Ling Tian Sword God

Chapter 343: Chapter 342: The First Swordsman_1

Looking at the astonishing presence of the Ice Crystal Phoenix on the Dueling Platform, the crowd couldn’t help but hold their breath, watching the terrifying offensive sweep towards Ling Chen.

Just before the Ice Crystal Phoenix’s attack arrived, Ling Chen raised his Cloud-hidden Sword, pushing his Mountain and Water Sword Intention to its limit, splitting the space above his head in two.

The Sword Intent, Sword Momentum, and Swordsmanship—the three aspects of his power—were now perfectly in sync.

In stark contrast to the violence and destruction brought by the Ice Crystal Phoenix, Ling Chen’s surroundings radiated a peaceful and tranquil aura, creating an astonishing calmness.

”Divine Dragon’s Head!”

Ling Chen’s eyes were as sharp as swords. His sword qi surged wildly, and at the final moment of his swing, it condensed into a huge dragon head that opened its mouth and charged forward fiercely.

Under the crowd’s astonished gazes, the dragon head flew out and clamped down on the Ice Crystal Phoenix. Sharp sword qi radiated in all directions, carving crisscrossing gouges into the Dueling Platform.

The Dueling Platform floor was paved with hard marble. In ordinary fights, it was nearly impossible to damage it, but now the platform was devastated.

”You can’t block this! Break!”

Xue Wu Ya was at his limit. His fighting spirit surged as he saw the two opposing forces clashing. He suddenly lunged forward, slashing at the Ice Crystal Phoenix. Icy-cold sword qi was injected into the Ice Crystal Phoenix, instantly amplifying its power.

However, this sword strike seemed to ignite a keg of gunpowder. The next moment, the dragon head clamping onto the Ice Crystal Phoenix exploded. Both attacks were shattered by the blast, and a terrifying shockwave swept out from the center of the martial arts competition stage in all directions.

In the wake of the explosion, countless storms of sword qi scattered wildly, spreading even beyond the Dueling Platform.

”Run!”

This sword qi storm was extraordinary. Even ordinary people could sense something was wrong. The moment they saw the storm of sword qi sweeping in, the warriors watching near the Dueling Platform turned and fled, desperately trying to escape the horrifying aftermath.

Even so, some were on the verge of being engulfed by the residual sword qi storm.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

At this moment, several referees appeared below the martial arts competition stage. They swiftly moved to contain the sword qi storm spreading from the stage, preventing it from harming the crowd.

Seeing the referees, the crowd felt slightly relieved, but their attention quickly returned to the martial arts competition stage.

At this point, a figure shot out from the chaotic martial arts competition stage; it was Xue Wu Ya, who crashed off the platform.

SPLAT!

Upon landing, Xue Wu Ya couldn’t help but spit out another mouthful of fresh blood. He had been much closer to the explosion than Ling Chen and had therefore suffered far more damage, leaving him in this dire state.

The smoke on the Dueling Platform cleared, revealing Ling Chen.

A trace of blood lingered at the corner of Ling Chen’s mouth. Evidently, he had not remained unscathed in the collision and had suffered some injuries.

Ling Chen’s physical constitution, however, was beyond ordinary. His physique was on par with that of an Exotic Beast, which helped him withstand much of the impact.

”You’ve won,” Xue Wu Ya sighed. It was impossible for him not to feel disheartened. After all, winning his group in the Martial World Tournament meant he would be either first or second overall. Now defeated, anyone else in his shoes would likely feel utterly desolate.

However, Xue Wu Ya possessed firm determination. Even though he lost the match, he didn’t appear too distressed.

”Compared to Young Master Ye, I’d rather see you take the championship,” Xue Wu Ya said, looking at Ling Chen. This statement was not a lie. As a fellow Genius Swordsman, Xue Wu Ya felt a camaraderie with Ling Chen. He would rather see Ling Chen become the champion of this Martial World Tournament than Young Master Ye.

”I appreciate your good wishes,” Ling Chen nodded. He would fight with all his might, no matter the opponent.

ROAR!

A dragon’s roar resonated as a dragon-shaped phantom emerged from Ling Chen’s body. It devoured Xue Wu Ya’s Dragon Vein Qi and grew once again. This time, the phantom dragon reached a towering eighty-seven feet high, exuding an awe-inspiring majesty.

Meanwhile, an intense discussion had already erupted among the onlookers.

”By defeating Xue Wu Ya, Ling Chen has become the foremost swordsman of the younger generation in the Martial World!”

”Now that even Xue Wu Ya has been defeated by Ling Chen, he’s only one step away from claiming the position of King!”

”I never expected him to fight his way to this level.”

In the eyes of many, Ling Chen was initially an underestimated contender. Plenty of fighters were stronger than him, and his chances of making the top ten seemed slim. However, Ling Chen’s performance had repeatedly surprised everyone. He fought his way into the top ten and defeated the other three young titans of his group. Even Gu Youyun, whom he hadn’t fought, was likely no match for him. His next opponent would be either Xu Ruoyan or Young Master Ye. Defeating either would bring him supreme glory. Even if he lost, he would still be the runner-up in the Martial World Tournament at worst—an honor most could only dream of.

Wei Qingyi sighed. Even Xue Wu Ya, in such a state, had lost to Ling Chen. What more could be said? However, this outcome wasn’t entirely negative. With Ling Chen as a new benchmark, he and other Genius Swordsmen like Xue Wu Ya now had a higher target to strive for. They would have to redouble their efforts to catch up.

Ling Chen, I must be your final opponent.

In the Group Two area, Xu Ruoyan gazed at Ling Chen on the Group One Dueling Platform, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

Seeing Ling Chen’s immense power startled Xu Ruoyan, but her goal remained unchanged, regardless of how much his strength had grown.

However, before that, I have to overcome the hurdle that is Young Master Ye.

Her gaze fell upon a handsome young man in black robes nearby.

At that moment, the young man seemed to sense her gaze and returned it with a slight, captivating smile.

「Soon, Xu Ruoyan had her final match in Group Two.」

”Junior Sister, defeating Young Master Ye means clearing the biggest obstacle. First place will be within your grasp. This battle is crucial,” Feng Piaoliu advised Xu Ruoyan before she went on stage.

Young Master Ye had been the biggest favorite in this Martial World Tournament from the very beginning, and his position as the frontrunner had never wavered.

Even after Ling Chen defeated Xue Wu Ya, most of the younger generation still considered Young Master Ye to be stronger. Therefore, if Xu Ruoyan could defeat Young Master Ye, she would very likely secure first place in advance.

Nodding, Xu Ruoyan drew her Cloud and Water Sword and leaped onto the Group Two martial arts competition stage.