The arena fell silent for a brief moment after Wei Xie led Ming Hui away. However, the atmosphere quickly reignited when a middle-aged man, the one overseeing the matches, stepped into the center of the field and bellowed in a resonant voice that echoed throughout the entire venue.
"The second match will be between Prince Xiang Tian Cai and Prince Kai Se! Both princes, please step onto the battlefield at once!"
His voice thundered across the arena, stirring another wave of murmurs from the surrounding spectators. Countless pairs of eyes turned toward the two directions from which the named princes emerged, their strides steady and their auras unrestrained, radiating formidable power.
The battlefield was about to be set ablaze once more...
Two new young men appeared on the dueling grounds simultaneously, amidst the rising clamor of the crowd.
The eyes of the audience shifted toward the new combatants with keen interest. Some whispered about their reputations, while others speculated on who might prevail.
As for the young maidens who had been coldly ignored by Wei Xie, they reluctantly returned to their seats in silence before turning their gazes to the two youths on the battlefield, hoping that at least one of them might prove as captivating as Prince Wei Xie.
Xiang Tian Cai was a young man with jet-black hair and emerald-green eyes that shimmered like precious gems, shifting from deep to light hues. His sharp, chiseled features seemed meticulously sculpted, his deep-set eyes gleaming with an indifferent calm. His lips were finely shaped, curled into a faint smirk, and his high-bridged nose complemented his perfectly proportioned face. His skin was smooth and flawless, like polished porcelain under the soft sunlight. His hair cascaded naturally, swaying with every subtle movement.
He wore a white-and-gold ensemble, standing silently as he observed his opponent across the field.
His opponent, Kai Se, was a plump young man with dull brown hair, dressed entirely in plain brown robes. His appearance was utterly ordinary, unremarkable like an unpolished stone.
When the young maidens caught sight of Xiang Tian Cai standing prominently on the battlefield, their eyes widened in shock, as if magnified by sheer astonishment! This young man possessed a strikingly handsome appearance different from Wei Xie's allure, yet no less captivating. His sharp features, gleaming eyes, and composed stance on the battlefield exuded an irresistible magnetism without him uttering a single word.
"So handsome!"
"Yes! I completely agree!"
Whispers spread like ripples around the arena. The maidens, who had just suffered heartbreak from Wei Xie's indifference, now brightened as if a breeze of hope had swept through their hearts.
They gazed at Xiang Tian Cai with sparkling eyes, praying silently Please, just don't be as cold as the last prince!
"Why does the name 'Prince Xiang Tian Cai' sound familiar... Is he your son?"
The emperor seated beside Emperor Xiang Ren Ti spoke softly, turning his head inquisitively.
"Xiang Tian Cai is indeed my son. It's no surprise you find his name familiar."
Emperor Xiang Ren Ti replied with a faint smile, his gaze fixed on his son standing firm in the center of the battlefield.
"Good. I'm curious to see just how formidable your son's skills are."
The neighboring emperor responded with keen interest, a trace of excitement flickering across his face.
Meanwhile, the murmurs of the crowd gradually quieted. All eyes turned to the two princes about to face off in the center of the arena... Tension began to build once more.
The middle-aged man with a long beard glanced at the two youths on the battlefield. Seeing that both were ready, he took a deep breath before shouting loudly
"Let the match begin!!"
"So you're Prince Xiang Tian Cai, huh? Judging by your stance, your skills must be far inferior to mine. Hah! Who even paired you against me? You're not worthy of being my opponent!"
Kai Se mocked loudly before lunging toward Xiang Tian Cai.
Xiang Tian Cai merely glanced at him before darting forward like a flash of crimson lightning. With a single palm strike, he slammed directly into Kai Se's chest.
The plump figure of Kai Se was sent flying violently, crashing with a thunderous impact that shook the surroundings. The sky above darkened ominously, the clouds splitting as if reality itself had been torn apart! The heavens and earth trembled, their roars echoing for what felt like an eternity.
When the shockwaves finally subsided, a chilling silence enveloped the battlefield. Prince Kai Se lay face-down on the shattered ground, unmoving whether unconscious or completely incapacitated, no one could tell.
