Chapter 343: To Decide Victory With One Move

Translator: Transn Editor: Transn

Ao Wushuang had not expected that Su Mo could split his powerful punch with one move.

It made no sense. In one second, Su Mo was forced to retreat, but in the next second, he carried out a violent attack.

“How could his hidden strength be so powerful?”

As the remaining sword Qi approached, Ao Wushuang shattered it with one punch.

It took a short while for the sword Qi and the fist radiance to dissapate.

Ao Wushuang stared closely at Su Mo, looking grave.

“Su Mo, I underestimated you!”

He said in a deep voice.

Su Mo’s eyes were twinkling. He was very satisfied with his Nirvana Sword Qi, which had made his strength several times stronger than before.

Unfortunately, he only had nine wisps of Nirvana Sword Qi.

Considering each of them would cost him several hours to make, he decided to end this battle as soon as possible.

Otherwise, he would lose the battle when all his Nirvana Sword Qi was used up.

After all, he did not know whether Ao Wushuang had a hidden card. There had to be a head-on fight if he wanted to win the game.

“Ao Wushuang, how about we decide the victory with one move?”

Su Mo asked loudly, gazing at his opponent.

He was prepared to use one move to win the battle. Only in that way could make the most of his advantage.

“Decide the victory with one move?”

Ao Wushuang asked. “How?”

“It’s very simple. We both make a move and the winner will win the game!”

Su Mo said.

Hearing Su Mo’s words, Ao Wushuang thought for a while and then said with a smile, “Well, as you wish!”

Although Su Mo’s last attack was very powerful, he remained convinced of his victory as he had yet to use his strongest move.

With that move, he could kill Su Mo 10 times over.

“Okay! Let’s begin!” Su Mo said with a nod.

Then, the two men began to accumulate their aura.

Floating in the air, Ao Wushuang kept running his Genuine Vitality, which shook the air up to 100 meters around him. His aura kept increasing and quickly became three times stronger than before.

Staring at his opponent, Su Mo was also running his Genuine Vitality and delivered his Nirvana Sword Qi from his Spiritual Spirals into his long sword.

In the arena, everyone was holding their breath without saying a word because they were anticipating a winner between them!

Up until then, the two men had exchanged three moves in a head-on fight. Neither of them played tricks!

Su Mo was pushed back 1000 meters during the first move.

The second move forced him to move back for dozens of meters.

However, Su Mo did not step backward in the third move and even shattered Ao Wushuang’s fist radiance!

Su Mo’s every move was stronger than his last one. The audience was all wondering if he could create another miracle with his final move.

However, most of them were not optimistic about him. If Su Mo had a hidden card, Ao Wushuang must have one too!

In the fighting ring.

Floating in the air, Ao Wushuang said coldly, “Su Mo, my next punch may kill you!”

His eyes were full of confidence.

“Don’t worry, you won’t die. I’ll show mercy to you!”

Su Mo said with a smile.

“What?”

Ao Wushuang’s face went dark. Su Mo’s arrogance made him angry.

The crowd was surprised by Su Mo’s words.

“Does Su Mo still have a hidden card?”

“Ao Wushuang said he might kill Su Mo, while Su Mo said he will show mercy, which means Su Mo still will not use his full power. Su Mo is too arrogant!”

“Perhaps he does have a hidden card!”

The crowd was whispering excitedly.

“Su Mo, success or failure hinges on this one action!”

Elder Wei’s face was red because of excitement. He could not keep calm as the strength Su Mo had shown meant that he had a chance to win first place.

The Second Elder also anticipated the result.

In the fighting ring.

When the two men’s aura both reached their peak, they launched attacks at nearly the same time.

Ao Wushuang shouted and landed his strongest punch.

The bright golden fist radiance looked like a Heavenly Light, shining in the sky. There was even an emperor’s ghost with a crown flashing over it, which matched its meaning of the sovereign ruling the world.

“Infinite Heaven and Earth!”

Su Mo also launched his strongest attack, which contained five wisps of Nirvana Sword Qi.

The terrifying sword Qi split the air and then collided into the fist radiance.

Puff! Puff! Puff!

The collision only lasted a quarter of a second. Then, the powerful sword Qi split the fist radiance into two.

And the sword Qi dashed to Ao Wushuang without losing its speed.

“Damnit!”

Ao Wushuang was shocked. He had not expected that his strongest punch could be broken.

The sword Qi approached him in a very short time, and Ao Wushuang could only land a rushed punch to block it.

