Volume Two, Travels in the State of Qi, Chapter 146, The Battle of the Final Four (Part 2)

On the second floor, Emperor Qi and Wu Hong were deep in discussion.

“Master Wu, how many moves do you think Mu Wanqing will need to defeat that Red Shadow?” Emperor Qi asked, clearly confident in Mu Wanqing’s inevitable victory.

It was only natural for Emperor Qi to think this way—Mu Wanqing was truly exceptional. Among the younger generation, only Prince Qi Xuan, who preferred cultivation over imperial power, could rival her.

“Your Majesty, I am but a humble old man with the power of the First Stage of Returning Void. I doubt I could even defeat these youngsters. Besides, battles between prodigies are always full of surprises. How could I possibly know?” Wu Hong laughed heartily.

“Master Wu, you are too modest. Many spend their entire lives without reaching your level. There’s no need for false humility,” Emperor Qi said respectfully.

Wu Hong smiled knowingly. Deep in his heart, he had already foreseen the outcome of the imperial city competition.

The sects were fervently debating who would emerge victorious, but the overwhelming majority supported Mu Wanqing.

Even the disciples of the Yinshen Sect doubted their young sect leader, Red Shadow, could win.

As the crowd argued, the two combatants had already begun their duel.

Mu Wanqing cultivated the Spirit of Ice Qi, which radiated outward in a stunning expanse of icy blue, mesmerizing all onlookers. Wrapped in this spiritual energy, each of her moves commanded the gaze of every spectator.

In contrast, Red Shadow’s aura was a blood-red qi, filled with fierce and murderous intent, unsettling to behold.

The two unleashed their skills atop the stage, powerful spiritual energies swirling through the air. The audience roared in exhilaration.

Having seen nothing yesterday, today more than made up for it.

For Zhang Heng, this was the first time witnessing Mu Wanqing’s prowess. If he had to sum it up in one word, it was “cold”—an intense, subtle chill emanating from her presence, even to those standing below the stage.

Zhang Heng felt that if this young lady continued cultivating, by the time she reached the Divine Transformation realm, she would undoubtedly become another Qian Muyun.

Both were geniuses at the ninth rank of the Yuan Dan stage, making it impossible to determine a winner for the moment.

Suddenly, with a resounding “bang,” a powerful clash of spiritual energy sent them to opposite ends of the stage, eyes locked in cold stares.

Mu Wanqing held a sword in her left hand, while her right hand’s two fingers were pressed together, channeling spiritual energy that cloaked the blade as she murmured incantations.

Zhang Heng didn’t understand her actions, but it appeared she was inscribing a formation. It turned out she knew formations, which explained how she had navigated the tomb of the Ghost Saint Daoist without a map.

The crowd grew more excited, shouting loudly.

“The Immortal Mu is finally going all out!”

“Immortal Mu, don’t hold back—teach that bastard a lesson!”

“Immortal Mu, crush that…” Someone’s words were cut off when Red Shadow glanced their way, causing them to fall silent as if plunged into an icy abyss.

In this world, beauty was justice, and Red Shadow was notoriously ugly, making him a natural target for scorn.

However, they only dared whisper quietly among the crowd—after all, Red Shadow was the young sect leader of the Yinshen Sect. If he held grudges, their fate would be grim.

At this moment, Mu Wanqing finished inscribing her formation, softly uttering, “Spirit Sword Technique.”

She then leapt gracefully into the air, ethereal and agile like a celestial maiden. The sword in her hand radiated a blue glow that rapidly multiplied into hundreds of spirit swords swirling behind her, emanating a chilling cold that filled the air.

On the other side, Red Shadow gathered his strength as well, summoning a gigantic skull radiating an eerie, chilling light.

Both unleashed their full power—two peerless geniuses clashing in a battle to see who would prevail.

Spiritual energies collided, sweeping through the arena.