Before anyone could react, Xiang Tian Cai flickered like a phantom, reappearing beside Kai Se in an instant. He stood over the motionless body, his presence oppressive.
Then
Without hesitation, he lifted a foot and deliberately stomped down on Kai Se's head.
CRACK!
A sickening crunch echoed like stone being crushed under immense force. The audience gasped, their breath hitching. Some even paled in horror.
"'Inferior,' you say? You should save that word for yourself. Your skills aren't even worth the dust in my palm."
Xiang Tian Cai's voice was soft, icy each syllable laced with a razor-sharp edge. His tone was calm, yet it carried an overwhelming pressure that made the onlookers hold their breath. It was as if mercy was a concept entirely foreign to him.
With that, he leisurely withdrew his foot, pivoted, and walked away from the battlefield without so much as a backward glance.
No flicker of emotion.
No concern for Kai Se's fate.
Whether he lived
Or died!
Anyone who insulted him would receive no mercy!
In truth, he reigned supreme in combat, his speed surpassing ordinary fighters by leaps and bounds. The only reason he held back was that his father had strictly forbidden him from killing his opponents outright. That was the sole reason he spared that fat fool!
If there was a next time, he would slaughter without hesitation. He despised those beneath him daring to speak such insolent words.
The plump figure lay like a corpse, silent and unmoving for a long while. Groaning in pain, he clutched his chest and stomach, his face twisted in fear and resentment. Clearly, Xiang Tian Cai was far beyond his level.
The power from that single palm strike had been terrifying like a colossal tidal wave crashing into him! The fat man trembled faintly, terrified that Xiang Tian Cai might return to finish him off.
What had he done?! He'd carelessly insulted Xiang Tian Cai... Would he be hunted down and killed after this match?!
Just the thought made Kai Se shake uncontrollably. Xiang Tian Cai's brutality was too horrifying!
"The winner Prince Xiang Tian Cai!"
The middle-aged man at the edge of the battlefield declared loudly once it was clear Kai Se could no longer stand.
The crowd was stunned into breathless silence!
Xiang Tian Cai this prodigious young man whose talent far surpassed his age had displayed such fearsome prowess that even the emperors were left in awe. Their eyes widened in shock, their faces filled with disbelief, as if they had just witnessed the incarnation of a battle god descending upon the battlefield.
Xiang Tian Cai wasn't just a genius. he was beyond that!
Moreover, this was the shortest duel in recorded history!
"T-This is your son's strength?!"
The emperor to the left of Emperor Xiang Ren Ti stammered, utterly dumbfounded.
"Yes. This is my son's ability. Though he's a bit... excessive."
Emperor Xiang Ren Ti sighed, shaking his head. He had admonished his son many times not to use excessive force, but it seemed his words had fallen on deaf ears.
The young maidens, who had been staring at Wei Xie seated among the princes, now turned their gazes toward Xiang Tian Cai as well. Yet none dared approach either of the two young men again. Their icy demeanors left the girls with no choice but to watch from afar, not daring to initiate conversation.
Wei Xie, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly stood and dashed onto the battlefield. He helped the bruised and battered Kai Se to his feet. Kai Se slowly opened his eyes, recognizing his savior.
"You... You're Wei Xie?"
Kai Se asked weakly, needing confirmation. Why had this kind-hearted prince come to his aid?
"Yes. I am Wei Xie. Are you badly hurt? Let me take you to rest."
Wei Xie spoke calmly as he supported Kai Se, leading him back to the group of princes until they disappeared into the crowd.
Elder You Yi Chen, seated at the highest position, subtly shifted his gaze toward Xiang Tian Cai. A strange glint flickered in his eyes, as if assessing something profound.
'This young man... His skills are impressive. His stance is firm, and though his temperament is ruthless, he carries an intimidating aura. If he were to be betrothed to a maiden from a legendary family... They would make a perfect match.'
Elder You Yi Chen pondered for a moment before allowing a faint smile of satisfaction to grace his lips. Though his expression remained composed, his eyes gleamed with deep interest. like a seer glimpsing the future.