Poom!

However, the hurried punch could not block the sword Qi at all and met its target instantly.

Next breath.

Boom!

At the next moment, the sword Qi hit his chest.

Pew!

Ao Wushuang flew out like a bomb, spitting blood. He did not fall onto the ground until he flew a dozen miles.

The entire arena was silent, and even the sound of a fallen needle could be heard.

Ao Wushuang failed?

All of them held their breath and were stunned. What happened in the fighting ring was too shocking for them.

In the fighting ring.

Su Mo frowned at Ao Wushuang, who was lying on the ground in the distance.

“Is he dead?” He felt surprised.

Ao Wushuang’s state concerned him, as he had not wanted to kill his opponent. Not only did he have nothing against him, but Ao Wushuang was of noble background. If he died, Su Mo would be in trouble.

His attack was extremely powerful as he had used five wisps of Nirvana Sword Qi.

Originally, Su Mo was prepared to use three wisps of Nirvana Sword Qi. However, when he saw Ao Wushuang’s aura increase by two times, he had added two more wisps of Sword Qi just in case the original three would not be able to defeat his opponent.

The effect of five wisps of Nirvana Sword Qi also surprised Su Mo!

“Wushuang!”

“Wushuang!”

“…”

The people of Heaven Sect yelled towards Ao Wushuang with shock, and then dozens of them hurriedly left the spectators stand and flew toward the recumbent figure.

Chapter 344 : Firmament Divine Realm

“Ahem!!”

Lying on the floor, Ao Wushuang coughed up blood.

“Wushuang, are you alright?”

His fellow Heaven Sect disciples quickly came forward to check on him, all letting out a sigh of relief when they saw that he survived Su Mo’s attack.

Still, their faces were downcast and grave.

“I’m fine!”

Ao Wushuang said feebly as his palm landed heavily on the ground, bouncing back up on his feet.

His clothes were tattered, a glimpse of silver could be seen beneath his torn clothing. It was his internal armor.

The internal armor Ao Wushuang was wearing had saved his life.

Even so, he had sustained serious internal injuries.

Su Mo was relieved when he saw that Ao Wushuang survived his attack. It would have complicated matters if Ao Wushuang had been killed.

Just then, the audience started to recover from the shock, with cries of excitement rippling through the crowd.

“Ao Wushuang has been defeated!”

“How did that happen? The invincible Ao Wushuang, defeated! By someone of a lower power!”

“Unbelievable, this is too incredible!”

“This dark horse, Su Mo, is now truly invincible!”

“…”

The entire arena was awash with excitement, chattering over each other, expressing their astonishment.

Even the faces of some experts from the Seven Overlords, who had attained Enlightenment Realm, showed surprise and disbelief.

After all, Ao Wushuang had displayed formidable strength earlier, giving off the impression that he was invincible, among the younger generation.

Now, though, the invincible Ao Wushuang had lost to Su Mo. This sudden reversal had shocked the audience to the core.

The ninth princess’ eyes lit up, lost in thought. Su Mo defeating Ao Wushuang was beyond her wildest imaginations.

The group from Gale Island were still in a daze, as if this was all a dream.

To top the List of Top 100 Talents was something they had never dared to dream of, before the competition began.

Historically, going as far back as the first ever Top-100-Talent Competition, each winner would almost definitely be from the Seven Overlords.

Few fighters from the 29 small countries had ever made it to the top twenty on the List.

Behind the power of the Seven Overlords lay the strength of those who had attained high level Enlightment Realm. Power was also held by martial artists who had attained Peak Enlightment Realm. In the past, the Seven Overlords had even produced super strong martial artists who had attained True Darkness Realm. All these accomplishments proved that they had a sturdy foundation, producing a steady stream of strong martial artists across their Sects, far beyond the level of Sects from smaller countries.

And now Su Mo, who hailed from a small country, had taken the top spot on the List of Top 100 Talents, breaking all records of Hong Domain in the process.

“Elder Wei, your disciple is a Real Dragon!”

The Second Elder said softly.

Elder Wei nodded as if in a daze, and replied “He truly is a Real Dragon lying in wait. Now, he has unleashed the power within, and will soon conquer the skies!”

Second Elder sighed, saying “No wonder he did not care for the role of island owner. He even mentioned that he wanted to head towards Central Continent. With such great ambition, even we will not be able to guess his true goals. I doubt Gale Island or even Hong Domain will be able to tie him down!”

