Translator: Silavin
Sensing this sudden surge of energy, the expressions of many onlookers shifted dramatically. The mockery on their faces receded slightly, though they still refused to believe that such power could truly challenge Xia Lieyang, a Late Stage Martial Emperor.
In their eyes, Qin Yichen’s actions remained nothing short of seeking death!
“He does possess some capability.” A faint smile played across Yao Yue’s lips. For a mere Early Stage Martial Emperor to absorb World Energy at such velocity exceeded his expectations. The cultivation technique this youth practiced was clearly exceptional.
*Boom!* Qin Yichen’s foot struck the ground. His form shot upward like a meteor, his arm enveloped in dense Yuan Energy. Before his fist even launched forward, the surrounding air detonated.
Witnessing this display, Xia Lieyang’s brow furrowed. This offensive power already transcended the typical limits of what Early Stage Martial Emperor could do. The youth’s Physique was truly peculiar. Nevertheless, such an attack alone could not command his serious attention.
*Hmph!*
Confronting the explosive approach of Qin Yichen, murderous intent intensified within Xia Lieyang’s eyes. In the next instant, azure Yuan Energy enveloped his entire form, radiating a bone-piercing, razor-sharp coldness.
His Yuan Energy clearly shared the same Attribute as Xia Ba’s, though the magnitude of his power absolutely surpassed the latter’s!
As Qin Yichen’s fist prepared to strike, a subtle fluctuation emanated from his arm. A black energy diffused outward, and immediately, an aura that made one’s hair stand on end permeated the entire space.
*Crack! Crack!*
The arm wrapped in black energy pierced through space itself. Wherever it passed, the sound of exploding air resonated continuously. The force contained within made scalps tingle!
“How is this possible!?” Xia Lieyang stared with disbelief at the devastating punch hurtling toward him. Beneath that terrifying pressure, he detected an extremely dangerous sensation!
The black energy-shrouded arm expanded rapidly within Xia Lieyang’s pupils. Gravity settled across his features. More surging azure Yuan Energy burst forth from his body, condensing at remarkable speed into an enormous shield before him.
“Sky Elephant Shield!”
The shield radiated deep azure hues, projecting an aura of indestructibility. Upon its surface, the manifestation of an ancient colossal elephant materialised, conveying both lethal sharpness and impregnable solidity.
At that moment, the black energy wrapped arm descended like black lightning, striking the azure shield with a Soul-stirring impact.
The instant of collision sent a buzzing through every observer’s eardrums. Yet none could spare attention for their discomfort. Their gazes remained fixed upon the point where black light met the azure shield!
*Crack!*
A subtle sound pierced through the ringing in their ears. Pupils contracted simultaneously. They witnessed fine fractures spreading across the azure shield before Xia Lieyang!
*Bang!*
The cracks propagated at extraordinary velocity. Within mere breaths, they covered the entire shield’s surface. Then, that seemingly indestructible barrier exploded before stunned gazes, transforming into countless azure fragments scattered across the sky.
“Damn it!” Watching his shield shatter into myriad pieces, astonishment flashed through Xia Lieyang’s eyes. Though hastily formed, he never anticipated that his defensive technique, capable of withstanding strikes from peers of equal cultivation, would disintegrate so decisively!
“Get back!”
The black energy-wrapped arm, having demolished the azure shield, retained diminished but persistent momentum as it continued toward Xia Lieyang. His expression darkened considerably. He roared, releasing the full aura of a Late Stage Martial Emperor. With a sweeping gesture, multiple streams of Yuan Energy bombarded toward Qin Yichen.
*Bang! Bang!*
Qin Yichen shattered several Yuan Energy strikes in succession before his offensive finally dissipated.
After all, he remained merely an Early Stage Martial Emperor. Even equipped with the Myriad Dao Divine Armour arm guards, a substantial gap still separated him from Xia Lieyang. Nevertheless, Qin Yichen had already achieved his objective.
As the black energy dispersed, it revealed Qin Yichen within. His blood churned somewhat from the impact’s reverberations. His gaze, however, remained locked upon that distant figure.
Xia Lieyang now appeared dishevelled, his hair scattered in disarray, projecting a faintly wretched appearance entirely unlike his previous commanding demeanour. More conspicuously, his current position stood over three metres distant from where he had initially stood.
Undoubtedly, Qin Yichen won!
And Xia Lieyang had not only lost, he had lost face as well.
To be forced into such circumstances by an Early Stage Martial Emperor… Xia Lieyang might well be the first to suffer such humiliation.
Naturally, this also reflected Qin Yichen’s personal capability!
Even amongst the Mid Stage Martial Emperors present, how many dared claim they could shatter Xia Lieyang’s Sky Elephant Shield?!
This proved, at minimum, that Qin Yichen’s punch possessed power equivalent to a Late Stage Martial Emperor.
The crowd’s attention involuntarily shifted to Qin Yichen’s hands.
Though the arm guards had vanished, they had perceived their presence. The appearance of those arm guards had amplified Qin Yichen’s strength explosively, enabling him to demolish the Sky Elephant Shield.
“Arm guards capable of strengthening him…” Even individuals like Gu Feitian could not suppress their covetous eyes.
Observing how these people scrutinised him, Qin Yichen immediately understood their thoughts.
Yet he was not the slightest bit concerned.
The reason, naturally, lay in the existence of that black energy, which was even more potent than the Evil Energy here.
Possessing the True Dragon Martial Soul, he could naturally eliminate evil forces. However, for anyone else, this black Evil Energy would undoubtedly transform into a death warrant.
His ability to demolish Xia Lieyang’s Sky Elephant Shield was also mostly due to this terrifying black mist-like energy.
It corroded everything, even the Sky Elephant Shield.
“Bastard!” Xia Lieyang’s features contorted with fury at this moment. His aura surged violently. A giant elephant manifested behind him. Immediately, an ancient, overwhelming pressure swept outward. A nearby Mid Stage Martial Emperor found himself forced backward several steps by that pressure alone.
This giant elephant represented his Martial Soul… the Sky Elephant Martial Soul!
A Late Stage Martial Emperor, actually driven to deploy his Martial Soul against an Early Stage Martial Emperor!
However, just as Xia Lieyang was prepared to strike, Li Yuanba positioned himself between him and Qin Yichen.
“Get out of my way!” Xia Lieyang erupted in rage. Simultaneously, the giant elephant behind him released a thunderous trumpet. Then, its trunk whipped forward with terrifying force toward Li Yuanba.