Supreme of the Heavenly Realm
Chapter 428 - 425: A Sword Strike to the Heart

Chapter 428: Chapter 425: A Sword Strike to the Heart

Palm Force was isolated by the sword light wave and failed to injure Liu Qinghe, but Ye Xuan, after executing the Dragon Battle move, quickly rushed towards Liu Qinghe with a fierce slash following closely.

Having just blocked Ye Xuan’s Palm Force, Liu Qinghe had no choice but to hard block Ye Xuan’s sword. The immortal sword body, already destabilized by the previous attacks, was struck precisely at its weakest spot by Ye Xuan’s blow, instantly tearing it open with a "puchi" sound, and slashing into Liu Qinghe’s chest and abdomen.

Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, and Liu Qinghe’s figure fell onto the Battle Platform, his broadsword leaving a clear mark on the platform as he halted his body several tens of meters away.

"Liu Qinghe is going to lose!"

A disbelieving cry rang out from below the platform. To the crowd, Liu Qinghe of the Sword Sect held an exceedingly high status; they never imagined he would lose to Ye Xuan, a young man who had previously been virtually unknown.

Yet the situation on the platform left them no choice but to be astounded.

"The battle isn’t over yet, the outcome hasn’t been decided!"

Some Martial Artists remained intently focused on the platform. Although Liu Qinghe was spitting blood, he wasn’t knocked off the platform, nor had he lost the ability to fight; he hadn’t completely failed yet.

"Ye Xuan, Liu still has one last sword to wield. If you can break it, I am willing to concede defeat!"

Liu Qinghe gripped his broadsword in reverse, stepped forward, and after steadying his stance, slowly infused his mind into his sword movements. At that moment, the aura of this Great Grandmaster entirely converged, causing even Ye Xuan’s expression to become slightly tense.

Suddenly, Liu Qinghe’s body, like a cheetah, pounced forward, his tiptoes touching the ground as he thrust his long sword towards Ye Xuan. This sword struck so silently and swiftly that it was almost inaudible and briefly visible to the crowd.

This sword is known as the Heart-connecting Sword.

When a Swordsman’s intent and his treasured sword resonate, he can wield this Heart-connecting Sword, merging his mind entirely with the sword movement for a final strike. Only a Sword Dao Grandmaster can perform this, and even then, it isn’t guaranteed to succeed, carrying the risk of failure.

Of course, the power of the Heart-connecting Sword depended on the Swordsman’s understanding of the Sword Dao; the deeper the understanding, the greater the power of the Heart-connecting Sword.

"What a move by Liu Qinghe, he indeed had a hidden ace."

Jue Wuchen’s eyes brightened. As Liu Qinghe’s old rival, he naturally didn’t wish for the latter to fail. After all, if Liu Qinghe were defeated, his own position would be precarious; the next one might be himself. Clearly, Liu Qinghe did not disappoint him; this Heart-connecting Sword could turn defeat into victory and change the course of the battle.

"This sword is indeed formidable, but it still can’t overcome me. However, reaching this point is already quite impressive."

Dugu Hao’s eyes flickered with a hint of brilliance.

"Unfortunately, Ye Xuan is going to lose."

On the high platform, among the seven Sect Envoys, the golden-robed elderly man in the center showed a hint of regret on his face. He had been quite optimistic about Ye Xuan, not expecting that Liu Qinghe would have this kind of last resort. Indeed, experience prevails.

Ye Xuan’s talent and potential were beyond question, and he had already considered bringing him into their Xuantian Sect. However, if Ye Xuan failed to secure first place, it would be somewhat regrettable. The title of first place was not what mattered most; rather, it was the rewards for the first place that were key. Their Xuantian Sect would grant tremendously rich rewards to the victor of this competition, and being first would also earn him considerable attention from the sect.

Moreover, there were six other sect envoys present. Although he had the right of first choice, the other six Fifth Grade sects also had the right to choose. If Ye Xuan didn’t secure first place, it was quite likely that he would be chosen by another sect envoy.

However, for the golden-robed elder, this was hardly a concern. If Ye Xuan couldn’t secure first place, it was simply his fate, and his priority was only the champion of this competition.

"Ah, it’s a ’Heart Piercer Sword.’ Indeed, a trump card capable of delivering a decisive blow. If it were someone else, they would probably be bound to lose."

Ye Xuan could clearly discern the reality of the sword strike, which, in nearly an instant, had reached him from Liu Qinghe. The sword light was steady as a crescent, and with the force of thunder, it was slashing towards him so quickly and sharply that it was indescribable.

Many people felt the sharpness of that sword, and their regard for Liu Qinghe shifted significantly. Most had thought him a master of defensive Sword Dao, but now, it was evident that his offensive capacity should not be underestimated—balanced in both offense and defense, this was truly the demeanor of a master.

"I wonder if Ye Xuan can withstand it."

Ling Qianxue and Nangong Yao, among others, were watching the fight on the battle platform intently as it shifted swiftly. Facing this earth-shattering strike, they were somewhat worried for Ye Xuan, fearing he would fall to this attack.

On the battle platform, just as the sword light neared him, Ye Xuan made his move. He tightly gripped the Dragon Abyss Ancient Sword in both hands and swung at supersonic speeds to counter. This was so fast that the majority of the onlookers couldn’t see how he swung or what angle he used.

Clang!

The trajectory of the sword light was invisible; all that could be seen was the dual thunderous sword light colliding, producing a crisp sound that reverberated around the venue. The sound waves carrying the vast reverberations swept across from the platform in every direction.

In the instant of intertwining sword lights, Ye Xuan was enveloped by Sword Qi. Sparks violently burst around him, startling the onlookers.

"Break!"

Ye Xuan switched the Dragon Abyss Ancient Sword from his right hand to his left, performing the move almost in the blink of an eye, and swept out his sword at a frightening speed. Instantly, he hit one of the fluctuating sword lights, emitting another crisp metallic sound.

Crack!

The sword light broke apart, leaving two trailing lights that cut deep marks on the platform behind Ye Xuan, extending for tens of meters.

"His sword move has been broken!"

Jue Wuchen, Dugu Hao, and others, including the seventh Sect Envoys perched high on the platform, along with the Sect Leader of Divine Intent Sect, Wei Wujiu, and the Divine Spear Venerable, were all dumbfounded with shock.

"I’m glad I’m familiar with the ’Heart Piercer Sword.’ If this were my first encounter, I might also have found it difficult to defend against."

Ye Xuan slowly breathed out. The Heart Piercer Sword was very powerful; when Ye Xuan was blocking it, in that instant, his right arm, which was holding the Dragon Abyss Ancient Sword, had almost gone numb. If he hadn’t switched hands, it would be difficult to completely break Liu Qinghe’s Heart Piercer Sword. Even if he could ultimately defend against it, he would have been injured, not managing the flawless execution he achieved.

This was the foundation of his former life as the Martial God.