Elder Wei nodded in agreement, adding, “Real Dragons are meant to conquer the skies. His ambitions shouldn’t come as a surprise to us and I will not ask him to stay!”

Elder Wei felt rather conflicted, for it was his great fortune to have Su Mo as his disciple.

Although he would love for Su Mo to remain at Gale Island, he would not do so, for Gale Island would definitely become Su Mo’s shackles.

In the fighting ring.

In the fighting ring, Su Mo stated loudly, “Ao Wushuang, we now have a clear winner!” as he stood proudly, staring straight at Ao Wushuang.

In the fighting ring, Su Mo stated loudly.

Ao Wushuang, his lips still bloody, also returned Su Mo’s stare, with a mixed expression.

Never could he imagine that Su Mo’s final attack could imbue such power.

He had lost!

Not just that, he had been thoroughly defeated!

Ever since he started martial arts, not once had he lost to his peers.

Now, he was not only defeated, but it was also at the hands of an opponent of lower power!

Ao Wushuang did not want to admit defeat!

His Martial Soul was not yet activated. Had he drawn upon the strength of his Martial Soul, his combat strength would have increased by leaps and bounds. He would not have been defeated so easily!

Ao Wushuang was not aware that Su Mo’s Martial Soul could have had an even bigger influence on the duel.

If he had activated his Martial Soul, Su Mo would have done the same.

The reason why Su Mo did not do so was because he felt that he would be able to defeat Ao Wushuang with his stregnth alone. Also, there were many Enlightment Realm martial artists in the audience. If he revealed the power of his Martial Soul, he might be asking for trouble!

“Su Mo, I lost due to my carelessness this time! Next time, I’ll defeat you!”

Ao Wushuang said darkly.

“Next time?”

Su Mo shook his head. Those he had surpassed had never been able to bridge the gap again. The difference in the two’s strength would only grow larger.

Growl!

Just then, Su Mo’s Dragon Luck swooped out and devoured Ao Wushuang’s Dragon Luck.

His Dragon Luck grew rapidly.

970 feet!

980 feet!

990 feet!

1,000 feet!

1,010 feet!

After Su Mo’s Dragon Luck swallowed a portion of Ao Wushuang’s Dragon Luck, his Dragon Luck surged to 1,010 feet.

Growl!

Then, something strange happened. Su Mo’s Dragon Luck did not return to his side, but rather flew towards the central arena, and rose to the heavens with a loud roar.

His Dragon Luck continued to growl, causing the entire Archean Fighting Ring to quake.

Many rays of light emerged across the five post-archean fighting rings, shooting towards the skies.

The light rays were tall and colorful, slowly converging into a brilliant multicolored light gate in the skies above the five fighting rings.

After the multicolored light gate was formed, Su Mo’s Dragon Luck returned to Su Mo with a roar.

“This is the Firmament Divine Realm!”

“It has been so many years, and finally, Hong Domain’s entrance to the Firmament Divine Realm has opened!”

“Haha, this signifies the start of the golden era of Hong Domain’s martial arts!”

Across the audience, many well-read, and strong martial artists from the older generation exclaimed.

It was rumoured that any young talent whose Dragon Luck managed to cross the thousand feet mark at the Top-100-Talent competition would be able to open the door to an ancient land, the Firmament Divine Realm.

Only talents on the List of Top 100 Talents who had Dragon Luck would be able to pass through the gates of Firmament Divine Realm to receive treasures, and even discover the secrets to martial art skills.

However, the talents of Hong Domain had not been very powerful in the past millennia, and not one talent’s Dragon Luck had been able to reach the height of a thousand feet. Thus, the gate to Firmament Divine Realm had remained shut.

This resulted in Hong Domain’s standard of martial arts to be much weaker compared to the other domains in the East Continent, causing many experts to leave Hong Domain, never to return.

Now that the entrance to Firmament Divine Realm was opened, it signified an awakening of martial arts in Hong Domain. In the audience, those who knew this were positive.

The eyes of Mo Yue, Hong Qingtian, Ao Wushuang, and the rest, were bright.

They might not have not topped the List of Top 100 Talents, but heading into the Firmament Divine Realm would be their chance to soar.

Many people were full of anticipation at the thought of this ancient site.

Chapter 345: The End

Translator: Transn Editor: Transn

“The gate to Firmament Divine Realm had not appeared for close to a thousand years. Never could I have imagined that it would be opened in this Top 100 Talents competition!”

