Chapter 220: I Am an Expert

"Yan'er!!"

Mu Tianbei paled with shock and rushed towards the Sword Discourse Arena. Ling Wugou also moved forward quickly, using profound energy to extinguish all the flames on Mu Xiongyan.

As the flames died out, Mu Xiongyan's gruesome state became visible to everyone. His entire body was charred black, large areas of his flesh were blown open, and in some places, like his shoulders and knees, even his bones were exposed. More than half of his hair was burnt, and his face was a bloody mess... It was a truly horrific sight.

However, since the incendiary devices on Mu Xiongyan were designed to self-detonate upon contact with fire, rather than being activated by profound energy, the explosion's power wasn't excessively strong. While it caused extremely severe external injuries to Mu Xiongyan, his internal injuries were quite minor, and he wouldn't be permanently disabled. Nevertheless, these severe external wounds would likely take a very long time to heal and would leave ugly scars all over his body... including his face.

Mu Tianbei burst through the profound energy barrier, reached Mu Xiongyan's side, and after quickly checking his injuries, he let out a slight breath of relief. He then cast an extremely resentful glare at Yun Che but said nothing, carrying the blood-soaked Mu Xiongyan down from the Sword Discourse Arena. The root cause of Mu Xiongyan's current plight was the hidden incendiary devices on his person. If Mu Tianbei had attacked Yun Che in front of everyone, it would only diminish his standing. Furthermore, with Ling Wugou present, he couldn't have done anything to Yun Che anyway. He could only silently leave the stage, filled with hatred. Yet, the murderous intent directed at Yun Che was as cold and chilling as an icy prison.

"Yun Che of the Blue Wind Imperial Family wins! He advances to tomorrow's Top Eight battles!"

After Mu Xiongyan was taken away by Mu Tianbei, Ling Wugou loudly announced the result of the battle.

According to the usual progression of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, the further it advanced, the stronger the participating disciples became, the more intense each battle grew, and naturally, the longer they lasted. This was the first match of the Top Sixteen, and people were eager to see if Yun Che, the super dark horse, could win again and miraculously enter the Top Eight. Many were willing to believe he still had a chance to win, but no one had expected him to win so quickly and effortlessly.

The battle had barely begun before it ended. It was so fast that people didn't even have time to react. It wasn't until Ling Wugou announced the result that they, in their shock, accepted this unbelievable fact.

After defeating Xiao Nan, who was at the sixth level of the Spirit Profound Realm, yesterday, Yun Che today defeated Mu Xiongyan, who was at the eighth level of the Spirit Profound Realm, in a matter of breaths. Although Mu Xiongyan's gruesome state was due to the explosion of the incendiary devices on his person, it was clear to any discerning observer that even without the explosion, Mu Xiongyan had been thoroughly defeated.

The mysterious and unpredictable double phantoms, along with the earth-shattering flame attack... The powerful individuals present, in their shock, once again realized that they had completely underestimated Yun Che. Yun Che had been hiding his true strength throughout his previous victories, only revealing the tip of the iceberg in this battle to achieve a swift conclusion.

"To think there's such a person within the Blue Wind Empire, whose limits even I cannot discern. Every time I believe I've seen his peak, he surprises me again," Ling Yuefeng stood up, a hint of astonishment on his composed face. "With profound energy at the ninth level of the True Profound Realm, yet capable of displaying such astonishing power – it's unheard of, not just in the Blue Wind Empire, but across the entire Profound Sky Continent. Just what kind of prodigy is this young man? And what kind of unparalleled master could have trained such a disciple!"

Ling Yuefeng's exclamation naturally conferred the highest possible praise on Yun Che. Ling Yun, with a slight frown, suddenly asked, "Father, how exactly was the movement technique he just displayed executed? If it were a profound energy instant-body technique, there would be obvious profound energy fluctuations, and the phantom and real bodies would be distinctly different. But when he transformed into three shadows, I didn't feel any profound energy fluctuations, and all three figures were identical, making it impossible to distinguish between real and illusory. I've never witnessed such a peculiar profound movement skill before."

Ling Yun's words made Ling Yuefeng fall silent for a moment, then he slowly shook his head. "Even I did not see it clearly."

"What?!" Ling Yun's gaze snapped to Ling Yuefeng, a trace of shock flashing across his face.

"That guy won again, and he can even control fire! Big brother, can you tell what kind of fire he's using?" Fen Juebi flicked his right hand, and a small flame ignited in his palm. He gazed at the flame and slowly said.

"Hmph, it's merely the lowest grade of profound fire. Playing with fire in front of our Burning Heaven Clan is like showing off a meager skill before a master," Fen Juecheng said with a grim face and disdain.

Fen Juebi blew on his palm, extinguishing the flame directly. He said with a smile, "Big brother, there's no need to be annoyed. On the contrary, this is excellent news."

"Good news?" Fen Juecheng frowned.

"Has Big Brother forgotten who his opponent will be tomorrow, now that he's won this match?" Fen Juebi's voice was low, and his smile turned sinister.

Fen Juecheng's gaze shifted, and his expression changed slightly: "It's you!"

