Li Xuan's words fell, and Gu Yang's expression turned surprised.
The moment Li Xuan stepped onto the stage, Gu Yang had already sensed Li Xuan's strength.
Normally, at this stage, they would announce their identity and family. But Li Xuan hadn't, which clearly meant he had no powerful backing.
If that were the case, then Li Xuan's ability to cultivate to the early stage of the Mortal Transcending realm was truly formidable.
"It seems I've met a worthy opponent. I hope you are as strong as you appear," Gu Yang thought, and then spoke.
Despite sensing Li Xuan's extraordinary nature, Gu Yang, as the heir of the Gu family, possessed his own pride.
Even if Li Xuan was extraordinary, what was there for him to fear? In terms of heritage, Gu Yang believed he was second to none.
Li Xuan smiled and nodded. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he said, "I have a question for you. Can you answer it?"
Gu Yang looked at Li Xuan with some surprise. "We don't seem to know each other, yet you have something to ask me? However, since you've asked, go ahead."
Li Xuan smiled and then asked, "What are your thoughts on Nangong Xue Rui?"
"Xue Rui? Do you have thoughts about Xue Rui?" Gu Yang was taken aback.
He had expected Li Xuan to ask something of great importance, but instead, it was about Nangong Xue Rui.
He then continued with a wry smile, "As cultivators, our primary focus should be on cultivation. How can we be entangled by romantic matters before reaching the peak? If you're worried about any relationship between Xue Rui and myself, you needn't be."
Li Xuan also smiled wryly and nodded. He had just impulsively wanted to know Gu Yang's thoughts on Nangong Xue Rui, to gauge the likelihood of Li Ming Kai's upcoming confession. It seemed he had worried unnecessarily.
As for Gu Yang misunderstanding him, Li Xuan saw no need to clarify. These matters only became more muddled with explanations. Since Gu Yang had no romantic feelings for Nangong Xue Rui, Li Ming Kai's chances naturally increased.
"My apologies for such an abrupt question. Brother Gu, perhaps we should finish this match first," Li Xuan said with a smile, glancing at the intense battles happening on other stages.
Gu Yang immediately nodded and then gestured. "Brother Li, please."
Li Xuan's mind stirred. The aura of the Mortal Transcending realm erupted. A terrifying battle intent, centered on Li Xuan, spread in all directions like a storm, engulfing Gu Yang.
"Such powerful energy!" Gu Yang's eyes visibly grew solemn. As he spoke, his own aura surged.
The pressure of the mid-stage Mortal Transcending realm filled the stage, clashing fiercely with Li Xuan's aura. On the stage, their auras were like two opposing waves, evenly matched.
Standing amidst the pressure, their gazes locked the moment they met, shooting directly at each other.
"Ancient Fist, Shared Sorrow!"
"Overlord Fist, Peerless!"
As their fists collided, an astonishing shockwave erupted. An invisible force caused both Li Xuan and Gu Yang's robes to flutter. The stone stage, as hard as rock, trembled.
Soon, both retracted their fists and struck again.
Bang, bang, bang!
In less than twenty breaths, they had exchanged dozens of blows.
"My heavens, this person can actually contend with Gu Yang!"
"Gu Yang is recognized as the strongest among the heirs of the Six Great Families and Four Hidden Sects. And this person can actually withstand Gu Yang's attack!"
"Although this person is only at the early stage of the Mortal Transcending realm, how could someone who reached the finals be weak? It seems we are in for a treat today."
"..."
Perhaps it was due to Gu Yang's prominent status and his already recognized strength, but everyone's gaze was fixed on Gu Yang and Li Xuan.
When they saw Li Xuan successfully block Gu Yang's punch, they were all astonished.
"What is this Li Xuan's background? How can he be on par with Gu Yang?"
It wasn't just the crowd that was surprised; Li Tie Yi and the others watching from the high platform were also somewhat astonished. After all, in their minds, Gu Yang was the most likely to rank among the top ten on the Heavenly Pole Divine Ranking.
Li Tie Yi listened to the middle-aged woman who had previously dismissed Li Xuan's score. A hint of thought flickered across his brow, but he eventually shook his head.
However, Li Tie Yi then said, "This young man was among the top hundred in the physical trial, so his current strength is understandable. The Heavenly Pole Divine Ranking allows anyone who meets the criteria to participate, and his background is difficult to ascertain in a short time."
"Although this Li Xuan's physique is not weak, this is the Heavenly Pole Divine Ranking competition. Gu Yang likely won't continue to deadlock with him on physical prowess. I believe Gu Yang will use his strongest move to end the fight."
A middle-aged man in a white robe glanced at Li Xuan and then withdrew his gaze.
"Indeed. Gu Yang is the most outstanding among the younger generation of our ten families. Besides his physique, his divine abilities are also extremely powerful. He has also received many fortuitous encounters in previous years. Gu Yang should ultimately win this match."
"It's a pity for this Li Xuan, though. With such strength, he won't be able to enter the Heavenly Pole Divine Ranking."
As the man in the white robe finished speaking, a man in a purple robe standing beside him nodded.
"You all praise my Yang'er too highly. The outcome of this match can only be known after it concludes. However, I believe Yang'er understands the gravity of the situation and won't prolong the fight with this Li Xuan."
Listening to the surrounding discussions, Gu Zheng Qi, from the high platform, revealed a proud smile on his face.
After all, Gu Yang was indeed the most outstanding disciple of their Gu family. Even he, the patriarch of the Gu family, placed great hopes on Gu Yang.
"What is this? Gu Yang is still fighting Li Xuan physically! And the result..."
Just then, Li Tie Jun's eyes suddenly showed a hint of surprise. Before he could finish speaking, the others also shifted their gaze. Upon seeing it, they were all shocked.
The seemingly indestructible stage had cracked?
And that wasn't the main point. In this brief moment, Gu Yang had already retreated to the edge of the stage.
This meant that Gu Yang's mastery of physical prowess was actually inferior to Li Xuan's!
Everyone fell silent, and even Gu Zheng Qi's expression became somewhat solemn.
On the other hand, Li Ming Kai, who was watching from below the stage, widened his eyes, his face filled with excitement.
"My goodness, could Brother Li actually defeat Gu Yang? It seems I underestimated Brother Li earlier."