“This is all thanks to Su Mo. If it wasn’t for him, it might not have opened!”

“All who made the List of Top 100 Talents will be able to enter the Firmament Divine Realm. This fortune is enough to turn people green with envy!”

While everyone chattered excitedly, an elder with grey hair in the referee’s seat slowly rose to his feet. This man was Secondary Pavilion Leader Zhuang from Sky-sea Pavillion.

“The gate to Firmament Divine Realm will establish a link to the Vacant Small World. The gate will stablize in 30 minutes, and those talents who made the List of Top 100 Talents will all be able to pass through. You have 30 minutes time to prepare!” The secondary pavilion leader, Zhuang, announced.

He surveyed the crowd, and then added “This Top-100-talent competition has successfully come to an end. The detailed rankings will be published in the next issue of the ‘Legend of Firmament’ in two weeks and will be sold across all branches of the Sky-sea Pavilion.”

As secondary pavilion leader Zhuang wrapped up his announcement, those talents who made it onto the List were all buzzing with excitement.

Those who didn’t make the List were filled with gloom.

“Wushuang, with only 30 minutes to prepare, utilize this time to heal yourself and enter the Firmament Divine Realm in the best condition!”

Heaven Sect’s elder hurriedly advised Ao Wushuang.

Ao Wushuang nodded, then sat cross-legged where he was. He swallowed a healing elixir, and started the healing process.

Those sects whose disciples made the List also rushed to tell their disciples all they knew about the Firmament Divine Realm.

“Qingtian, Qingxuan, you both must proceed with extreme caution in the Firmament Divine Realm. As you know, we are not the only domain who have opened the gate to the Firmament Divine Realm. Many other domains across the East Continent would have opened the gate as well, which would inevitably lead to clashes within the realm!”

Prince Rong from the imperial family informed Hong Qingtian and the ninth princess.

Both nodded, and ninth princess added, “Perishing within the Firmament Divine Realm does not equate death. As long as a drop of blood remains, it will be transported out, and you will be resurrected here. Therefor, it isn’t as dangerous within the realm!”

…

“Young master, the moment you enter Firmament Divine Real, you must first find a way to reach out to the members from the other side halls. Once you form an alliance with them, you can run wild within the realm!”

A Cold-blood Hall elder passed this message to Mo Yue using his Genuine Vitality.

“Uncle Bo, don’t worry! With Cold-blood Hall’s strength stretching across the East Continent, many of us will be able to pass through the gates of the Firmament Divine Hall. Who will be able to stop us then?”

Mo Yue smirked, as his gaze fell on Su Mo still standing in the fighting ring, a violent look flashed across his eyes.

“Su Mo, you may be strong, but the Firmament Divine Realm will be where you die without a burial place!”

“Yes, our side hall in Hong Domain is growing rapidly and will start preparations to attack the other six forces soon, uniting Hong Domain. This will happen really soon!”

This burly elder said with a nod.

…

In the fighting ring, Su Mo looked up at the rapidly solidifying multicolored light gate, and many thoughts crossed his mind.

Over the past few days, he had heard others making reference to the Firmament Divine Realm, but he really did not know much about this realm.

Then he flew back to the spectators stand.

Crash!

Everyone from Gale Island rose to their feet upon Su Mo’s return, including Elder Wei, the First Elder, and the Second Elder.

“Su Mo, this is…you…..”

Elder Wei and the rest were very emotional, momentarily at a loss for words.

Naturally, Su Mo knew why everyone was reacting that way and did not make any further response. Instead, he asked the elders directly, “Master, Second Elder, what do you know of this Firmament Divine Realm?”

Elder Wei replied, “Su Mo, the Firmament Divine Realm is an ancient relic of the past. Many secrets to the ancient martial arts can be found within. With great fortune and opportunity, you may receive these secrets and greatly increase in strength. You must seize this opportunity.”

“Oh!”

Su Mo nodded gravely. The secrets to ancient martial arts would definitely be powerful.

“Su Mo, one thing to note s that not only talents within Hong Domain will be able to pass through the gate to the Firmanent Divine Realm, but many other domains across East Continent will be able to do the same as well.”

The Second Elder added.

“Talents from other domains?”

Su Mo frowned upon hearing this. There were 108 domains across the East Continent, and if every domain had managed to open the gate to Firmament Divine Realm, this would mean over 10,000 people would pass through.

Moreover, talents from larger, stronger domains would definitely be more powerful.

