Chapter 972: Clash of Two Prodigies
Who would have guessed that after his first victory, Huang Tianji would challenge Ouyang Chuanqi? One ought to know that this was a competition between the four academies. Generally, the defenders on the stages would be waiting for the challenges of other academies. Their main goal would be to win honor and glory for their respective academies, yet this prince had decided to fight one of his own.
Even so, there was no denying that he had just made the competition even more interesting. Ouyang Chuanqi naturally wouldn't back off from a challenge. He jumped onto the stage, pointed his spear at Huang Tianji, and said, "As you wish. Bring it on!"
"I don't know why you decided to follow Xiang Shaoyun, but I'll tell you that you must be blind to make that choice," said Huang Tianji as he charged Ouyang Chuanqi ferociously.
Huang Tianji's Royal War Aura was pushed to the maximum, and he streaked through the air like a dragon. His spear lit up and sent a fiery dragon out that proceeded to coil around Ouyang Chuanqi.
The attack was as powerful as the attack of a third-stage Sovereign. In fact, it could probably match the attack of a fourth-stage Sovereign. This was the fearsome combat strength a top prodigy possessed.
What made Huang Tianji's strength even more impressive was the fact that this was only a casual attack. If he fought at full strength, he could probably match an actual fourth-stage Sovereign.
Ouyang Chuanqi did not hold back in the fight. He had been planning to save some strength to fight Xiang Shaoyun, but he was left with no choice but to use his full strength against Huang Tianji.
The two prodigies from the Dragon Phoenix Academy clashed and instantly attracted a lot of attention. The surrounding observers gasped at their displayed might.
Huang Tianji moved like a dragon, and it was as though an actual dragon had descended upon the stage. At times, the dragon would charge, and at times, the dragon would bare its fangs and brandish its claws. His combat strength was unrivalled, and he created numerous intense shockwaves as he wreaked havoc on the stage.
Meanwhile, Ouyang Chuanqi was akin to a brightly radiating sun. As he swung his spear repeatedly, he sent numerous fiery rays forward. It almost seemed like a dragon was battling a natural calamity on the stage. The two lived up to their statuses as genius cultivators. Very few disciples could match them in terms of strength.
"It is truly surprising that the Dragon Phoenix Academy actually has such excellent saplings this batch," said a True Martial Academy elder that was hiding in the air.
"True. One of them is a genius from an imperial court, and the other seems to be the heir of the Ouyang Clan. With their strength, they can easily get into the top 20 of this competition," said a different True Martial Academy elder.
The faces of Shadowflash and Feng Huosuo, who were from the Dragon Phoenix Academy, twitched. They were both thinking that the two elders were speaking inappropriately. Claiming that these two disciples could only enter the top 20 even with their strength was basically the same as slapping the Dragon Phoenix Academy's face.
Shadowflash said, "These two aren't even the strongest of our disciples. You will witness the true strength of our disciples soon."
"That's right. They do not represent the full quality of our disciples," said Feng Huosuo.
They were both elders of the Dragon Phoenix Academy. They might not have upstanding personalities, but they still wouldn't tolerate any contempt toward the academy for the sake of their collective honor.
"It doesn't matter what you say. The ones to stand on the stage until the very end will be the true champions," said the Nine Palace Academy elder.
"I don't see the lord guardian's disciple around. Did he..." muttered a Sacred Deer Academy elder somewhat anxiously.
"All the disciples are out. He's probably dead," replied someone.
"Is the lord guardian's disciple really that weak?" muttered the Sacred Deer Academy with disbelief.
"Everyone will die. The secret space is filled with danger. It's really not surprising if he really got himself killed there," said Feng Huosuo, rejoicing at the calamity that had befallen Xiang Shaoyun.
He definitely did not wish to see Xiang Shaoyun come out alive. With Xiang Shaoyun's tough backer and potential, he would be a great threat to Feng Huosuo if he continued growing.
At this time, the situation on the stages had changed considerably. The True Martial Academy only occupied two stages now. One was occupied by both Ouyang Chuanqi and Huang Tianji, while the final stage was occupied by the Nine Palace Academy. The Sacred Deer Academy was occupying no stages at the moment.
Of the four stages, the stage with Ouyang Chuanqi and Huang Tianji had the most intense battle. They matched each other evenly, and it wouldn't be easy for a victor to be decided between them. However, they were also both aware that if their deadlock continued, the victor wouldn't be able to stay on the stage for long afterward.
Huang Tianji transformed into a dragon and soared into the sky. His Royal War Aura surged as his battle strength increased, reaching a level comparable to a fifth-stage Soul Foundation Realm cultivator, stunning the surrounding disciples.
Ouyang Chuanqi did not want to leave any regrets in this battle. His entire person enlarged, and he seemed to have transformed from a sun into a bird. He did not transform into any regular bird but a divine bird, the three-legged golden crow that was also known as the sun god. A torrential flame spread out from him, and a celestial cauldron appeared midair. Instantly, the entire stage was flooded with fire.
After several collisions resulting in multiple fearsome shockwaves, a figure was flung from the stage. It was none other than Huang Tianji. Ouyang Chuanqi remained on the stage with his hand over his chest and his face pale. Evidently, he was fully exhausted from the fight.
"Well done!" Tang Longfei cheered from below the stage.
"Captain Ouyang is indeed strong," said Xuan Yuantian in excitement.
Han Chenfei was also filled with excitement. Inwardly, she thought, Ouyang Chuanqi's strength is actually quite surprising. Even an expert like him is willing to submit before the overlord. Xiang Shaoyun must still be safe. He is a man of miracles.
She had long noticed that Xiang Shaoyun wasn't among the many disciples that had gathered. She was greatly worried over his safety.
"The overlord shall not be sullied," said Ouyang Chuanqi before hopping off the stage.
What he did essentially meant that he was giving up fighting for the glory of being one of the Four Blazing Suns.
Ouyang Chuanqi knew that even if he could return to his peak condition, he wouldn't be able to emerge as the ultimate champion. There was a certain man with an infinitely higher chance to get the first place.
Overlord, if you still don't show yourself, I will be dissolving the Overlord Legion after this, thought Ouyang Chuanqi.
After Ouyang Chuanqi left the stage, Han Chenfei leaped onto it. This was a stage set for the genius disciples from all around the world. Each of them wanted a chance to prove themselves. After Han Chenfei got on the stage, Xia Liuhui displayed commendable courage as he actually charged over and challenged her.
"Beauty, let's get to know each other. I'm my boss's faithful little brother, Xia Liuhui. We practically grew up sharing our underpants. How may I address you?" said Xia Liuhui with a look of infatuation on his face.
"I am Han Chenfei," she replied. After a short pause, she added, "If you don't mind, feel free to address me as sister-in-law."