The Martial Saint Hall prepared the most solemn and public venue for the Heavenly Ranking Challenge. Martial artists participating in the exchange conference and representatives from various sects gathered in the spectator stands to see if this "rising star of the martial world" could enter the top ranks.
Xiao Wuchen's opponent was "The Pillar of the Sea," Gu Yuan, an elderly man with white hair, a youthful face, and a robust physique. He held a heavy black iron rod in his hand and had a calm and serene gaze, reflecting the tranquility and weight accumulated over many years of martial arts practice.
"Young man, I haven't used my full strength in nearly thirty years. Since you have the courage to challenge me, you must be prepared to exhaust your true energy," Gu Yuan said in a steady, resonant voice, like a great bell.
At the Palace Master's command, the challenge began!
Xiao Wuchen didn't test the waters; he immediately unleashed his "Sword Intent of Vitality." His swordplay was like a lotus flower in a storm: swift and unpredictable. It carried the alternating essence of "life and death" and directly targeted Gu Yuan's vital points.
Gu Yuan remained calm. Instead of launching a fierce attack with his black iron staff, he steadily erected thick barriers of true energy around his body.
This was his Stabilizing the Sea Technique—true energy like the sea: endless and continuous. It defended him like a rock on the seabed, unmoved by the storms.
Xiao Wuchen's sword energy struck Gu Yuan's barriers of true energy, creating only ripples; it was unable to penetrate them. While his "annihilation" intent could wear down true energy, Gu Yuan's reserves were simply too abundant.
For every bit of energy Xiao Wuchen eroded, Gu Yuan could replenish tenfold in an instant. The consumption is on a completely different scale!
Xiao Wuchen tried using the "Wind and Shadow Without Form" technique to find an opening in Gu Yuan's defense. However, Gu Yuan had extensive combat experience; he made every move purely for defense, focusing all his true energy on it, leaving Xiao Wuchen with no way to attack.
"Your sword intent is strong, but you are still young," Gu Yuan said, his voice carrying a hint of a sigh. "Martial arts cultivation is not just about intent. Even in the Foundation Establishment stage, one cannot escape the accumulation of true energy!"
Xiao Wuchen gritted his teeth. He knew Gu Yuan was right. He had spent most of his time in the Foundation Establishment stage cultivating the enlightenment and refinement of his sword intent. His true energy accumulation was indeed far inferior to that of a veteran master like Gu Yuan.
He had no choice but to unleash more extreme sword techniques, continuously unleashing alternating energies of "Life and Destruction" in an attempt to tear apart Gu Yuan's defense quickly.
However, after fifteen minutes of frenzied attacks, Xiao Wuchen's true energy began to run low.
A needle-like emptiness pierced his meridians, and the speed and power of his swordplay declined sharply. Meanwhile, Gu Yuan remained unfazed and calm, as if not a drop of sweat had been shed.
"Young man, it's over." Seeing his opportunity, Gu Yuan finally moved.
His heavy black iron staff, imbued with boundless true energy, crashed down on Xiao Wuchen with the force of a collapsing mountain! It wasn't a particularly sophisticated move, but the amount of true energy it contained was enough to crush Xiao Wuchen completely, as his true energy was already exhausted.
Xiao Wuchen was in an unprecedented predicament. His true energy was depleted, leaving him unable to unleash "Wind Shadow Without Form" or summon "Life Force Sword Intent" to defend himself.
Just as the black iron rod was about to strike, his survival instinct activated the system.
System alarm: host's true energy reserves are less than 1%; life in danger!
System function activated: Triggered [Meridian Guidance]!
Objective: Utilize the powerful meridian resilience honed in the Martial Intent Array to forcibly guide the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into the body. Break through the realm's shackles and achieve "Breakthrough in Battle"!
With the system's powerful and precise guidance, Xiao Wuchen ignored the pain and focused all his attention on his dantian, abandoning resistance immediately. He forcefully opened the barrier in his meridians that would have otherwise required time to break through.
The vast spiritual energy of heaven and earth was instantly drawn into his meridians. Accompanied by a tearing pain, the "mid-stage Meridian Building" barrier shattered under the threat of Gu Yuan's giant club!