"Exactly, hahahaha." Fen Juebi burst into wild laughter. "I never thought I'd miss him in the group stages, only to encounter him in the knockout rounds. This world is truly amazing; it's practically a gift from heaven for Big Brother and me. This so-called genius, I will personally bring his end. Anyone who dares provoke Big Brother, I will ensure my shadow forever lingers in their heart."

The Top Sixteen battles began with a match that defied all expectations, and the second match that followed was equally astonishing. Ling Jie easily defeated an opponent two levels above him in profound energy with just a few sword strikes, ending the match in a flash. The entire process involved no more than four or five exchanges between the two sides.

The third match: Fen Juebi won easily.The fourth match: Ling Feiyu emerged victorious.The fifth match: The opponent conceded, and Ling Yun won directly.The sixth match: Shui Wushuang faced her sect sister Wu Xuexin. After a fierce battle, Shui Wushuang won by a narrow margin.The seventh match: Xia Qingyue emerged victorious.The eighth match: Xiao Kuanglei of the Xiao Sect fought his sect brother Xiao Zhen, winning by a slight advantage.

With this, the Top Sixteen battles concluded, and the Top Eight of this Ranking Tournament were decided. The schedule for tomorrow's Top Eight battles was displayed on the central profound stone after the Top Sixteen concluded.

First match: Yun Che of the Blue Wind Imperial Family vs. Fen Juebi of the Burning Heaven Clan.Second match: Ling Jie of Heavenly Sword Villa vs. Ling Feiyu of Heavenly Sword Villa.Third match: Ling Yun of Heavenly Sword Villa vs. Shui Wushuang of Ice Cloud Immortal Palace.Fourth match: Xia Qingyue of Ice Cloud Immortal Palace vs. Xiao Kuanglei of the Xiao Sect.

The eight individuals decided so far in the Ranking Tournament represented the peak strength of the younger generation in the Blue Wind Profound Palace. Of these eight, seven were disciples of the four major sects. Yun Che, the only one not belonging to a major sect, clearly stood out.

The history of the Ranking Tournament ultimately becoming a battle for supremacy among the four major sects repeated itself, but Yun Che undeniably became the most extraordinary presence in this tournament. From the moment he entered the Top Thirty-Two, he was destined to become famous throughout the world after the Ranking Tournament. The Blue Wind Profound Palace would also regain its prestige and attract more profound practitioners because of him.

"Entering the Top Eight also means we've secured our qualification to enter the 'Heavenly Pond Secret Realm' after the Ranking Tournament. This truly feels like a dream," Qin Wushang said, looking up at the sky with boundless emotion after returning to the courtyard. Indeed, it was a result he had never even dreamed of.

"Heavenly Pond Secret Realm? What's that?" Xia Yuanba asked curiously.

"I heard it's a space created by a mysterious ancient powerful individual, filled with countless opportunities and treasures. It opens once every three years, and those who enter always gain a lot," Cang Yue said with longing. "Palace Master Qin, after the Ranking Tournament, you and Junior Brother Yun will be able to enter the Heavenly Pond Secret Realm. That's wonderful!"

"Indeed," Qin Wushang smiled. "It's a pity Palace Master Dongfang doesn't have this fortune; he didn't even come this time. He dreams every day of exploring the legendary Heavenly Pond Secret Realm. But then again, I never in a million years imagined Yun Che could reach this stage..."

He looked deeply at Yun Che and said, "Challenging opponents of higher levels is not uncommon, but repeatedly defeating opponents in the late Spirit Profound Realm with profound energy from the True Profound Realm is something I've never heard of. While I don't know how you achieved this, whether it's through talent or opportunity, what's certain is that after this Ranking Tournament, your name will spread throughout the entire Blue Wind Empire, and even the entire Profound Sky Continent. Are you prepared for that?"

"It shouldn't be that exaggerated, should it?" Yun Che said casually.

"No! It will be even more exaggerated than what I've described. If you had won with overwhelming profound energy, you'd merely be a rising star. But continuous victories with True Profound Realm energy completely break historical precedents and defy almost everyone's understanding. Now, all sects, including the four major ones, will undoubtedly have their eyes on you, investigating your background and gathering all information about you. After the tournament, many people, like Mu Tianbei, will surely invite you to join their sects. Whether you go or stay is your freedom; I have no right to interfere. However, I hope you remember not to offend anyone as you did yesterday, because offending someone could plant a dangerous seed that might erupt at any time. Yesterday, you humiliated Mu Tianbei, and today you severely injured his son, Mu Xiongyan. He will certainly not let this go. Within Heavenly Sword Villa, he wouldn't dare make a move, but after the Ranking Tournament, the Heavenly Spear Thunderfire Fortress should also qualify for the Heavenly Pond Secret Realm. At that time, it's hard to say he won't seize an opportunity for revenge."

A thought of Fen Juecheng's murderous gaze flashed through Yun Che's mind. He let out a cold laugh and muttered to himself in a voice only he could hear, "Hmm... humiliating enemies... I'm an expert at that..."