Invincible Soul Emperor

Right at that moment, the crowd suddenly burst into uproar.

It was because Xue Zhao and Xue Wei were taking the stage.

Xue Zhao was dressed in flowing white, her bearing elegant, like a snow-born immortal; on her face was a calm yet confident expression.

Her waterfall-like black hair shimmered with a soft glow under the sunlight, every step light yet steady.

Xue Wei, on the other hand, wore a black robe, his expression stern, a frigid, unfathomable gleam in his eyes.

His aura was like a towering mountain, steady yet oppressive, making people involuntarily shiver. The two walked side by side into the plaza, immediately stirring a commotion among the onlookers.

"Look, Xue Zhao and Xue Wei are here!"

"Heavens, the two of them finally came out. I can't wait to see who ends up taking the Saint Position!"

People chattered nonstop, their gazes tracking the figures of Xue Zhao and Xue Wei.

The atmosphere in the plaza instantly soared to a climax; everyone was excitedly anticipating this decisive clash.

Xue Zhao stood at one end of the Competition Stage, raising her head to look into the distance, her expression indifferent yet suffused with a firm aura.

There was an unquestionable confidence in her eyes, as if she were already fully prepared to face the challenge that was about to arrive.

Xue Wei stood at the other end of the Competition Stage, his arms crossed over his chest, a cold sneer flickering in his eyes.

His gaze swept around, as though proclaiming his dominance and strength.

Even with Xue Zhao as his opponent, there wasn't the slightest hint of fear on his face, only cold cruelty and resolve.

The onlookers couldn't help but hold their breath, and the entire plaza fell into a tense silence.

All eyes were focused on the two of them.

Beside the Competition Stage in the center of the plaza, two ornate chairs had been specially prepared for Xue Zhao and Xue Wei.

One chair to the left and one to the right, set on either side of the Competition Stage, facing each other, symbolizing the fierce duel the two were about to wage.

Xue Zhao's seat was on the left side of the Competition Stage, the chair carved from finely wrought Purple Sandalwood. Its back rose tall, decorated with intricate cloud patterns, symbolizing purity and elegance.

A layer of white silk cushions lay on the chair, embroidered with delicate snowflake patterns that perfectly matched Xue Zhao's temperament.

She walked slowly to her seat and sat down lightly, back straight, hands resting gracefully on her knees, her gaze still cool and resolute.

Xue Wei's seat was on the right side of the Competition Stage, his chair made of ebony, gleaming with a deep black luster.

The chair back was carved with imposing dragon motifs, symbolizing strength and authority.

On the black silk cushions were embroidered dark red dragon-scale patterns, giving off a steady and domineering air.

Xue Wei strode to his seat and sat down without hesitation, his figure upright, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze icy as he stared straight ahead.

Between the two chairs lay the empty expanse of the Competition Stage, surrounded on all sides by tense, expectant spectators.

Sunlight poured onto the Competition Stage, falling on the two of them and forming a stark contrast.

Xue Zhao's white garments shone especially bright under the sun, while Xue Wei's black robe swallowed the light, appearing even more deep and mysterious.

The spectators held their breath and focused, watching the two sit on their respective seats, the atmosphere growing ever more strained.

Their auras collided in midair, as if an intense clash had already begun in silence.

Sitting in her seat, Xue Zhao slowly swept her gaze around the surrounding crowd.

On the plaza, the bustling masses were like a surging sea. Representatives of the various great families, Elders, and ordinary spectators alike were all watching her and Xue Wei.

In the stands, brilliantly colored robes and banners interwove like a tapestry, heated discussions rising and falling, as if the entire plaza were boiling for this grand showdown.

Her gaze passed over one unfamiliar face after another, as she silently searched in her heart for that familiar figure.

Yet no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find any trace of Ye Qingchen.

A faint sense of loss and doubt rose in her heart, and Xue Zhao couldn't help but knit her brows.

Hadn't Ye Qingchen said he would come today to give her a surprise?

How come, even now, she hadn't seen even his shadow?

Just then, she spotted Xiao Xiao. Xiao Xiao stood at the edge of the crowd, wearing a simple pink dress, looking fresh and gentle.

A sweet smile graced her face, and her bright eyes were filled with encouragement.

When she saw Xue Zhao looking over, she immediately waved to greet her.

"Xiao Xiao…" Warmth bloomed in Xue Zhao's heart, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly. She nodded to Xiao Xiao, a flash of gratitude passing through her eyes.

Xiao Xiao smiled, doing her best to send her encouragement and support through gestures and eye contact.

She waved her hand vigorously, silently mouthing, "You've got this," hoping Xue Zhao could feel what was in her heart.

Though she stood within the crowd, that sincere care and support was like a stream of warmth flowing into Xue Zhao's heart.

Xue Wei's gaze had been fixed coldly on Xue Zhao. When he noticed her looking around for someone, the corners of his mouth curled into a mocking smile.

He slowly stood up, hands clasped behind his back, his eyes sharp as blades, stabbing straight toward Xue Zhao.

"Xue Zhao," Xue Wei's voice was low and icy, cutting through the noisy plaza with a particularly harsh edge, "who are you looking for? That Ye Qingchen? What a pity—today, not even an immortal could save you."

He strode to the center of the Competition Stage, his gaze hawk-like as it swept over Xue Zhao, and continued, "In today's match, you have absolutely no chance of winning. I'll make sure everyone sees that you, Xue Zhao, are nothing but a joke."

Xue Wei's words dripped with thick sarcasm and contempt, every syllable like a sharp blade stabbing straight into Xue Zhao's heart.

But that blade seemed to have no effect on Xue Zhao.

"You've always thought yourself so noble, so powerful, but the truth is, you're only barely standing here because you leech off others' help." Xue Wei sneered, his eyes full of disdain. "Ye Qingchen may help you for a moment, but he can't help you for a lifetime. Today, I will personally crush you, so you finally understand that true strength doesn't need to rely on anyone."

Hearing Xue Wei's taunts, a chill flickered in Xue Zhao's eyes.

She stepped slowly to the center of the Competition Stage to face Xue Wei head-on, without the slightest retreat.

Her gaze was as sharp and cold as ice, her tone carrying a cutting mockery.

"Xue Wei, you think flapping your lips a few times can shake me?" Xue Zhao let out a cold laugh, her eyes like daggers locked onto Xue Wei. "You're just a despicable little rat who only knows how to use cheap tricks. And now you dare to posture here like you're righteous and noble?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word struck like a hammer, hitting Xue Wei right where it hurt.

"The 'strength' you brag about is nothing more than fake victories bought with filthy methods." Xue Zhao went on, her eyes brimming with scorn. "You're afraid of real opponents, which is why you resort to those low, gutter tactics. You think that way you can win the match, win respect? Ridiculous!"