Chapter 551: "Mutual Destruction"

The overall strength of the East Side was clearly superior to the West Side, something everyone could see. However, few anticipated how disastrously the West Side would lose from the very beginning. Four of their combatants entered, and all were defeated. The East Side had only sent Prince Zihuan, who remained standing in the arena. Although he was covered in sweat and breathing heavily, only a few parts of his armor were damaged; there wasn't a single drop of blood on him.

Clearly, winning four consecutive matches hadn't been much of a challenge for him!

Moreover, within the East Side, there were still Akirahi Enbu, Bai Jie, and Lin Hanchuan, whose strength was no less than Prince Zihuan's. And then there were Helian Ba, Prince Huiye (ranked third among the Seven Phantom Beasts), and Prince Yuanque (ranked second), all of whom surpassed him in strength. And finally, there was the leader of the Seven Phantom Beasts, Hui Ran, whose power had utterly transcended the younger generation, reaching a terrifying and abnormal level!

How could this contest possibly continue?

On the West Side, even those who had adopted a "we can lose but will never retreat" mindset now felt their resolve waver, replaced by a profound sense of helplessness and despair.

"Who's next? Who will fight now?" Prince Zihuan shouted arrogantly, flicking his Crimson Blood Blade towards the West Side. Having defeated the opponent's top family member and three elite princes of his generation, he had certainly stolen the show today.

"Four consecutive losses, that's quite harsh," Yun Che muttered, frowning.

"Mu Hengyi lost instantly due to carelessness. The three young princes who followed were simply too outmatched, so their defeat was inevitable. However, Prince Zihuan has already expended over 60% of his profound energy. Let's hope for a victory in the next match," Yun Qinghong said calmly.

"Patriarch Yun, allow me to take this match," Yan Chengkong of the Yan Family said, stepping forward. After four consecutive losses, the fifth combatant would undoubtedly face immense pressure. Another defeat would be utterly humiliating and severely damage their reputation. Yet, Yan Chengkong, whose profound energy was also at the third level of the Tyrant Profound Realm, voluntarily offered to fight. This made Yun Che cast an extra glance at him.

The Yan Family was the weakest among the twelve families, and Yan Chengkong's strength was also at the bottom among the geniuses of the twelve families. However, he always exuded a sense of integrity and a calm confidence that belied his age.

Yun Qinghong raised an eyebrow and said, "Although this Zihuan has defeated four of our people consecutively, his expenditure wasn't that significant. Be careful."

"Understood," Yan Chengkong nodded firmly, responding with a single word. Then he leaped into the air and landed in the arena.

"Yan Chengkong of the Yan Family requests Prince Zihuan's guidance!" Yan Chengkong did not attack immediately but greeted him courteously.

"Oh, so it's the young patriarch of the Yan Family." Prince Zihuan, having won four consecutive matches, felt his arrogance magnify infinitely. He glanced at Yan Chengkong and suddenly burst into laughter: "Hahahaha! I thought we finally had a worthy opponent, but who would have thought that the esteemed young patriarch of the Yan Family is only at the pathetic third level of the Tyrant Profound Realm. Tsk tsk, your Yan Family has been at the bottom of the twelve families for ten thousand years, but you never seemed to fall too far behind the others. How is it that in your generation, you've become so miserable? It looks like your Yan Family is doomed."

"Impudent!!" No sooner had Prince Zihuan finished speaking than a thunderous roar erupted, shaking him completely, making his vision blur, and nearly causing him to vomit blood. The Little Demon Empress slammed her hand on the armrest of her imperial chair, her moon-like eyebrows slanted, and her icy gaze shot directly at Prince Zihuan, making his entire body go cold, as if frozen in place, unable to move a muscle. "The Yan Family has protected my Demon Emperor lineage for ten thousand years, remaining loyal and accumulating countless merits. Previous Demon Emperors have all held the Yan Family in high regard and valued them greatly. You, a mere junior from a princely manor, dare to utter such arrogant words against the Yan Family? Who gave you such audacity!!"

