Chapter 920: Battle of Ice and Fire

"Let the match begin!"

Eunuch Li's shrill voice echoed across the arena as he retreated to the observation platform, leaving the sword fighting platform to the two most elite sword teams in the empire.

Both teams quickly assumed their positions. Mu Qianxue retreated to the flag-guarding area to protect the Tianfeng Sword Team's Vermilion Bird battle flag, while Jiang Xiaofan positioned himself beside her as reinforcement against the Royal Sword Team's assault.

Given their opponents' overwhelming advantage in overall strength, the Royal Sword Team might abandon all defense in favor of reckless offense. In this scenario, Jiang Xiaofan would serve as the team's sturdiest shield.

After exchanging glances with Ling Feng, Gong Cheng withdrew to the offense-defense zone, leaving Ling Feng and Li Bufan to dominate the free-for-all zone.

Against such formidable opponents, this formation was undoubtedly the most prudent choice. Of course, Gong Cheng's limited combat capability in this match contributed to this decision. Had Gu Tengfeng been present instead, both Ling Feng and Li Bufan would have faced less pressure.

That said, Gong Cheng's analytical skills far surpassed Gu Tengfeng's. At critical moments, his wisdom might prove decisive in turning the tide.

𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"

Hahahaha

..."

The Royal Sword Team members couldn't help but laugh upon seeing the Tianfeng Sword Team's formation. Against their overwhelming offensive power, any defensive measures seemed utterly futile.

Apart from their flag keeper retreating to the flag-guarding area, the other four Royal Sword Team members aggressively pushed into the free-for-all zone, unleashing their full auras without restraint.

These four figures stood like indomitable pillars, their oppressive presence nearly suffocating the spectators.

Dominant. Overbearing. Unstoppable!

"Ling Feng!"

Yan Jinghong was the first to strike. His Ice Emperor's Domain erupted instantly as his sword swept outward, shaking heaven and earth.

His speed rivaled lightning. Wherever his blade passed, the ground froze solid.

This was no mere competition for him. His sole purpose was to kill Ling Feng, to crush him completely.

As for the Fourth Prince and others, they crossed their arms, content to spectate rather than end the match prematurely.

To them, this final match was merely a game. Only by thoroughly humiliating these overconfident fools could they vent their displeasure.

Clang!

A deafening metallic clangor erupted as blades collided, sparks flying in all directions.

Ling Feng immediately activated his Lingtian Sword Force to counter Yan Jinghong's Ice Emperor's Domain. Only by unleashing his sword force could he withstand such overwhelming pressure.

"Eight Directions Shatter Abyss!"

With a swift sword seal, Ling Feng repelled Yan Jinghong's assault. Yet Yan Jinghong lunged forward again, his aura even more violent and relentless than before.

"You insignificant ant! How dare you challenge the heavens!"

Yan Jinghong's elemental qi surged uncontrollably as an Ice Emperor's spiritual manifestation materialized behind him. Each sword strike carried imperial majesty, making it hard to believe this combatant was merely fifteen years old!

Not to be outdone, Ling Feng unlocked five Primordial Locks, his aura skyrocketing. Against an opponent like Yan Jinghong, he couldn't afford to hold back. Employing the Eight Directions Shatter Abyss sword technique taught by Yan Cangtian, he fought Yan Jinghong to a standstill!

"Good heavens! Are they really going to duel one-on-one?"

"This is intense! Unbelievably intense!"

Spectators below stared wide-eyed, afraid to blink lest they miss a single moment of the action.

"That boy is truly terrifying!"

General Deng's eyes reflected disbelief. Months ago, during Ling Feng's housewarming banquet, he hadn't been able to confront Yan Jinghong head-on. Yet now, despite Yan Jinghong going all out, Ling Feng matched him blow for blow!

Meanwhile, among the crowd, a cloaked elder watched with evident appreciation.

Yet even amidst such an exhilarating duel, his gaze kept drifting toward the phoenix throne beside the Tianbai King, where the Empress Dowager sat in graceful splendor.

Yan Cangtian clenched his fists, sorrow flooding his heart. He had never imagined that by the time they met again, his hair would already be white, while the woman who had lingered in his soul still wore the same radiant smile.

Boom!

Another violent collision sent both Ling Feng and Yan Jinghong stumbling back several steps. Yan Jinghong's eyes burned with disbelief. He had poured everything into this fight, so why couldn't he utterly crush Ling Feng?

"Impossible!"

Yan Jinghong roared in fury, his Ice Emperor spiritual manifestation mirroring his rage. Frost winds howled as the platform's temperature plummeted to freezing levels.

Even the Fourth Prince's expression grew solemn. He knew Yan Jinghong's capabilities well. Though not quite his equal, Yan Jinghong rivaled peak Spiritual Element Realm experts. Yet Ling Feng, merely at the Transformation Realm, fought him evenly!

"Your Highness, we cannot underestimate this Ling Feng."

Xuanyuan Pozhen stood beside the Fourth Prince, eyes fixed on Ling Feng, a fierce battle will burning within them.

"Pity he refuses to see reason!"

The Fourth Prince flicked his sleeve and said coldly, "He alone isn't enough to turn the tide. Still, I didn't expect Yan Jinghong to be so useless. Instead, he ended up boosting the Tianfeng Sword Team's morale. Intervene if necessary."

Xuanyuan Pozhen nodded slightly, drawing a golden greatsword in preparation.

On the opposing side, Li Bufan's expression turned grave. Seeing Xuanyuan Pozhen ready his weapon, he slowly unsheathed his own sword, lightning crackling along its edge.

If Xuanyuan Pozhen joined the fray, Li Bufan would have to intercept him instantly. Otherwise, Ling Feng would face overwhelming odds, and Xuanyuan Pozhen might cripple him in a single strike.

"Ice Emperor's Howl!"

Yan Jinghong could no longer tolerate his failure to overwhelm this "trash." Unleashing a previously hidden secret art, he caused his Ice Emperor spiritual manifestation to radiate with eerie light. Frost descended as if entering into a new ice age.

Frigid winds swirled, moisture in the air crystallizing into countless razor-sharp icicles that shot toward Ling Feng like a barrage of arrows.

Crack! Crack!

The frozen ground shattered as Ling Feng's sword swept upward, propelling him skyward.

Boom!

In that instant, flames erupted around Ling Feng. Third-phase Devouring Flame spiraled along his Eradicator of Realms, sending waves of scorching heat across the platform. Now the arena stood divided, one half frozen in eternal winter, the other blazing with unquenchable fire.

As azure and crimson elemental qi clashed violently, Yan Jinghong threw his head back with a savage laugh. "Ice overcomes fire! Ling Feng, you're digging your own grave!"

"

Oh?

" Ling Feng smirked disdainfully. "My fire happens to be strong enough to melt your ice."

After devouring several abnormal fires, his

Art of Devouring Flame

had reached the third phase, its power strong enough to overturn the natural counter between ice and fire.