The Master and His Wealthy Fiancée

The tens of thousands of members of the Military Suppression Department gasped. Xue Yi, the Capital Domain Lord, was one of their top experts, yet he had been defeated in just two rounds.

Changyi's expression was grim. Among all the cultivators at the Peak of Inner Realm Perfection he knew, Xue Yi's speed and attack power were top-tier. Their opponent was clearly a speed-based fighter, making it nearly impossible for anyone in the Inner Realm to outmatch his velocity. The only option was to take an unorthodox approach: a defensive counterattack.

'We need someone who can withstand his attacks and also break through his defenses.' With this in mind, Changyi called out, "Cao Su, you're up!"

"Yes, Department Head!"

A noble-looking woman carrying a Dark Gold Halberd on her back emerged from the distant crowd.

It was another person Chen Dong recognized. In the two years since the resurgence of Spiritual Qi, Cao Su, who had originally been in the Outer Appearance Realm, had now reached the cultivation level of the Inner Realm Peak.

'Cao Su's strength is likely formidable among those in the Inner Realm, but I still don't like her chances. If our opponent's power is only what he's shown so far, she might have a chance. But if he's using a top-tier Cultivation Technique, she's guaranteed to lose.'

She swept the tip of her halberd forward. "Military Suppression Department, Cao Su."

Geng Cheng grinned. "Begin!"

A purple aura enveloped her as she raised her halberd and charged forward.

The Spirit Sword shot forward. With a flourish of her halberd, a continuous stream of ringing sounds echoed. CLANG! CLANG!

"She's blocking it! Lord Cao is blocking it!"

The hearts of the Military Suppression Department personnel were in their throats, but they were instantly invigorated by the sight.

Geng Cheng chuckled. "Oh? You've got some skill!"

He still looked as if he were just toying with her.

Cao Su finally closed the distance to Geng Cheng. Gripping her halberd, she spun and thrust. The move was incredibly fast and immensely powerful—a technique she had developed from her insights into the Drag Gun Technique. The True Qi at the tip of her halberd surged like a raging dragon.

Geng Cheng's expression turned slightly serious, and several whirlwinds instantly formed in front of him.

But the purple dragon was like a force of nature, smashing through the whirlwinds with unstoppable momentum.

The instant it was about to strike Geng Cheng, he vanished as if swept away by a gust of wind. The peerless purple dragon hit nothing but air, its power piercing into the empty space behind him.

"What kind of technique is that?" The question appeared in everyone's mind.

Guo Meizhu whispered the same question to Chen Dong and Li Zhixuan.

Li Zhixuan explained calmly, "This is the power of a Top-Grade Wind Spirit Root. It allows one to hide within the wind and move with it. If he reached the Nascent Soul Realm, he could transform into wind itself."

Chen Dong's gaze sharpened. "No wonder he dares to challenge those in the Profound Pill Realm. He likely hasn't even used his true power."

While they spoke, the gentle rustling of the wind intensified into a piercing gale. Carried by the current, the Spirit Sword struck out again and again at blinding speed, accompanied by a relentless barrage of Wind Blades assaulting Cao Su.

Cao Su's halberd technique became purely defensive, her movements seamless and conservative. The ceaseless CLINKING and CLANGING of metal showed she was struggling to hold on.

Everyone knew the principle: a prolonged defense is bound to fail. The members of the Military Suppression Department watched on, tense with worry.

Geng Cheng's voice drifted from within the biting wind. "Just give up! If you don't, I'm going to have to get serious!"

Cao Su gritted her teeth in silence.

Geng Cheng spoke again. "I gave you a chance. Don't blame me for what happens next!"

The wind on the field shifted, twisting into a vortex that engulfed Cao Su. The speed of the sword flashes and Wind Blades intensified, their power swelling.

Cao Su could no longer keep up. Small cuts started to appear on her body. If this continued, her defeat was not only certain but would also be utterly humiliating.

At that moment, Tian Sisi, standing before the main hall, announced, "We concede this match!"

The whirlwind stopped. Fear and dejection filled Cao Su's eyes. She turned, bowed to Tian Sisi, and said, "Thank you, Tian God Department."

If Tian Sisi hadn't conceded, not only would she have been severely wounded in defeat, but the dense storm of sword light and Wind Blades would have shredded her clothes. Even now, seven or eight gashes marred her body, revealing glimpses of pale flesh beneath her tattered black dress.

Fu Changyan of the Cyan Sky Sect sneered again. "So this is the extent of your world's potential. You really can't even compare to a third-rate sect from the Floating Shadow Realm. It would be a complete waste for us to invest our Cultivation Techniques and resources in you. However, it's not impossible for you to get them. From now on, just obey the orders of our three factions. Otherwise, there's nothing to discuss!"

Tian Sisi replied coldly, "We haven't lost yet. We've merely lost two matches!"

Fu Changyan laughed with arrogance. "Fine, if you still want to fight! It'll be the same even if you send out someone from the Upper Profound Pill Realm. We'll crush you into submission. Continue!"

Changyi gave Tian Sisi a bitter look, his eyes seeming to say, 'If we have no other choice, I'll go.' 'It's humiliating to send a Profound Pill Realm expert out so soon, but it's better than losing every match and being completely exploited during the negotiations.' But the thought also filled him with despair. 'If even I lose, the shame will be absolute.'

However, Tian Sisi simply shook her head and said in a tone that permitted no refusal, "Chen Dong, you're up!"

Chen Dong froze. 'Why me? She didn't even send a mental transmission beforehand.'

Just as Chen Dong was about to send a mental message, one arrived. It was Tian Sisi's cold voice. "What? Are you refusing?"

Chen Dong shook his head helplessly and stepped out from the crowd. 'After watching for a while, I've pretty much figured it out,' he thought. 'The two realms want to form an alliance, and the interest is mutual. I don't know the specific terms yet, but these spars clearly won't change the core of the agreement. They're just to determine who gets more say in the negotiations.'

'If it weren't for the fact that Tian Sisi seemed to be angry with me, I wouldn't be doing this. Especially after what happened with the Luo Family and my Heart Demon... all I want now is to be selfish. More selfish. This whole business of being a Saint has nothing to do with me.'

He walked to the center of the field and let out a sigh. His gaze hardened as he looked at Geng Cheng, and he announced in a deep voice, "Chen Dong!"