Prince Zihuan was ranked among the Seven Phantom Beasts and possessed strength that allowed him to look down on his peers throughout the entire Phantom Demon Realm. But how could he possibly withstand the Little Demon Empress's wrath and aura? His face instantly turned deathly pale with terror, his body swayed, and he nearly collapsed to his knees on the spot.

On the East Side, Prince Zihuan's father, Prince Zhao, hastily stood up and bowed, saying: "Little Demon Empress, please calm your anger. My dog of a son merely misspoke in an attempt to undermine the opponent's morale; he absolutely had no intention of disrespecting the Yan Family. Zihuan, hurry and apologize to the Little Demon Empress and the Yan Family!"

Prince Zihuan quickly said, "Zihuan spoke carelessly and uttered inappropriate words. I beg the Little Demon Empress and everyone from the Yan Family for forgiveness."

With the West Side having lost four consecutive matches, the Little Demon Empress's mood was naturally not good. She let out a faint cold snort, her anger finally subsiding, but she offered no reply. She returned to her imperial throne, coldly observing the center of the arena.

The oppressive aura, like a towering mountain pressing down, finally dissipated. Prince Zihuan secretly let out a sigh of relief, only then realizing that his entire body was drenched in cold sweat.

However, Yan Chengkong clearly could not let it go. His expression was calm, but his eyes were filled with fury. He gripped his heavy profound spear, its tip pointing at Zihuan's throat, and slowly said: "Because of those words you just uttered... I swear on all the honor and dignity Yan Chengkong has accumulated from the day I was born until today, I will make you fall to my Yan Family's Overlord Spear today!!"

"Just you?" Prince Zihuan sneered, speaking in an extremely low voice: "Forget about me having at least 40% of my strength left; even if I only had 20%, I could easily crush you underfoot! I won't even comment on your Yan Family, but you, Yan Chengkong, hah, the so-called number one genius of the Yan Family's generation, in my eyes, you've always been nothing but absolute trash!"

Yan Chengkong, instead of getting angry, sneered: "It seems you haven't fought anyone from my Yan Family before. Our Yan Family's profound energy cultivation level has indeed always been the lowest among the twelve families, but that's because our family has always prioritized spear mastery over profound energy cultivation! Our Yan Family's greatest pride and wealth isn't our family's profound arts, but the Overlord Spear! You'll soon learn what happens when you underestimate my Yan Family's Overlord Spear!!"

"The Number One Divine Spear Family of the Phantom Demon Realm... is not a title given lightly!!"

Yan Chengkong's gaze sharpened, becoming as piercing as a spear tip. With a flick of his arm, the silver heavy profound spear shot out like lightning. Instantly, a violent gust of air was stirred up, accompanied by an ear-splitting whistle.

"Hmph!" Facing Yan Chengkong's spear, Prince Zihuan's face was full of disdain. His Crimson Blood Blade surged with profound energy, and a violent slash of crimson light erupted.

CLANG!!

Blade and spear collided, producing an incredibly deafening metallic clang throughout the hall. Although Prince Zihuan had already expended a significant portion of his energy, in terms of profound energy density, he still vastly surpassed Yan Chengkong. Yan Chengkong's heavy profound spear was directly forced back by the Crimson Blood Blade, bending slightly. Prince Zihuan's lips curled into a sneer, but before he could fully express it, the heavy profound spear, though forced back and even slightly bent, moved like a boneless snake. It suddenly attacked from an utterly illogical angle, stabbing directly at his chest.

What?! Prince Zihuan's heart jolted in surprise, and he quickly retreated. He dodged with extreme speed, but the heavy profound spear still grazed him. He distinctly felt his protective profound energy being violently ripped apart, emitting an ear-piercing "shhhriiiiek."

Yan Chengkong's aura completely erupted at this moment. The heavy profound spear in his hands transformed into an agile demonic serpent, weaving a sky full of spear shadows that firmly enveloped Prince Zihuan. Every thrust, smash, stab, or sweep... was incredibly precise, aiming directly for Prince Zihuan's weak points and vital spots.

