unconsciousness.
Zheng Kong, Gao Jianfeng, and the others rushed down at once. With Situ Yan watching in tense worry, they handed the unconscious Gao Han over to Zheng Kong.
Jian Wuxiang sent a voice transmission to You Canghai, who thought for a moment before replying. "It is not the Selfless Realm. His battle intent has grown too powerful, robbing him of his reason and plunging him into a frenzied state—a false Selfless Realm, more accurately called the Berserk Self Realm."
He further explained Gao Han's condition, and Jian Wuxiang relayed it to the others. None of the great powers had a disciple who had reached the Selfless Realm; if a teenager had done so, they would have no choice but to eliminate him, lest he upset the balance of power once he matured.
Li Changtian and the other two felt a flicker of regret. Had Gao Han attained the Selfless Realm, it would have heralded a golden age for their three powers. In years to come, Gao Han would surely reach Spirit Fusion, and beyond, allowing the three powers to dominate the Spirit Kingdom.
Yet they soon found peace with the truth. If Gao Han had reached the Selfless Realm at his age, he would be hunted by countless forces, even by ancient experts hiding away in seclusion.
As dusk fell, You Canghai announced the rules for the championship battle the following day. "Tomorrow, the three of you will compete for first place. Each of you will fight the other two. The warrior who wins two consecutive duels will be champion. The remaining two will then duel to decide second and third place."
"Three matches will take place tomorrow. First, Jian Qingtian versus Duan Qianchou. After one hour to recover, Gao Han will face Duan Qianchou. One hour later, Gao Han will duel Jian Qingtian."
You Canghai turned to Gao Jianfeng, who held Gao Han. "Tell him when he wakes."
The day's tournament ended in Gao Han's unexpected frenzy, but it promised an even more ferocious battle on the morrow.
Everyone wondered just how powerful the three young prodigies truly were, and where the limits of their strength lay.
You Canghai had kept one secret to himself. Gao Han's Berserk Self Realm, once perfected and stripped of its frenzied battle intent, would evolve into the true Selfless Realm. He had sensed that Gao Han's berserk state already carried traces of the Selfless Realm—every strike he unleashed was his full, unbridled power.
He would keep this knowledge to himself, sharing it only with Gao Han when the time was right.