The stage was crafted from special materials and surrounded by several layers of spiritual energy shields. Yet, their attacks pierced these defenses and affected the surroundings.

Truly worthy of being recognized as the world’s top prodigies.

As the energies dissipated, the crowd looked to the stage.

Mu Wanqing had already returned to the ground, standing calmly. Red Shadow lay on the ground, coughing up blood, unable to rise.

The result was clear—Mu Wanqing had won.

A fierce cheer erupted from the audience.

“Immortal Mu is incredible!”

“Immortal Mu, you’re my goddess!”

Everyone cheered in unison. Only Zhang Heng kept his gaze fixed on Red Shadow, noticing nothing amiss. He sneered disdainfully.

You Yinshen Sect disciples were so arrogant, yet you have your fears too.

Red Shadow had fought well, but Zhang Heng knew he could tap into a small amount of demonic energy to instantly elevate his spiritual energy level and power.

Clearly, Red Shadow dared not use that power in front of so many.

Mu Wanqing sheathed her sword and descended without paying heed to the roaring crowd.

Zhang Heng smiled faintly, thinking, “You’re done? Then it’s my turn.”

He slowly stepped onto the stage. Qi Xuan also moved forward.

The crowd fell silent, turning their full attention to the upcoming duel. Though one match had ended, another was about to begin.

Though many dismissed Zhang Heng verbally, they all knew he was formidable—at least no one could match his speed.

This duel between Zhang Heng and Qi Xuan promised to be a spectacle.

As soon as Qi Xuan stepped onto the stage, a group of fervent fans began shouting.

“Prince Qi is so handsome!”

“Prince Qi, crush him!”

“Prince Qi, I want to have your babies!”

Almost everyone believed Qi Xuan’s victory was assured and cheered accordingly.

Unbeknownst to them, Qi Xuan had been frowning ever since learning he would face Zhang Heng.

Soon, the two locked eyes on the stage.

Qi Xuan bowed deeply. “Brother Zhang, I didn’t expect to face you so soon.”

Zhang Heng smiled calmly. “Brother Qi, neither did I.”

“Brother Zhang, though I’m no match for you, I hope you’ll give it your all. I want to understand where I fall short.” Qi Xuan bowed again.

His words puzzled the audience. Why would Prince Qi admit he wasn’t a match for Zhang Heng? Even the sect leaders whispered among themselves. Emperor Qi was puzzled as well.

Zhang Heng silently cursed himself. “Big brother, could you be a little more humble? Even if I go all out, I’m still not your match.”

“Brother Qi, please begin.” Now that it had come to this, a battle between them was inevitable.

After Wu Hong announced the start, Qi Xuan withdrew a sword from his spatial ring, then reconsidered and put it back.

The audience understood—there was no need to use the sword against Zhang Heng. Qi Xuan’s sword was reserved for his duel with Immortal Mu.

In truth, Qi Xuan hoped that by not using the sword, he could prolong the fight. Using the sword now might mean being instantly defeated.

With the sword sheathed, Qi Xuan approached Zhang Heng, golden light radiating from his body.

The crowd murmured, “He’s activating the Imperial Body Technique right away. Prince Qi intends to finish Zhang Heng in a single blow.”

“Of course! How could that stinky brat Zhang Heng compare to Prince Qi?”

When the golden light fully enveloped him, Qi Xuan stopped five steps from Zhang Heng.

“Brother Zhang, here I come,” he said softly before flashing forward, golden spiritual energy covering his fist as he struck at Zhang Heng.

This was Zhang Heng’s first impression: Qi Xuan was the fastest opponent he had ever encountered—truly the top genius of Qi Nation.

But in terms of speed alone, Zhang Heng could easily outclass all his peers. His cultivation of the Little Aurora Phantom technique gave him unmatched agility. If he wasn’t the fastest among his generation, he would have no face to face Qian Muyun again.

They exchanged blows swiftly—within moments, dozens of moves had been traded.