"What excellent spear work!" Yun Che leaned forward, exclaiming in admiration.

Yun Qinghong slowly nodded and said, "It's often said that 'a month for a staff, a year for a fist, a lifetime for a spear.' Spear techniques are difficult to learn and master; without diligent effort, even achieving minor proficiency is incredibly challenging. As the number one divine spear family in the Phantom Demon Realm, the Yan Family's spear arts are unpredictable and can be said to unleash the spear's power to its absolute limit. Once mastered, they can sweep across the world, unmatched by any other weapon, truly living up to their reputation as the 'First Divine Spear.' Although Yan Chengkong's profound energy is relatively weaker, his Overlord Spear Arts have already reached a high level of mastery! Among those of the same level, he's practically unmatched. In his current state, Zihuan could easily defeat someone at the peak of the third level of the Tyrant Profound Realm, but he'd find it extremely difficult to defeat Yan Chengkong, who is only at the middle stage of the third level of the Tyrant Profound Realm."

Spear cries whistled, and blade winds shrieked. Prince Zihuan continuously increased his profound energy, his bones cracking under the strain as he repeatedly repelled Yan Chengkong's attacks. But he could only repel them; before he could counterattack, the spear's glow would once again whistle towards him. In terms of weapon characteristics, the spear's power and attack range surpass the blade's, but it's inferior in flexibility, speed, and control. However, the spear enveloping Prince Zihuan at this moment was as swift as lightning and as agile as a living creature, forcing him into a frantic scramble several times.

One had superior profound energy, the other a divine spear like a dragon; these two, who originally had a significant disparity in profound energy realms, were surprisingly locked in a stalemate in the arena. Blade and spear collided countless times, stirring up persistent ripples in the air. The scene of their battle, as seen by those in the hall, remained distorted. Prince Zihuan could never escape Yan Chengkong's spear shadows, while Yan Chengkong, for the time being, was utterly unable to truly injure Prince Zihuan.

Among the various princely manors, there were many who wielded spears. Prince Zihuan had fought against spear users many times. But he had indeed never fought anyone from the Yan Family, nor had he imagined that the Yan Family's Overlord Spear was so astonishing. In Yan Chengkong's hands, the heavy profound spear moved with effortless offense and defense. When attacking, its momentum was like rising winds and surging clouds, capable of engulfing mountains and rivers, making his movements sluggish and heavily suppressing his blade intent and fierce flames. When defending, it was like iron chains stretching across a river, impenetrable.

The two had exchanged over a hundred moves, yet neither could gain an advantage over the other. Yan Chengkong remained steady and calm. But Prince Zihuan grew increasingly impatient. Before the battle, he had brazenly mocked Yan Chengkong, and by extension, the entire Yan Family, which had led to him being severely reprimanded by the Little Demon Empress and losing much face. Now, after over a hundred exchanges, he had failed to defeat the very person he had publicly disparaged, and was instead repeatedly suppressed, causing extreme frustration and irritation to boil within him.

"Hmph!!" Prince Zihuan gritted his teeth and suddenly let out a low roar. The light on his Crimson Blood Blade flared several times over, violently tearing through space with a "shiiing" sound. This slash was precisely the "Bloodflame Blade" that had instantly defeated Mu Hengyi earlier. However, due to his significant expenditure of profound energy, the power of this "Bloodflame Blade" was far weaker than when he had used it to defeat Mu Hengyi.

A terrifying, intimidating force surged towards him. Yan Chengkong raised his spear horizontally, blocking, resisting, and defending. Seventy percent of the Bloodflame Blade's power was nullified. At this moment, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Instead of retreating to disperse the remaining 30% of the Bloodflame Blade's power, he twisted his spear, allowing the crimson blade light to graze his waist. The heavy profound spear suddenly became like a dragon emerging from the sea, irresistibly piercing through the profound energy storm created by the Bloodflame Blade and fiercely stabbing into Prince Zihuan's shoulder. The moment the spear tip touched his shoulder, all its power instantly converged to a single point, directly piercing through Prince Zihuan's protective profound energy and armor.

