A powerful saber strike descended, and Jin Zhong, a master who had reached the top eight, didn't even leave a corpse behind.
Many were once again shocked by Chen Jiuyang's combat prowess.
This man seemed to have not been pushed to his absolute limit since the competition began; no one knew where his combat power bottomed out.
This undoubtedly placed immense pressure on the remaining contenders.
No one knew Chen Jiuyang's combat power ceiling or weaknesses.
From physical strength, speed, true qi, blood energy, to combat techniques, no weakness could be found.
Chen Jiuyang returned to the waiting area with his saber.
Jiang Lihuo said sincerely, "King Qian, congratulations!"
Chen Jiuyang became the first person to enter the top four. Judging by his current combat power and condition, reaching the finals for the championship was not an issue.
Chen Jiuyang smiled and said, "You're too kind. Since I said I would let you all go all out and fight to your heart's content, then the rest is my responsibility and obligation."
The Sword Wielder of Longjing said, "The Dragon Country's Martial Ranking team is truly fortunate to have Jiuyang... Otherwise, our Dragon Country would at best secure a top-three spot in the Asian Martial Ranking competition. But with Jiuyang, we can even expect a championship!"
"Number 2 versus Number 4!"
Ye Tiannan, holding his sword, spoke, "It's my turn to enter the arena."
"May your martial fortune be prosperous!" Yan Hongming said with anticipation.
Ye Tiannan replied, "It should be fine. If I can't even defeat a mere Eastern Ying woman, it would be too shameful."
Han Lixuan advised, "Do not underestimate the opponent."
Chen Jiuyang said, "Just do your best. It's alright even if you lose; the key is to preserve your life."
"I will handle the subsequent battles."
Ye Tiannan nodded slowly and walked onto the stage with his sword.
Apart from the enemies Chen Jiuyang faced being killed each time, there were very few casualties in other matches.
Yamato Hanako, an Eastern Ying woman, had to possess considerable strength to reach the Asian top eight, and she should not be underestimated.
"Ten-second countdown! Ten, nine, eight..."
The referee's roar echoed.
"Two, one! Begin!"
As the voice fell, Ye Tiannan unleashed his sword intent, and his long sword slashed out with formidable power. Yamato Hanako also wielded a sword, and in the first move, she directly clashed with Ye Tiannan, not falling behind.
"Bang bang bang!"
The battle between the two immediately entered a white-hot, intense phase.
Yamato Hanako's movements and posture were exceptionally graceful, and her agility allowed her to evade some of Ye Tiannan's attacks.
The Sword Wielder of Longjing commented, "This woman is not simple; she seems to possess a Buddhist-like wisdom."
Chen Jiuyang remarked, "However, if the battle continues to wear down, she should not be Tiannan's match."
"It's hard to say," the Sword Wielder of Longjing replied. "Ye Tiannan's swordsmanship is characterized by abandoning all defense and attacking with full force, hence his sword intent is stronger."
"The drawback is insufficient agility. In the battlefield, situations change in an instant. While the Shu Mountain sword path has an ancient heritage, its lineage is broken, making it not comprehensive enough."
"After this Asian Martial Ranking competition, they will also be eligible to enter Jixia Academy."
Chen Jiuyang had earned his qualification to enter Jixia Academy in advance through his journey and accomplishments.
This meant the other four individuals could enter the secret realms and sacred lands twice to enhance their strength.
The fierce battle lasted for half an hour. Ultimately, as the Sword Wielder of Longjing predicted, Ye Tiannan was the one worn down. Yamato Hanako seized the opportunity, grinding down Ye Tiannan's combat strength, and finally struck him with a sword, causing him to lose his ability to resist and be sent flying out of the arena.
"Wow!"
The crowd erupted in an uproar. Yamato Hanako, this contestant, surprised many, breaking into the Asian Martial Ranking top four as a woman!
Ye Tiannan's expression was dejected, suffering a significant blow.
As the esteemed innate sword body, he had been the top individual in Shu Mountain since childhood, never imagining he would be defeated by a mere Eastern Ying woman.
The Sword Wielder of Longjing said, "Having setbacks is a good thing; it will prevent you from making the same mistakes in the World Martial Ranking competition."
Chen Jiuyang nodded slowly.
Following that, another half-day of battles ensued.
The list of official qualifiers for the top four was finalized.
Dragon Country: Chen Jiuyang!
Eastern Ying Country: Sakurai Sambu, Yamato Hanako!
Yin Shen Country: Mida!
News of this reached the Dragon Country, sending ripples of shock through its martial arts world.
Of the five individuals from Dragon Country who participated in the individual ranking matches of the Martial Ranking expedition, only Chen Jiuyang remained!
After reviewing Chen Jiuyang's matches, many felt reassured!
Chen Jiuyang was extremely powerful!
He had a high probability of winning the championship!
Sixty years ago, even the mighty King Yan had only reached the runner-up position, failing to secure the championship honor.
Now, King Qian, Chen Jiuyang, had the opportunity to fulfill King Yan's regret and claim the Asian Martial Ranking championship title!
As the competition days gradually progressed, spiritual rains appeared in many parts of Dragon Country, nurturing numerous spiritual materials and herbs, creating an environment more conducive to martial arts cultivation.
With each victory Chen Jiuyang achieved, people flocked to the King Qian's residence in Longjing, Dragon Country, to present gifts.
The Chen family patriarch was beaming with joy. After all, Chen Jiuyang's primary identity was King Qian, and his secondary identity was the young patriarch of the Chen family. Before his rise, it was he who had the foresight to promote Chen Jiuyang, this junior, and provided him with unwavering support.
As for Feng Hanhou, he hosted grand banquets daily to celebrate his disciple's achievements.
Construction at the Qingzhu Village site was also being expedited.
The Martial Ranking Committee announced, "The draw for the top four matches will take place tomorrow morning."
The top eight matches officially concluded.
The countries that would represent Asia in the World Martial Ranking competition were essentially determined: Dragon Country, Eastern Ying Country, and Yin Shen Country!
The subsequent battles would be for the honor of the championship, runner-up, and third place!
This day brought joy to some and sorrow to others.
At this stage, the martial artists from some countries had been completely eliminated, unable to advance further, and could only wait for the Martial Ranking competition sixty years later.
On this day, Ye Tiannan, though not seriously injured, lay in bed in silence, not even coming out to see Chen Jiuyang and the others.
However, Han Peiling suddenly appeared and said, "After the Martial Ranking competition concludes, it may not be so easy for you to return to Dragon Country."
Chen Jiuyang frowned, "What has happened?"
Han Peiling replied, "I can sense that the old demon of the Lotus Sect might make a move against you."
The Sword Wielder of Longjing's brow furrowed, "If that old monster from the Lotus Sect dares to harm our Dragon Country's King Qian, even if it's not within Dragon Country's borders, I will make her pay."
"After the Martial Ranking competition, we will immediately return to Dragon Country on the embassy's plane. Han Peiling, you will accompany me. At this critical juncture, you and I may perish, but King Qian absolutely cannot be harmed."
Han Peiling stated, "I understand Jiuyang's importance."
The Sword Wielder of Longjing continued, "I will go and report this matter to the Martial Ranking Committee and ask them to provide some personnel as well."
Chen Jiuyang's eyes darkened. The last time he rescued Lin Xingxing and Lin Yuexian back to Dragon Country, he had already been targeted by this old demon.
With Han Peiling and the Sword Wielder of Longjing protecting him, Chen Jiuyang couldn't fathom where the old monster of the Lotus Sect found the audacity to attack him.
With a heavy heart, he welcomed the top four competition the next day.