This would invariably mean that he would face clashes with other amazing talents from other domains.

“Yes!”

Elder Wei nooded, then added “Fortunately, the Firmament Divine Realm works in mysterious ways. Perishing within the realm does not mean true death. You will be able to resurrect here, but you won’t be able to re-enter the realm!”

“I’d still be able to resurrect here!?”

Su Mo was shocked that such a strange place existed. “To be able to resurrect even after death!”

“It would seem like it isn’t too dangerous within the Firmament Divine Realm.” Su Mo said.

“Indeed so!”

The Second Elder continued with a nod, “However, that isn’t to say that no danger lurks within. If you are attacked and killed within the Firmament Divine Realm, and your blood is completely destroyed, you will lose the chance of resurrection. This would mean true death.”

Comprehension dawned on Su Mo, as he made the link between resurrection and the blood that ran in his body.

Once a martial artist attained the True Spirit Realm, if he killed someone way weaker than him in terms of strength, he would indeed be able to instantly destroy his opponent’s blood.

However, achieving this was not so straight-forward.

First, one would need to be extremely strong, and second, his opponent would need to be far weaker than him.

After exchanging a few more words with the Second Elder, Su Mo gained a better understanding of Firmament Divine Realm. He then took his seat in the spectators stand, calming his breath in meditation.

Su Mo’s Genuine Vitality was extremely deep and full, and he had not exhausted much of it during his duels. Most importantly, he had already exhausted six strands of his Nirvana Sword Qi, with only three remaining.

He intended to replenish his Nirvana Sword Qi in the shortest possible time, as to him, this was an extremely powerful hidden card.

Time flew by, and 30 minutes soon passed.

The multicolored light gate above the fighting ring had already solidified, no different from a real multicolored stone gate.

In the referee’s seat, the Secondary Pavilion Leader Zhuang rose to his feet once again, and announced, “The gate to the Firmament Divine Realm has now completely stablized. The top hundred talents in Dragon Luck may now proceed to enter!”

Swish! Swish! Swish!

As soon as he finished, many figures were seen rushing towards the multicolored light gate.

Leading the pack were Ao Wushuang and Mo Yue.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

One by one, these figures entered the light gate and then promptly disappeared.

Ah!

Just then, there was a sudden shout, as everyone saw the figure of a young talent attempting to pass through the gate explode, and instantly evaporate.

“If you try to pass through the gate to Firmament Divine Realm without actually making it to the List of Top 100 Talents, only death awaits!”

Secondary Pavilion Leader Zhuang shook his head as he said coldly.

Everyone quaked in their boots, as indeed, there were many who had thought of forcing their way through. They quickly dispelled that idea.

“Master, Second Elder, there is no need to wait for me. Please feel free to return!”

Su Mo rose and turned towards Elder Wei and the rest.

After speaking to the elders, he already knew that those talents who entered Firmament Divine Realm would be able to stay within the realm for a month as long as they do not perish within.

Everyone nodded. A month would not be considered short, and they did not have the luxury of spending one month here.

“Su Mo, please always be on high alert within the realm!”

Elder Wei warned.

“Noted!”

Su Mo nodded and then turned, his figure transforming into a ray of light heading towards the multicolored gate, then disappearing from view.

Not long after, all hundred talents on the List had entered the Firmament Divine Realm.

The multicolored light gate then turned into a million multicolored spots of light, disappearing from view.

The moment all hundred talents disappeared within, the crowd burst into a roar, everyone chattering excitedly.

They were all discussing who had the highest chance to receive martial arts secrets within the realm.

Admidst the chatter, many people rose and started to leave.

Within the hour, only a few people remained in the Archean Fighting Ring.

These people were all from sects which had disciples entering the Firmament Divine Realm. They had chosen to wait.

Everyone from Gale Island had left, their hearts full of anticipation, returning gloriously back to Gale Island.

In the referee seat, those from Sky-sea Pavilion had yet to leave.

“Elder Zhuang, who do you think has a chance of receiving the secrets to martial arts among the hundred that had entered?”

The middle-aged man who had previously presided over the talent test asked Secondary Pavilion Leader Zhuang.

Secondary Pavilion Leader Zhuang thought for a while, then shook his head, sighing, “They are all too weak compared to the top 100 talents from Dark Domain, Thunder Domain, Blackdragon Domain, or even the other larger domains. The difference in their strength is too great. It’s hard to tell who stands a chance!”