A splash of blood bloomed from Yan Chengkong's waist. Meanwhile, the tip of the heavy profound spear was deeply embedded in Prince Zihuan's shoulder, lodged between his shoulder bones.

Intense pain shot through his left shoulder, and this, combined with a sense of humiliation, ferociously spurred Prince Zihuan's ferocity. His eyes widened, and a crazed glint shot out from them: "Go... die!!"

Prince Zihuan's entire body instantly ignited with blood-red flames, as if he had just emerged from a pool of blood. Seeing his action, Yan Zijing, the Yan Family Patriarch, turned pale with shock and roared, "Kong'er, quickly get away!!"

"Blood Prison Netherflame!!"

The blood-red flames suddenly exploded, and an incredibly terrifying aura enveloped the area. Yan Chengkong's pupils constricted, but instead of abandoning his spear and retreating, he gritted his teeth and poured all his profound energy into the heavy profound spear. The next instant, his chest felt as if it had been struck by a massive hammer, and his consciousness went blank.

BOOM!!!

The bloodflame erupted, and Yan Chengkong was sent flying far backward. By the time Yan Zijing caught him in mid-air, his chest was already a bloody mess. However, it wasn't just Yan Chengkong who was sent flying backward from the bloodflame; Prince Zihuan was too. The moment the bloodflame burst, the heavy profound spear, imbued with Yan Chengkong's final surge of power, directly pierced through Prince Zihuan's shoulder, creating a genuine transparent hole through his body. The residual force sent Prince Zihuan flying high, splattering blood as he crashed into the East Side seats. The heavy profound spear, too, was violently embedded in the East Side seating, without a single speck of blood on it.

"Chengkong!"

"Zihuan!"

Both sides were greatly astonished. No one had expected that the two, who had been in a stalemate, would resolve their battle in such a tragic manner in an instant. To unleash that bloodflame, Prince Zihuan had exhausted all his profound energy, and his body was now pierced with a transparent hole by the heavy profound spear; he was no longer capable of fighting. Yan Chengkong was no better off. The flesh on his front was utterly mangled, and his internal organs were displaced. If not for his incredibly firm will, he would certainly have already fainted, and continuing to fight was completely impossible.

In this battle, Yan Chengkong and Prince Zihuan effectively "eliminated each other."

"Brothers of the Tianxia Family, I'm counting on you!" Facing the heavily injured Yan Chengkong, Yan Zijing remained relatively calm.

"Don't worry, with us here, your son will be fine." Two elders from the Tianxia Family nodded. They extended their palms, and an emerald-green light enveloped Yan Chengkong's injuries.

Under the natural healing power of the Elf Tribe, Yan Chengkong's severe injuries quickly stabilized. He took a deep breath and said apologetically, "Father, your son's cultivation is still too shallow... I've disappointed you..."

"Don't blame yourself," Yan Zijing consoled him. "Zihuan is, after all, ranked fourth among the Seven Phantom Beasts. The gap between you and him is immense, so achieving such a result fills your father with immense relief. Now, focus and calm your energy; don't speak anymore."

Prince Zihuan was finally defeated, but there was no sign of relief on the faces of the West Side participants. This was because it had taken a total of five of their combatants just to defeat this one Prince Zihuan.

"Sigh, the gap in strength between the two sides is simply too vast," people in the hall sighed one after another.

"Indeed. I don't know why the Yun Family chose to accept this challenge. While it's true that one would rather lose the match than lose morale, with such a disastrous string of defeats, what morale is there left to speak of?"

"There's also the Su Family over there. I heard Su Zhizhan of the Su Family is one of the top figures among the younger generation of the twelve families. Perhaps he can somewhat mitigate the disadvantage."

"Give me a break. Helian Ba of the Helian Family, Prince Huiye (ranked third) and Prince Yuanque (ranked second) among the Seven Phantom Beasts – none of them are weaker than Su Zhizhan. And as for Prince Huiran, ranked first... his strength alone is enough to defeat all twelve of their opponents; that's no exaggeration!" A person from Demon Imperial City shook his head and said.